Gourmet Kayak Expedition: San Juan Islands

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Details

$1079.00

3 days/2 nights

Medium/Hard

All meals, Happy Hour, snacks, and wine included

$1079.00

3 days/2 nights

Medium/Hard

All meals, Happy Hour, snacks, and wine included

Highlights

Savor the sounds of lapping waves, inhale the salty tang of the sea, and indulge in decadent WA flavors – all from the unique view of a kayak!

  • Explore elusive hidden gems and secret spots that can only be accessed by the tranquil glide of a kayak.
  • Observe curious seals basking on sun-drenched rocks, marvel at vibrant starfish clinging to kelp beds, witness majestic osprey soaring high above, and perhaps even see orca whales!
  • Indulge in mouthwatering, hyper-local gourmet meals bursting with Pacific Northwest flavors, perfectly paired with award-winning WA wines.

Read more

How is This Experience Unique?
  • Suitable for novice and experienced kayakers alike
  • Combines the thrills of kayaking with the delights of gourmet cuisine
  • Flexible downtime with options for easy solo or guided hikes with sweeping views /li>
  • Exquisite meals made with hyper-local ingredients that will redefine your expectations of “camping food”
  • A warm sense of camaraderie and achievement as you contribute to setting up and breaking down camp together
  • Top of Form
  • Develop new friendships and bonds with other adventurous travelers who share your passion for exploration and culinary appreciation
Itinerary

DAY 1

  • Start your kayaking adventure at 10:30 am in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch of grilled meat skewers and black rice salad paired with a discussion of paddling technique.
  • Paddle along the eastern shore of San Juan Island and University of Washington Marine Sanctuary en route to Jones Island State Park.
  • Upon arrival at the camp site, pitch your own tents and enjoy Happy Hour with grilled salmon, Lost River wines, and rosemary olive oil cake.

DAY 2

  • After breakfast of bacon and spinach faro with scrambled eggs, explore the shores of the Wasp Islands and Yellow Island.
  • Reenergize with a fantastic meal of pork tenderloin with cherry chutney served with Chukar Cherries peach cherry salsa.
  • Enjoy flexible downtime or join your Guides for an easy hike with lush and sweeping views.
  • Enjoy a Happy Hour of Fran’s salted caramels and local cheese, fruit, and nuts before dinner.

DAY 3

  • Break down camp and assist with loading all equipment back into the kayaks.
  • Return paddle to Roche Harbor with a final lunch of peaches and chickpeas with slow-cooked pulled BBQ pork sandwiches.
  • Unpack the boats and gear upon arrival back to Roche Harbor and conclude the expedition between 3:00-4:00pm with a shuttle van transport back to Friday Harbor ferry terminal.

Download the comprehensive Info Packet for more details!

What’s Included
  • All food and beverages are included. Two breakfasts, three lunches, two happy hours, two dinners, snacks while on the water, coffee and tea at breakfast, sparkling water at lunch and dinner, and wine at dinner.
  • Tents, kayaks, paddles, and spray skirts are included.
What’s Excluded?
  • Air/ferry/ground transportation to/from the San Juan Islands, WA 
  • Pre and post trip accommodations 
  • $50 bedding rental and cleaning fee (waived if you bring your own sleeping gear) 
  • Gratuity (cash or Venmo) at your discretion for the tour guides 
What to Wear & Bring
  • Refer to the detailed packing list contained in the Info Packet (links to pop-up window prompting to enter an email address so that it enrolls them into our Flowdesk newsletter flow), which also is the same destination as the “download info packet” link in the Share/Download Info Packet/Ask A Question block)
  • Your own sleeping bag, pad, and pillow to save on $50 bedding rental and cleaning fee
  • Gratuity (cash or Venmo) at your discretion for the tour guides
Accommodations & Facilities
  • Camp like a pro! We’ve got you covered with tents, composting toilets, and fresh drinking water at the campsite.  
  • Get ready for some good, clean fun, but don’t forget to pack body wipes since there won’t be showers available at the campsite. 
  • There aren’t electrical outlets at the campsite, so make sure to bring charging packs and cables to keep your devices charged up.
How Do I Get There?
  • Getting to the meeting point in Friday Harbor, WA takes about 3 hours from downtown Seattle via various transportation options including plane, car, and ferry. Trust us, it’s worth the effort to experience this magical slice of the Pacific Northwest! 
  • Refer to the Travel Planning section in the Info Packet
Good to Know
  • Don’t forget to bring a bottle of your favorite adult beverage to share with the group! It’s the perfect way to break the ice and bond with your fellow adventurers.
  • Get ready to show off your teamwork skills! We’ll all pitch in to set up and break down camp, so roll up your sleeves for a jolly good time.
  • Don’t snooze on pre and post-trip accommodations in Friday Harbor, WA. They fill up fast, so book well in advance!
  • Gratuities for the tour guides is not required, but they sure do make their day!
Private events or Groups
  • We can accommodate up to 12 guests per trip. Book your private event directly now!
  • Interested in a different time slot or date? Have more than 12 guests? Contact us today to discuss your event.
Likely to Sell Out
  • Lowest Price Guarantee
  • Trusted operator with 17+ years of experience
  • Sells out well in advance. 
Book now to avoid disappointment!
FAQs
Cancellations
What is the cancellation policy?
  • We get it, life happens. Space permitting, we can usually change the date of your experience if you contact us no later than 30 days prior to your event date. We also offer cancellation insurance at the time of purchase. This enables you to cancel up to 5 days prior to your event.
  • Otherwise sales are final, so if you can’t make it, feel free to send someone else in your place. Our events are super popular so make sure to book early to avoid
    FOMO!
What if it rains?

