Paddle scenic Doe Bay with a guide, with routes that change based on the tides
3 Hour
Tandem kayak, gear, guide
Explore Doe Bay by tandem kayak with a guided paddle that follows the tides toward Obstruction Island or Point Lawrence. You’ll get basic instruction, fitted gear, and time on the water with views of Cypress Island, Mount Baker, and the Pea Pod Rocks wildlife refuge.
Minimum age is 15 years at this location. Maximum weight is 260 lbs per person and maximum height is 6'4" (seating space is 17" wide). This tour can be more strenuous due to tidal currents, and you should be able to kayak for 2+ hours.
Parties of 1–4: cancel more than 72 hours before trip time for a refund, less a $15/person fee. Parties of 5+: cancel up to 5 days before trip date for a refund, less a $10/person fee. Late cancellations, changes, late arrivals, and no-shows are not refunded. No refunds for delayed or canceled ferry sailings. If Shearwater cancels, you will be fully refunded if you choose not to reschedule.
Park in the gravel lot immediately on the right as you enter the Doe Bay Resort grounds, then walk toward the water to meet at the kayak booth next to the Doe Bay Café.
Bring clothing appropriate for the day’s weather (layers are recommended and it can be cooler on the water), plus a wind jacket. Also bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), secure footwear (sport sandals, water shoes, or sneakers—flip-flops are not recommended), and drinking water. Snacks are optional.
Yes. The launch is from a rocky beach, so feet will get wet.
Doe Bay Resort - 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
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