Paddle Orcas Island at sunset as bioluminescent plankton light the water
3 hrs
Tandem kayak, gear, guide
For 1–4 people, cancel more than 72 hours before departure for a refund minus $15 per person. For 5+ people, cancel at least 5 days before for a refund minus $10 per person. Late cancellations, changes, late arrivals, and no-shows are not refunded unless the trip is filled. Ferry delays or cancellations are not refunded. Full refund if the operator cancels and you do not reschedule.
Wear layers and a wind jacket for cooler conditions on the water. Bring sun protection, secure footwear such as sport sandals, water shoes, or sneakers, drinking water, and optional snacks. Leave flip-flops behind. A waterproof case is recommended for cameras and phones, which you bring at your own risk.
Yes. Two-person kayaks are provided, and the guide will paddle with someone when needed.
Deer Harbor Marina
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