Overview
Escape the everyday with this nature-lover's trip to the Pacific Northwest, known for its diverse ecosystems, dramatic coastlines, and lush forest landscapes. Kayak the San Juan Islands, a serene archipelago between Washington and Canada that feels like it's a world away. Here, you'll have the chance to whale watch for orcas and humpbacks, while paddling along the coastline and enjoying beautiful sunsets. After spending five full days reveling in natural splendor, you'll leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Experience the magnificent natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest
Kayak along the rugged coastline of the San Juans, keeping a look out for bald eagles and a resident orca pod, with MT Sobek expert guides!
Dine on fresh sea-to-table cuisine of locally sourced salmon, oysters and many more Northwest delicacies
- Arrive: Roche Harbor, Washington
- Depart: Roche Harbor, Washington
- Duration: 5 Days
- Group Size: 4-10
- Minimum Age: 13 Years Old
- Activity Level:
- Level 3
- More About Activity Levels
Itinerary download itinerary
Thank you!
- Day01
Welcome to San Juan Islands!
Begin your adventure in the charming town of Roche Harbor. Meet your guides and fellow guests, then paddle out in the sheltered waters of Roche Bay for an afternoon kayak tour to get to know the ocean habitat of the San Juan Islands. Dinner is a beachside feast with locally sourced fish and oysters.
- Accommodation: Roche Harbor Lodge
- Activity: 2-3 hours/5-7 miles kayaking
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Day02
Explore Orcas Island & Local Fare
Head to Orcas Island and spend the day exploring Moran State Park's trails, a region carved by glaciers. Our hike (approx. 6-8 miles) to summit Mt. Constitution offers epic views, old growth island forest habitat, and seasonal waterfalls and streams. Wrap up the day by sampling the local brews and take a scenic ferry ride back to Roche Harbor.
- Accommodation: Roche Harbor Lodge
- Activity: 6-8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
- Transportation: 30-minute ferry ride
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day03
Whale Watching by Foot & Zodiac
Set out on a rocky bluff hike in Lime Kiln State Park on the west end of San Juan Island. Considered one of the best whale watching spots in the world, search for migrating pods while enjoying a scenic picnic lunch. Need more wildlife action? You are sure to enjoy the views on your afternoon zodiac ride. Be on the lookout for minke whales, humpbacks and orcas! After a full day of hiking and whale watching, relax before a fine dinner featuring local Northwest delicacies.
- Accommodation: Roche Harbor Lodge
- Activity: Hiking, whale watching zodiac cruise (3-4 hours)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day04
Explore Lopez Monument Lands & Enjoy Beachside Cookout
Take the ferry to Lopez Island for a day of exploration and discovery in the San Juan Islands National Monument. Hike Shark Reef, Iceberg Point, and Point Colville National Monument Lands along scenic and protected shores and tidelands. Photo ops abound! Celebrate a successful trip and your final night at South Beach with a memorable beachside feast of Alaskan salmon & local oysters.
- Accommodation: Roche Harbor Lodge
- Activity: 3-9 miles hiking
- Transportation: 40-minute ferry ride
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day05
Kayaking & San Juan Island Farewell
After breakfast, spend a final morning on the water exploring the ocean flora and fauna of the Haro Straight - famous for the density and variety of its marine life. Your crew prepares one last lunch at the Marina as you prepare to depart for home. While it may be your first, it is hopefully not your last visit to these memorable islands!
- Activity: 3-4 hours/8-12 miles kayaking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Contact our Regional Specialists for more travel ideas!
Washington San Juan Islands Multi-Adventure Map
Open MapWhy take this trip with us?
Reason #01
MT Sobek has been crafting unique itineraries for adventure seekers since 1969, working with top local guides to pave new trails.
Reason #02
This is expertly crafted 5-day adventure blends kayaking and island exploration with ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. It's perfect for the short-on-time traveler.
Reason #03
Our guides and crew work hard maximizing the amount of wildlife encounters both on land and sea, and guides will always be kayaking with you.
Meet Our Guides
Our expert guides and trip leaders are truly the key to our trips' success. Many are locals who live in-country year-round; others have made it their second home—all are passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
Jordan Vogt
Clai Seier
Ryder Cuddington
What To Expect
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Activities
Hike and paddle in search of wildlife and whales! Two days of easy kayaking suitable for beginners, three days of easy hiking, and an half day zodiac tour in search of humpback, orca and Minke whales.
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Lodging
Four nights comfortable lodging at the historic Roche Harbor Resort, with free Wi-Fi, three restaurants, a cafe, spa, swimming pool, and scenic gardens.
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Climate
Summer is optimal for a visit, from late June through early September, with an average daytime temperature of 67°F degrees in June and 71°F in July and August.
FAQ
What airport should I fly in and out of?
Roche Harbor is accessible by car, boat, or plane. The nearest airport is Sea-Tac airport in Seattle (SEA). From there, two shuttle services operate transfers from the airport to the ferry terminal where you can board a ferry to Roche Harbor where our trip begins.
Do I need any previous kayaking experience?
No previous kayaking experience is required. Our guides will teach the basics and provide safety instructions.
What is the kayaking like?
The kayaks will be one-person kayaks and route selection will be determined by weather, tides and group ability.
What wildlife might I see?
There will be a chance to see many different kinds of wildlife - on land and on sea While kayaking and on the zodiac, you may encounter orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, Dall's porpoises, and Pacific harbor seals. During the hikes, you may spot red foxes, blacktail deer, and over 32 specifies of butterflies.
Dates & Pricing
Pricing DatesScheduled Dates
- AvailableJun 23 - 27, 2021
- AvailableJun 30 - Jul 04, 2021
- AvailableAug 11 - 15, 2021
- AvailableSep 01 - 05, 2021
Customize Your Trip
Make any of our trips a custom adventure or start from scratch. Take two itineraries and match them up to create a unique third. Add extras and extensions and more...if you can imagine it, we can make it happen!
Price Includes
- Expert leadership from experienced adventure guides
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the daily itinerary
- Potable water and snacks throughout
- 1 glass of wine or beer at dinner
- All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s)
- All necessary specialty activity gear (include for camping, trekking trips)
- All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation
- Arrival and departure day group airport transfers
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess baggage charges
- Optional tips to your lead adventure guides
- Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs
- Airport transfers if arriving or departing outside of the group transfers
- Optional travel protection
Testimonials
"I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me-widening my view of the world and its peoples."
Jane B.
MT Sobek Guest
"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."
Kathy J.
MT Sobek Guest