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Paddling Through Paradise: A Multi-Day Kayak Adventure in the San Juan Islands with Outdoor Odysseys
Anytime I would mention that I had a multi-day kayaking trip through the San Juan Islands scheduled, people's eyes would light up. If I had a quarter every time someone said that that sounded like a dream, I'd be a rich girl! Here's the thing, the San Juan Islands is kind of a PNW hidden gem. Heck, it took me more than two decades of living here before I ever got up to the islands to experience them myself. Sometimes even the locals even forget about the magic of the islands.
You see, a kayaking adventure like this through the San Juan Islands isn't just a trip, it's a whole sensory immersion. From the moment your paddle dips into the San Juan Channel, the wind in your face, water lapping against the kayak hull, endless island vistas, and sightings of harbor seals and bald eagles, you know you've stepped into something extraordinary. Outdoor Odysseys elevates this experiences with expertly guided sea kayak tours giving you a taste of gourmet multi-course meals and overnight camping on islands like Stuart and Jones Island. It's honestly one of those things you have to experience for yourself! Here's why!
Paddling Through Paradise: A Multi-Day Kayak Adventure in the San Juan Islands with Outdoor Odysseys
Why Choose a Kayaking Vacation
If you're craving a break from crowded resorts, endless lines, and cookie-cutter itineraries, a kayaking vacation might just be what you are looking for. Here's why:
Reconnect with Nature
Unlike a road trip or a big cruise, kayaking brings you directly on the water. You're at sea level where you can see and hear everything up close. You're not separated by glass windows or noisy engines, and you don't have long buffet lines! It's a totally new perspective looking eye to eye at a seal bobbing alongside you, or watching an eagle swoop down to catch fish. There's nothing like seeing a Washington State Ferry from the water and taking in the incredible size as you paddle through the channel.
An Active Adventure that had Grounding Power
There's something a little meditative about kayaking. As you paddle you get into a rhythm and flow. You work your muscles but you also find calm coves and quiet spaces. You feel the power of the tides as you move in nature. There's something very grounding about being outside for days on end and being surrounded by water and nature and doing it with likeminded people.
Minimal Footprint, Maximum Reward
As more and more people are thinking about sustainable tourism, a multi-day kayak trip is exactly that! You're not burning fuel in a motorboat or leaving a big carbon footprint. In camp, you're reusing bowls, cups and napkins and keeping waste to a minimum. It really is the best way to use your own power to travel between the islands and leave no trace.
Build Skills and Confidence
Even if you're a beginner like me, a guided trip like Outdoor Odysseys' tours is a perfect way to learn paddling skills in a safe, supported way. It doesn't take long for you to feel confident maneuvering a kayak. I'm also admittedly, not much of a camper. Tents and sleeping bags are provided {for a nominal fee} and the food prep is taken care of. You really do just have to show up and it will give you a taste of what something like this would be like either on your own or on a more strenuous adventure.
Access Hidden Gems
Some of the San Juan Islands' best beaches, coves, and camping spots are only reachable by kayak. In fact, Jones Island only allows non-motorized boats to camp and come ashore. You'll be exploring islands that have no cars, roads, or resorts, just trails, beaches, and wildlife waiting to be discovered.
Why Choose Outdoor Odysseys
Outdoor Odysseys is a locally owned, Friday Harbor based kayak touring company that's been serving the San Juan Islands since 1987. Here are a few things I noticed that set them apart.
Wildlife and Naturalist Led Tours
Each journey is led by guides that have a passion to share the diverse ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. Many of them have years of experience guiding tours in this area. They are also highly trained in wilderness first response and come armed with radios, cell phones and first aid kits!
Small Group Tours, Big Experiences
Groups remain small, so small that you can grab a group of friends and create your own custom trip! It's even easy to join in as a solo participant like I did. You'll meet lots of lovely new humans.
Tailored Itineraries and Camping Trips
From half-day nature paddles to themed multi-day camping adventures {meditation, craft beer, watercolor painting and even women's summer camp}, there's a tour to fit every interest.
Logistics Handles
Being able to walk on to the ferry leaving my car on the mainland and meeting in Friday Harbor was so much easier than I anticipated. Outdoor Odysseys takes care of ferry pickup, shuttle, kayaking instructions, gear and gourmet meals.
There's a very low barrier of entry. You don't need to have any experience with camping or kayaking and you definitely don't need any of the gear. They've got you covered!
Top Notch Hospitality
Rain or shine, trips forge ahead and the guides deliver top notch safety and hospitality every step of the way.
Spotlight: Jones Island-A Kayaker's Haven
Jones Island is a must for any paddler's bucket list. Accessible only by non-motorized boat, it offers four miles of trails, scenic rocky beaches, wildlife sightings, and some of the most peaceful campsites in the islands. It's common to spot whales swimming through the channel or to see seals playing in the shallows.