Tours operate rain or shine.

Extra Guests
Are pets allowed?

Sorry, no pets allowed.

Can kids come along?

All adventurers must be 18 years or older to participate in the trip.

Can I just show up and join?

We love surprises, but unfortunately, we can’t accommodate walk-ups. Our tours are limited to just twelve people and sell out quickly, so make sure to book ahead of time. 

Meeting Location
Where do we meet?
  • Meet us at Memorial Park, 325 feet (100 meters) north of the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal at 10:30am.
  • You will be met by your Guides and transferred via shuttle to the start location in Roche Harbor to begin our adventure with a picnic lunch and paddling.
  • If you miss the group transfer for any reason, please call these emergency phone numbers: 360.378.1962 or 360.472.0582
Arrangements will be made to meet the group as soon as possible. Once the trip departs on Day 1, it is very difficult to catch up, so please double check all travel details.
Payment
Where should I book for the best price?

Booking directly on this website guarantees the best price and a spot on the tour.

Can I pay in cash?

Sorry, all tours must be booked through our website. No cash accepted!

Should I tip the guide?
  • They won’t say no to some extra love – gratuities are always appreciated! These trips require a higher level of skill to execute due to the complexities of elevated food preparations and navigating quickly changing water conditions.
  • If you feel your guides did an outstanding job and would like to reward them for their efforts, a suggested guideline is 18-20% of the trip cost split amongst the guides. Each trip has a maximum of 12 guests and typically have a guide to guest ratio of 4:1.  
Food & Drinks
What kind of food and drinks will there be?
  • Indulge your taste buds on this trip with a gourmet menu created by our founder, Angela Shen, in collaboration with San Juan Island Outfitter’s team of experts. With a focus on sourcing hyper-local and sustainable ingredients from artisan makers, expect camping food redefined. You’ll enjoy two breakfasts, three lunches, two happy hours, two dinners, snacks while paddling, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and wine. Bring your favorite adult beverage to share with the group and build stronger bonds!
  • From kale and sausage hash to grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with lemongrass black rice, you’ll be treated to mouth-watering meals. Happy Hours offers a selection of Fran’s Chocolate salted caramels and truffles, Beecher’s cheeses, fruit, berries, nuts, crackers, and honey. Dinner options include grilled salmon with Israeli couscous, braised short ribs with broccolini, rosemary olive oil cake with zabaglione, and the Confectional’s white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. At the end of your trip, you’ll be emailed recipes to recreate your favorite meals. Get ready for a culinary adventure!
What if I don’t drink?
  • Don’t sweat it! We’ve got you covered with a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks available at every meal. You’ll still get to enjoy the same fantastic trip experience as everyone else. The cost of trip is the same for everyone, regardless of whether you’ll be imbibing or not.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
  • We’ve got you covered! Our menu can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. While we can’t promise an “out of this world” substitute 100% of the time, we’ll try our best to make every meal a tasty one.
  • Please note that due to the nature of cooking in the great outdoors with limited resources, we cannot accommodate last-minute changes. All dietary restrictions need to be communicated in advance during the booking process. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility!
Wildlife
What kind of wildlife will I see?
  • The San Juan Islands are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. You will likely see dear, minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, and river otters during your trip. And if you’re a bird lover, you’re in luck – the San Juans have the second largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states! Other birds you might see include loons, belted kingfishers, harlequin ducks, and more. Every so often we might even spot orcas, gray whales, elephant seals, or California sea lions!
  • We strive to create an unforgettable kayak experience. While seeing orcas would be amazing, we understand that they are endangered animals with their own territory and food supply to worry about. We will keep our eyes peeled for them, but we won’t give them a hard time if they don’t show up on cue.
