Shearwater Adventures

Kayaking around Orcas Island becomes genuinely special when your guide knows every current, creature, and story of the San Juans. The guides here consistently earn praise for their deep knowledge of marine life and local ecosystems, with names like Dan, Moe, Nara, and Mason appearing repeatedly as standouts. They strike that sweet balance between being informative naturalists and relaxed companions on the water. Expect to see harbor seals, jellyfish, starfish, and bald eagles on most tours, with guides carefully keeping appropriate distances from wildlife. The small group sizes mean plenty of personal attention, which first-time kayakers especially appreciate. Tours launch from both Deer Harbor and Doe Bay, with three-hour excursions being the most popular choice. The bioluminescence tours also get rave reviews for those visiting during the right season. Equipment quality is solid, including tandem kayaks for couples and dry bags for belongings. The company shows flexibility too, offering to reschedule when weather looks questionable rather than pushing ahead with less-than-ideal conditions.