Explore the scenic San Juan Islands aboard the historic Griffin Bay sternwheeler. This relaxing cruise offers stunning views, abundant wildlife, and fascinating maritime stories, making it an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable for those able to sit or stand for extended periods
Wildlife
History
The San Juan Islands played a significant role in the maritime trade routes and were historically inhabited by Coast Salish tribes.
Conservation
San Juan Kayak Expeditions emphasizes eco-friendly practices, promoting sustainable tourism and wildlife protection.
San Juan Kayak Expeditions
Explore the scenic San Juan Islands aboard the historic Griffin Bay sternwheeler. This relaxing cruise offers stunning views, abundant wildlife, and fascinating maritime stories, making it an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
San Juan Kayak Expeditions is a sea-kayaking outfitter based in Friday Harbor, Washington, that leads guided paddling trips throughout the San Juan Islands.
The company offers a range of experiences across varying lengths and difficulty levels, including the three-hour Griffin Bay Tour, four-hour Lime Kiln Half-Day Tour, six-hour Lime Kiln Full-Day Tour, a five-day Inn-Based Kayak Tour, a three-day Coastal Explorer Camping Tour, and a four-day Islands Adventurer Camping Tour. Trips visit Griffin Bay, Dinner Island, and federally designated whale sanctuary waters near Lime Kiln, providing regular opportunities to view harbor seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and whales.
The Lime Kiln Full-Day Tour includes a scenic coastal walk and a complimentary lunch with ocean views. The Inn-Based Kayak Tour mixes paddling, hiking, and gourmet meals over five days and offers flexible paddling or shuttling options with trips led by expert guides. The Islands Adventurer Camping Tour spans up to 37 miles of paddling and sailing across varied coastline, cliffs, and beaches. The Coastal Explorer Camping Tour provides exclusive camping on remote shores for immersive outdoor experiences.
Descriptions emphasize family-friendly, easy-paced options as well as longer, more challenging journeys for experienced paddlers. All listings highlight wildlife viewing, coastline exploration, and overnight camping where specified. Based in Friday Harbor, San Juan Kayak Expeditions focuses on guided sea-kayak adventures inside the San Juan Islands.
Base Location
Friday Harbor, WA
Gateway to the San Juan Islands
Tours Offered
6 Tours
Day trips to multi-day expeditions
Wildlife Viewing
Whales • Seals • Eagles
Frequent sightings in protected waters
Overnight Options
3–5 Day Trips
Camping and inn-based itineraries
Reserve a day trip or multi-day expedition from Friday Harbor and paddle toward whales, seals, and stunning coastline views.
Dress in layers for changing weather
The weather on the water can fluctuate, so wearing layers ensures you stay comfortable throughout the cruise.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
Enhance your chances of spotting eagles, seals, and other marine life with a good pair of binoculars.
Arrive early to secure a good seat
Getting to the dock early gives you the best shot at securing prime viewing spots on the boat.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens
Capture detailed shots of wildlife and scenic vistas with a camera that has a good zoom capability.
Layered clothing
Layered clothing keeps you comfortable as temperatures change throughout the day.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Binoculars
Useful for wildlife viewing from the boat and shore.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Protects against sun exposure during longer daylight hours.
summer
Camera with zoom lens
Capture memorable wildlife and scenic views along the cruise.