Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Although just one mile south of Friday Harbor, Griffin Bay is a world away from it all! This trip offers peace and quiet and superb views of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountain range. Unhindered by strong tidal currents, it is an ideal trip for families and anyone wanting to experience sea kayaking.
We will explore picturesque Dinner Island and it’s colony of chubby resident harbor seals, then turn south toward quiet coves. You may see bald eagles, Dall’s or Harbor porpoise, river otters, mink and oodles of migratory sea birds like scoters, harlequin ducks, loons and mergansers along with our local herons, cormorants, gulls and kingfishers!
This trip moves at an easy pace and offers a chance to get away from the crowds.
Forged in 1980 from leave-no-trace ethics and a commitment to excellence, San Juan Kayak Expeditions provides fun knowledgeable guides, top of the line equipment, including fiberglass kayaks & carbon fiber paddles, and personalized customer service.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For children 8 and older when accompanied by an adult
Must be of average height and weight. 225 Max weight; 6'6 max height
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The tour meeting point -- walking distance from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Meet up with your guide here before we depart for our paddle session.
Jackson Beach Park
Our launch point into Griffin Bay! Gain confidence in the kayak with a brief paddling instruction and safety talk before heading out on the water.
What‘s Included
All taxes and fees
Landing and facility fees
Professionally Trained Naturalist Kayak Guide
Includes the use of all sea kayaking equipment and safety gear
Transportation to launch site from Friday Harbor
Gratuities
Bottled water
Sun protection (sunglasses, sun screen, hat)
Personal weather appropriate clothing
Options
Griffin Bay 3 Hour Kayak Tour
Reviews
41 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun double kayak experience
jc091958,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed a guided kayak tour with Noah and Cooper for 3 hrs with a great picnic lunch. The guides were super friendly, helpful and professional all rolled together. Our experience was connected to Bicycle Adventures touring. The conditions were calm water and along the shoreline and along with our guides skill to ensure we were safe …. It was a good experience. The one negative was the broken seat in the pink kayak front seat and unfortunately I didn’t discover the issue until our lunch stop. I was assured that was making me slide down and the seat would be need to be repaired/replaced after the experience.
Amazing experience touring Friday Harbor and the islands.
Pamela J,,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow this trip exceeded my expectations. It was challenging, the food was excellent and the group was awesome. The beauty of this area was breathtaking and our guide Noah knew every detail of the history, the conditions and the best places to camp. Coming from Boston to the Seattle area was beyond my expectations.
Great Guided Tour
D3800CQgregoryb,,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day to spend the day kayaking on the island! Shannon was a great guide who was professional and very knowledgeable about the local waters! Although the orcas were hiding from us on this day we still managed to see porpoises, bald eagles, a blue heron, and some harbor seals. I’d definitely recommend the all day guided tour on a warm summer day!
Amazing trip
lensladyk,,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the full day expedition to Lime Kiln. Ryan was an awesome guide! It was my first time sea kayaking, and I had a blast. We even saw harbor seals and ochre sea stars. Highly recommend using this company if you're considering kayaking the San Juans!
Kayak trip
D6303HSamandap,,May 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Noah, Maddie and Ryan took our group out on a kayak tour and I had the best experience. They gave us great instructions beforehand and made sure everyone was comfortable before we set off! I would highly recommend these guides and this company to anyone looking for a great kayak tour!
Best Kayaking Trip ever.
wbratton7,,Sep 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the PERFECT way to see the San Juan Islands. We paddled between 6 and 10 miles each day depending on tide, weather and how we felt, except Wednesday which was a rest day. We started in Friday Harbour and visited Lopez and Orcas islands. A typical paddle day started with a yummy breakfast brought to us at our inn's and then we hit the water about 9am. Paddle for a few hours seeing seals, eagles, jellyfish and numerous wildlife. We would stop each day for lunch consisting of either sandwiches or a charcuterie board with wine and dessert. Then a couple more hours of paddling to our destination. All of the Inn's that we stayed at were wonderful and very comfy. No sleeping in tents or on the shore on this trip, stay in a nice inn, with a good mattress and private bathroom. (all luggage is portered between destinations) Dinners were all at upscale nice restaurants and included with wine, except one. The guides on our trip were Cole and Owen. They were delightful young men, very professional, good humored, and very knowledgeable. On our rest day we hiked Mt Constitution on Orcas Island and had some relaxing time at our inn to enjoy. We also did a bioluminescence kayak that night. Overall this was a top rate, high quality, fun and educational trip with gorgeous scenery from the water level. My wife and I would do this again in a heartbeat.
A wonderful holiday experience
scottmN27BM,,Aug 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time doing a day long kayak tour out at Lime Kiln and the surrounding coastline. The weather was foggy with a bit of rain, but we stayed warm and dry in the kayaks. We saw a lot of bald eagles and harbor seals. Ryan was an excellent guide and explained the shore ecosystem well, and we appreciated the excellent packed lunch and instruction as it was our first time in sea kayaks. We would definitely book again.
Fun Day on the Water
326juliay,,Jul 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was wonderful - it was part of a multi-day outing with a biking tour group. Our guides, Ryan and Noah were professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive of all level of guests - they were both a pleasure to spend the afternoon with! The kayaks were well-outfitted. Both Noah and Ryan took time to thoroughly review safety and use instructions AND each had wonderful stories to share about the region, history, and culture. KUDOS to them both - it was clear they had a passion for working on the water, educating others about the unique sea life in the area, and sharing this amazing experience with others! A MUST DO excursion if you are in the area!
Wonderful Experience!
VacaDad1915,,Jul 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience! Our guide Owen was very well informed of the wildlife and the area. This is not an easy stroll, the currents are pulling on you the entire time. My wife and I have kayaked before but not on the ocean. We were worn out by the end of the 3 hour tour.
Beautiful kayak experience on San Juan Island!
Erin H,,Jun 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing 3 hour tour with Benning! We went to Lime Kiln light house and saw Bald eagles, harbor seals and even a river otter! It was beautiful and so relaxing! Benning was so kind, knowledgeable and so appreciated his sense of adventure!!
From US$119.00
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Operated by San Juan Kayak Expeditions