Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Since 1987 we've been offering bioluminescent paddling as part of every one of our multi-day camping trips. In recent years we've decided to make that experience available to guests who prefer a shorter trip or have a specific interest in night paddling. Join us for a beautiful night paddle in Griffin Bay off San Juan Island among the bioluminescent micro flora and fauna of the Salish Sea! We’ll launch at sunset and kayak among harbor seals and roosting birds as we wait for the light show to begin. The waters are most serene and vacant of other boat traffic at night, but reactivated by fish and jellies in bioluminescence. We have scheduled trips during the new moons for the best conditions to see the bioluminescence, but can put together custom departures if those dates do not work for your group. Find out more about our trip below and we hope to see you on your next San Juan Island Kayak Tour!
Options
September 2026
Start time based on sunset
2026 Season
8:30PM Start Time Dates
May 21 to July 11, 2026
Start time adapted for sunset
July 12 - 20, 2026
Unique start time and pricing
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
All kayaking gear, dry bag
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A rainy/soupy night!
Sunshine698583,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Interesting to be out on the water at night - yes, you saw flashes of bioluminescence but nothing stunning. It rained most of the time so nothing else to see. Would have been better on a clear night - guide Chris made the best of it though.
WOW! What an experience!
Cheers999,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience! We thoroughly enjoyed our nighttime kayaking. Keith was the perfect guide - knowledgeable and helpful, with a side of hilariousness. This was definitely a highlight of our trip.
Great outfitter and guide!
abcd1976,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the nighttime bioluminescence kayak tour in a group on a challenging night due to the full moon. OO did a great job prepping us before the tour day with info about what to expect, wear, bring, etc. On the night of, our guide Meg appeared promptly at the pick up site, rounded us up and drove us to the beach. She made everyone on the tour feel prepared, safe, and informed. Very patient with some less experienced paddlers on our tour. Despite the full moon, Meg knew the spots to bring us to so we all saw the bioluminescence! Highly recommend!
Magical
pegc832,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Justin and Eddie were amazing guides. What a special experience. The bay was so serene and peaceful. We were the only group out there so we had the entire place to ourselves. I had so much fun and came across so many good pockets of bioluminescence. So glad I booked this experience.
Be Awed By Nature
717mirandag,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was wonderful! My husband and I spent our honeymoon on San Juan Islands and this was the highlight. The guide was knowledgeable and helped us find the perfect spots to see the greatest bioluminescence. It's an experience that's hard to describe, but 100% worth it. (Also, it's really hard to take photos of the bioluminescence, so I can't share any photos. However, that's just another reason you should go. There's no other way to really experience the magic besides in person.)
No warning about carrying kayaks
Risla163,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We were two women ages 70 and 75 and a guide. We were expected to carry our two person kayak about 100 feet to the water. We were not warned about this ahead of time. The other companies had kayak carts or they had 5 younger men on each kayak they were carrying. Totally unacceptable
Excellent time in a beautiful place!
Henry W,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time and the bio was very strong and abundant! The water was glass smooth and the guide was super helpful getting us set up and on the water. Could not have asked for a better experience!
Thank you for the beautiful moment!
rikuo179,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was beautiful! I was attracted by evening sky, reflection, nightscape and bioluminescence! The staff was nice. Additonally, it was secure and relaxing adventure.
A magical evening kayak tour
439MarkN2017,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are a few operators who offer this tour, but Outdoor Odysseys is the best reviewed. Our experience with Meg was also 5 star. She was organized, insightful, pleasant and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening on the water with her. Thank you!
Fantastic!
pamsU1197AF,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a cool experience!! Loved it!! The reactive aspect of the bioluminescence was exciting! Our guide was fun and knowledgeable.
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