Discover the stunning waterways of the San Juan Islands on the Lime Kiln Full-Day Tour. Experience wildlife viewing, scenic vistas, and local history all from a classic sternwheeler riverboat. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; optional walking at stops
Wildlife
History
The San Juan Islands played a key role in regional maritime history, with many sites like the Lime Kilns dating back to the 1890s, used for industrial purposes.
Conservation
San Juan Kayak Expeditions is committed to eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on marine environments and wildlife.
San Juan Kayak Expeditions
Discover the stunning waterways of the San Juan Islands on the Lime Kiln Full-Day Tour. Experience wildlife viewing, scenic vistas, and local history all from a classic sternwheeler riverboat. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
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
Weather on the water can change quickly, so wear layered clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars to spot marine life from a distance.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes early ensures you get comfortable seating and all the tour information beforehand.
Carry Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong on the water, so apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against rain and splashes while enjoying the water and outdoor deck.
spring,winter
Casual Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes for moving around the boat and exploring shoreline stops.
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Provides shade and glare protection during sunny days for comfort and protection.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters along the tour.