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.

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 Washington breweries who will provide delicious craft beer. The following is a list of the breweries featured on each departure date:
The September 11-13, 2020 and July 9-11, 2021 departures will feature beers from San Juan Brewing, a local brewery out of Friday Harbor, WA.

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.

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 World Nomads 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/.

Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply. For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.