Kayaking
Outer Island Excursions offers three 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
Outer Island Excursions offers 3 hour kayaking tours from the north shore on Orcas Island. 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.
Suitable for Beginner to Advanced Kayakers
Ages 8+
Summer Tour Times:
9:30 Check In, 10 am Departure
1:30 Check In, 2 pm Departure
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.
One can encounter bald eagles, osprey, harlequin ducks, river otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise and even the occasional orca whale!
***You must bring a water bottle and pack a lunch***
Suitable for Moderate to Advanced Kayakers
Ages 13+
Summer Tour Times:
9 am Check In, 9:30 Departure
WEST BEACH SUNSET KAYAK TOUR
Outer Island Excursions offers 2 hour kayaking tours from West Beach Resort on Orcas Island. We paddle out into the sunset along the shore of Orcas Island. With Waldron Island in the background
These kayak tours explore the best wildlife area Orcas Island has to offer. It is home to many harbor seals, eagles and shore birds. We often spot harbor porpoises feeding in the currents around the point, and even the occasional orca!
Appropriate for Beginner to Advanced Kayakers
Ages 8+
Summer Tour Times:
6 pm Check In, 6:30 pm Departure
Orcas Island Kayak Rentals
STANDARD RENTALS
Our rental boats are great for any aquatic terrain around Orcas Island. Kayaks can be picked up between 9am and 5pm. You meet at our office in Eastsound at 414 North Beach Road (by the big Killer Whale). Then 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 to your private home address, for these types of deliveries, please call 360-376-3711. Otherwise, please refer to the destinations below:
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) Your accommodation address
2) North Beach Public Access
3) Madrona Point County Dock Eastsound
4) Deer Harbor Preserve
5) Orcas Ferry Landing
6) Moran State Park Day Use Area of Cascade Lake
7) Moran State Park Boat Launch at Mountain Lake
8) Obstruction Pass County Boat Launch
**KAYAKERS CANNOT PADDLE ALONE**
SINGLE KAYAKS
$40 for 4 hours
$50 per day
$125 three days
$275 per week
DOUBLE KAYAKS
$65 for 4 hours
$75 per day
$200 three days
$425 per week
Delivery Fees: $40 per kayak
($80 minimum fee)
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 in advance of a reservation in order to give our team time to review and respond. 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