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Washington

Kayaking the San Juan Archipelago

Program No. 23766RJ

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Come explore the San Juan Islands — one of the top kayaking destinations in the Pacific Northwest and home to unique creatures of the land and sea, from orca whales and Dalls porpoise and harbor seals, to bald eagles, and unique intertidal creatures. Where forest meets sea, discover the rich array of fauna with expert naturalists while you relish vistas and discoveries unique to kayaking during four distinct kayak excursions. Paddle your way through sheltered waters along rocky coasts, through waters rich with seabirds and marine mammals. Plus, enjoy hiking in San Juan Island’s National Park with dramatic coastal vistas.

Best of all, you'll...

Paddle the archipelago in distinct locations around San Juan, Pearl, Henry, Fidalgo and Burrows Islands.
Visit Limekiln Lighthouse, a whale research and observation outpost and one of the best land-based sites to spot Orca whales in their native habitat.
Enjoy field trips to the Whale Museum and the University of Washington's Marine Labs to learn about the Salish Sea ecosystem.

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Featured Expert

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Michael Vouri

Michael Vouri retired as the chief of interpretation and historian for San Juan Island National Park after more than 21 years. He has written books about the Pig War, the Royal Marines and San Juan Island. He has worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers, a U.S. Air Force public affairs officer, and as assistant director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Michael has been a Road Scholar instructor on San Juan Island since 1997 and a Group Leader since 2016.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Michael Vouri

Cindy Hansen

Cindy Hansen received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and a guide at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the Skagit Valley College Road Scholar program manager as well as the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network. She also volunteers for the research organization Orca Behavior Institute and with the local San Juan Island animal shelter.

Kevin Culmback

Kevin Culmback's years of travel as well leading wildlife excursions in Western Washington, make him a perfect group leader for the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest. Growing up outside Seattle, Kevin has always enjoyed all things outdoors. Kevin has spent years traveling the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii and beyond, exploring the natural world and capturing those areas through his camera lens. After 20 years in the San Juan Islands, his heart is in the Northwest... until the travel bug bites again.

Hadley Beahan

Hadley Beahan is the education and research manager for Salish Wildlife Rescue. She is a graduate of CSU Channel Islands with a degree in biology and a background in environmental science resource management. Through CSUCI, Hadley participated in restoration work through the National Park Service and conducted research under the Keiki Kohola Project in Maui. She also interned with Cascadia Research Collective, focusing on photo identification, necropsies, and population counts of West Coast cetacean and pinniped species.

Sarah Hanson

Sarah Hanson is a graduate of Western Washington University with a B.S. in geology and geophysics, and is certified in CPR and as a Wilderness First Responder. Sarah is the program director and crew leader for San Juan Island Conservation Corps (SJICC). Sarah joined the Madrona Institute in 2012, to direct the youth conservation program on San Juan Island and has worked with the Student Conservation Association since 2003 as a high school conservation crew leader, professional crew leader, and work skills instructor. She has experience in trail design, maintenance, construction, and restoration throughout the Western States. Sarah has served as a technical advisor and crew supervisor for the Pacific Crest Trail Association and a crew leader for the Washington Trails Association. No stranger to San Juan Island, she was a middle school and high school sports coach for the San Juan Island School District for two years, a former kayak expert on San Juan Island, and has volunteered with the Garry Oak Restoration Project on San Juan Island and The Whale Museum’s Soundwatch Program.

Activity Level

Outdoor: Spirited

Four 3-hour excursions on two-person sea kayaks; two 1-3 mile easy/moderate hikes. On this program, the following equipment is provided: tandem kayaks (no solo kayaks); paddles, life vests, and spray skirts. Dry bags are available upon request. Note: Our kayak providers may use triple kayaks on occasion – for odd group numbers or for safety.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

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Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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