San Juan Islands Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island

Name: San Juan Islands Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
Brand: REI Adventures
SKU: sjw
Rating: 4.8 (72 reviews)

Trip Length3 Days

Group Size4-12

Activity level

Starting from

$1,199for REI Members

$1,299 for non-members

DeparturesMay 2025-Sep 2025

travel@rei.com Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Explore the majestic San Juan Islands from the seat of a kayak on this unforgettable 3-day adventure.

Washington's San Juan Islands are nothing short of magical. Its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a remarkable place to seek serenity and adventure. Our route is designed to take us through the best kayaking the San Juan's has to offer. Paddling 7-10 miles per day, we pass tranquil beaches, observe marine birds and harbor seals, and spot the occasional orca from our boats.

From the quaint island community of Roche Harbor, we pack our boats and set out for a weekend of adventure. Spend two nights on charming Stuart Island, home to great hiking and beautiful campsites. While gliding through Haro Strait and Boundary Pass, we keep our eyes peeled for Dall's porpoise, endangered Steller sea lions and many different types of birds soaring overhead. Our guides are experienced naturalists, trained to help spot the creatures of the San Juan Islands. This journey hooks us with adventure and inspires us with beauty.

Interested in exploring more of the San Juans by kayak? Check out our San Juan Islands Kayaking - Orcas Island to Sucia Island adventure.

Another day draws to a colorful end in the San Juans.

Trip Highlights

Soak in the magic of Washington's San Juan Islands on an active weekend getaway
Spend two nights camping on Stuart Island while dining on local, organic food
Kayak 7-10 miles per day, explore the island by foot, and spot marine wildlife

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. We sea kayak up to 10 miles (up to 5 hours), in open ocean waters and crossing large channels that are frequently impacted by tides, currents, wind, choppy water, and possibly inclement weather. The crossing of large stretches of open water channels requires constant momentum sometimes without taking a break for large periods of time. Guests should arrive confident, comfortable, and fit for these conditions. Previous kayaking experience and the ability to swim is a requirement. For safety reasons, single kayaks are not available and guests will need to actively navigate an approximately 20' kayak in partnership with another person. While our guides will provide insight, planning, knowledge, and outdoor leadership during your trip, it is your responsibility to arrive physically and mentally prepared for your expedition.

Sea Kayaking

What's Included

Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; one group arrival transfer Friday Harbor-Roche Harbor; one group departure transfer Roche Harbor-Friday Harbor; 3-person tents for double occupancy use for 2 nights' camping; cooking gear and eating utensils; tandem kayaks (no singles); related kayaking equipment including paddles, PFDs and dry bags.

Accommodations

Island camping, 2 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for San Juan Islands Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island

Day 1

Welcome to San Juan Island, paddle to Stuart Island to hike and camp

Our trip begins this morning in Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the San Juan Islands archipelago. We meet a few hundred feet from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, then transfer to Roche Harbor to prepare for our kayaking excursion. Packing into dry bags, we load our kayaks and begin paddling across the open water of Spieden Channel and skirt Haro Strait, a favorite area for orca whale pods to find salmon. Tides and currents permitting, our picnic lunch stop will be on a picturesque beach on Posey, Gossip or Stuart Island. Returning to our kayaks, we paddle to Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island and set up camp for the next two nights. There is free time to relax, or perhaps head out for an evening paddle or hike. Tonight's dinner, made with locally sourced ingredients, is prepared by our guides. Lunch and dinner included.

Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents.

Day 2

Enjoy a full day of paddling around Stuart or Johns Island

After a delicious hot breakfast prepared by our guides, we load up our kayaks with lunch, water and snacks, then kayak around Stuart, Johns, and Spieden Islands. There are several wildlife refuges in the area, and it is not uncommon to observe marine birds and harbor seals in the hundreds. Porpoise are also a common sight throughout the day, and in Boundary Pass or Haro Strait we hope to see orca whales. We make several stops to eat lunch, take a short hike and enjoy the beaches. In the late afternoon we return to our camp and head out for a hike, or take time to relax and soak in the views. Dinner is prepared in camp. All meals included.

Sea kayaking: 8-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents. Optional hike: 5-6 miles

Day 3

Kayak through Boundary Pass and Haro Strait, return to Friday Harbor

Our final day on the water is spent paddling from Prevost Harbor towards Turn Point in Boundary Pass. We expect wonderful views of Mount Baker and the Canadian Cascade Mountains. Reaching Haro Strait, a clear day brings views over 100 miles to the south of the Olympic Mountains. After a break for lunch on the west side of Stuart or Posey Island, we paddle to Roche Harbor to unpack our kayaks. The trip concludes with a later afternoon transfer to the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Extend your time in the lovely San Juan Islands or begin the journey home. Breakfast and lunch included.

Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

All Group Cooking Gear
Dry Bags
Group First Aid Kit
Paddles
PFD and Spray Skirt
Tandem Kayaks
Tent(s)

What to pack

Required gear

Travel documents

Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
Photo Identification

Recommended gear

You might also consider

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 800-426-4840 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Call 1 (800) 622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Not Included

Transportation to trip starting point; sleeping bag and sleeping pad; park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; optional guide gratuities; items of a personal nature.

Consider as you sign up

Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.

Get a $50 annual statement credit towards future Experiences - With the REI Co-op Mastercard, members get a $50 statement credit for our classes, day trips, and multiday outings. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. See details & sign up.

Additional Information

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:

91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:

61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If a transferred reservation is later cancelled, the original applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
See the cancellation and transfer policy details page for more information.
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Weather

The San Juan Islands average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains located to the south and west. During summer months, expect daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s with evening temperatures in the 50s. Most days are sunny with occasional fog in the early morning, however rain is a possibility at any time making adequate rain gear essential.

Single Travelers

Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Meet your guides

Brendan

Brendan has been exploring the waters, learning about the ecosystem, and getting to know the lovely communities in the San Juan Islands for years. He is a musician and an aspiring naturalist and loves connecting his guests to the natural world.

Adventure Expert

Heather

Loading up a kayak and paddling out to explore the San Juan Islands is my ideal weekend away. I can't imagine a more authentic way to experience these islands.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.