San Juan Islands Women's Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island

Name: San Juan Islands Women's Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
Brand: REI Adventures
SKU: sww
Rating: 4.9 (65 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

Encounter the soul of the Pacific Northwest on this unforgettable kayaking exploration of the San Juan Islands.

This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to learn sea kayaking fundamentals, experience the wild bounty of San Juan Islands, and get away without blowing through a week of vacation. After orientation, we set out exploring in double kayaks. For three glorious days, we paddle with the winds and tides, crossing channels, skimming over lagoons and pausing to picnic in rocky coves while seabirds wheel overhead. Our naturalist guides share insights about the islands' history and animal inhabitants. Keep your eyes open for Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and curious dolphins. We may even glimpse resident orca whales.

Each evening, our guides show off their culinary skills with delicious backcountry dinners, sourced from the Pacific Northwest. We camp on Stuart Island, away from crowds. The summer sky frames spectacular sunsets and views of the Cascades, Olympic Range, and far-off Mount Rainier. You'll leave renewed by the peace and beauty of this wild refuge.

Learn More about what makes Women’s Adventures Special

Trip Highlights

Kayak through some of the most ecologically rich waters on the West Coast
Connect with new friends in a camp arranged to bring you closer to nature
Enjoy delicious food featuring fresh Northwest flavors
Enjoy sweeping views of Boundary Pass from Turnpoint Lighthouse
REI Women's Adventure—designed for women, guided by women

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; round trip transfer to/from Friday Harbor-Roche Harbor; tents, cooking gear and eating utensils; tandem kayaks (no singles) and all related kayaking equipment including paddles, PFDs and dry bags.

Accommodations

Island camping, 2 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

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

Day 1

Paddle from Roche Harbor to Stuart Island while looking for whales

Our trip begins this morning in Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the San Juan Islands archipelago. We meet our guides and fellow travelers at a park near the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. A short van transfer delivers us to Roche Harbor where we'll prepare for our kayaking excursion and enjoy a picnic lunch. The guides will speak about kayaking technique and safety and share helpful tips to make your journey through the islands more comfortable. We paddle across the open water of Spieden Channel and skirt Haro Strait, a favorite area for orca whale pods to find salmon. Tonight, we camp at Stuart Island Marine State Park, part of the 150-mile Cascadia Marine Trail and one of 16 trails chosen by the White House Millennium Council to represent America's diverse and remarkable natural history and culture. 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

Hike to Turn Point Lighthouse followed by a sunset paddle

After a guide prepared breakfast in camp, we set out on foot to explore the treasures of Stuart Island. A hiking tour of the island includes Turn Point Lighthouse, which provides us with sweeping views of Boundary Pass, and the Canadian Border, a stone's throw away. After our hike we'll have some time to relax before appetizers and dinner before embarking on a sunset paddle, discovering tide pools and searching for a variety of Puget Sound wildlife that call this area home. Returning to our camp for the evening, we celebrate our day in the magical San Juan Islands around a toasty campfire. All meals included.

Hiking: 6 miles; Sea kayaking: up to 5 miles

Day 3

Kayak from Provost Harbor to Roche Harbor via Spiden Channel

Our final day on the water is spent paddling back across Spieden Channel with a picnic lunch stop at one of the small islands along our guide selected route. This section of waterway is famous as one of the most spectacular kayaking routes in the Pacific Northwest. We watch for eagles, seals, porpoise and orca whales; much of the saltwater and shoreline in the islands is a protected wildlife refuge so sightings of birds and mammals are regular occurrences. In the midafternoon we return to Roche Harbor to unpack our kayaks and say good bye to our new friends! The trip concludes with a van transfer to the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. 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
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/from Friday Harbor, Washington; sleeping bag and sleeping pad; alcoholic beverages; insurance of any kind; 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 Juans 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 moderate to warm 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. Rain is always a possibility in the Northwest, though, so adequate raingear is still important.

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

Julia

Originally from the Midwest, it wasn’t until attending school in Utah that Julia discovered her love for the outdoors. With a degree in Environmental Studies and Parks Recreation, and Tourism, she has pursued a career in adventure through kayak and raft guiding and environmental education. Most recently, she instructed canyoning, caving and climbing in New Zealand. Julia loves to inspire her guest’s passion for the outdoors in the U.S., and abroad.

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.