Paddle the Wasp Islands from Orcas Island with wildlife spotting, guide support, and basic instruction included
3 hrs
Tandem kayaks, gear, guide
Launch from Deer Harbor to explore the nearby Wasp Islands, a maze of small islands and channels once popular with smugglers. Watch for wildlife as you paddle with an experienced guide, with basic instruction and all gear provided.
No experience required. Minimum age is 11; limited seats are available for ages 7–10 in triple kayaks with two older paddlers. Max 260 lbs per person (17" seat width) and 6'4" height; tours operate late March through September.
Cancel 1–4 people more than 72 hours before for a refund less $15 per person. For 5+ people, cancel at least 5 days before for a refund less $10 per person. Late changes, late arrivals, and no-shows are not refunded unless the trip is filled. No refunds for ferry delays or cancellations. Operator cancellations are fully refunded if you choose not to reschedule.
Deer Harbor Marina - Orcas Island
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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.
Family kayak excursion out of Deer Harbor on Orcas. The company was easy to schedule tour, provided a discount for a group booking and flexibility rescheduling when our original day/time had less than ideal weather. Our guide Dan was knowledgeable about the area and passionate about wildlife. It was a great experience!
Michelle Murray
July 29, 2025
Family kayak excursion out of Deer Harbor on Orcas. The company was easy to schedule tour, provided a discount for a group booking and flexibility rescheduling when our original day/time had less than ideal weather. Our guide Dan was knowledgeable about the area and passionate about wildlife. It was a great experience!
Michelle Murray
July 29, 2025