Kayaking
Outer Island Excursions offers four kayak tours to suit all skill levels and interests. With options for first-timers or experienced kayakers we offer guided exploration with experienced naturalists. Or you can rent our equipment and we will provide you with with PFDs, paddles, and bilge pumps. Learn about the local ecosystem while interacting with tide pools with the chance to see otters, minks, seals, porpoises, sea birds, eagles and even the occasional orca!
Kayak Tours
Point Doughty Kayak Tour
Explore the north shore of Orcas Island on an adventure out to Point Doughty State Park. Surrounded by private property on land, the park is only accessible by kayak, canoe, or row boat. Once at the park we take a brief break on the beach to enjoy a nature walk and beautiful views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding islands before we head back.
These kayak tours explore the best wildlife area Orcas Island has to offer! It is home to many harbor seals, porpoises, shore birds, and eagles. You might get lucky and spot the occasional orca!
Duration: 3 Hours
Tour Times:
9:30 Check In
10 am Departure
Adult: $109
Youth (8 - 17): $89
Sucia Island Kayak Tour
We take a power boat to Sucia Island where we spend the day exploring the many coves and rocky shores of this spectacular state park. After a brief kayaking safety orientation, you and your guide will hop in your kayaks for a 4 to 5 hour paddle which includes a lunch stop (Lunch is not provided) and short hike at a remote beach. As we paddle around the island we stop by prime wildlife viewing locations and explore some of Sucia’s natural history. After the adventure of a lifetime we return to Orcas by power boat.
The rugged remote archipelago of Sucia has the most wildlife you will ever see by kayak! Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Harlequin Ducks among a huge variety of seabirds are frequently seen in addition to otters, minks, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, massive Steller's Sea Lions, and even the occasional Whales and Orcas!
***You must bring water and pack a lunch***
Tour Times:
9 am Check In
9:30 Departure
Adult: $199
Youth (13 - 17): $199
West Beach Sunset Kayak Tour
Experience the most breathtaking sunsets Orcas Island has to offer from the tranquil waters of the western shore. Departing from West Beach Resort, we paddle out into the sunset along the coastline of Orcas Island, with views of the scenic San Juan Islands in the background.
Sunset is also a great time to see wildlife. Home to many harbor seals, eagles and shore birds, we also often spot Harbor Porpoises feeding in the currents around the point and even the occasional orca!
Duration: 2 Hours
Tour Times:
6 pm Check In
6:30 pm Departure
Adult: $109
Youth (8 - 17): $89
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Join our guides to explore the magical bioluminescent plankton blooms that light up the waters of the salish sea. Departing from the historic Rosario Resort, unforgettable tour will bring you to some of the best bioluminescence the coasts of Orcas have to offer. With each stroke of your paddle, watch as the waters below come to life. To bring you the brightest sightings, this tours departure schedule is built to depart around new moons for the darkest nights.
Duration: 2 Hours
Tour Times:
10:00 PM Departure (June - July)
9:30 PM Departure (August)
9:00 PM Departure (September)
Adult: $109
Youth (13 - 17): $89
Rosario Kayak Day Trip
Join us on an incredible excursion out of the Rosario Marina, part of the historic resort and mansion build by Robert Moran in 1909. From Rosario we make our way down the coastline to the best wildlife viewing locations in the cascade bay before coming ashore in the small town of Olga, one of Orcas Island's oldest communities. Here we will stop for lunch at the cafe and browse the local art co-op before boarding our kayaks and setting course back to Rosario.
Duration: ~5-6 Hours
Tour Times:
9:30 Check in
10 am Departure
Adult: $149
Youth (8 - 17): $129
Orcas Island Kayak Rentals
Our rental boats are great for any aquatic terrain around Orcas Island. Kayaks can be picked up between 9am and 5pm. Rentals are available directly from Rosario or from Eastsound. One of our guides will lead you to your boats for a brief safety talk and to get set up with equipment. Kayak Rentals include paddles, PFDs, and a bilge pump.
Deliveries
Kayaks can be delivered just about anywhere you want to paddle around Orcas Island, including to your private address! For these types of deliveries, please call 360-376-3711.
Kayak rental deliveries are for a minimum of 1 full day and must be received prior to 9am or after 5pm. You must be present to receive and return rentals.
Round Trip Delivery Fee:
$40 per kayak ($80 minimum fee)
Delivery Locations
1) North Beach Public Access
2) Madrona Point County Dock Eastsound
3) Deer Harbor Preserve
4) Orcas Ferry Landing
5) Moran State Park Day Use Area of Cascade Lake
6) Moran State Park Boat Launch at Mountain Lake
7) Obstruction Pass County Boat Launch
Or directly to your accommodation's address!
KAYAKERS CAN NOT PADDLE ALONE!!!
Where on planet Orcas do YOU want to paddle?
CHANNEL CROSSINGS
Advanced kayakers may rent kayaks in order to explore the more remote corners of Orcas Island and some of the neighboring areas and islands. Any kayaker who rents a kayak with the intention of executing a channel crossing, a multi-day trip, and/or any trip judged by the Outer Island Team to need additional documentation must submit a
Float plans must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to departure in order to give our team time to review and respond. Float plans will only be reviewed after a kayak rental reservation is made. The Outer Island team cannot give advice or suggest routes prior to receiving a completed float plan that demonstrates an understanding of wind, weather, tide, and variable conditions.
In order for your float plan to be approved it is critical to know how to read nautical charts and tide current charts as well as have accurate and up to date weather reports. Tide rips and sudden gusty winds can come up quickly and surprise you, even in the short crossing between Orcas Island and Sucia Island. It is very important to know how to judge these conditions and be experienced and ready for an open water crossing.
For less experienced kayakers a better option is to bring the kayak with you on our Sucia Ferry and explore the more protected bays of Sucia once you arrive.
Locations that REQUIRE a Float Plan include (but are not limited to):
Sucia, Patos, Matia, Clark, Barnes, and Stuart Islands
Locations that DO NOT require a Float Plan include:
Yellow Island & Jones Island