Outdoor Odysseys requires a minimum of four people per date in order to guarantee each departure. Please wait to make travel arrangements until you've received confirmation from Outdoor Odysseys.

Yes, we have private departures available on this trip! Private departures offer more flexibility to travel when it suits your group. Additional costs may apply depending on your group size. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and check on availability.

Yes! We also offer a 3-Day Women’s Kayaking trip, and a slightly longer 4-Day Kayaking trip. Choose the adventure that suits your needs and discover the beauty of the San Juan Islands! Visit the Adventures home page or contact our Adventures Team to learn more.

You have a number of different travel options. Most people take a shuttle van that leaves right from Sea Tac airport 8-9 times a day and transports you to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, which is about a two and a half hour drive. At the terminal it is simply a matter of purchasing a round trip walk-on ticket to Friday Harbor, which will cost around $12 per person. You can also book commercial flights from Sea Tac airport as well as seaplane flights. When you sign up for the trip, Outdoor Odysseys will e-mail you all the travel details you’ll need to arrange your transportation.

You'll camp on various islands in the San Juan archipelago that are only accessible by boat. The campsites are beautiful, waterfront sites administered by the Washington State Parks Department. All of the sites have picnic tables, fire pits, potable water, and outhouses.

Kayak groups typically include a mixture of both solo guests and groups of two or more. You'll be paired up for paddling with another single guest or if there is an odd number of people on the trip you may paddle with one of the kayak guides. Solo travelers will always be provided their own tent on overnight trips.

Outdoor Odysseys places a premium on using quality ingredients: fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, real butter, premium chocolates, bottled wines, and real maple syrup. All food comes from one of the region's leading natural foods providers, providing access to a huge variety of organic, sustainably grown goodies.

On this trip you'll also be accompanied by experts from local breweries who will provide delicious craft beer. The following is a list of possible breweries featured on this trip: San Juan Brewing, Icicle Brewing, and Wander Brewing.

The average group size is around 7 guests, with a maximum of 12. If there are more than 9 guests, another guide will be added.

No experience is necessary! Your safety is their number one priority, and Outdoor Odysseys uses very stable double kayaks that tend to be wider and much more stable than single kayaks. They employ mature, seasoned guides who will give you a very thorough on-land orientation before you start your trip. You'll learn the basics of kayak paddling, including how to steer and fit the boat. Throughout your kayak trip, your guide will be there to give you pointers and assist you with your paddling skills.

No, this is not a portered trip. You are expected to work together as a group as you assist in carrying gear, setting up camp, and taking care of the kayaks.

You should pack light but comfortably. All your belongings must fit in the provided dry bags. See below for a suggested packing list:

Clothing - It gets chilly at night by the water, so pack layers and warm options, even in the summer. You'll also want to bring synthetic/wool layers for paddling and damp weather.
Undershorts or swim trunks
Long-sleeve top
T-shirt
Socks (wool or poly is best)
Long underwear (top & bottom)
Fleece jacket
Wind/rain layer (just in case)
Clothes for camp – anything comfy (shirt, pants, shorts, socks, dry shoes or sandals for hiking/camp)
Footwear that can get wet
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, bandana)
Optional items (rain pants, sleeping socks, change of clothes, knit hat/beanie, Gloves: bicycling or paddling type)

Camping gear - Most gear is provided, but you may choose to bring personal items, provided they fit in the boats.
Sleeping bag & pad, as compact as possible (rental bags and pads are also available through Outdoor Odysseys, please reserve in advance)
Headlamp or flashlight
Toothbrush/toiletries

Other items
Water bottle (potable water is available at launch sites and campsites and your guide will carry additional water to refill throughout the day)
Sunscreen
Binoculars (preferably waterproof)
Camera/camera gear
Eyeglass tether
Any personal medications

The following is provided by Outdoor Odysseys and included in the trip cost:

Kayaks - The fiberglass double kayaks used are purchased from Northwest Kayaks, a local kayak manufacturer in the Seattle area. The plastic doubles which are used for day trips are Boreal Esperantos.
All paddling gear - Outdoor Odysseys uses NRS lifejackets, Snap Dragon spray skirts and Werner paddles.
Camping gear - You'll be provided with dry bags for all of your personal belongings. If you own or can borrow a smaller sleeping bag and sleep pad, you should consider bringing these. The roll up Coleman-style sleeping bag is usually too big to fit in the double sea kayaks. Sleeping bags and inflatable pads are available to rent for a marginal fee through Outdoor Odysseys (please reserve in advance).
Food & cooking gear - All food and cooking gear is provided. You may choose to bring your own snacks or specialty items.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.

We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.

Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.

New For 2022 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.

Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.

You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.

*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.

Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.

You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.

*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 or 2023 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.

Less than 30 days prior to departure*
In some cases, you may have the option to postpone your trip within 30 days prior to departure.

If this is available at the time of your request, you will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.

For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.