3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 98 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands worth booking?
3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands is a 3-hour experience in San Juan Islands, United States, from $135 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 98 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (98)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $135 per person
We are the only kayak tour company that is currently able to lead trips to Burrows Island. You will be exploring unique shorelines that few visitors to the islands are able to experience. Save time, and save money! Th
What you get
About this experience
We are the only kayak tour company that is currently able to lead trips to Burrows Island. You will be exploring unique shorelines that few visitors to the islands are able to experience. Save time, and save money! The experience does not require the hassles of taking a ferry to San Juan Island. Anacortes, located on Fidalgo Island has two bridges connecting us to the mainland. Because you are able to drive directly to us your time on the water is maximized. Many tour companies on other islands include a lengthy shuttle ride as a part of their trip thereby reducing the actual time spent kayaking and encountering wildlife. Single kayaks are available for participants for an additional $25pp. Must be 18 years or older. (Must be requested in advance and is subject to availability.) Professionally trained guides will see to the details and ensure your comfort.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Professionally trained guide
- Includes all sea kayaking equipment, life jackets, and safety gear.
Not included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
- Personal clothing for the weather. (We do have some loaner jackets and sweaters)
- Shoes that can get wet
What you'll see and do
In 2013 the San Juan Islands National Monument was created. It is a unique area consisting of over 450 islands and countless rocks and reefs. What makes the San Juan Islands National Monument so special is the outstanding scenery and incredible diversity of animal species, all located in relative proximity to major population centers in both Canada and Washington State. Kayaking in the San Juan Islands is perhaps the best way to get an intimate look at what the place has to offer. You are traveling at a walking pace and so it is easy to notice the details more clearly. Your guides are familiar with the area and love to help you spot interesting sea life, as well as tell stories of the rich cultural history of this little corner of the Pacific Northwest. Join us!
180 minutes here
After a brief kayaking lesson, you and your professional guide will depart from our custom-built kayak docks and paddle out into Burrows Bay. The wildlife encounters often begin right in the marina, with our resident seals popping up to say hello. Most trips will circumnavigate Burrows Island, one of three small islands located just offshore. On the west side of the island is the historic Burrows Island Lighthouse, and the magnificent Rosario Strait. The Salish Sea boasts the most dense population of Harbor seals in the world and there are abundant seals around Burrows island. In the summer months, the seal population swells as the pupping season gets underway, giving us fun sightings of these cute little babies. The narrow passages between Burrows Island and Allan Island are also the best place to see Harbor porpoise in Washington State. Keep your eyes open, as we sometimes encounter families of Orca whales that ply these waters in search of prey! As you make your way around the island the views across the sea reveal the Olympic Mountain and the gorgeous scenery of the San Juan Islands surrounds you. The islands of Burrows Bay are uniquely situated off the beaten path. Once you are out near the islands you will not encounter many other people, creating a peaceful and authentic San Juan Islands experience.
180 minutes here
San Juan Islands
The beauty of the San Juan Islands is one of the top draws for tourism in Washington State. Join us as we paddle out to one of the most beautiful of the uninhabited islands and explore its shorelines!
180 minutes here
Anacortes
Our lovely seaside town is worth spending some time exploring. Make sure to ask our staff about the Anacortes Community Forestlands. With over 40 miles of forested trails, hidden lakes, and epic views, it is not to be missed!
1440 minutes here
Fidalgo Island
With three bridges connecting us to the mainland, we are the only island in the San Juan Islands that you can drive directly to. The convenience and beauty of Fidalgo Island makes it a perfect destination for travelers looking to make the most of their Washington State vacation.
1440 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Juan Islands
Our office is in the Skyline Marine Center. Look for the blue kayak mounted over the garage door.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our office is in the Skyline Marine Center. Look for the blue kayak mounted over the garage door.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Anacortes Kayak Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Participants over 265 pounds may not be comfortable in the kayaks for the duration of the trip. Please call if you have questions.
- The kayaks can accommodate people up to 6 feet, 5 inches. If you have very long legs then please call before booking.
- Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- If you have children under 6 years old then please call before booking so that we can be sure to put you on an appropriate departure.
- DUE TO COVID-19 WE CANNOT PLACE STRANGERS INTO TANDEM KAYAKS TOGETHER. IF YOU ARE A SOLO TRAVELER THEN YOU WILL NEED TO BE FIT ENOUGH TO PADDLE YOUR OWN SINGLE KAYAK. Please call with questions or concerns.
- PLEASE CALL US AFTER BOOKING. Due to the nature of booking on a third-party site, and our small group size, we highly recommend giving us a quick call after you book to make sure that your preferred departure time works for you. During the busiest days we often run full. In the unlikely event that your preferred trip is already full then we will definitely get you out on a trip leaving at a similar time. We just don't want to cause you any disappointment. Thank you!
