1 Day Eagles & Orcas - Sea Kayak Trips - 2007

This is the best chance in the lower 48 states to observe Orca whales in their natural habitat. The pristine waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands are host to over 80 resident Orca Whales. The resident J, K and L pods are found in the San Juan archipelago from May to October because the various species of salmon upon which they feed are migrating through the area. The current tends to push the incoming salmon into the numerous bays and inlets on the west side of San Juan Island and Orcas take advantage of this phenomenon to feed.

Quiet and unobtrusive, double kayaks provide the perfect means for exploring the myriad forms of sea life we encounter.

We'll meet as a group at the ferry landing in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island between 10:00 and 10:30 AM (Time may vary slightly depending on the ferry schedule. This allows you to walk onto the ferry and save the inconvenience and expense of driving.

We'll kayak for about an hour and a half and then stop for a break in a beautiful little cove just south of Lime Kiln State Park that has outstanding views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island. After our break we'll continue paddling and exploring along the rocky shores of San Juan Island. After a inspiring day on the water viewing the "wonders of the universe," we'll get you back to Friday Harbor between 4:15 - 4:45 PM in time for the 5:00 PM ferry to Anacortes, or for dinner on the town if you are staying overnight.

3 Day Eagles & Orcas - Sea Kayak Trips - 2007

Our three-day "Eagles and Orcas" paddle to Stuart Island passes through world class Orca whale and bald eagle habitat. Circumnavigate scenic Stuart Island accompanied by our mature professional biologist guides. With over 200 rocky, forested islands to explore, the San Juan Islands are a superb kayak destination.

Experience the fun of sea kayaking and camping on a remote island accessible only by boat! The pristine waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands are host to over 85 resident orca whales. Other treasured wildlife sightings may include minke whales, harbor and Dall's porpoises, seals, river otter and a variety of different birdlife ranging from auklets to herons. The region also boasts the second largest bald eagle breeding population in the continental United States.

Our guide will meet you in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Our van will take the group, which generally averages from 6-8 participants, (maximum of 12), to our put-in site on the west side of San Juan Island. After paddling for a couple of hours along the rocky shores of San Juan and Henry Islands we'll stop for lunch on a protected sandy beach.

After crossing Spieden Channel we'll be paddling among forested, rocky islands including Spieden, Goose and John. Our destination for the night is Reid Harbor and Stuart Island, which is only accessible by boat. The campsite is nestled in a clump of red barked Madronas, Cedar and Douglas fir trees.

On our second day we'll do "le grand" circumnavigation around Stuart Island passing by many smaller uninhabited islands – a comfortable day kayaking adventure. We'll kayak past the Coast Guard lighthouse on the north side of Stuart and glide past numerous birds including great blue herons, cormorants and bald eagles.

Our third day will be spent retracing our route back to our put-in site. We're in prime whale territory again so our chances of seeing the J, K and L pod of resident Orca whales increases.