Explore South Puget Sound by Guided Kayak

South Sound Kayak Tours — Guided Kayak Adventures in South Puget Sound

Guided kayak tours in Shelton, Washington and Olympia

South Sound Kayak Tours offers guided kayak experiences focused on South Puget Sound paddling, wildlife viewing, and scenic shoreline exploration. Trips depart near Olympia and Shelton, including departures from Swantown Marina in downtown Olympia for Budd Bay tours. Popular guided kayak options include the Hope Island Kayak Tour, Olympia Waterfront Kayak Tour, and Olympia Sunset Kayak Tour, with trips designed for all skill levels.

Why choose guided kayak tours on South Puget Sound?

• Local knowledge: Guides navigate protected waters around Hope Island Marine State Park and Budd Bay to maximize wildlife sightings.
• Wildlife viewing: Expect sightings of seals, sea lions, porpoise, and bald eagles in protected channels and near shorelines.
• Scenic vistas: Many trips offer views of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier on clear days.

Trip highlights and practical details

Hope Island Kayak Tour (3 hours)

• A guided 3-hour paddle around Hope Island Marine State Park, approximately 30 minutes from Olympia.
• Protected waters ideal for wildlife viewing and on-island exploration of trails and historic fruit trees.

Olympia Waterfront Kayak Tour (2 hours)

• A 2-hour guided paddle of Budd Bay departing from Swantown Marina in downtown Olympia.
• Options for single or tandem kayaks and accessible to paddlers of varying experience.

Olympia Sunset Kayak Tour

• Seasonal sunset paddles on Budd Bay that highlight golden-hour lighting and coastal vistas.
• Single and tandem kayak options make the tour suitable for solo paddlers, couples, and small groups.

Safety, capacity, and accessibility

• Small group formats prioritize wildlife viewing and shoreline access.
• Hope Island tours note ages 5+ with an adult (16+) and a weight limit of 240 lbs per person.
• Tours are described as perfect for all skill levels, accommodating beginners through experienced paddlers.

What to expect on a guided kayak tour

• Professional local guides who lead small groups through protected waters.
• Opportunities for close-up wildlife observation from kayaks and onshore exploration at Hope Island.
• Scenic paddling routes with photographic views of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier on clear days.

Keywords & search terms to find these tours

• South Puget Sound kayak tours
• Hope Island kayak tour
• Olympia waterfront kayak tour
• Olympia sunset kayak tour
• guided kayak tours near Olympia

Book with confidence

South Sound Kayak Tours focuses on locally guided kayak experiences around Hope Island, Budd Bay, and the Olympic Peninsula shoreline. For visitors seeking wildlife-rich paddles, protected-water routes, and clear views of regional mountains, these guided tours provide structured, small-group outings tailored to a wide range of paddlers.