Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island
Overview
Although just one mile south of Friday Harbor, Griffin Bay is a world away from it all! This trip offers peace and quiet and superb views of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountain range. Unhindered by strong tidal currents, it is an ideal trip for families and anyone wanting to experience sea kayaking.
We will explore picturesque Dinner Island and it’s colony of chubby resident harbor seals, then turn south toward quiet coves. You may see bald eagles, Dall’s or Harbor porpoise, river otters, mink and oodles of migratory sea birds like scoters, harlequin ducks, loons and mergansers along with our local herons, cormorants, gulls and kingfishers!
This trip moves at an easy pace and offers a chance to get away from the crowds.
Forged in 1980 from leave-no-trace ethics and a commitment to excellence, San Juan Kayak Expeditions provides fun knowledgeable guides, top of the line equipment, including fiberglass kayaks & carbon fiber paddles, and personalized customer service.
What's Included
- All taxes and fees
- Landing and facility fees
- Includes the use of all sea kayaking equipment and safety gear
- Transportation to launch site from Friday Harbor
- Professionally Trained Naturalist Kayak Guide
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sun screen, hat)
- Personal weather appropriate clothing
Meeting Location
25 Nichols Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
San Juan Kayak Expeditions
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Jackson Beach Park
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Griffin Bay
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Dinner Island (pass by)
25 Nichols St
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be of average height and weight. 225 Max weight; 6'6 max height
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For children 8 and older when accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-116979P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 43 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Bellingham. Throughout this...
$15
Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park
No experience is necessary to join this professionally guided kayak trip. Bowman Bay is the perfect place for beginners to feel comfortable paddling on the...
$56
Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island
Come experience the only old-growth tree climbing activity in the State of Washington and create some unforgettable memories. This is your chance to do something...
$275
Explore the stunning west side of San Juan Island on this half-day kayak tour, designed for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Paddle alongside expert guides,...
$175
Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Bellingham. Throughout this...
$15
No experience is necessary to join this professionally guided kayak trip. Bowman Bay is the perfect place for beginners to feel comfortable paddling on the...
$56
Come experience the only old-growth tree climbing activity in the State of Washington and create some unforgettable memories. This is your chance to do something...
$275
Explore the stunning west side of San Juan Island on this half-day kayak tour, designed for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Paddle alongside expert guides,...
$175
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes
No ferry required! Small group whale watching tours on the some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES. See whales with us...
$119
Whale Watching from Friday Harbor
The best orca whale watching is from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, just an easy day trip adventure from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Islands...
$135
Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park
No experience is necessary to join this professionally guided kayak trip. Bowman Bay is the perfect place for beginners to feel comfortable paddling on the...
$56
Chuckanut Bay Distillery is a true grain-to-glass distillery located in a beautiful historic building right in the heart of Bellingham. Our experiential tour takes you...
$20
No ferry required! Small group whale watching tours on the some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES. See whales with us...
$119
The best orca whale watching is from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, just an easy day trip adventure from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Islands...
$135
No experience is necessary to join this professionally guided kayak trip. Bowman Bay is the perfect place for beginners to feel comfortable paddling on the...
$56
Chuckanut Bay Distillery is a true grain-to-glass distillery located in a beautiful historic building right in the heart of Bellingham. Our experiential tour takes you...
$20
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- All taxes and fees.
- Landing and facility fees.
- Includes the use of all sea kayaking equipment and safety gear.
- Transportation to launch site from Friday Harbor.
- Professionally Trained Naturalist Kayak Guide.
- Bottled water.
- Gratuities.
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sun screen, hat).
- Personal weather appropriate clothing.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be of average height and weight. 225 Max weight; 6'6 max height
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All taxes and fees
- Landing and facility fees
- Includes the use of all sea kayaking equipment and safety gear
- Transportation to launch site from Friday Harbor
- Professionally Trained Naturalist Kayak Guide
- Bottled water
- Gratuities
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sun screen, hat)
- Personal weather appropriate clothing
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be of average height and weight. 225 Max weight; 6'6 max height
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For children 8 and older when accompanied by an adult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
