Paddle the Wasp Islands from Deer Harbor with a guide
3 Hour
Kayak, gear, guide
Launch from Deer Harbor Marina on Orcas Island and kayak through the Wasp Islands’ small channels and coves with a guide. Get basic instruction and gear setup before you head out for time on the water.
No kayaking experience required. Minimum age is 11; limited seats for ages 7–10 in special “triple” kayaks with two older paddlers. Max weight 260 lbs per person; max height 6'4"; seating space 17" wide.
1–4 people: cancel >72 hrs before trip for refund minus $15/person fee. 5+ people: cancel up to 5 days before for refund minus $10/person fee. Late changes/arrivals/no-shows not refunded unless filled. No refunds for delayed/canceled ferries. Full refund if Shearwater cancels and you choose not to reschedule.
Product ID: SGCAW5
Dress in layers and plan for cooler conditions on the water. Bring a wind jacket or light rain coat, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), secure footwear (sport sandals, water shoes, or sneakers; flip-flops aren’t recommended), and drinking water. Bring snacks if you’d like.
No. Your guided kayak tour includes about 20–30 minutes of gear adjustment and basic instruction before you launch.
Plan on a minimum age of 11. There are limited seats for children ages 7–10 in special “triple” kayaks with two older paddlers, and exceptions can sometimes be made on designated Family Trips.
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 did a kayak trip with Ari from Brandt Landing. It was very convenient to our Airbnb, Ari was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and gave instruction well. We were lucky to have the kayak trip with just myself and my husband so we got his dedicated attention. Highly recommend!
Alisa Schreier
August 31, 2026
We did a kayak trip with Ari from Brandt Landing. It was very convenient to our Airbnb, Ari was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and gave instruction well. We were lucky to have the kayak trip with just myself and my husband so we got his dedicated attention. Highly recommend!
Alisa Schreier
August 31, 2026
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