San Juan Islands 6-Day sea kayaking tour. Truly a trip of a lifetime!

Embark on Tumalo Creek's San Juan Islands 6-day sea kayaking tour, truly a trip of a lifetime. Learn navigation, sea kayaking techniques, efficient boat packing, and wilderness camping skills, all while enjoying the company of friends and our expert Tumalo Creek guides. This trip is ideal for those who have taken our kayaking skills courses, and are ready to challenge their competence on open water.

On this trip you will get the opportunity to paddle from island to island, all while under the guidance of our expert instructors. In addition to providing on-water safety, our guides will prepare all meals, desserts, and snacks on this paddling adventure. During the day expect to see an array of wildlife--we've spotted orca whales, porpoise, otter, and seals. When conditions are right you may also enjoy spectacular sunsets that are often followed by a highly unique light show of bioluminescence. Multiple days on the water will give us the chance to experience everything from rocky cliffs, warm sandy beaches, and thick island forests, with the backdrop of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Paddling days are a bit longer on this trip than our 4 day and can be 12 miles plus a day. Although 12 miles a day is what we strive for milage can change depending conditions.

Trip Requirements:

We want all of our guests to feel comfortable and safe while on the water. It is Tumalo Creek's policy that all San Juan Island Sea Kayaking participants meet minimum skills requirements. Prerequisites offered by our store include:

• Basic Skills Kayaking (BSK)
• Intermediate Skills Kayaking (ISK)
• Plenty of endurance training so you can comfortable paddle an average of 12+ miles per day.

All participants must demonstrate the ability to:

• Hold breath while under water
• Float independently on your back with a properly fitted PFD
• Turn from face down to face up with a properly fitted PFD
• Get in and out of a kayak independently or with assistance of a companion.
• Maintain a balanced, upright position when seated in a kayak, with adaptations if needed.
• Paddle with adequate technique for traveling up to 10 miles a day
• Independently "wet exit" while wearing a properly fitted skirt
• Re-enter a kayak, while in open water, by preforming an assisted re-entry and/or self-rescue

If you are unable to attend the prerequisite classes or have questions regarding the participation requirements, please contact Topher Robertson [email protected] or Clayton Kellogg [email protected] at 541-317-9407

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

View in Google Maps

+ 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 to experience The San Juan Islands in a way few individuals get the chance to! Your trip is designed to be adventurous with just the right amount of physical challenge. You’ll experience open water paddling with 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 only 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 island) to Blind Island

After catching the 9:25am ferry from Anacortes to Lopez Island, we will drive to Hunter’s Bay on the south eastern side of Lopez Island. From there we will load our kayaks with equipment and proceed to get dressed for our first paddle of the trip. We will depart Lopez Island with a north eastern 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 stoping at Jones for lunch. Our afternoon paddle will contrast the morning as we will make our largest crossing from Jones to Stuart Island, our nights destination. This is a long day but well worth it. We will be camped just over 2 mi. from the Canadian boarder.

Approximate paddle length - 14 miles.

Day 3 - Stuart Island to Turn Island

Approximate paddle length - 15 miles.

Day 4 - Layover on Turn Island

After 3 days of long paddling you deserve a break. This day can be take any form that 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 conner 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 to 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 Hunters Bay. A bittersweet end to a wonderful experience. After arriving at Hunters 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 (1pr)
• Camp pants (1pr)
• 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

Optional Gear:
• Paddling gloves - TC can provide
• Small lightweight Pillow
• Small personal repair kit
• Personal first aid kit (group first aid kit provided)
• Waterproof Camera
• Musical Instrument (Check with TCKC Staff)
• Book • Charts & maps w/chart case
• Journal and pen • Binoculars
• Fishing gear/ fishing license
• lightweight/compact folding chair
• Dice/Playing Cards • Bath towel & Clean Clothes for end of trip

Tumalo Creek has a full selection of paddling equipment and accessories. We would be happy to assist you in getting outfitted for your trip. Please remember to keep your personal gear to a minimum, while always keeping personal comfort in mind.

Our trips are BYOB. If you would like to bring your own, please feel free to do so. Tumalo Creek can help with storage and transportation. Please no glass.

Have you taken our intermediate Skills Kayak Class (ISK) yet? This is a
great primer (and requirement) for our San Juan’s trips. In our ISK’s we teach important paddling techniques, efficient boat packing, and invaluable safety skills.

And just a reminder...don’t forget to get some training days in! Being in
paddle shape only comes from paddling, so get out and enjoy all the great paddle
opportunities in Central Oregon! This is probably the best thing you can do to improve your experience.

+ 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.