Friday Harbor offers three standout kayak experiences that showcase the best of Washington’s San Juan Islands.
The must-do evening tour is a magical 3-hour bioluminescent paddle through the Salish Sea, where the water glows with natural marine light.
Nature enthusiasts will love the comprehensive 6-hour Haro Strait excursion, perfect for spotting orcas and seals in their natural habitat.
For a quick but satisfying introduction to local waters, the 2.5-hour Griffin Bay tour hits all the right notes.
We especially love the bioluminescent tour for its unique nighttime perspective and the full-day option for its generous wildlife viewing opportunities.
All tours provide quality equipment and experienced local guides who know these waters intimately.
Let’s explore our favorite kayak tours in detail…
Key Points
- The Bioluminescence Night Paddle offers a unique 3-hour tour through the Salish Sea to observe harbor seals and roosting birds.
- The San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour with Lunch is a 6-hour adventure exploring Haro Strait with a chance to see diverse marine life.
- The San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour provides a 6-hour kayaking excursion around San Juan Island with insights into orca whales and seals.
- The San Juan Island: 3-Hour Kayak Tour is a 2.5-hour guided excursion in Griffin Bay with the opportunity to spot birds, seals, and possibly whales.
- All tours include transportation, kayaking gear, and meals, with prices starting at $99 per person.
Bioluminescence Night Paddle
On a summer evening in Friday Harbor, adventurers can embark on a captivating Bioluminescence Night Paddle. This 3-hour tour takes paddlers through the Salish Sea, where they’ll witness the glow of bioluminescent microflora and fauna.
The activity is priced from $149 per person, with a group size limited to 10 participants. Led by a live tour guide, the paddle offers the chance to observe wildlife like harbor seals and roosting birds while learning about the fascinating science behind bioluminescence.
Reservations can be made in advance, with the option to pay later. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Friday Harbor, kayaking instruction and gear, and gratuity for the guide.
Participants are advised to bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, extra layers, and sandals that can get wet. The meeting point is the sidewalk at the roundabout in Memorial Park, where an Outdoor Odysseys van will be waiting at the tour start time.
Read our full review: Bioluminescence Night Paddle Review
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San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour With Lunch
Embarking on a captivating 6-hour adventure, adventurers can explore the picturesque Haro Strait bordering San Juan Island and Canada’s Vancouver Island.
Priced from $149.00 per person, this full-day kayaking tour with lunch offers a prime opportunity to witness the region’s diverse marine wildlife, including migrating salmon, sea otters, eagles, seals, porpoises, and even orca whales.
Guided by seasoned wildlife enthusiasts, the tour provides educational insights on the local ecosystem while allowing for a digital detox experience on the water.
Included amenities range from transportation and kayaking gear to a delectable lunch with a view of the Olympic Mountains.
To prepare, visitors are advised to bring essentials like a water bottle, sunglasses, and quick-dry clothing, as well as sandals that can withstand getting wet.
The meeting point is the traffic circle at the intersection of Spring Street and Front Street in Friday Harbor.
Read our full review: San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour
Adventurers can enjoy a captivating 6-hour kayaking excursion around San Juan Island. Priced from $149 per person, this full-day tour explores the prime marine habitat of Haro Strait, bordering San Juan Island and Canada’s Vancouver Island.
Led by seasoned wildlife enthusiasts, the guided tour provides insights into the region’s rich and diverse wildlife, including migrating salmon, sea otters, eagles, seals, porpoises, and orca whales.
The tour includes transportation to and from Friday Harbor and the launch site, as well as kayaking instruction, gear, and a scenic lunch with a view of the Olympic Mountains.
Participants are advised to bring water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, extra layers, and sandals that can get wet. The meeting point is the traffic circle at the intersection of Spring Street and Front Street in Friday Harbor.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a digital detox experience on the water.
Read our full review: San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour Review
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San Juan Island: 3-Hour Kayak Tour
Nestled in the tranquil waters of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Island 3-Hour Kayak Tour invites visitors to enjoy the region’s captivating marine ecosystem. Priced at $99 per person, this guided excursion takes participants on a 2.5-hour adventure, exploring the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of Griffin Bay.
Participants will embark from the starting location at 25 Nichols St, Friday Harbor, and be shuttled to Jackson Beach to begin their kayaking journey. Equipped with high-quality fiberglass tandem kayaks, the group of up to 9 people will be led by experienced local guides who share their extensive knowledge of the area.
Throughout the tour, guests can expect to spot an array of marine life, including birds, seals, and possibly even whales, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Baker.
The tour concludes with a return to the starting location, providing a well-rounded experience for all participants.
Read our full review: San Juan Island: 3-Hour Kayak Tour Review
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Recap
Friday Harbor, Washington, offers a range of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences. Whether you seek a bioluminescent night paddle, a full-day tour with lunch, or a shorter 3-hour excursion, the diverse waterways surrounding San Juan Island provide ample opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty. These guided tours cater to all skill levels, ensuring a memorable and safe adventure for both novice and experienced paddlers.