Paddle to Yellow Island in small groups and see seasonal wildflowers on a guided kayak tour
2+ hrs
Up to 6 people
Kayak, Gear, Guide
Explore Orcas Island by kayak during peak spring blooms. Visit Yellow Island, a nature preserve known for native wildflowers, and watch for wildlife along the route.
Minimum age 15. Maximum weight 260 lbs per person and height 6'4". Expect to paddle for over 2 hours.
1–4 people: Cancel more than 7 days before for a refund minus $15 per person. 5+ people: Cancel more than 14 days before for a refund minus $10 per person. Late cancellations, changes, late arrivals, and no-shows are refunded only if we can resell the space. Cancellations by Shearwater are fully refunded if you choose not to reschedule.
Deer Harbor Marina - Orcas Island
Discover what we've curated for you
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