Top Washington Kayaking

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 Island where we kayak among harbor seals, roosting birds, and other wildlife. Then as the night progresses, the environment around us becomes even more serene as the bioluminescent sea life comes to life. This is one of those experiences that you will truly remember forever. Please contact Outdoor Odysseys directly to complete your waivers prior to the tour. The last ferry leaves Friday Harbor at 9:50pm and our June, July, and August tours end later.

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.

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.**

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. Spot local wildlife such as harbor seals, porpoises, several fish species, and sometimes orcas. All sea kayaking equipment, life jackets, and safety gear are included for a safe and comfortable experience.

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 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.

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 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!

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.

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.

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this half-day whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered one of the best places to view orca whales.

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 cultural history, all while taking in breathtaking views of the coastline. This small group experience, limited to just 8 guests, increases your chances of encountering whales, sea lions, and more, as you glide through serene waters. With all kayaking equipment provided, including waterproof jackets and dry bags, you're set for an unforgettable adventure on the Pacific Northwest waters.

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.

Get up close with the killer whales of Anacortes, the home port to the San Juan Islands, on this whale-watching cruise led by naturalist guides. Climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters—plus a wide variety of birds and more.

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.

Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour that is great for locals and tourists alike who want to learn more about this city. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle’s history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States.

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.

Seattle is a fun city to explore, but good luck finding parking if you rent a car and set out on your own. Make things easier on yourself with a guided tour of Seattle that hits up highlights, including the Space Needle, Chinatown, and T-Mobile Park. Plus, your guide knows all the quickest ways around, so you can see more in less time.

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.

Experience the natural beauty of Mt. Rainier with the help of a guide to lead the way on this full-day group tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls, historic towns, and Mt. Rainier. Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt. Rainier National Park, and the aptly named Paradise. Includes pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels for your convenience.

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.

Explore the stunning waters of San Juan Island on a full-day kayak tour designed for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Paddle along the west side, where wildlife encounters are likely, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a small beach scenic walk to the lighthouse. Experienced guides ensure a safe and memorable experience, providing all necessary equipment and small group sizes for personalized attention.

Seattle is famous for its bustling waterfront, numerous green spaces, and historic neighborhoods. Ideal for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour provides an overview of top attractions such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Pike Place market. Sit back and relax while your guide provides historical and cultural background for each destination, and enjoy stops to walk and take photos.