Accommodations, Facilities, & Comfort
What are the accommodations like?
  • Our partners at San Juan Island Outfitters have you covered with premium tents (singles or doubles) that are easy to pitch and break down.
Are restrooms available?
  • There are eco-friendly composting toilets at the campsite and locations we take breaks at during our paddling adventures.
Will I be able to shower?
  • There won’t be any showers at the campsite, so pack some refreshing body wipes if you’d like! If you’re really craving a hot shower after the trip, consider booking a post-trip stay in Friday Harbor, WA for some well-deserved R&R.
What are the campsites like?
  • The campsites are managed by the Washington State Parks Department. All the sites have picnic tables, fire pits, potable water, and eco-friendly composting toilets.
  • Conditions and state-mandated burn bans may necessitate shutting off the well pump and precluding bonfires. While out of our control, we do our best to manage and mitigate for adverse conditions (e.g. bringing in our own potable water).
Are there power outlets at the campsite?
  • Alas, you’ll need to bring your own charging packs and cables for juicing up your electronic devices.
How is the cell coverage?
  • Cell service is usually available at camp and intermittently available while on the water.
Physical Fitness & Prior Experience
How physically demanding is this?
  • To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend a certain level of physical fitness and stamina. You’ll paddle up to 5 hours a day, with meal breaks in between.
  • Prior to your tour, conditioning muscle groups of the upper body with light exercises such as calisthenics, rowing, or swimming for at least two weeks can help.
  • Our guides are experts at instructing beginner paddlers and will travel at a comfortable pace for all. We may encounter stronger currents that require sustained paddling for channel crossings, and for your safety, your guides may ask you to paddle stronger and faster.
  • Don’t worry, we’ll take plenty of breaks on the water to rest, observe wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of the islands. Come with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Do I need any prior kayaking experience?
  • Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced paddler! Our kayaks are safe and easy to use, and we welcome paddlers of all levels to join us on our tours. Our guides will provide thorough paddling and safety instructions, and ensure everyone feels comfortable before getting out on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we strive to create experiences that everyone can enjoy.
Weather & Water Conditions
What are the weather and water conditions like?
  • No need to worry about a little rain because kayaking is a water sport after all! We don’t let a few drops dampen our spirits, and we rarely cancel trips unless the conditions are truly extreme. In those cases, we’ll make sure to reschedule or cancel your trip.
  • Daytime temperatures reach mid 70s and the nighttime lows drop to high 40s. Refer to the detailed packing list contained in the Info Packet for recommended clothing to pack.
  • Your amazing guides keep a close eye on the tide, water, and weather conditions to make sure we paddle the best routes at the perfect time. The conditions can be unpredictable and can make a huge difference between a smooth, breezy 90-minute paddle and a more challenging 3-hour stretch with some waves. But don’t worry, our skilled guides can manage Mother Nature’s mood and ensure that everyone has the best and safest experience on and off the water.
Do I need any prior kayaking experience?
  • Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced paddler! Our kayaks are safe and easy to use, and we welcome paddlers of all levels to join us on our tours. Our guides will provide thorough paddling and safety instructions, and ensure everyone feels comfortable before getting out on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we strive to create experiences that everyone can enjoy.
What to Wear & Bring
How much space will I have for my luggage and gear?
  • Please keep in mind that space is limited. You’ll have a 20 liter dry bag and a 5 liter bag for your gear, so make sure to pack smart and bring only the essentials.
  • Once you arrive to the meeting location, you’ll transfer your gear into these trusty dry bags before setting off in your kayaks. Don’t worry, we’ll be there to help you pack and make sure everything fits snugly. And if you have any extra luggage, no problem! We’ll store it safely on shore until you return.
