Day 1
Your kayaking adventures begin at 10:00 am in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA. After a short shuttle van ride to the historic seaside village of Roche Harbor, you will repack your belongings into dry bags. Anything that you leave behind will be stored securely until you return from the trip.

Enjoy a picnic lunch of grilled meat skewers paired with a hearty black rice salad with lemon vinaigrette, accompanied by a discussion of paddling technique and a review of the upcoming adventure.

We will then paddle along the eastern shore of San Juan Island and University of Washington Marine Sanctuary en route to Jones Island State Park. Here is where you will set up camp for two nights. The total paddle distance is 7 miles, broken up into 2-3 segments depending on the group’s speed and needs.

Upon arrival at the campsite, you will assist with unloading all of the kayaks and pitching your own tents. Enjoy Happy Hour, grilled salmon with smoked sea salt paired with Lost River wines, and rosemary olive oil cake with fruit compote for dessert.

Day 2
After a hearty breakfast of bacon and spinach faro with scrambled eggs, we will explore the shores of the Wasp Islands and Yellow Island. Today’s 3-4 mile journey (2-3 hours) takes us through plentiful wildlife and scenery.

Reenergize with a fantastic meal of smoked salmon sandwiches and chips served with Chukar Cherries peach cherry salsa. After returning to camp, enjoy some flexible downtime and/or join your Guides for an easy 1-3 mile hike with lush and sweeping views.

Enjoy a Happy Hour of Fran’s salted caramels and local cheese, fruit, and nuts. After short ribs for dinner, make sure to save room for dessert! And don’t be surprised if somehow a dance party with headlamps for strobe lights spontaneously combusts. Stranger things have been known to happen

Day 3
After another cooked-to-order breakfast, you will break down camp and assist with loading all equipment back into the kayaks. Your 7-mile return paddle (3-4 hours) to Roche Harbor may include visits to Rueben Tarte Park and/or Posey Island depending upon the group’s ability, weather, and tide conditions. Your final lunch of curry chicken salad with peaches and chickpeas will give you fuel for the final unpacking of the boats and gear upon arrival back to Roche Harbor.

You will repack items from the dry bags into the luggage you left in storage pre-trip. The expedition will conclude between 3:00- 4:00pm in Roche Harbor where a shuttle van awaits to transport you back to Friday Harbor ferry terminal.

* Itinerary is subject to modifications depending upon weather, water conditions, and group’s overall fitness and ability level.

Excited to learn more? Download our comprehensive Gourmet Kayak Expedition Guide.