The 15 best things to do in San Juan Islands (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

   Outty Ranking83

   The best orca whale watching is from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, just an easy day trip adventure from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Islands are considered the "jewel" of the Pacific Northwest, located in the Puget S. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.8/5 from 849 traveler reviews, 4h from $135, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. Chuckanut Bay Distillery Tour with 2 Mini Cocktails and Gift Glass

   Outty Ranking83

   Chuckanut Bay Distillery is a true grain-to-glass distillery located in a beautiful historic building right in the heart of Bellingham. Our experiential tour takes you behind the scenes to show you how we convert locally. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 110 traveler reviews, 1h from $20, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Full Day San Juan Island Kayaking Adventure

   Outty Ranking82

   Suitable for all skill levels and beginners too, spend your day kayaking in prime marine wildlife habitat along the Haro Strait, between San Juan Island and Vancouver Island. We'll pick you up on Friday Harbor and take y. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.8/5 from 243 traveler reviews, 6h from $149, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour

   Outty Ranking78

   Join us to explore the San Juan Islands aboard one of the new fast boats. See an abundance of whales and wildlife including killer whales, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, dolphins and more. Tours are 3 to 4 hours long and l. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 4.8/5 from 261 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $119, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park

   Outty Ranking77

   No experience is necessary to join this professionally guided kayak trip. Bowman Bay is the perfect place for beginners to feel comfortable paddling on the sea. It offers beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife to seek ou. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 4.9/5 from 137 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $56, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island

   Outty Ranking76

   Come experience the only old-growth tree climbing activity in the State of Washington and create some unforgettable memories. This is your chance to do something not even .1% of the population has done, but now you can. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 117 traveler reviews, 4h from $275, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. 3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

   Outty Ranking75

   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. Strongly Recommended at 75/100, 4.9/5 from 99 traveler reviews, 3h from $135, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

   Outty Ranking74

   Although just one mile south of Friday Harbor, Griffin Bay is a world away from it all! This trip offers peace and quiet and superb views of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountain range. Unhindered by strong. Strongly Recommended at 74/100, 5.0/5 from 44 traveler reviews, 3h from $119, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes

   Outty Ranking73

   No ferry required! Small group whale watching tours on the some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES. See whales with us or come again for FREE. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.8/5 from 795 traveler reviews, 3h from $119.

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10. 

    10. Orcas Island Whale Watching

    Outty Ranking69

    Small group whale watching tours on some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES! See whales with us or come again for FREE. Solid Choice at 69/100, 4.7/5 from 496 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $119.

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11. 

    11. Half Day Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

    Outty Ranking66

    Explore the stunning west side of San Juan Island on this half-day kayak tour, designed for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Paddle alongside expert guides, who share their knowledge of local marine life and c. Solid Choice at 66/100, 5.0/5 from 17 traveler reviews, 4h from $175, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Outdoor Rock Climbing Beginner or Intermediate at Mt Erie

    Outty Ranking65

    Never gone rock climbing outdoors or indoors, then this is for you! Learn the basics and after this adventurous course, you will be able to pass any gym’s belayer test. Mankind's underdeveloped climbing skills and inabil. Solid Choice at 65/100, 5.0/5 from 8 traveler reviews, 8h from $260, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

    Outty Ranking65

    There are very few places in the world where you can experience the stars in the sky and illuminated water around you at the same time. Our trip starts off with a beautiful sunset paddle in Griffin Bay off of San Juan Is. Solid Choice at 65/100, 4.7/5 from 47 traveler reviews, 3h from $175, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Bellingham Bash Scavenger Hunt

    Outty Ranking62

    Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote and interactive live host to assist and encourage you through your phone. We are an Austin. Solid Choice at 62/100, 4.5/5 from 2 traveler reviews, 2h from $29, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. The Orcas Project Wine Tasting

    Outty Ranking62

    The Orcas Project is more than just a tasting, there's a real story behind every wine in your flight. We work with talented winemakers and vineyards across the Pacific Northwest, and each bottle features original artwork. Solid Choice at 62/100, 5.0/5 from 12 traveler reviews, 0.5h from $29, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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