San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Adventure
$2400
Deposit: $500
Why Travel with Chicas Abroad?
- Small, intimate groups (6-10 women)
- Perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation
- Unique experiences best shared with a group of adventurous women
- Fun and experienced tour leaders who truly care about YOU
- A casual, judgment-free atmosphere
Who is Chicas Abroad?
We take women on small group adventures around the globe! We will take you out in nature to hike, kayak, bike, and do all the things with a fun group of adventure-seeking women! We also offer custom-curated adventures for you and your friends/family. Reach out to info@chicasabroad.com for more information. You can see all of our upcoming adventures and learn more about our company at chicasabroad.com
About this trip
Embark on a 5-day kayaking and hiking adventure through the breathtaking San Juan Islands, where the wild beauty of Washington’s coastline meets the thrill of discovery. Designed for adventurous women, this trip is a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and the joy of exploration.
Your journey begins in Anacortes, WA, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful first night and get your blood pumping with scenic hikes at Deception Pass and Mount Erie. These stunning viewpoints will set the tone for the adventure ahead. The next day, you’ll head to Friday Harbor for an exhilarating whale-watching tour in search of the famous resident Orcas and pods of playful seals.
After an evening spent in a cozy, charming hotel in Friday Harbor, you’ll swap land for sea as you paddle out into the majestic Puget Sound. With nothing but the vast blue ocean around you, you’ll explore hidden coves, remote beaches, and lush islands where you can immerse yourself in the forests. Along the way, you’ll camp under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the water.
And throughout the entire journey, you’ll be pampered by your expert kayaking guides, who not only keep you safe but will also cook up delicious meals that feel like a feast after a day of adventure.
Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just looking for a new challenge, this trip is a perfect way to connect with nature, push your limits, and make memories with a group of like-minded women. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – it’s time to leave the ordinary behind and embrace the wild!
Highlights
Activity Level: Moderate
The hikes will be moderate level with minimal elevation gain. The paddling will be moderate level and our experienced kayaking guide will make sure everyone is comfortable prior to hitting the water. We will all be in double kayaks, so you will have a partner to help you do the paddling work. If you have the opportunity prior to the trip, borrow or rent a kayak to get some practice in. You do not need to be an expert hiker or kayaker to partake in this adventure, but being familiar with kayaking is helpful.
Weather
August is the best time to explore this part of Washington State. You will likely see beautiful warm days with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. This area is in a rain shadow and rarely sees rain!
Money & Tipping
All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items.All gratuities are included with the exception of those for your Chicas Abroad tour leader. Tipping the Chicas Abroad tour leader is optional and not included in the price of your adventure.
Packing List
A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime?
Sneak Peek Trip Details
Day 1 - Anacortes
Aug 6 – Drive from Seattle to Anacortes and Hike on Mt. Erie
Your adventure begins the moment you land in Seattle, where you’ll be greeted by your Chicas Abroad Guide—a warm welcome that sets the tone for the journey ahead. Around 2:00 PM, you and the rest of your fellow Chicas will gather and begin the scenic drive to Anacortes, just an hour away, where your adventure will truly come to life.
Once we arrive, you’ll have some time to settle in, freshen up, and get ready to dive right into the magic of the San Juan Islands. Our first stop? Mount Erie Park, where we’ll embark on a hike that rewards us with jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the islands we’ll be exploring by kayak just days later. This is the perfect way to connect with the landscape and get a taste of the beauty that awaits us!
After the hike, we’ll return to Anacortes to unwind and come together for a Welcome Dinner—a delicious, festive gathering to celebrate the start of this unforgettable weekend. It’s the perfect chance to meet new friends, share a few laughs, and set the stage for the adventures and memories we’ll create over the next few days.
Ready to make this an adventure to remember? Let’s get this weekend started!
Hiking: ~2.5 hours, Moderate, 4.4 miles
Accommodations: Anacortes Hotel
Meals: Dinner, Snacks
Day 2 - Whale Watching
Aug 7 – Hike, Ferry to Friday Harbor, and Whale Watch
Get ready for an action-packed multi-adventure day that will leave you feeling like you’re living inside a nature documentary! We’ll kick things off with a morning hike through Deception Pass, one of the most stunning parks in the Pacific Northwest. The views here are absolutely breathtaking, with cliffs that drop into crystal-clear waters, and lush forests that frame the coastline perfectly. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and take a deep breath, soaking in the natural beauty before we get our feet moving again.
After our hike, we’ll make our way to the ferry terminal in Anacortes to catch the noon ferry to Friday Harbor. Get ready for some island-hopping magic as we cruise through the sparkling waters of the Puget Sound. Once we arrive in Friday Harbor, we’ll drop off our bags at the hotel and head straight back to the harbor for an unforgettable whale-watching tour!
This 3-4 hour excursion will take us into the heart of the San Juans, where we’ll search for the incredible orcas, as well as eagles, seals, and other marine wildlife. Along the way, our expert Marine Naturalist will guide us, sharing fascinating insights about the local ecology, geology, and of course, the majestic creatures we might encounter.
By the time we return from our exhilarating tour, you’ll have some time to relax and settle into your cozy hotel in Friday Harbor. Afterward, we’ll head out for a welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant, where you can savor fresh, local flavors and toast to the adventures that are still to come.
This is a day you’ll never forget—filled with adventure, stunning wildlife, and the chance to make memories with an amazing group of women. Let’s go!
