Adventure Travelers Can Discover the San Juan Islands on This 3-Day Sea Kayaking Tour Led by Tumalo Creek’s Expert Guides

Explore the San Juan Islands on a guided multi-day sea kayaking tour with Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Our 3-day and 5-day sea kayak camping trips are designed for paddlers who have completed our Intermediate Skills Kayaking course and want a supported open-water adventure.

These island-to-island tours include daily paddling routes of 6–12 miles, scenic shorelines, and the chance to see plenty of wildlife. Guides handle meals so you can focus on the experience.

Participants have the chance to practice navigation, touring technique, packing systems, and wilderness camping skills with guidance from our experienced team.

☞ Trip Requirements:

We prioritize the comfort and safety of all our guests on the water. Tumalo Creek’s policy requires 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.

☞ 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
  • Sprayskirt
  • PFD
  • Immersion Equipment

Participant Provides

  • Personal Layers
  • Lightweight Personal Camping Equipment
  • Six to Eight 5-10L Dry Bags for Personal Gear
  • Personal Insulated Mug
  • Personal Water Bottle
  • Toiletries
  • Headlamp
  • Sun and Bug Protection
  • 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

3-Day Sea Kayak Sample Itinerary

Launch: Washington Park (Sunset Beach)
Daily Mileage: ~6 miles
Trip Style: Beginner-friendly coastal paddling with short channel crossings

Day 1 – Washington Park → Saddlebag Island
Distance: ~5–6 miles

Route: Follow the Fidalgo Island shoreline east, then a short crossing to Saddlebag Island.
Why this works: Sheltered shoreline paddling, predictable winds, and a mellow first day.

Camp: Saddlebag Island State Park – Marine Campsites. Small, quiet island. Nice views toward Bellingham Channel

Day 2 – Saddlebag Island → Pelican Beach (Cypress Island)
Distance: ~6 miles

Route: Cross Bellingham Channel in good conditions, then follow the eastern shoreline of Cypress up to Pelican Beach.
Highlights: Beautiful sandstone cliffs, protected shoreline after the crossing, easy landing and great campsites!

Camp:
Pelican Beach – Cypress Island (DNR Marine Site)

Day 3 – Pelican Beach → Washington Park
Distance: ~6 miles

Route: Return along the eastern shore of Cypress, make the Bellingham Channel crossing early, then follow the Fidalgo shoreline back to Washington Park.

Why this works: Short - direct return, option to stop at Saddlebag again for breaks, Typically calmer morning conditions for crossings.

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
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 offers a full selection of paddling equipment and accessories, and we'd be delighted to help you get outfitted for your trip. Please remember to keep your personal gear to a minimum while always considering your personal comfort.

Our trips are BYOB, so if you'd like to bring your own, please feel free to do so. Tumalo Creek can assist with storage and transportation. Please avoid bringing glass containers.

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 classes, we teach essential paddling techniques, efficient boat packing, and invaluable safety skills.

And as a reminder, don't forget to get some training days in! Being in paddle shape comes from paddling, so make the most of the excellent paddle opportunities in Central Oregon to enhance 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.