Adventure Travelers Can Discover the San Juan Islands on This 6-Day Sea Kayaking Tour Led by Tumalo Creek’s Expert Guides
Escape to the pristine waters of the San Juan Islands with Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe for a multi-day sea kayaking adventure. Our specially curated 4- and 6-day tours are designed for adventure travelers looking to explore the tranquil beauty of these iconic islands from a unique vantage point—the seat of a touring kayak.
Join us as we guide you through the art of navigation, sea kayaking techniques, efficient boat packing, and wilderness camping skills. All the while, you'll have the opportunity to bond with friends and our knowledgeable Tumalo Creek guides.
You’ll have the chance to paddle from one enchanting San Juan island to another, guided by our expert instructors. In addition to providing on-water support, our guides will prepare all your meals, desserts, and snacks, ensuring you’re well-fed throughout this unforgettable paddling adventure.
We’ll watch for the diverse wildlife that inhabit these waters—orca whales, porpoises, otters, and seals are just a few of the incredible species you may encounter. If conditions align, you may even witness breathtaking sunsets and a mesmerizing bioluminescence display.
Multiple days on the water will allow you to experience the diverse landscapes of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush island forests, all with the backdrop of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Paddling distances typically range from 6 to 12 miles a day, but if you're up for more, our guides are eager to explore the islands with you, whether by boat or on foot.
This journey is designed for those who have completed our kayaking skills courses and are prepared to test their skills in open water.
☞ Trip Requirements:
We prioritize the comfort and safety of all our guests on the water. Tumalo Creek's policy mandates that all participants in the San Juan Island Sea Kayaking tour complete the Intermediate Skills Kayaking (ISK) class or demonstrate proficiency in the skills listed below that we cover during the ISK class.
All participants must be able to:
• Hold their breath while underwater
• Float independently on their back wearing a properly fitted PFD (personal flotation device/life jacket)
• Turn from a face-down to a face-up position with a properly fitted PFD
• Get in and out of a kayak either independently or with the assistance of a companion
• Maintain a balanced, upright position while seated in a kayak, with adaptations if necessary
• Paddle with adequate technique for traveling up to 10 miles a day
• Independently perform a "wet exit" while wearing a properly fitted skirt
• Re-enter a kayak in open water by executing an assisted re-entry and/or self-rescue
If you cannot attend the Intermediate Skills Kayaking class or have any questions regarding the participation requirements, please feel free to reach out to us. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities, and we are here to assist you every step of the way!
Are you curious about what it’s like out there with us?
Check out a Tumalo Creek guest’s San Juan Islands sea kayaking trip report.
Is one of our guided tours right for you?
Tumalo Creek’s sea kayaking tours are designed for those who have completed our Intermediate Kayaking Skills Course and are prepared to test their skills in open water—or you can demonstrate proficiency in skills covered during the course. Questions? Just ask us!
Custom kayaking trips!
For adventure travelers seeking more advanced options, please don’t hesitate to contact Tumalo Creek for additional trip possibilities. Our specialties include longer journeys, increased mileage, and extended time in the islands, and we’d love to hear from you!
Equipment List
Tumalo Creek Provides
- Transportation from Anacortes to the inner islands
- Meals and Snacks
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Skirt
- PFD
- Immersion equipment
Participant Provides
- Personal Layers
- Lightweight Personal Camping Equipment
- Six to Eight 5-10L Dry Bags for Personal Gera
- Personal Insulated Mug
- Personal Water Bottle
- Toiletries
- Headlamp
- Sun and Bud Defense
- See trip packet for more details
Gear required for this trip is available for purchase at our shop.
Meeting Location
Washington Park, Anacortes, WA
+ CANCELLATION POLICY
Tumalo Creek Deposits and Cancellation Policies:
San Juan Islands Tours and Lower Deschutes Whitewater Camps: 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. 60 days prior to departure the remaining balance is due in full. No Shows, cancellations or date changes for any reason inside the 60 day period will be subject to forfeiture of all fees and/or deposits.
Tumalo Creek (TC) Initiated Cancellation Disclaimer: Applies to all one day lessons, trips, tours, multi-day trips, camps and special events. TC reserves the right to cancel, postpone or reschedule one day lessons, trips, tours, multi-day trips, camps and special events within 24 hours of the scheduled date. Circumstances include but are not limited to low enrollment, weather (ex. thunderstorms/lightning), natural disasters (ex. forest fires) and events or circumstances beyond TC’s control.
+ OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Congratulations and thank you for choosing Tumalo Creek's 6-Day San Juan's Sea Kayaking Tour! Get ready for a unique San Juan Islands experience, designed to be adventurous with just the right amount of physical challenge. You'll enjoy open water paddling with the land in sight, delicious meals, great company, and plenty of natural beauty.
