The San Juan Islands, located off the coast of Washington State, offer a unique and breathtaking sea kayaking experience. This 4-day itinerary is the trip I just completed last week and takes you through the islands’ stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and serene waters. We visited the islands of Orcas, Posey, Stuart, and Jones, with a mix of kayaking and ferry travel.
If you are like me and don’t know much about the San Juans here is some general information about the Islands:
- The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, located between Washington state and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. There are a 175 named islands.
- The archipelago is part of Washington state and forms the core of San Juan County.
- The San Juan Islands are home to the greatest concentration of bald eagles in the contiguous United States.
- The islands are famous for their resident pods of orcas.
- The San Juan Islands are an important tourist destination, with sea kayaking, boating, hiking, and orca whale-watching being some of the primary attractions.
Day 1: Anacortes to Orcas Island and Posey Island
- Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island: Start your journey with a scenic ferry ride from Anacortes to Orcas Island. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Olympic Mountains. The price to carry on a sea kayak was $30/person and included the return trip. The price can be more or less depending on if you bring a vehicle or walk on with nothing.
- Kayaking to Posey Island: After arriving at Orcas Island, launch your kayaks and paddle to Posey Island (approximately 10 miles, 3-4 hours). Enjoy the tranquil waters and keep an eye out for marine life, including seals, sea lions, and porpoises.
- Exploring Posey Island: Posey island is only 1 acre is size, so there isn’t a lot to do, but it is still fun to be on such a small island. The coolest thing for us was kayaking around the island at night and seeing the bioluminescence. You’ll need a dark night and no lights on your boat if you want to see it really well, but it is totally worth it and very cool!
- Camping on Posey Island: Set up camp on the island’s scenic shoreline, surrounded by Madrona trees and stunning views of the surrounding waters. Make sure you book your spot in advance on https://washington.goingtocamp.com/. This was the only island that we stayed at that allowed reservations. There are only two sites available and they book up fast!
Day 2: Posey Island to Stuart Island
- Kayaking to Stuart Island: Depart Posey Island and paddle to Stuart Island (approximately 6 miles, 2-3 hours). Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the mainland mountains.
- Exploring Stuart Island: Spend the afternoon exploring Stuart Island’s scenic coastline, the hiking trails offer scenic views of the island’s coastline, forests, and meadows.
- The Lighthouse Trail: A short, easy trail that leads to the lighthouse.
- The Coast Trail: A moderate trail that follows the coastline and offers stunning views of the Haro Strait.
- The Ridge Trail: A challenging trail that takes you to the highest point on the island, offering panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
- Beaches: Stuart Island has several beautiful beaches, including:
- Reed Bay Beach: A secluded beach with calm waters, perfect for kayaking or swimming.
- Turn Point Beach: A scenic beach with stunning views of the Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains.
- South Beach: A long, sandy beach perfect for walking, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the sun and sea.
- Camping on Stuart Island: Set up camp on the island’s scenic shoreline, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. There are plenty of campgrounds and they are available first come first serve. The State Park Campground offers basic campsites and amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and potable water.
Day 3: Stuart Island to Jones Island
- Kayaking to Jones Island: Depart Stuart Island and paddle to Jones Island (approximately 4 miles, 2 hours). Enjoy the serene waters and keep an eye out for wildlife, including eagles, osprey, and seals.
- Exploring Jones Island: Spend the afternoon exploring Jones Island’s scenic coastline, including the island’s scenic coves and beaches. There are many trails that takes you around the entire island, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding waters. Remember Jones Island is a small island, and most attractions are within walking distance.
- Camping on Jones Island: Set up camp on the island’s scenic shoreline, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. Jones Island offers basic campsites and amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and potable water.
Day 4: Jones Island to Orcas Island and Anacortes
- Kayaking to Orcas Island: Depart Jones Island and paddle back to Orcas Island (approximately 6 miles, 2 hours).
- Ferry from Orcas Island to Anacortes: After arriving at Orcas Island, board the ferry for the return journey to Anacortes (approximately 1 hour).
Essential Information
- Kayaking Experience: This itinerary is suitable for intermediate to advanced kayakers, with a good level of physical fitness and kayaking skills. Use tools like https://www.deepzoom.com/ to plan your itinerary and see the schedule of the tides so you can plan the best time to paddle with the tides.
- Kayak Rentals: Kayaks can be rented in Anacortes or Orcas Island, with options for single or double kayaks.
- Camping: Campsites are available on each island, with basic facilities and stunning views. The prices are about $12/site for up to 8 people.
- Weather: Be prepared for Pacific Northwest weather, with layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
- Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and eagles.
This 4-day itinerary offers a unique and unforgettable sea kayaking experience in the San Juan Islands, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and beautiful waters, the San Juan Islands offer a diverse range of kayaking adventures for all skill levels and interests. From leisurely day trips to week-long expeditions, there’s a San Juan Islands kayaking itinerary that most people can do. Explore the islands’ many hidden coves and inlets, paddle through the many channels, look for orcas, or simply bask in the tranquility of this Pacific Northwest paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just starting out, the San Juan Islands have something for everyone. If sea kayaking isn’t your thing, check out some additional information on the amazing state of Washington by clicking here.
