Is kayaking suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trip is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with guidance and all gear provided.

Are children allowed?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly, although children should be comfortable sitting in a kayak for the duration.

Wear layered clothing, bring sun protection, and pack any personal essentials in a waterproof bag.

Can I see wildlife on the trip?

Absolutely; the waters around the Wasp Islands are rich with seabirds, otters, seals, and sometimes even bald eagles.

What if the weather is bad?

Trips may be canceled or rescheduled in poor weather; always check with your guide beforehand.

How physically demanding is the trip?

It's a relaxed, easy pace suitable for most people in decent health.

Kayak Adventures with Shearwater Adventures in Deer Harbor | Kayak | Wildlife

Adventure Brief

Join Shearwater Adventures in Deer Harbor for a three-hour kayak trip through the Wasp Islands, where wildlife and maritime history come to life on the water. Perfect for all skill levels, it’s a memorable way to experience the San Juan Islands' coastal beauty.

2–3 hours

easy

From $124.64

Set against the rugged coastlines of Deer Harbor on Washington's San Juan Islands, Shearwater Adventures offers a prime gateway to paddling through coastal waters that harbor stories of smuggling and maritime history. Their signature 3-hour kayak tour whisks paddlers across glassy waters toward the Wasp Islands, a string of rugged islets once used by pirates and smugglers, now a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. The trip combines scenic, tide-washed coves with encounters of seabirds, playful otters, and perhaps a shy harbor seal peeking from the depths.

Guided by seasoned guides and equipped with all necessary gear, visitors, whether novices or seasoned paddlers, can enjoy this adventure without a worry. The tour’s pacing is suitable for families and beginners, making it a fantastic introductory experience to kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. During certain times, moonlight and bioluminescence excursions add an otherworldly glow to the waters, revealing shimmering plankton that light up with each stroke of the paddle.

Shearwater Adventures is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation on San Juan Island, with a reputation for safety, expertise, and a genuine passion for sharing the area's natural beauty. Their tours are more than just paddling—they're an immersion into the island's rich maritime past and vibrant ecosystem, making each trip both inspiring and educational.

Whether watching a soaring bald eagle or catching the last light of sunset over distant islands, this kayaking experience captures the spirit of adventure that defines the Pacific Northwest. It’s an accessible, memorable way to connect with the ocean, making it a must-do for visitors seeking a genuine outdoor encounter in this stunning marine environment.