Kayak tour leaving the protected
Fishermen’s Harbor, Lopez Island.
Grab your supplies at Friday Harbor,
the island’s main town, and then take
a kayak supported taxi to the historic
resort and marina at Roche Harbor on
the northwest corner. The five-hour
summer only Whale Sanctuary Tour by
San Juan Outfitters will take you right to
the west side of the island, which is orca
central. Venture farther into the islands
for in-depth whale sightings on a two
to six night fully catered kayaking tour
with Crystal Seas Kayaking. Turn Point
Lighthouse on Stuart Island is one of
the many destinations you’ll visit.
Experienced kayakers with their
own gear may launch from San Juan
County Park south of Roche Harbor to
spot whales on their own. The park does
have a launch fee and the waters offshore have strong currents. Expert skills
are required to paddling in this area. For
those seeking calm waters, Friday Harbor is in a protected bay, as are Griffin
Bay, Westcott Bay and Roche Harbor.
The San Juans don’t necessarily
require a boat or plane to access. The
eastern islands include Guemes, Cypress, Strawberry, Burrows, Young and
Allen Islands. Each are accessible by
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explore:NW | The Official Magazine of kenmore air | Spring 2016
Below, San Juan County Park, San Juan
Island.
Anacortes, a maritime industry town
only 90 minutes north of Seattle off
Highway 20. Anacortes Kayak Tours
offers day and overnight trips to these
islands. Half- and full-day trips explore
the islands of Burrows, Allen and Young,
which are a short paddle from Skyline Marina west of Anacortes. Easily
accessed but seemingly remote, these
islands have rugged shorelines with
mini coves, cliffs and caves to explore.
A historic lighthouse perched on rocky
cliff can be spotted on the west side of
Burrows looks out over Rosario Strait
towards the main San Juan Islands
archipelago.
Solo kayaking San Juan County Park,
San Juan Island.
Take a two or three day overnight
trip with Anacortes Kayak Tours which
will take you around Guemes Island to
Cypress Island, one of the most scenic
and undeveloped of the larger San Juan
islands. Camp at Pelican Beach or the
island like Cypress Head under colorful
Madrone trees and listen to distant
whales and seals breathing as they pass
during the night. A short paddle from
the mainland, these campsites will
make you feel like you’re in southeast
Alaska.
Experienced kayakers should note
that most of the paddles around
Anacortes require knowledge of tidal
currents. To visit Cypress Island, check
the current tables for favorable tides.
Launch from the Guemes Island ferry
dock (in Anacortes) and take the end