Paddle the west side route with a guide, beach break, and picnic lunch included
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6 Hours
8 people
Guide, Lunch, Kayak gear
Spend a full day sea kayaking the west side of San Juan Island with a guide, including time to relax on the beach and refuel with a provided picnic lunch. You’ll paddle scenic coastline and add a short on-land walk as part of the day.
Ages 12 and up; 250 lbs max weight. Check-in is 15 minutes before departure time at 260 Spring St. in downtown Friday Harbor. Missed tours due to ferry delays or missed ferries are treated as same-day cancellations with no refund and no reschedule.
30 or more days prior to departure: full refund. 15–29 days prior: 50% refund. 0–14 days prior: no refund. No-shows are charged in full. Operator may cancel any tour; in that case, a full refund for the cost of the tour is given.
What time should I arrive, and where do I check in?
Check in at 10:15 AM (15 minutes before the 10:30 AM departure) at the downtown Friday Harbor office: 260 Spring St.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a snack, water bottle (or other non-alcoholic beverage), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes you don’t mind getting damp or wet. Non-cotton clothing is recommended; a beanie and long-sleeve layer are suggested in spring and fall. Gloves are optional.
When and where are dry bags and rain gear provided?
Waterproof jackets and pants are handed out at the office at check-in. Dry bags are provided per guest and are handed out at the beach (not in the office).
If I’m arriving by Washington State Ferry, what should I know?
The ferry has been running late (up to 2 hours). Plan to take an early sailing and allow several hours before your scheduled departure. Missed tours due to ferry delays or missed ferries are treated as same-day cancellations with no refund and no reschedule.
What are the age and weight requirements?
This tour is for ages 12 and up, with a maximum weight of 250 lbs per person.
Paddle Route: West Side San Juan Island
Discovery Sea Kayak Tours delivers exceptional experiences on the water, with their bioluminescence tours standing out as a particular highlight. Guides like Brendan, Naomi, Caleb, Jethro, and Evan consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely enthusiastic about marine life. Even complete beginners feel comfortable and well-cared for, with guides taking time to explain safety procedures and kayaking basics. The educational component is impressive, covering everything from edible kelp varieties to the science behind bioluminescence, while harbor seals and moon jellies make frequent appearances. The operation itself runs smoothly from start to finish. Check-in is straightforward, and the booking process is efficient. Multi-day camping trips impress with surprisingly gourmet meals prepared on camp stoves, including naan and coconut sweet potatoes. Reviewers emphasize feeling safe and well-equipped even during nighttime paddles, with proper gear provided to stay warm and dry. The company maintains high standards right through the season's end, with guides showing the same energy and dedication on the final tours as presumably they do all season long.
Had a great time out on the water with our guide Brendan who was very personable and knowledgeable about the Marine life, and especially all the varieties of (edible) kelp! Highly recommended.
Will Pugh
October 4, 2025
Had a great time out on the water with our guide Brendan who was very personable and knowledgeable about the Marine life, and especially all the varieties of (edible) kelp! Highly recommended.
Will Pugh
October 4, 2025