Hiking: ~2.5 hours, moderate, 4.8 miles
Accommodations: Hotel, Friday Harbor
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3 - Sea Kayaking
Aug 8 – Sea Kayaking from Island to Island and Setting Up Camp
Today is the day you hit the open water, and the adventure is about to get epic! You’ll be paired up in teams of two and load up your expedition-style sea kayaks with camping gear, food, and all your personal items. The guides will take you through a quick but essential safety and kayaking skills review, so you’ll feel confident as you paddle into the unknown.
We’ll set out from a beautiful San Juan Island beach, where the excitement kicks into high gear as we paddle north, gliding along the scenic Haro Strait. On the horizon, you’ll catch glimpses of the Canadian Gulf Islands to the west, while the sparkling waters below beckon with the promise of whales, seals, and other wildlife that follow the Fraser River-bound salmon. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when an orca might surface just off your bow!
After a couple of hours of paddling along the dramatic, tidally rich coastlines of San Juan and Henry Islands, we’ll take a well-deserved break for lunch, prepared fresh by your expert guide and chef. Refueled and recharged, we’ll continue our journey to the island where we’ll camp for the night (the exact island is a surprise, adding to the sense of adventure!).
Our campsite awaits, tucked into a magical forest of red-barked madronas, towering cedars, and Douglas fir trees. Once we set up camp, it’s time to kick back and relax as your guide prepares a hearty, gourmet dinner. Picture yourself sitting by a serene waterfront, glass of wine in hand, savoring delicious appetizers, and reflecting on a day of adventure—life truly doesn’t get much better than this!
And when the day winds down, take a short, easy hike to the top of a nearby ridge to catch the sunset over the sparkling waters. The perfect end to an unforgettable day on the water. You’ll sleep soundly tonight, knowing tomorrow holds even more excitement, but for now, you can’t help but smile at how lucky you are to be here. This is the life.
Paddling: Approximately 5 hours and 7-10 miles
Accommodations: Backcountry camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 4-Kayaking & Hiking
Aug 9 – Day Tripping On and Around the Islands
With our basecamp settled and the sound of the waves lapping gently at the shore, it’s time to explore the stunning neighboring islands that surround us. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get back on the water and paddle to hidden coves, or hop on a short hike to take in the breathtaking landscapes. As you journey through this natural paradise, your guide will share fascinating details about the unique ecology and beauty of the area—there’s so much to discover here!
Throughout the day, you’ll have a perfect balance of kayaking, hiking, and relaxing time. Glide across tranquil waters, with the chance to spot seals basking on sun-warmed rocks, orcas hunting for their next meal, and eagles soaring above, surveying the entire coastline. Keep your eyes peeled—the wildlife here is abundant and mesmerizing!
When we return to camp, you can choose to take a peaceful hike to explore more of the island or unwind with a book and your favorite drink while your guide prepares another mouthwatering gourmet meal. As the evening unfolds, we’ll gather around the campfire, surrounded by the glow of star-filled skies. Share stories, laugh with your new friends, and if we’re lucky, our guides will test our wits with some of their favorite campfire riddles—a fun way to cap off a day of adventure.
It’s moments like these—under the stars, by the fire, with the sound of nature all around—that will make you feel like you’ve discovered a whole new world. This is more than a trip; it’s a chance to truly reconnect with the wild.
Paddling and Hiking: Varies, but a full day mix of both!
Accommodations: Backcountry Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 5 - Sea Kayaking
Aug 10 – Sea Kayaking back to Friday Harbor and Depart for Home
The morning light will greet us as we pack up our cozy backcountry camp and load our kayaks for the final leg of our adventure. By now, you’ve become a true sea kayaking pro, and paddling feels like second nature—effortless and exhilarating. Together, we’ll glide across the open waters, taking in the stunning landscape one last time. Keep your eyes peeled for seals sunbathing on rocky outcroppings, and stay on the lookout for any last sightings of whales or eaglesbefore we make our way back to Roche Harbor.
Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy a final gourmet lunch prepared by your guide—an artfully crafted meal that perfectly captures the essence of the islands. After this last indulgence, we’ll paddle back to Friday Harbor, where you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps even grab a quick shower at the marina (if time allows—our paddling speed will determine if we can squeeze in that refreshing moment!).
Once we’re back in Friday Harbor, we’ll board the afternoon ferry, waving goodbye to the islands as we begin our journey back to the mainland. As we drive back to the Seattle Airport, you’ll reflect on the beauty, adventure, and friendships of this unforgettable trip. We recommend booking your flight for 6:00 PM or later, so you can savor every last bit of the experience before heading home.
This is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and it’s the kind of journey that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and already dreaming about your next adventure.
Paddling: Approximately 5 hours and 7-10 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
Let’s Make This Journey Yours
What’s included
Lodging
Ground Transport
Tips for Local Guides
Meals
Excursions
Chicas Abroad Swag
Lifelong memories
What’s not included
Flights
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Beverages
Chicas Abroad Leader Tip
Your Chicas Abroad tour leader works countless hours before and during the trip to ensure a seamless experience so you can adventure more and worry less! $30-40 per day is typical and much appreciated
Available Packages
Registration: $2400
Available until June 8, 2025
Join us for an epic long 5 days in the San Juan Islands of Washington State to look for orcas and sea kayak around the islands! The price includes all lodging, meals, and excursions as described in the itinerary. We take care of all of the details so you can adventure more and worry less!
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at booking, followed by 4 monthly payments of $475. With the final payment due by June 6. Please contact us if you’d like to set up a custom payment plan.
This price is for a double-occupancy room. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another Chica.