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Rent A Kayak And Explore
The San Juan Islands are home
to numerous Kayak rental and Kayak Expedition outfitters offering a
wide variety of Kayaking experiences, from basic 3-hour tours to
multi-day paddling adventures making stops on numerous islands
including Sucia Island Marine Park off Orcas Island's north shore,
Matia, and Patos Islands.
Rates vary from one Kayak Tour
Operator to another from about $75.00 for a multi-hour tour, $100.00
per day for self guided Kayak rental, and up to $700+ for 4 day
luxury paddle tours with many perks including meals, sleeping bags
and portage fees.
Kayaking is easy for beginners in
reasonable physical shape. The efficient shape of kayak hulls allow
you to glide along with a minimum of effort.
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 Getting
To The San Juan IslandsGetting to the San Juan
Islands via Washington State Ferry is as much fun as being
here. The large, comfortable ferry take you through some of
the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest in the
heart of Orca territory. Keep your camera handy. If the
captain happens to see a pod of whales you may suddenly find
yourself on an unexpected whale watching excursion. Time
permitting, the captain may slow down or stop to allow
passengers to observe and photograph the whales.
Washington State Ferries
depart Anacortes and generally make stops on Lopez Island,
Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
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Be
Killer Whale Wise - They Can Kill You
Whale Watching Guidelines and Best Practices are observed by Kayak
Excursions and Whale Watching boats throughout the San Juan Islands.
 Orcas are related to dolphins and tend to be more playful
than menacing, however they are wild animals so you should always
use common sense and keep a safe distance from the whales at all
times.
Disturbing the whales is not only a wise thing to do, it
is also the law now that the resident Orca Whale population has been
put on the endangered species list. As a rule you should remain
200-400 yards from the whales. While you're watching the Orcas you
may find on occasion the whales popping up much closer to you to get
a look of their own and in some instances they may swim directly
under you which can be a bit un-nerving for some people.
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Save On Kayak Rentals & Whale Watching Tours
If you're coming to the San Juan Islands
and plan to go on a Kayaking Tour or Whale Watching expedition it is
"Whale" worth it to look for discount coupons both online and in
tourist circulars and brochures found on board the Washington State
Ferries in the upper-deck passenger areas. Most have an entire
brochure wall with maps and information about the different islands.
Some discount coupons offer 10%-20% off, or a dollar amount of
$40.00 off or more for longer excursions.
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Orcas
Outdoors Sea Kayak Tours |
| Located by the ferry terminal. Specializing in
tours of West Sound. Custom Tours Available. Hourly,
Daily, Multi-day tours |
Good choice if you are a walk-on aboard
the Washington State Ferry. EZ location.
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| (360) 376-4611 or (360) 2376-2971 |
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Sea
Kayak Tours at West Beach Resort |
| Located on the northwest side of Orcas Island.
Has RV & Camping sites, Beachfront Cottages! |
| If you're an RV or Camping
maniac, this is a good choice for you. |
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360-376-2240 |
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Spring
Bay Kayak Tours |
| Located on the southeast corner of the island approximately
20 miles from the ferry landing. Kayak tours and brunch at the
Spring Bay Inn. Your a.m. kayak tour is included if you are a
guest at the Inn! Rates are $220-$260 per
room. Owners are retired park rangers. |
| A luxurious way to
experience Orcas island with all the knowledge of two ex-rangers on
tap. |
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(360) 376-5531 |
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Lieber
Haven Resort & Marina Boat Rentals |
| Located on southeast Orcas Island.
Kayak, Motorboat & Sailboat Rentals, Whale Watching, General
Store, Also, Beachfront Cottages with no minimum nights
stay, |
| Great for a one night visit
to Orcas Island. Also whale watching tours. |
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(360)-376-2472 |
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Osprey
Tours |
| Located on the north shore of Orcas Island at
Bartwood Lodge. Traditional styled Sea kayak tours. One
hour, 1/2 day, all day, multi-day guided tours. |
| Excellent for crossings to
Matia, Patos & Sucia Islands.
Venture into open water in the big leagues. CLICK
HERE |
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(360)-376-3677 |
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Shearwater
Sea Kayak Tours |
| Located in Eastsound. Guided 3-hour, full
day & multi-day tours. No experience required. Kayak
skills classes available. |
| Like other kayak tours
there is no experience necessary and you can kayak with your
honey in a 2 person kayak. |
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(360)-376-4699 |
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 What To Bring
On A Whale Watching ExcursionYou can make the most of your Kayaking Adventure
or Whale Watching tour by coming prepared with the proper clothing
and equipment. As a rule you will want to wear comfortable clothing
like t-shirts and sweatshirts along with a light coat or
windbreaker.
The waters around The San Juan Islands are cool
year round. When you are paddling you also become warm so you will
want to take off your jacket and store it so be sure to wear a
lightweight wind-resistant and perhaps water-resistant as well.
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