San Juan Islands Kayaking and Camping

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 the islands by foot, paddle, and fork. There will be cheese.

Trip Highlights:

• Sea kayak through the San Juan Islands with a backcountry paddle expedition to remote Stuart Island
• Spot orcas, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and more on a guided sunset whale watching tour
• Hike to the top of Mount Constitution on Orcas Island for panoramic views of coastline and snow-capped peaks
• Explore secret tide pools, mountain lakes, and forest trails across the islands
• Feast on fresh, locally sourced meals (with wine pairings) prepared by your guides—even while camping!

The Vibe:

Craving fresh salt air and even fresher seafood? This is the trip for women who want to paddle hard, eat well, and wake up to the sound of waves. It’s part glamping, part self-supported kayak expedition, and full-on outdoorsy magic—without sacrificing wine or dessert.

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: Early afternoon on Day 1

Departure

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

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. Shared rooms will have 1 queen bed and 1 comfortable full-sized futon.
• 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 with a focus on local ingredients and purveyors. Backcountry bougie!
• All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-4, L-4, D-4
• 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
• Some alcoholic beverages
• Travel Insurance (Learn about our preferred insurance provider)
• 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.