Top Washington Kayaking Tours

See Whidbey Island in Washington from a fresh perspective with a small-group kayaking tour in Deception Pass State Park. Meet your guide at a departure point and climb into a sea kayak to explore the calm waters of Bowman Bay. Learn the basics of paddling and admire views of wildlife, Fidalgo Island, and more. All gear including life jackets is provided.

Explore Washington state’s San Juan Islands Monument on this sea kayak tour starting in Anacortes. Join a small group to paddle past the stunning scenery of uninhabited islands including Burrows Island. There is also an opportunity to spot local wildlife such as harbor seals, porpoises, several fish species, and sometimes even orcas.

Join us on this 3 hour kayaking tour from the north shore on Orcas Island. Surrounded by private property on land, the park is only accessible by kayak, canoe, or row boat. Once at the park we take a brief break on the beach to enjoy a nature walk and beautiful views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding islands before we head back. These kayak tours explore the best wildlife area Orcas Island has to offer! It is home to many harbor seals, porpoises, shore birds, and eagles.

This is the perfect tour for anyone looking to get out on the water for a few hours on their San Juan Island vacation. With pick-up and drop-off in downtown Friday Harbor, this family and beginner-friendly three hour tour gets you kayaking among pelagic wildlife in the shadow of Mt. Baker. After picking you up at the Friday Harbor waterfront, we'll take a short drive over to Jackson's Beach, coach you through basic paddling and safety techniques and get you out on the serene waters and tidal zone of Griffin Bay as to circumnavigate Dinner Island with views of the Olympic Mountains cresting above Cattle Pass. With morning and afternoon departure times, we think this tour is a great way to dabble in some kayaking, have some laughs, enjoy nature, and make memories with your travel companions.

Embark on a truly unique adventure with our Columbia River kayak expedition. Our experienced guides lead you through breathtaking scenery, offering routes suitable for all skill levels. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings as you paddle along the Wind River crystal-clear waters. From close encounters with bald eagles to exploring fun waterways kayaking provides a perspective unlike any other. Whether you're seeking solo exploration or a memorable day with loved ones, our expedition promises unforgettable experiences. Book your adventure today and discover the magic of kayaking in the gorge!

See Seattle and its surrounding views from a unique vantage point on a small-group sea kayak tour to Alki Lighthouse. This aquatic excursion is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive and dynamic sightseeing experience. No previous kayak experience is required, and you can choose a 1-person or 2-person kayak. As you paddle across the calm bay, enjoy unobstructed views of the Olympic Mountains, Seattle skyline, and more.

South Sound Kayak Tours specializes in small group kayak adventures on South Puget Sound. Join us for a guided 3hr tour to Hope Island Marine State Park! Located just 30min from Olympia and convenient to the Olympic Peninsula, Hope Island remains one of the best places to kayak in the area. The protected waters that surround the island offer the opportunity to see seals, sea lions, porpoise, eagles, and all the amazing creatures living just below the surface. Once on the island, you'll have time to explore the various trails, old growth forests, or picnic under the historic fruit trees. On those bluebird days take in the views of both the Olympics and Mt Rainier! **Ages (5+) with an Adult (16+) Weight Limit 240lbs per person. Solo or One person bookings may be cancelled or rescheduled to meet 2 person tour minimum.**

Spend a picturesque six hours in and around the water on this kayaking tour, with a friendly guide to help you navigate the water and prepare your lunch on the beach. You’ll float through a wildlife habitat that’s home to the likes of seals, porpoises, and orcas. But don’t forget to look up for a chance at spotting some eagles too.

This full day adventure includes about 4-5 hours of kayaking, high speed powerboat transport to and from the island, exploration on the beaches and a lunch break. We take a power boat to Sucia Island where we spend the day exploring the many coves and rocky shores of this spectacular state park. After a brief kayaking safety orientation, you and your guide will hop in your kayaks for a 4 to 5 hour paddle which includes a lunch stop (Lunch is not provided) and short hike at a remote beach. As we paddle around the island we stop by prime wildlife viewing locations and explore some of Sucia’s natural history. After the adventure of a lifetime we return to Orcas by power boat. One can encounter bald eagles, osprey, harlequin ducks, river otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise and even the occasional orca whale!

Experience spectacular 360-degree views of Seattle and its surrounding mountain ranges on a small-group sunset sea kayak tour in Elliott Bay. This evening excursion is perfect for active travelers seeking the perfect pictures of the Emerald City. All are welcome on this aquatic adventure, as no previous kayaking experience is necessary, and a guide is on hand at all times to ensure traveler safety.

