Paddle Deer Harbor at night and look for glowing plankton
2-hour
Up to 8 people
Tandem kayak, gear, guide
Explore sheltered Deer Harbor on a 2-hour after-dark tandem kayak tour and watch the water glow when you paddle. Bioluminescence sightings are common but vary in intensity and aren’t guaranteed.
Minimum age is 15. Maximum weight is 260 lbs per person and maximum height is 6'4". Gratuity for your guide is not included.
1–4 people: cancel more than 72 hours before start for a refund minus $15/person. 5+ people: cancel up to 5 days before for a refund minus $10/person. Late cancellations/changes, late arrivals, and no-shows are not refunded unless filled. Full refund if Shearwater cancels and you choose not to reschedule.
Bring warm layers, clothing appropriate for the weather, and a wind jacket. Wear secure footwear (sport sandals, water shoes, or sneakers; avoid flip-flops). Bring drinking water, optional snacks, and an optional headlamp to help at the end of the tour.
No. Please do not bring alcohol.
Yes. Minimum age is 15. Maximum weight is 260 lbs per person, and maximum height is 6'4".
Deer Harbor Marina - Orcas Island
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.
We had a good time on our kayak trip at Doe Bay! Our guide, Michelle, did a great job instructing us on how to get into our kayaks (and how to get out in an emergency!) and clearly knew the area well, sharing great insights about the local wildlife along the way. The kayaks themselves were high quality (higher than other trips we've done on the island) and well maintained. We paddled out to the Peapod Islands, where we saw many harbor seals — Michelle made sure we kept an appropriate distance to avoid disturbing them. At South Peapod Island, we spotted at least three eagles among a large group of oystercatchers. It would have been nice to get closer but we all understood why the restrictions exist. The conditions weren't ideal that day, but we still had a good experience. Great trip, great guide — thanks, Michelle!
Wayne Rennick
July 6, 2026
We had a good time on our kayak trip at Doe Bay! Our guide, Michelle, did a great job instructing us on how to get into our kayaks (and how to get out in an emergency!) and clearly knew the area well, sharing great insights about the local wildlife along the way. The kayaks themselves were high quality (higher than other trips we've done on the island) and well maintained. We paddled out to the Peapod Islands, where we saw many harbor seals — Michelle made sure we kept an appropriate distance to avoid disturbing them. At South Peapod Island, we spotted at least three eagles among a large group of oystercatchers. It would have been nice to get closer but we all understood why the restrictions exist. The conditions weren't ideal that day, but we still had a good experience. Great trip, great guide — thanks, Michelle!
Wayne Rennick
July 6, 2026
Paddle the Wasp Islands from Deer Harbor with a guide
Paddle Orcas Island’s north shore on a 2-hour guided kayak tour from Eastsound
Paddle scenic Doe Bay with a guide, with routes that change based on the tides
Paddle Orcas Island’s north shore at dusk and watch the sunset from the water
Kayak from Deer Harbor and break for a picnic on a state park island
Paddle Orcas Island’s north shore to remote Point Doughty