Private Tour

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

All kayaking gear, dry bag

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!

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

July 12 - 20, 2025

Unique start time and pricing

May 21 to July 11, 2025

Start time adapted for sunset

Summer 2025

8:30PM Start Time Dates

September 2025

Start time based on sunset

Reviews

4.65

17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

This was such a fun...
Nilofer R,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was such a fun experience!! Hannah was an excellent tour guide. Hannah made sure we understood the equipment and stayed warm. The night was a little cloudy which made it great to see all the bioluminescence in the water!!
Operator cancelled late
Jennifer S,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
1.00
Despite poor weather forecasts several days in advance (wind, rain), the operator doubly confirmed the event was going ahead 30 hr prior - so we kept our reservations for hotel and ferry. But then the outfitter did in fact cancel the event 11 hr prior (morning of). This was poor decision making and adversely impacted us customers because by then it was too late to cancel our $450/nt hotel (which required 24hrs notice to cancel as most do) and we had already arrived at the ferry terminal 2.5 hrs north of Seattle. Per Viator’s policy, they did refund our Viator event fee since they cancelled it. (We suspect they waited very late to cancel so that customers might cancel first and then they wouldn’t need to issue refunds).
Moana Tour
Erik N,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Laura was excellent as a guide. Very cool almost surreal to see/experience bioluminescence first hand.
Tour
Jeannette d,
Jul 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was incredible. We didn’t get the full ambiance of seeing the bioluminescence because of the full moon. Jared however took us to some areas that were less lit and we could definitely see them. He was very knowledgeable and informative about what we were seeing and doing.
View not as beautiful as...
Qingxin B,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
3.00
View not as beautiful as advertised, almost invisible. Had to help carry 4 boats to the beach and back - this was not stated in any description of the tour. Overall the tour was okay, but nothing too excited or unique. Lower your expectations and you will do fine.