You can pitch your tent steps from the beach, fall asleep to the sound of waves, and wake up with the sunrise shimming on calm waters. It really is a special place.
Tips for Planning Your Kayaking Getaway
No car is needed!
Outdoor Odysseys picks you up right at the ferry dock in Friday Harbor making it easy and stress free! I arrived the night before and stayed nearby. Despite the very large hill to get up the island from the ferry with luggage, it really wasn't inconvenient to arrive without a car.
Hotel Options:
All of these hotels are walking distance from the ferry and easy to get to if you arrive without a car.
Friday Harbor SuitesEarthbox Inn and SpaFriday Harbor House
Want to be add to the experience? Take a seaplane to the island! Kenmore Airlines offers daily flights to the island and what a way to arrive! They even offer pick up and transfer from the Seattle/Tacoma International airport if you are flying into Seattle. It's a quick flight under an hour long and it has the most beautiful scenery.
Bonus, you can arrive by seaplane and the return trip on the ferry is free!
Pro Tip: Arrive to Friday Harbor in the early afternoon. Many of the shops, stores and restaurants close by 5 pm, so if you won't have time on the backend to do some roaming around town, plan a few hours on the day prior.
Pack Smart!
You will be given a 10L and 30L wet bag to pack your items in. Since I traveled and arrived the day prior, I was able to shift my items from my luggage to my wet bags easily and while I felt like it might be limiting, I had more than enough for my multi-day kayaking trip. They will store your luggage for you while you are gone.
Don't forget to pack waterproof shoes, you will be walking in the water often. The guides both had Crocs, I had Chacos. Those small rocks tend to find a way into your shoes, so I kind of wish I had something like this instead.
Lots of layers and especially an outer waterproof layer. I was very impressed with my REI rain jacket. I've never regretted wearing my Smartwool. It's expensive but worth it! Waterproof pants that roll up or can be pushed up are also great.
I won't go to the out of doors without these in my travel bag!
Choose to Disconnect
Outdoor Odysseys wants to make it easy to unplug and disconnect. On all tours, guests are invited to secure their phones in a secure dry box for the duration of the trip. If you do so, you'll get 10% off for committing to it! Use code Analog25 at checkout so that you can stay more connected.
If you do that, you might want to invest in a digital camera since you'll be leaving your phone {and camera} behind.
I packed a hammock {still one of my best buys under $15!} to enjoy a little swinging between the trees and don't forget to pack a book or a journal because you will have some down time.
Pro Tip: I have T-Mobile and I had great service. I chose to disconnect and put my phone into airplane mode so I could be present on the trip. It also saves on battery since there are no electrical plugs for charging.
Book Early!
Summer dates fill up fast, and those themed trips are often in high demand! If you are bringing your car on the ferry, don't forget to make ferry reservations because those fill up very quickly too!
Food Restrictions? No Problem!
The guides prepared multi-course meals that took into account the needs of the group. All of our meals were vegan and gluten free and while I don't normally eat like that {I did skip the vegan cheese because gross!}, it was high-quality and delicious. The guides went out of their way to be accommodating to everyone's needs.
Who is This Trip Best For?
I was graciously hosted by Outdoor Odysseys on this trip and all opinions are my own. I think that this trip would be great for families with older kids {10+} who like the outdoors and want to try camping but may not have all the outdoor gear. It would also be great for an adventurous family with young adults. I think my family of three twentysomethings and their significant others would have a blast. And the normal designated cook of the group can still get a break on a trip like this since the guides are doing all the cooking. There's just enough downtime for the family to have that quality time at camp, and enough adventure on the water to create memories.
It would also be great to plan as a group trip for several couples. If you get enough couples on board, Outdoor Odysseys will plan a private custom trip! A multi-day trip is also great for someone who loves kayaking, but hasn't really ventured out of a short day trip. This gives you the option to experience kayaking several days in a row and will likely give you enough confidence to tackle another longer trip on your own in the future if you enjoy it.
This is not a budget trip even though you are camping at a primative camp site. You are also expected to join in the experience of packing and unpacking {i.e. carrying heavy items up and down from shore!}. As someone who doesn't camp, this trip didn't change my mind on how I feel about camping {yep, still not my favorite activity, but it didn't kill me!}. It was nice to step out of my comfort zone though and try something new. I also saw a part of the San Juan Islands I don't normally see and I got to experience it in a whole new way!
A kayaking vacation offer the best of adventure, relaxation, and nature all rolled into one. When you choose Outdoor Odysseys, you're not just booking a tour, you're stepping into an experience curated by people who know and love these islands.
The San Juan Islands await. Your paddle is ready! All you have to do is dip it in the water and go! Book your trip here!
disclaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Rachel Teodoro. Thank you!
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