- If you have serious medical conditions then please consult with your physician before signing up.
- If you are feeling unwell then please choose another day to join us, after you are feeling better
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 98 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
98 verified traveler reviews for 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Magical evening Bioluminescent Tour!
We had a magical experience with Antonio and Ryan as our guides on the evening bioluminescent kayaking trip! The start point was easy to find. Our guides were warm and welcoming. The scenery was SO serene and beautiful. Seeing the bioluminescent was stunning, amazing! Loved the return trip in the evening along the twinkling coastline!
via Tripadvisor
Professional and Fun 3 Hour Kayak Trip
Our group of 12 had a lovely 3 hour kayak trip in 4 single and 4 double kayaks, with two guides. The guides gave helpful cues and tips, and very interesting information on the geology, bull kelp, Pacific Madrone aka 'refrigerator' tree, and wildlife seen which included a bald eagle, blue heron, seals in the open and in their nursery, harbor porpoises, and jelly fish.
Response from the operator: It’s nice to hear that you had a fun time out there. Thanks for joining us! We hope to see you again someday.
via Tripadvisor
Great kayaking trip with gorgeous scenery and wildlife
Our family booked the 5 hour sea kayaking tour as a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while we were in Washington. There was great email communication prior to the trip, and even a phone call the morning of our tour to make sure we were properly prepared. We arrived and were delighted to find that it would only be the 6 of us with that guide for the day. Yay for an unexpected small group! Jason introduced himself, answered all of our questions, and got our outfits and kayaks situated to go out on the water. After setting off, he did a wonderful job of talking to us about the area, explaining things we were seeing, and being politely conversational while still giving us plenty of space to enjoy the beautiful scenery. He pointed out lots of wildlife we might have missed, like river otters, bald eagles, and even guided us close enough to look at a harbor seal and her pup while educating us on them. Jason let us take the lead on determining our path/plans while we were out, but made helpful recommendations based on the weather and his observations regarding our skill level. We enjoyed our time in the kayaks and lunching on the bluff, as well as his insights into Washington, and suggestions for other things to do while we were on vacation there. We really enjoyed this day and the tour through AKT, and would recommend it to others.
Response from the operator: I appreciate the time you took to post this thoughtful review, Sarah. It’s nice to hear that we were able to meet your expectations and that you enjoyed your time with Jason. Please come back again someday!
via Tripadvisor
Fun Basic Tandem Kayaking
They were highly recommended on Yelp along with several other companies. Most of the tour companies had the same price. The time availability, Golden Hour Tour discount, and Anacortes departure allowed us to narrow our decision. We were very pleased with our three our tour. However, it did not seem like it would work well for beginners as basic skills were needed to paddle and navigate. I never quite got comfortable with the peddles for turning and would have had them a little lower as my feet slipped off a couple times. I could not bend my knees enough to reconnect the peddles for turning on my own. Our guide assisted me which held up the tour though. We were in a tandem which worked well for us as my husband was recovering from surgery. We were covered with a skirt to keep us dry for the most part. Some water did leech in to wet our bathing suit bottoms so we were glad we brought a dry change of clothes at the end. We saw eagles, seals, jumping fish, and other birds. Whales do not come in this close to the main land so we had no expectation. The water was like glass in parts, slightly turbulent in others, and the island shores simply serene. If you stuck close to the guide, he was very knowledgeable.
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us! It is nice to hear that your guide was able to help you out when you had issues with your footpegs. It sounds like you enjoyed some nice wildlife sightings too, even though the whales didn’t show up that day. The whales do, in fact gracefully our waters with their presence as often as anywhere else in the San Juans. It is just impossible to predict when it happens. In fact, we had a wonderful encounter just yesterday. We hope to see you again someday!
via Tripadvisor
Great choice!
A great way to see the islands and nature, up close & in person! Our guide Bence was fabulous, informative, pleasant, and conversational. We plan to do this again!
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us, Amy! We look forward to seeing you again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 34
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Juan Islands.
How much does 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands cost?
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Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Juan Islands usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Juan Islands is not rushed.
Is 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 98 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Juan Islands, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands?
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Around 34 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Juan Islands can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Juan Islands and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Juan Islands within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Juan Islands?
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The San Juan Islands are Washington's whale watching centre: orca and humpback boats, kayak tours through the channels, seaplane trips and island-hopping day tours from Seattle. On Outty we rank every San Juan Islands experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching from Friday Harbor, Chuckanut Bay Distillery Tour with 2 Mini Cocktails and Gift Glass, Full Day San Juan Island Kayaking Adventure. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Juan Islands?
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May to September, with peak whale sightings in July and August. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Juan Islands?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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