Washington San Juan Islands Private Adventure Tour
Kayak, Hike and Whale Watch
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
5-12 Guests
Highlights
- Experience the magnificent natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest
- Kayak along the rugged coastline of the San Juans, keeping a lookout 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
Itinerary
Welcome to San Juan Islands!
Day 1
Begin your adventure by traveling to the charming town of Friday Harbor via ferry or sea plane this morning. Meet your guides and fellow guests midday, then take in the first of many splendid marine vistas that you will enjoy on an introductory hike. Walk through quiet woodlands and along the shoreline, learning about the settlement and protection of these islands along the way. Gather for a dinner in town this evening.
Accommodation: Roche Harbor Resort
Activity: Independent arrivals / 2-3 hours hiking
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Sea Kayaking Near Roche Harbor
Day 2
Embark on a full day kayak paddle along the rugged, forested coastline near Roche Harbor waters to get to know the ocean habitat of the San Juan Islands. Look for marine mammals and birds as you paddle the protected waters, famous for the density and variety of its marine life, in an area that offers the best chance to see orcas from your kayak. Dinner is a beachside feast with locally sourced fish and oysters.
Accommodation: Roche Harbor Resort
Activity: Kayaking in protected waters (4-5 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike & Farm Visit / Whale Watching
Day 3
After breakfast, savor more of the fresh sea air with a morning coastal walk that will include a visit to a local farm. This afternoon, embark on a zodiac-style boat to one of the best whale watching spots in the world, be on the lookout for minke whales, humpbacks and orcas! After a full day of exploring and whale watching, relax before a fine dinner featuring local Northwest delicacies.
Accommodation: Roche Harbor Resort
Activity: 3-4 hours walking / 3 hour boat ride
Transportation: 3-hour zodiac boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Lopez Monument Lands & Arrive Orcas Island
Day 4
Take an early ferry to Lopez Island for a day of exploration and discovery in the San Juan Islands National Monument. Breakfast will be prepared by your guides on the ferry as you enjoy the stunning ocean views. On arrival, hike two different trails, enjoying scenic and protected shores and tidelands, including Shark Reef, Iceberg Point, and Point Colville National Monument. Photo ops abound! This afternoon, sail via ferry to your historic hotel on Orcas Island, home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Rosario Resort
Activity: 3-6 miles hiking
Transportation: Two 40-minute ferry rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Orcas Island & Local Fare
Day 5
Spend the day winding along Moran State Park's trails, a region carved by glaciers. Our hike (approx. 6-7 miles) to summit Mt. Constitution offers epic views, old growth island forest habitat, several scenic lakes, and seasonal waterfalls and streams. Wrap up the day by sampling locally-sourced fare at dinner.
Accommodation: Rosario Resort
Activity: 5-6 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Orcas Island
Day 6
Enjoy a final optional early morning hike and lunch before bidding farewell to the group. Return to the mainland via ferry (to Anacortes) or seaplane (to Seattle).
Activity: 2-3 miles hiking
Transportation: Ferry Ride / Independent Arrangements
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 13.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
5 to 6 guests from $4,795 per person double occupancy
7 to 8 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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June, July, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Jordan V.
After graduating from the College of Charleston, Jordan decided to make a move out to the west coast to become a guide. She was first introduced to the outdoors in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota and has been outside every summer since, working as a wilderness canoe guide and on a trail crew in Northern Colorado. When not guiding, Jordan can be found cooking up some pad Thai, jogging, popping some popcorn, or water coloring.
Ryder C.
A native San Diegan, Ryder grew up near the ocean and has spent the past six years guiding around San Juan. He enjoys spreading his love for kayaking and the ocean, and educating others about the area. Along with kayaking, he enjoys biking, hiking, and running.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. There will be several hikes on defined paths ranging from 4 to 6 miles, and one day of paddling for 4 to 5 hours, for a distance of 6 to 8 miles. Some previous kayaking experience is recommended.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
Independent arrivals / 2-3 hours hiking
Day 2
Kayaking in protected waters (4-5 hours)
Day 3
3-4 hours walking / 3 hour boat ride
Day 4
3-6 miles hiking
Day 5
5-6 miles hiking
Day 6
2-3 miles hiking
Accommodations
Enjoy nights at two comfortable hotels, including the historic Roche Harbor House and well-appointed Rosario Resort.
Roche Harbor Resort
Overlooking the scenic Roche Harbor, this family-friendly resort is just a 10-minute walk from San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve. Guestrooms vary from 1- to 3-bedroom units to cottages and townhouses with kitchens, fireplaces and BBQs. All have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and lounge areas. Other amenities include waterfront restaurants, a seasonal cafe, and a spa.
Rosario Resort
Set on 40 forested acres that offer sweeping views of Cascade Bay and Rosario Point on Orcas Island, Rosario Resort serves as an ideal base for enjoying outdoor adventures. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the resort hosts a sumptuous spa and one of its three dining venues in a lovely craftsman-style, ocean-front mansion. Rooms are spaced across the resort grounds in smaller lodge-style buildings, and include televisions, a small refrigerator, complimentary wireless internet, coffee makers and private bathrooms.
Weather
In September, daytime temperatures are in the high 60°Fs and nights drop to the high 40°Fs. Be prepared for sun and rain.
FAQs
What airport should I fly in and out of?
Friday 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 Anacortes ferry terminal where you can board a ferry to Friday Harbor where our trip begins.
Do I need any previous kayaking experience?
Some previous kayaking experience is recommended but not required to best enjoy the day we are on the water. Our guides will teach the basics and provide safety instructions.
What is the kayaking like?
The group will paddle 4-5 hours along mostly protected, rugged shorelines in two-person kayaks in an area where orcas are known to visit. 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.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
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Guest Reviews
"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."
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MT Sobek Guest