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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!

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

7 days

Program Begins

Seattle

Program Concludes

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

16 ( 6B, 5L, 5D )

Activity Level

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

All Experts

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, born in Gary, Indiana, 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 an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.

Kevin Loftus

Kevin Loftus is the executive director at the San Juan Historical Museum. Kevin spent his formative years in Chicago before heading to Northern Arizona University. After graduating, he answered a call to the corporate world in Dallas, Texas. A love of cycling led to learning about the San Juan Islands. Upon first visiting San Juan Island in 2000, Kevin realized the Islands were calling, becoming his home in 2005. Kevin became the executive director of the San Juan Historical Museum in 2008.

Keith Keyser

Keith Keyser has called the Pacific Northwest home since 1974 after migrating from the East Coast. He attended Evergreen State College and obtained a B.A. in childhood development. After college, Keith taught elementary and middle school for 25 years in Idaho and Washington. Keith has resided on San Juan Island since 2006, enjoying backpacking, kayaking, gardening, wild crafting, and woodworking. Keith works as a landscaper, teacher of sustainable agriculture, and rustic wood furniture maker. Keith started working with Road Scholar in 2011.

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.

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?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

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.

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.

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.