  • If you bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow instead of paying $50 for renting them, they will be packed separately and won’t count towards your space limit.
What should I wear and bring?
  • Refer to the detailed packing list contained in the Info Packet
  • Your own sleeping bag, pad, and pillow to save on $50 bedding rental and cleaning fee
  • Gratuity (cash or Venmo) at your discretion for the tour guides
Can I bring my own personal floatation device, paddle, and/or kayak?
  • For safety and liability reasons, we will utilize gear provided by the operator, San Juan Island Outfitters.
Miscellaneous
How much are participants expected to pitch in?
  • Welcome to the ultimate teamwork experience! We’ll be working together to set up and break down camp, paddle with, and pack and unload the kayaks. Don’t worry, our guides will be there to show you how and lend a helping hand. We’ll all pitch our own tents and then the guides will be responsible for cooking, cleaning, serving, and guiding you on the water and on hikes to keep you safe.
  • It takes a small village to create the kind of incredible food, wine, and nature experience that we have planned for you. Come prepared to collaborate, have fun, and make some unforgettable memories. As they say, many hands make light work!
What kind of kayaks do we use?
  • For safety reasons, everyone will be paired up in tandem kayaks. Solo or odd numbered parties will be matched with other guests or a tour guide. We promise you’ll appreciate being able to take breaks from paddling while your partner keeps you both gliding!
  • The kayak models are Northwest Seascape Expeditions and Seascape 3s, with cockpits 32 inches long and seats 15.5 inches wide.
How is This Experience Unique?
  • Suitable for novice and experienced kayakers alike
  • Combines the thrills of kayaking with the delights of gourmet cuisine
  • Flexible downtime with options for easy solo or guided hikes with sweeping views /li>
  • Exquisite meals made with hyper-local ingredients that will redefine your expectations of “camping food”
  • A warm sense of camaraderie and achievement as you contribute to setting up and breaking down camp together
  • Top of Form
  • Develop new friendships and bonds with other adventurous travelers who share your passion for exploration and culinary appreciation
What’s Included
  • All food and beverages are included. Two breakfasts, three lunches, two happy hours, two dinners, snacks while on the water, coffee and tea at breakfast, sparkling water at lunch and dinner, and wine at dinner.
  • Tents, kayaks, paddles, and spray skirts are included.
What to Wear & Bring
  • Refer to the detailed packing list contained in the Info Packet (links to pop-up window prompting to enter an email address so that it enrolls them into our Flowdesk newsletter flow), which also is the same destination as the “download info packet” link in the Share/Download Info Packet/Ask A Question block)
  • Your own sleeping bag, pad, and pillow to save on $50 bedding rental and cleaning fee
  • Gratuity (cash or Venmo) at your discretion for the tour guides
Good to Know!
  • Don’t forget to bring a bottle of your favorite adult beverage to share with the group! It’s the perfect way to break the ice and bond with your fellow adventurers.
  • Get ready to show off your teamwork skills! We’ll all pitch in to set up and break down camp, so roll up your sleeves for a jolly good time.
  • Don’t snooze on pre and post-trip accommodations in Friday Harbor, WA. They fill up fast, so book well in advance!
  • Gratuities for the tour guides is not required, but they sure do make their day!
Education vs. Mushroom Type/Quantity
  • Education is our first priority with this introductory experience. We’ll equip you with all the skills you need to start a new life-long hobby.
  • We’re not politicians, so we can’t guarantee when, where, or how many mushrooms you’ll find. But with a 95% success rate, we’re pretty darn good at stacking the deck in your favor.
  • Mushrooms come and go with the seasons, so the kinds you’ll find will depend on the time of year. Don’t worry – we’ll show you how to find the good stuff!
  • For a bigger haul or a specific type of mushroom, check out our specialized hunts.
Private Events/Groups
  • We can accommodate up to 12 guests per trip. Book your private event directly now!
  • Interested in a different time slot or date? Have more than 12 guests? Contact us today to discuss your event.
FAQs

Guest Testimonials

$1079

  • Lowest Price Guarantee
  • Trusted operator with 17+ years of experience
  • Sells out well in advance. 
Book now to avoid disappointment!

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