Remember, we're always available to answer any trip questions you may have. Please contact us during business hours at 541.317.9407.
6-Day Sample Itinerary: Please note that this is a sample itinerary and may not reflect your specific trip. We select our itineraries based on currents, tides, ferry schedules, and other circumstances.
Day 0 - Arrive in Anacortes: Arrival time is flexible and up to your personal needs.
Camping: You may choose to camp with us in Washington Park or stay in several local hotels.
Day 1 - Hunter Bay, Lopez Island (Eastern Side of the island) to Blind Island:
After catching the 9:25 am ferry from Anacortes to Lopez Island, we will drive to Hunter’s Bay on the southeastern side of Lopez Island. From there, we will load our kayaks with equipment and get dressed for our first paddle of the trip. We will depart Lopez Island with a northeastern heading towards Spencer Spit. After taking lunch at the Spit, we will continue to our destination for night one, Blind Island.
Approximate paddle length - 11 miles.
Day 2 - Blind Island to Stuart Island:
From Blind Island, we will head west through narrow corridors, passing Crane and the Wasp Islands, stopping at Jones for lunch. Our afternoon paddle will contrast the morning as we make our largest crossing from Jones to Stuart Island, our night's destination. This is a long day but well worth it. We will be camped just over 2 miles from the Canadian border.
Approximate paddle length - 14 miles.
Day 3 - Stuart Island to Turn Island:
Approximate paddle length - 15 miles.
Day 4 - Layover on Turn Island:
After three days of long paddling, you deserve a break. This day can take any form you would like. First, enjoy a casual morning as we don't have to take down camp on this day, then pick your own adventure. Feel free to relax around camp, hike around Turn Island, or go for a kayak to visit Fishermen's Bay on Lopez Island or Indian Cove on Shaw.
Day 5 - Jones Island to Spencer Spit on Lopez Island:
Once again, it's time to pack up our tents and head to the next island. We will depart our layover at Turn, bounce over to Shaw through the Upright Channel, and round the corner to Spencer Spit on Lopez Island. Spencer Spit does have facilities, including showers if you need relief from our rustic routine. If we are feeling strong, we always have the option to add a few more miles to spend our last night at James Island.
Approximate paddle length – 8 miles.
Day 6 - Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island back to Hunter's Bay, Lopez Island:
As a nice treat, we will paddle the glassy waters of the Lopez Sound as we head south back to Hunter's Bay. A bittersweet end to a wonderful experience. After arriving at Hunter's Bay, we stage ourselves for an afternoon ferry that takes us back to Anacortes, where we share our favorite memories and say our goodbyes.
Approximate paddle length – 5 miles.
Gear List:
TC - Provided by Tumalo Creek
On Water:
• Boat - TC
• Paddle - TC
• Sprayskirt - TC
• PFD; Whistle - TC
• Paddle Float - TC
• Sponge - TC
• Bilge pump - TC
• Paddle shoe; booties, mukluks - TC can provide
• Sunglasses w/retainer strap
• Sunscreen & Lip Balm SPF 30
• Sun hat, rain hat, and/or fleece hat
• Synthetic top and bottom
• Paddling top
• Paddling pant
• Dry suit - TC can provide
• Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit
• 32oz Water bottle (2)
Camp:
• Lightweight Backpack Style Sleeping bag
• Lightweight Backpack Style Sleeping Pad
• Lightweight Compact Tent
• Swimsuit
• Camp shorts (1 pair)
• Camp pants (1 pair)
• 2 camp shirts - Guest
• Fleece pants and jacket (wool or down ok)
• Underwear
• Towel (small)
• Toiletry kit
• Insulated coffee/tea mug w/lid
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp or Flashlight w/spare batteries
• Camp shoes and socks
• Small dry bags for personal gear (six to eight 5-10L Dry Bags)
• Ground Tarp - Guest
+ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I wear out on the River?
We recommend wearing clothes and shoes that you are ok getting wet. Moisture wicking fabrics are best as they dry quickly. Avoid cotton clothing as it takes a long time to dry and can keep you cold.
Do you provide life jackets?
We do provide life jackets at no additional cost for all of our rentals, tours and classes. We have a variety of sizes to fit many body types.
Are there rapids?
Unless a trip is a whitewater specific trip you will not have to go through any rapids.
Do you provide lunch?
We do provide a sack lunch for all of our full day tours. You can choose your sandwich preference at the same time you make your reservation, vegetarian options are available.
Are dogs allowed on tours?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on any of our tours or classes.
Can we do a custom trip?
We can do custom trips and tours. These can be contingent upon availability of our guides and vehicles. Please email [email protected] for more information and pricing.
