South Sound Kayak Tours offers guided paddling journeys through Shelton’s serene waters, bringing you face-to-face with seals, eagles, and ancient forested shorelines. Discover what makes their local kayak experiences a standout in Washington’s South Puget Sound.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with basic upper body strength and stamina for a few hours of paddling.
Wildlife
History
The area around Shelton and South Puget Sound has a rich Indigenous heritage, with local tribes relying on these waters for millennia.
Conservation
South Sound Kayak Tours emphasizes low-impact paddling to preserve fragile marine habitats and encourages guests to practice Leave No Trace principles.
South Sound Kayak Tours
South Sound Kayak Tours offers guided paddling journeys through Shelton’s serene waters, bringing you face-to-face with seals, eagles, and ancient forested shorelines. Discover what makes their local kayak experiences a standout in Washington’s South Puget Sound.
South Sound Kayak Tours is a Shelton, Washington-based outfitter offering guided small-group kayak adventures on South Puget Sound. The company operates a range of guided trips that showcase local marine habitats, shoreline trails, and scenic mountain views. Departing from locations near Olympia and Shelton, trips include a 3-hour Hope Island kayak tour around Hope Island Marine State Park (about 30 minutes from Olympia), 2-hour Olympia Waterfront tours of Budd Bay departing Swantown Marina, and seasonal Olympia Sunset kayak tours on Budd Bay during summer golden hours.
Guides focus on safe, accessible paddling for participants of all skill levels and provide options for single or tandem kayaks on waterfront and sunset tours. Hope Island trips offer protected waters with opportunities to see seals, sea lions, porpoise, and bald eagles, plus on-island time to explore trails, old-growth pockets, and historic fruit trees. On clear days, paddlers can enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier from the water.
Safety and family access are part of the offering: Hope Island tours note ages 5+ with an adult (16+) and a per-person weight limit of 240 pounds. Group sizes are kept small to enhance wildlife viewing and shoreline exploration. South Sound Kayak Tours presents straightforward, locally focused kayak experiences for visitors and residents seeking guided paddling around Olympia, Budd Bay, and Hope Island. Trips are described as perfect for all skill levels, accommodating beginners through experienced paddlers, and emphasize wildlife viewing, scenic interpretation, and safe paddling practices on South Puget Sound waters regularly.
Location
Shelton, WA
Based in Shelton, WA.
Tours Offered
4 guided tours
Small group kayak adventures.
Trip Lengths
2–3 hours
Tour durations of 2–3 hours.
Wildlife & Views
Seals, eagles, Mt. Rainier
See local wildlife and mountain views.
Select Hope Island, Olympia Waterfront, or Sunset tours — small groups, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable mountain vistas.
Wear layered clothing
Water and weather conditions can change quickly; bring breathable, moisture-wicking layers for comfort.
Bring waterproof storage
Protect your phone, camera, and snacks with a dry bag to keep gear safe during paddling.
Practice basic paddling skills
Even beginners should familiarize themselves with forward strokes and steering before the trip.
Respect wildlife distances
Maintain a respectful space from seals, birds, and other animals to avoid disturbance and observe natural behaviors.
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps valuables safe and dry throughout the paddle.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects skin and eyes during exposure to bright sun on open water.
summer
Layered clothing
Allows adjustment to changing temperatures and conditions on the water.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial during physical activity on the water.