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!

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. 

In late June, the San Juan Islands experience mild, pleasant summer weather. Daytime highs generally range from 65°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C), while overnight lows drop to the cool upper 40s. Rain is minimal as the islands sit in the Olympic Mountain rainshadow.

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.

Chicas Abroad Tour Leader Tips

● The Chicas Abroad Tour Leader(s) works hard to ensure a seamless adventure for you and tips are optional, but customary. 

● If you have more than one tour leader on your adventure, gratuities may be given to one tour leader and the team will divide the tips. 

● Typical tips $30-50/day

A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.

Your adventure begins when you land in Seattle, where you’ll be greeted by your Chicas Abroad Guide. Around 2:00 PM, we’ll meet as a group and take a scenic drive to Anacortes, about an hour away.

After settling in, we’ll head to Mount Erie Park for a hike with sweeping panoramic views of the San Juan Islands—an inspiring first look at the landscapes we’ll explore more in the days ahead.

We’ll end the day back in town with a Welcome Dinner, a relaxed and festive evening to connect, share stories, and kick off the weekend together.

Let the adventure begin.

Hiking: ~2.5 hours, Moderate, 4.4 miles 

Accommodations: Anacortes Hotel 

Meals: Welcome Dinner, Snacks 

Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure. We’ll start with a scenic morning hike at Deception Pass, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking parks, with dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and lush coastal forest.

After the hike, we’ll head to Anacortes to catch the noon ferry to Friday Harbor, soaking in the beauty of the Puget Sound along the way. Once we arrive, we’ll drop our bags and set out on a 3–4 hour whale-watching tour in the San Juan Islands, guided by a marine naturalist as we search for orcas, eagles, seals, and more.

After the tour, you’ll have time to relax at our cozy hotel before we head out for dinner at a local restaurant to enjoy fresh flavors and reflect on the day.

A perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and connection—this is a day you won’t forget.

Hiking: ~2.5 hours, moderate, 4.8 miles

Accommodations: Hotel, Friday Harbor 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we take to the water for an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure. After pairing up and packing our expedition kayaks with gear, our guides will walk us through a quick safety and skills review before we set off.

We’ll launch from a scenic San Juan Island beach and paddle along the Haro Strait, with views of the Canadian Gulf Islands and the chance to spot orcas, seals, and other wildlife along the way. After a few hours on the water, we’ll stop for a fresh, guide-prepared lunch before continuing to our island campsite (kept a surprise for a little extra magic).

Once we arrive, we’ll set up camp among madronas, cedars, and firs, then unwind as our guide prepares a delicious dinner to enjoy by the water. To end the day, you can take an optional short hike for sunset views before settling in for a peaceful night under the stars.

A full day of paddling, connection, and wild beauty—this is what it’s all about.

Paddling: Approximately 5 hours and 7-10 miles 

Accommodations: Backcountry camping 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

With basecamp set, today is all about exploring the surrounding islands. You’ll have the chance to kayak to hidden coves, take short hikes, and soak in the beauty of this remote landscape while your guide shares insights about the local ecology.

The day offers a balanced mix of paddling, exploring, and downtime. Keep an eye out for wildlife—seals on the rocks, eagles overhead, and maybe even orcas passing through.

Back at camp, you can choose to hike, relax, or unwind while your guide prepares another delicious meal. We’ll end the day gathered around the campfire, sharing stories under a sky full of stars.

A slower, soul-filling day to connect with nature, each other, and the magic of this place.

Paddling and Hiking: Varies, but a full day mix of both! 

Accommodations: Backcountry Camping 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

We’ll start the day by packing up camp and loading our kayaks for the final stretch of our journey. By now, you’ll feel confident on the water as we paddle back, taking in the scenery one last time and watching for seals, eagles, and maybe even a final whale sighting.

Along the way, we’ll pause for a final gourmet lunch prepared by your guide before continuing on to Friday Harbor. If time allows, you may have a chance to freshen up at the marina before we catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland.

From there, we’ll drive to Seattle, arriving in time for evening departures (we recommend flights after 6:00 PM). As the trip comes to a close, you’ll head home with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a renewed sense of adventure.

Paddling: Approximately 5 hours and 7-10 miles 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks