$125 /person • 13+ years
Paddle Orcas Island’s north shore to Point Doughty for a 3.5-hour sea-kayak tour framed by Mount Baker. Small groups, a beach landing, and frequent wildlife sightings make this an ideal half-day outdoor outing.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to sit and paddle for 1–2 hours with short beach walking and wet entries
Wildlife
History
Orcas Island is part of the San Juan Islands and lies within the traditional territory of Coast Salish peoples; maritime travel has shaped local life for centuries.
Conservation
Practice Leave No Trace: pack out all trash, avoid disturbing haul-out seals, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact on fragile shorelines.
Shearwater Adventures
$125 /person • 13+ years
Shearwater Adventures is a guided sea-kayaking operator based in Deer Harbor, Washington, offering a range of small-group paddling experiences around Orcas Island and nearby islands. The company runs daytime and after-dark tours—three-hour excursions from Deer Harbor to the Wasp Islands, guided paddles to Doe Bay and Eastsound, sunset cruises from North Beach, and specialized full-moon and bioluminescence night trips.
All tours include expert guidance, safety instruction, and paddling gear provided for participants. Trips are designed for a wide range of abilities and ages, with options that suit beginners, families, and more experienced paddlers. Seasonal offerings such as moonlight and bioluminescence tours run on select nights and are scheduled to coincide with optimal natural conditions.
Natural-history interpretation and wildlife viewing are core elements of the experience; paddlers can expect opportunities to see marine birds, intertidal life, and marine mammals depending on timing and tides. The Paddle & Picnic tour adds time for beach exploration, tide-pooling, and a relaxed shore lunch on uninhabited islands.
Shearwater Adventures operates from Deer Harbor on Orcas Island and emphasizes small groups and personalized attention. The operator maintains a focus on safety, local knowledge, and leaving minimal environmental impact. For visitors seeking guided kayaking, sunset paddles, or guided night-time bioluminescence and full-moon experiences in the San Juan Islands, Shearwater Adventures provides locally guided options and all necessary equipment.
Launch Location
Deer Harbor, WA
Gateway to Orcas Island paddles
Trip Lengths
2–3 hours
Short, half-day options available
Skill Level
All Abilities
Beginners and families welcome
Gear Included
All gear provided
Paddles, PFDs, and instruction
Reserve seasonal spots for sunset, full-moon, or bioluminescence paddles — small groups, expert guidance, all gear included.
Wear waterproof footwear
Beach launches mean you will get your feet wet; bring water shoes or sport sandals you don’t mind dunking.
Layer for variable weather
Northwest conditions change fast—pack breathable layers and a wind/rain shell to stay comfortable on the water.
Protect electronics
Stash phones and cameras in a small dry bag; tide-swept logs and wet landings are common at Point Doughty.
Arrive early to check in
Meet at the Brandts Landing Marina gate 10 minutes before departure; do not drive into the gated marina before speaking with your guide.
Water shoes or sport sandals
Required for beach launches and landings; keeps feet protected on rocky shorelines.
summer
Small dry bag (10L)
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry during paddling and when ashore.
Windbreaker or light rain shell
Protects against chilly winds and light drizzle common in the Salish Sea.
spring
Refillable water bottle
Hydration for the 3.5-hour experience—there are no water stations on the route.
summer