Washington
Kayaking the San Juan Archipelago
Program No. 23766RJ
Discover the rich array of fauna along the forested coasts of the San Juan Islands. Join expert kayakers and naturalists to relish vistas and discoveries you can only find by kayak!
Participant Reviews
Based on 15 Reviews
SHOWING
Kayaking in the San Juan Islands was not only physically and esthetically pleasing but I learned a lot about history and ecology. It was a brief visit to paradise!
— Review left October 4, 2025
Spectacular scenery and excellent leaders made this kayaking and hiking trip most enjoyable. Currents and occasional wind made paddling sometimes strenuous, but even at age 82 I was able to keep up.
— Review left October 2, 2025
This is a great program for anyone interested in history, conservation, and wildlife who enjoys kayaking. The waters are protected and calm, and the kayaking was not overly exerting . It is very well organized and led by terrific leaders. Overall for me it was an A+.
— Review left September 22, 2025
This program was one of the best of several good ones done in the past. Thoroughly enjoyed it. the physical activity (kayaking) was quite strenuous on one day (wind) but in general was quite good, well led and fun. I always say the best RS Program is the next one, but this one exceeded expectation.
— Review left June 23, 2025
Great program, excellent local guide with invaluable experience made the program worth every dollar spent.
— Review left June 23, 2025
This is an excellent program; I highly recommend it, for both the kayaking, the beauty of the area, and the learning experiences.
— Review left October 8, 2024
This was our first Road Scholar trip. The quality of the materials, the presenations and the guides were excellent. I have kayaked for several years but on lake waters. I had never kayaked in a sea kayak. It was very simple to adjust to the sea kayak. The length of time and distances we kayaked were appropriate for the ages of the participants and kayak experience of the group. I enjoyed the fact that we did a morning, afternoon and evening kayak trip. (The morning one was really cool--fog!) Prior to our trip we were not expecting so much information about whales. It was GREAT!
— Review left September 28, 2024
An amazing look into life in the San Juan Islands! I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left September 23, 2024
This is a great, well run tour. Having a Harbor Seal approach our kayak was a highlight of our time on San Juan Island. The group was constantly on the move; kayaking, hiking, listening to lectures or visiting museums, our time was well spent and organized. I highly recommend this experience.
— Review left June 30, 2023
Kayaking was my main focus on this trip, and the paddling experiences went beyond my expectations. We took four trips around the islands - at the perfect pace to work out and still soak up the magnificent scenery. Our guides went above and beyond to provide not just a safe and comfortable experience, but to point out sights and to relay fascinating details -- everything from stories about the Madrona tree and local residents, to descriptions of tectonic plates, to myths of the Salish peoples. We even saw Orcas breaching nearby!
Aside from paddling, I also loved the outstanding evening speakers' presentations. We heard the very top speakers and guides for the San Juans. I learned more about the Pacific Northwest in three days than I have in my 11 years living in the region! All of these experts - in history, wildlife, indigenous people's culture, fisheries, environmental issues, island lore - spoke with such love and passion. I am sure more than a few of us were wondering if we could live in the San Juans ourselves.
This was my first Road Scholar trip, and it was the perfect choice for me (even though I was unable to hike at this time). Everything was so well organized, well paced - and adjustable to my needs. I really enjoyed chatting with long time residents of the islands and with people who have helped build Road Scholar programs in this region. Even the mealtime staff and the guides in transit were warm and helpful.
Above all, our leader was especially attentive and knowledgeable. Her good humor, calm problem-solving and her anticipation of our concerns impressed me. It was like having a mother eagle watching over us!
I may even do this trip again!
— Review left October 5, 2022
This was a wonderful look at the San Juan Islands. It is listed as spirited but don't let that scare you away. It is less spirited than expected.
Beautiful scenery. Great guides. Wonderful program
— Review left October 3, 2022
Wonderful way to explore a little-known part of the US while getting out into its fascinating nature by kayaking and hiking. It inspired me to keep exploring more places off the beaten track that I otherwise wouldn't get to on my own.
— Review left October 2, 2022
Seeing killer whales from a kayak was exciting, and the trip was interesting and fun. I made friends on the trip that I will keep in touch with, and travel with again. My first group trip has inspired me to travel more solo; safely, without worrying about planning, and connecting with interesting people.
— Review left September 28, 2022
The San Juan Islands are beautiful, and this trip provides informative speakers who taught us so much about this unique place. The kayaking was such fun and we felt safe and supported the whole time. This trip has inspired us to seek out more opportunities to kayak, and we're even considering buying our own kayak.
— Review left September 26, 2022
Kayaking in the San Juan Archipelago was outstanding! Go if the trip description sounds like something you would enjoy. Kelley, the trip leader, is the best and an expert on Orca whales. I learned a great deal about them and the other marine life that call the San Juan's home. This trip was a great immersion into the San Juan Islands, even though we only visited San Juan itself. Angi, our chef for the week, was exceptional! The Earthbox Inn is extremely comfortable - perfect actually. I can't say enough good about this trip!
— Review left June 28, 2022