All Trips > Washington > San Juan Islands Kayaking and Camping San Juan Islands Kayaking and Camping View Dates & Book Your Spot AT A GLANCE Washington 14 Explorer Chicks Glamping, Camping Glamping, Hiking, Multisport, Paddling, US-Based, Water Sports, Wildlife 5 Days 3 - Active Physical demand level for this trip By Foot, Paddle, and Fork Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included View Dates & Book Your Spot Book a Call Share By Foot, Paddle, and Fork 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 waterfront stays (with sunset views perfect with a cocktail) 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 Sucia Island Spot orcas, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and more on a guided 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! Paddle under the stars with the chance to witness bioluminescence lighting up every stroke beneath you 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 waterfront stay, part self-supported kayak expedition, and full-on outdoorsy magic—without sacrificing wine or dessert. Photos Itinerary Expand All Days Day 1 - Whale Watching and Orcas Island Meet your new adventure crew in Friday Harbor at 11:00 AM and kick things off with a laid-back lunch in town. Then it’s time to get on the water with a quick intro paddle to shake out the travel legs and get you feeling confident in your kayak. Later, we’ll make our way to Orcas Island, the largest island in the San Juan Archipelago, on a scenic whale-watching tour. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for orcas, sea lions, and whatever else decides to show off. It’s transportation… but make it iconic. Once we land, we head to our waterfront accommodations for the next two nights. After settling in, we’ll grab dinner in Eastsound and, if the timing works in our favor, squeeze in a short sunset hike for a little extra island magic. Accommodations: Waterfront Condos on Orcas Island Meals: L, D Day 2 - Hiking Orcas Island and Winery Anyone else still emotionally wrecked from the whales? After a big breakfast, we’re diving straight back into the magic with a full day on Orcas Island. Boots on, snacks packed, legs ready. We’re heading into Moran State Park to take on Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans at 2,409 feet. Climb the stone tower at the top for sweeping, “is this real?” views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, and the snow-covered Olympic and Cascade ranges doing their thing in every direction. After the hike, we’ll refuel with lunch before shifting gears completely at Cascade Lake. Swim, float, stretch out in the sun, or just exist happily near the water for a while. This is your official permission slip to embrace full island mode. We’ll clean up and head into Eastsound for a wine and cheese stop (because obviously), followed by dinner in town. And if the light’s doing what it should, we’ll chase one more sunset before calling it. Elevation Gain: 787’ Distance: 4.8 miles Hiking Time: 2.5 hours Accommodations: Waterfront Condos on Orcas Island Meals: B, L, D Day 3 - Sea Kayaking Expedition Begins It’s your first real day on the open water and we’re going full send. Channel your inner sea lion and grab your paddling partner. This is expedition-style sea kayaking, which means your kayak is carrying a share of the gear, food, and all the good stuff. If you’ve ever carried every grocery bag in one trip, you’re more than qualified. Your guides will get you dialed on technique, safety, and navigation before we launch. Then we find our rhythm. We launch from Orcas Island and paddle across the channel, just you, your crew, and open water as we move into the wild edges of the San Juans. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch along the way before making landfall on Sucia Island, where we’ll set up our backcountry home for the next two nights. Once camp is set, we lean all the way in with a chef-level backcountry dinner that has no business being this good. And if you’re feeling it, we head back out after dark. Night paddle on glassy water, where every stroke can spark bioluminescence algae beneath you like something out of a dream. Kayaking Distance: 3-5 miles Kayaking Time: 5 hours Accommodations: Backcountry Camping Meals: B, L, D Day 4 - Day-Tripping by Boat and Foot Today is wide open and exactly how it should be. With basecamp set, we spend the day exploring Sucia and the surrounding islands by kayak and on foot. Paddle into hidden coves, scan for wildlife, or stay closer to camp and swim, read, and fully unplug. Along the way, be on the lookout for bald eagles, river otters, and harbor seals. Your EC guide will drop all the local knowledge and show you the most scenic pee spots. 10/10 would drop trow here again. Back at camp, we do it right: another round of snacks, another incredible meal, and a golden-hour sunset hike if you’re feeling it. And if last night wasn’t enough, there’s always another chance to chase that glowing water after dark. Paddling and Hiking: Varies, but a full day mix of both! Accommodations: Backcountry Camping Meals: B-L-D Day 5 - Paddle to the Mainland and Farewells Morning already?! We’ll pack up our little backcountry home and load up the kayaks for our final paddle back toward Orcas Island. By now, you’re basically sea kayaking elite. Soak in those last pristine views as we glide across the Salish Sea, keeping your eyes peeled for basking seals. We land in Eastsound, grab a well-earned lunch, and ease back into civilization (kind of). From here, you’ll have drop-off options in town, at the local airport, or at the ferry terminal for onward travel to Friday Harbor or Anacortes. Hugs, photos, group chat chaos. You know the drill. Plan to depart the island anytime after 4:30 PM. Kayaking Distance: 3-5 miles Kayaking Time: 5 hours Meals: B, L *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. Logistics 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) Pick Up Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island Meeting Time: 11:00 AM on Day 1 Departure Major Gateway Airport: Seattle, WA (SEA) Drop Off Location: Eastsound, WA; Orcas Island Airport; Orcas Island Ferry Terminal Book onward travel after 4:30pm. Full travel details including transportation service recommendations will be in your travel guide. 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. Activity Level 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. 4.8 miles. 787’ 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. What's Included Lodging: 2 nights in waterfront 2 bedroom condos on Orcas Island, shared 2 per unit. Each Explorer Chick gets her own room. Think cozy island living with real beds, bathrooms, and easy access to Eastsound. 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 includes instruction, safety equipment, 20L and 5L dry bags 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-5, 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. More from the San Juans 📍The BEST place to see Orcas in the Wild... is waiting for you in Washington’s San Juan Islands🐳Join our all-women’s adventure next summer. 💬Comment “Waitlist” to be the first to get in on the 2025 San Juan Islands trip.🗓️2025 San Juan Islands Trip drops July 2nd.#explorerchick #sanjuanislands #orca #solofemaletraveler #seakayaking #explorerchicksanjuans 46 4 Open 46 4 Load More View Dates & Book Your Spot Let's Do This Starting From $3,199 Book Now You’re in Good Hands. Thoughtful planning, professional leadership, and details handled with care — so you can book with confidence. Non-Refundable Deposit: $200 due at booking to secure your spot Balance due closer to departure. Payment plans available. Questions About The Trip? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. LinkedInThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Send us your San Juan questions!(Required) In Her Words Ida B.3 years agoI went to the San Juan Islands with Ashley, Nicole, and Moll as our guide. We kayaked to the northwestern-most point in the continental united states. There was bioluminescence and seals and starfish. The campsite was hospitable with a view of the entire harbor, fresh running water, and toilet facilities. We had such a wonderful time. Book with Confidence Your wanderlust doesn’t have to wait. Our payment plans make booking your dream trip easier than ever. The best part? Zero additional fees. Payment Plans We want nothing more than for you join us. However, we understand emergencies do occur that may cause you to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Policy To protect your travel investment and your hide, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Receive a no-hassle, online quote with our trusted insurance partner. 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