San Juan Islands Kayaking and Camping

Do you identify as orca? Are you craving stupid-fresh air, dense-as-night forests, weird sandal tanlines, and probably the best kayaking in the world? Get your paddle-happy butt on this women-only sea kayaking and camping adventure in the San Juan Islands! We treat you to Washington’s most stunning archipelago from the comfort of glampsites (with perfect cocktail decks) and traditional backcountry camping. Over the next 5 days, you’ll explore Orcas Island, San Juan Island, and Stuart Island by foot, paddle, and fork. There will be cheese.

The San Juan Islands are home to three pods of killer whales. Over 80 tail-flapping giants call these waters home, along with harbor seals, river otters, Steller sea lions, common minke whales, Dali’s porpoises, and bald eagles. Catch a guided whale watching tour at sunset on Day 1 and explore the secret universe of tide pools on the shoreline. It’s okay, blowholes make us misty too.

Live like a Wilderness Queen as you explore the mighty forests and mountain lakes of Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juans. Hoof the best trails including a steep hike to the highest point, Mount Constitution. From the top, you’ll gaze upon rugged coastlines, insane ocean views, and snow-capped mountains before breaking for a picnic lunch and winery visit.

The rest of our adventure is filled with backcountry kayaking to Stuart Island. Feel like a pioneer as you load up your two-person kayak expedition-style––all your camping gear, food, and personal items are coming with, Explorer Chick! We’ll paddle up to 15 miles, making our way across channels and straits to reach Stuart Island to set up our homey primitive camp. Here we’ll do more hiking and paddle to other nearby islands while your co-workers back home collate copies.

Whenever we’re back at camp, your guides cooking up bougie backcountry meals. Sink your pearlies into fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients that you didn’t have to lift a finger to make. Expect wine pairings also. And dessert. And never wanting to leave. Are you coming or what?

What to Pack

• Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips.
• You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that trips may require additional specialized items.

Arrival

• Major Gateway Airport: Seattle, WA (SEA)
• See Notes below for options from Seattle to San Juan Island
• Pick Up Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
• Meeting Time: 12pm on Day 1

Departure

• Major Gateway Airport: Seattle, WA (SEA)
• Drop Off Location: Friday Harbor
• Return Time: 4:30m.

Transfer Instructions from Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Full travel details including transportation service recommendations will be in your travel guide.

Option 1 – Fly: Charter flights from Seattle to Friday Harbor (here or here).
Option 2 – Ground: Shuttle (3.5 hours) or Drive (2.5 hours) from Seattle to Anacortes, then Ferry (1.5 hours) from Anacortes to Friday Harbor

Rendezvous point is in walking distance of both the Ferry Terminal and the Island airport.

We recommend arriving a day early into Seattle, Anacortes, or Friday Harbor to avoid any problems with tight transportation schedules, delayed flights, ferries, or luggage.

You will receive a Travel Guide with all the rendezvous hotel, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip.

We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.

Rated 3 – ACTIVE

This trip is rated a 3 – Active because of the final 3 days of your trip where you’ll kayak up to 15 miles and 6 hours per day with tides, waves, and currents. You will be paired with another Explorer Chick in an “expedition” style kayak that will be weighed down with gear. This trip can be enjoyed by beginners, but you should be in good physical condition. You can also expect some soreness/fatigue during the kayaking portion.

Our daily kayaking routes will include stops to use “natural toilets,” rest, hydrate, and snack. However, when we have channel crossings there will be no chance to get out of your kayak to use the “toilet.” Channel crossings can take up to 2-2.5 hours.

Although you are not required to be able to swim, it is recommended so you’ll feel more comfortable in the open water.

Daily Activities: 

• Day 2: Mount Constitution Hike. 6.7 miles. 1,490’ gain.
• Day 3-5: Kayaking. Up to 15 miles daily. Up to 6 hours daily.

Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

Read more about our Activity Levels.

Lodging: 

• 2 nights Glamping on San Juan Island shared 2 per tent. Big, beautiful Pinterest-worthy canvas glamping tents decked out with furniture and porches. Equipped with bedding, bath linens, tables and chairs, outdoor chairs, and fire pits. Shared shower house and restrooms. No electricity and spotty cell service
• 2 nights backcountry camping shared 2 per tent. Includes shared tents, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow. Primitive camping with pit or compost toilet. No showers available.

Activities

• All activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
• Kayaking including instruction, safety equipment, 20L and 5L dry bag for personal belongings.
• Gratuities for all excursions

Meals

• Meals and cocktails with a focus on local ingredients and purveyors. Backcountry bougie!
• All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-4, L-5, D-5
• Gratuities for included meals

Practical

• Professional leadership team with local guide and Explorer Chick Guide
• Gratuities for local guides
• A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip
• The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander!

Not Included

• Airfare
• Airport Transportation
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel Insurance
• Meals exclusive of itineraries
• Costs for additional activities
• Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here)

Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.