San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Adventure

Anacortes & San Juan Islands, Washington, USA

CA
Chicas Abroad
  • Email address verified
35 reviews
Aug 6 - 10, 2025
Group size: 6 - 10
San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Adventure
Anacortes & San Juan Islands, Washington, USA

Chicas Abroad
  • Email address verified
35 reviews

Aug 6 - 10, 2025
Group size: 6 - 10

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!

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.

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 $30-40/day

Packing List

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

What’s included

  • Lodging
    1 night in Anacortes in a hotel, 1 night in Friday Harbor in a hotel, 2 nights in shared tents with sleeping bags and pads provided
  • Ground Transportation
    Transportation will be provided to and from the Seattle Airport as well as the transportation to Anacortes and the ferry to and from Friday Harbor.
  • Tips for Local Guides
    Generous tips are provided for all LOCAL guides and drivers. Tips for the Chicas Abroad tour leader(s) are optional and at your discretion.
  • Meals
    All meals included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners)
  • Excursions
    Deception Pass park fees, whale watching, 3 days guided sea kayaking
  • Chicas Abroad Swag
    Commemorative Chicas Abroad swag included for you to enjoy during and after the adventure
  • Lifelong Memories
    Freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander, as well as make lifelong memories and new friends!

What’s not included

  • Flights
    Arrive to the Seattle Airport by 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 6th. Depart from the Seattle Airport on Sunday, August 10th no earlier than 6:00 pm.
  • Travel Insurance
    Travel insurance is highly recommend to cover any unforeseen events. Chicas Abroad will provide you with a link to our recommended carrier upon booking, but you may choose any carrier.
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Alcoholic drinks are at your own expense, with the exception of the included wine during the backcountry camping portion of the trip
  • 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
Deposit: $500
Available until July 13, 20256 left

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; the final balance is due July 7.  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. 

$2,400
Deposit: $500

Itinerary

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: Welcome Dinner, Snacks 

Your Organizer


CA
Chicas Abroad
35 reviews
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 [email protected] for more information. You can see all of our upcoming adventures and learn more about our company at www.chicasabroad.com.

Reviews

The Apostle Islands Kayak Camping trip is definitely for folks who can appreciate a physical/ mental challenge in the outdoors and are prepared to expect the unexpected from Mother Nature. I am new to camping and had limited paddling experience, but found my stride while experiencing an epic adventure with a great group of friendly and supportive woman, all unknown to me prior to enrolling. The trip was enhanced by the excellent , professional and experienced guides who prioritized the group’s safety and well-being, prepared delish snacks and meals, and taught many newbies like myself how to navigate a persnickety but beautiful Lake Superior. I learned quite a lot about backcountry camping fundamentals that I will carry with me on my next outing, and I returned home feeling so much gratitude and respect for these women, the water, and the wilds of this rotating rock we call Earth. Thank you Maddy, Abby, Gitchie Gumee, and the Chicas Team, for the opportunity to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience and education.
By Peggy K for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sea Kayaking Adventure on Jul 08, 2025
An amazing trip with amazing women! Melanie and Tygra provided us with a great experience, taking care of the details so we could absorb and enjoy the wonderful scenery. This trip has been on my bucket list and thanks to Chicas Abroad, I can now cross it off! So glad I did it!
By Desiree W for Zion and Bryce Canyon Hiking on May 20, 2025
We loved showing you one of our favorite places on earth! Thank you for trusting Chicas Abroad with your adventure travel!
By Chicas Abroad on May 20, 2025
CA
What a treat to just show up and enjoy a fun filled weekend in Walla Walla! This was my first trip with Chicas Abroad and it did not disappoint. Melanie created an itinerary that provided opportunities to be active as well as some down time. We rode bikes to the wineries with a guide, attended the balloon stampede, hiked, ate delicious meals, and enjoyed each other's company. I am already looking forward to my next Chicas Abroad trip.
By Kathleen B for Walla Walla Balloon Stampede & Wine Weekend on May 14, 2025
Thank you for your review, Katie. We look forward to more adventures!
By Chicas Abroad on May 14, 2025
CA
The trip was remarkable in many ways. Our guide Emily was well-planned, supportive, and fun. She set a pace that worked for all of us. Our group of women shared stories while also appreciating times of quiet to enjoy the beauty of the fells, lakes, stone walls, and sheep…lots of sheep! Some of the group hiked the entire 50+ miles over the 5 days while others (like me) hiked the full trails on 3 of the days, half-trail on 1 day, and took one day off to take a 5 mile hike on my own to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle. The food was fabulous (forget what you’ve heard about English food) and the accommodations were clean and comfortable. I would sign up for another Chicas Abroad trip again with no second thoughts!
By Cyndy S for The Lake District Trail on May 03, 2025
Thank you for your review, Cyndy. We look forward to taking you on more adventures around the globe!
By Chicas Abroad on May 14, 2025
CA
Well organized. Great hotels and beautiful, challenging hiking. Loved our guide Emily!
By Sharon C for The Lake District Trail on May 03, 2025
Thank you for your review, Sharon!
By Chicas Abroad on May 03, 2025
CA
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