A full-catered trip, this multi-day tour takes you to experience kayaking and camping in the San Juan Islands, specifically Cypress Island. This island is a gem within the San Juan archipelago, boasting protected conservation and natural areas that teem with wildlife. Explore miles of trails leading to viewpoints and secluded coves with pebble beaches. Enjoy having exclusive access to this hidden paradise during this tour.

Explore the rich ecosystem of Puget Sound on a guided kayak tour with a small group. Suitable for families and beginner kayakers, follow your guide as you paddle around the sound, soaking up the views and keeping an eye out for wildlife such as wild seals, sea lions, great herons, and more.

Experience Seattle from a unique vantage point on a small-group sea kayak tour in Elliott Bay. No previous experience is necessary for this aquatic adventure, and a guide is on hand at all times, ensuring you have a fun and safe experience. As you paddle along the calm waters, enjoy unobstructed views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountain ranges. If you’re lucky, you may spot local wildlife, like California sea lions.

Our kayak tours offer a unique immersion into the breathtaking Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Perfect for families spanning multiple generations, our crystal-clear waters provide an up-close view of fish darting beneath your kayak, while bald eagles, osprey, and blue herons soar overhead. Experience the quintessential Northwest tradition of blackberry picking right from your kayak during midsummer excursions, adding a delightful local flavor to your adventure. What sets our tours apart is our commitment to personalized experiences. With small group sizes and expert guides, we ensure that each participant receives individual attention and gains valuable insights into the local environment and wildlife. See the Columbia Gorge from a unique perspective and embark on an adventure you'll cherish forever with Gorge Paddling Center.

Paddle through the calm, winding waterways of Scappoose Bay, one of the most serene and wildlife-rich kayaking areas in the region. This guided experience takes you into quiet tidal channels surrounded by wetlands and forest, where it’s common to spot birds, river otters, fish, and other native wildlife. The tour follows a relaxed pace, with time to float, observe nature, and take photos rather than rushing. With stable kayaks and attentive guidance, it’s well suited for both first-time paddlers and those seeking an easy, enjoyable outing on the water. What truly sets this experience apart is its private and unrushed format. The route and rhythm are adapted to the group and conditions, creating a more personal connection with the landscape. To keep things seamless, private transportation from a location chosen by the traveler is included, along with fresh snacks and water—so you can focus entirely on the experience.

We're offering professional guiding to help parents or guardians get kids out on the water for possibly the first time in a kayak. As part of this tour the family will travel to an offshore island for an exciting hike, a lunch that we'll prepare and some time on the beach in addition to the kayaking that we'll be doing.

Take an adventure on San Juan Island through Griffin Bay. Jump in a kayak and follow the instructor through the calm waters to see what Dinner Island has to offer. Look out for harbor seals, river otters, and tons of seabirds in their natural habitat. As you paddle, marvel at the site of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the dazzling Olympic Mountain range.

Depending on conditions we will paddle Admiralty Inlet, Port Townsend Bay, or Kilisut Harbor. All of our guides are trained and experienced naturalists, with a keen eye for spotting animals and interpreting their behavior.

We typically allocate 1/2 hour for our comprehensive safety and equipment orientation, followed by two hours of paddling on the water Highlights Peaceful Paddle Glide through serene waters as the sun begins to set, offering a tranquil escape and the perfect setting for wildlife viewing. Breathtaking Sunset Views Experience a stunning array of colors as the sky transforms with the sunset, creating a magical backdrop for your kayaking adventure. Wildlife Encounters Spot local wildlife such as birds, fish, and perhaps even larger animals like otters, seals or deer, all in their natural habitats as the day transitions into evening. Golden Hour Photography Capture the beauty of the golden hour, where the warm light of the setting sun enhances the landscape and wildlife, perfect for unforgettable photos. Guided Expertise Learn about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and the environment from a knowledgeable guide who shares fascinating insights throughout your journey.

What makes this tour special is the combination of calm-water kayaking and rich, place-based storytelling. As your local guide, I don’t just point out wildlife—I help you understand the why and how behind what you’re seeing. Why do harbor seals choose Liberty Bay to raise their pups? How does the marine ecosystem here support such abundant birdlife? What’s the story behind Poulsbo’s Nordic harbor and its transformation over time? This is more than a paddle—it's a guided exploration through history, ecology, and the unique identity of Liberty Bay. Whether you're new to kayaking or an experienced paddler, this tour is designed to be accessible, educational, and memorable. Expect a relaxed pace, stable kayaks, and thoughtful interpretation that leaves you with a deeper connection to the Puget Sound.

Join us for an evening tour as the day fades into a stunning canvas of orange and purple, like a living painting. After sunset, you’ll witness the magical glow of bioluminescent dinoflagellates lighting up the water.