

Set your own pace on a guided private paddle through Penn Cove
2 hours
Up to 8 people
Guide, tandem kayak, safety gear
Set your own pace on a private Penn Cove paddle with a local guide. Explore the cove's history, habitat and aquaculture from a tandem kayak.
Before we leave the dock, you’ll get to know your guide(s) and the equipment. You’ll need to feel comfortable sitting on a dock, gently sliding into your kayak, and later using your arms to push yourself up from the kayak back onto the dock. We’re here to assist if you need a hand! As we launch, we'll paddle east out to open waters taking in the Cascades, learning about Penn Cove Shellfish Co and exploring Whidbey's coastline in the search for wildlife. Cap your adventure with a drink or meal at the restaurant of The Captain Whidbey, enjoying a front-seat views of the cove.
Full refund with at least 14 days' notice. No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours or no-shows. If the operator cancels due to adverse water or weather conditions, choose a full refund or electronic gift card.
Product ID: 9TMGYG
No. This tour works as an introduction to kayaking, and your guide helps you get properly outfitted and comfortable before you launch.
Wear synthetic, athletic clothes and shoes that can get wet (or go barefoot). Avoid cotton items like jeans and sweatshirts.
Bring a bottle of water and sun and eye protection such as sunglasses and/or a brimmed hat.
The Captain Whidbey Inn boat dock
With an exceptional track record and glowing feedback, this operation stands out for its genuinely helpful staff and well-maintained equipment. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Patricia, Sydney, Tate, and Tucker for being knowledgeable, personable, and creating experiences that strike the perfect balance between fun and informative. The team goes above and beyond for accessibility, with multiple mentions of staff assisting guests with mobility challenges, including carrying someone in their kayak to the water. The process is refreshingly straightforward, from online check-in to launch. The location around Langley Harbor delivers scenic beauty with frequent wildlife sightings, particularly seals and jellyfish. Beyond basic rentals, they offer guided tours and instructional courses that even experienced paddlers found valuable for refining technique and learning about local conditions. Their bioluminescence tours get special mentions for the stunning night sky views. Whether you're renting for a quick 90-minute paddle or taking a course to build your skills, visitors consistently describe the experience as hassle-free and memorable, with many planning return visits.
August 2026: Kayaking I class with Sue Rogers (4 hours). Sue is a fantastic teacher and very knowledgeable, as well as relaxed, patient and kind. The class was small and at a lake so the water was not too cold. She taught us how to exit from a flipped kayak and then get back in (a good thing to practice). We did both a self rescue and an assist rescue. Sue also taught us paddle skills and shared a lot of her knowledge about the process of learning to kayak well and about equipment and types of kayaks. Can't say enough - the class was fun and left me feeling excited about getting good at these skills.
Betsy Rogers
September 1, 2026
August 2026: Kayaking I class with Sue Rogers (4 hours). Sue is a fantastic teacher and very knowledgeable, as well as relaxed, patient and kind. The class was small and at a lake so the water was not too cold. She taught us how to exit from a flipped kayak and then get back in (a good thing to practice). We did both a self rescue and an assist rescue. Sue also taught us paddle skills and shared a lot of her knowledge about the process of learning to kayak well and about equipment and types of kayaks. Can't say enough - the class was fun and left me feeling excited about getting good at these skills.
Betsy Rogers
September 1, 2026
Learn to kayak while exploring Penn Cove’s history, habitat and aquaculture
Design a private, guided paddle outing with your choice of craft
A relaxed, beginner-friendly tandem paddle for families on Whidbey Island
Paddle Langley’s shoreline at your own pace, with wildlife views along the way
Paddle sheltered waters and look for wildlife off Whidbey Island
Choose your paddlecraft with equipment and safety orientation included