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

September 2025

Start time based on sunset

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

Reviews

4.57

21 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Be Awed By Nature
717mirandag,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This 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
2.00
We 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
5.00
Had 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
5.00
Everything 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
5.00
There 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
5.00
Such a cool experience!! Loved it!! The reactive aspect of the bioluminescence was exciting! Our guide was fun and knowledgeable.
Bioluminescence Kayaking- incredible!
Adventure33904477954,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Bioluminescence kayak trip was fabulous! An unforgettable experience that exceeded our expectations, it was a great intro to sea kayaking as well, since we were beginners. Small group, good equipment, fun and patient guide- Outdoor Odysseys knows how to do it right!
This was such a fun...
Nilofer R,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from 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
- Review from 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).
Amazing experience
Road29524263316,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was the highlight of our trip to Friday Harbor. Amazing experience and a wonderful guide. The bioluminescence was wild to see. So so grateful for the experience.