The 15 Best Kayaking Tours in Seattle

1.Full Day San Juan Island Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · from $126Our pick

Paddle the Haro Strait near San Juan Island, spot seals and orcas, enjoy a beach lunch, and learn from a local guide in a small group.

“Hunter was the best guide! We were able to see so many orcas!!! The lunch spread was as delicious as it was beautiful 😍. There is no way Eli could have done better! Tom was above and beyond accommodating for us! There is a reason this is the best adventure guiding company on the islands.”

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2.Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54Best value

Kayak calm Bowman Bay waters in Deception Pass State Park with a small group, wildlife sightings, gear included, and a gentle 90-minute lesson.

“When it was done. The tour guide did not direct us to anywhere in particular. Not impressed with the guided tour but it was nice to get out on the water.”

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3.3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $132

Paddle around Burrows Island near Anacortes, spotting seals, porpoises, kelp, and perhaps orcas on a small-group San Juan Islands kayak tour.

“We had a great time kayaking with our tour guide, Emma. The views were spectacular and we were able to see several different types of marine life. I would recommend this tour to see the San Juan islands from a kayak.”

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4.Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle Griffin Bay on a guided San Juan Island kayak tour with naturalist guides, modern gear, harbor pickup, and chances to see seals and eagles.

“The sea kayaking tour was so much fun! Roni was knowledgeable and found seals, bald eagles, star fish, etc. I would high recommend the tour if you visit the San Juan islands!”

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5.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $165

Paddle Griffin Bay at sunset, then watch bioluminescent sea life glow beneath your kayak on this private San Juan Island night tour.

“View not as beautiful as advertised, almost invisible. Had to help carry 4 boats to the beach and back - this was not stated in any description of the tour. Overall the tour was okay, but nothing too excited or unique. Lower your expectations and you will do fine.”

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6.2-Day Fully-Catered Kayak Camping Trip in the San Juan Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $658

Paddle from Anacortes to protected Cypress Island, camp by the sea, watch wildlife, and enjoy two days of meals, gear, and expert guiding.

“This was a great trip! Wolf was a knowledgeable and approachable guide, easy to talk to, but also aware of the group’s needs. He also prepared fantastic meals, and had been well-briefed on the group’s dietary needs. They sent us by water taxi to the island to make sure we got campsites (holiday weekend), which was wise because the campground filled up quickly. We went on a day paddle instead, and had time to hike before dinner. The 2 channel crossing back to Anacortes was a bit challenging due to currents and boat traffic, but the route was well-chosen and we didn’t have any problems. Very fun weekend, and a…”

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7.Guided Kayak Tour To Hope Island State Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Paddle protected South Sound waters to Hope Island State Park, with guides, gear, wildlife views, forest trails, and a relaxed three-hour outing.

“This kayak tour was such a blast! We spent about three hours out on the water in a double kayak, and it was the perfect pace, not too rushed, but never boring. The stop at Hope Island was a nice break, and it was cool to get out and wander around before heading back. Ross and Doug were awesome guides, super friendly, laid-back, and full of good stories. They made the whole trip feel easy and fun, and you could tell they really enjoy what they do. All in all, it was just a really fun experience and a great way to spend the day. I’d definitely recommend it if…”

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8.Orcas Island Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $109

Paddle under the stars near Rosario Mansion as bioluminescent plankton glows beneath your kayak on this small-group Orcas Island tour.

“This was such a cool experience and Tyler was a great guide! We saw so many amazing things and it really was an unforgettable experience.”

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9.West Seattle Sunset Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $139

Paddle Elliott Bay at sunset from West Seattle, with Olympic Mountain views, Seattle skyline, wildlife, and a small group capped at 10.

“Great kayaking experience! Round trip was roughly 3.5 miles of pleasant rowing. Roughly 2 hours. Would recommend!”

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10.Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $139

Paddle Elliott Bay from West Seattle for skyline and Olympic Mountain views, urban wildlife, local stories, and a small group of up to 10.

“This was a good first time kayaking experience. All 4 of us in our party, ages ranging from 21 to 72, did as well or better than expected. Arm fatigue is a factor for anyone that does not work out regularly. Our guide was a little on the new side but everything was fine with our small group of 4. It was a beautiful day, great conditions, and we all had a good time.”

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11.Bioluminescence Night Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 3 reviews · 3 hours · from $179

Paddle Griffin Bay at dusk, then watch fish and jellies spark blue or green bioluminescence on a family-friendly San Juan Island tour.

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12.San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 3 reviews · from $149

Paddle Haro Strait from San Juan Island, spot Pacific Northwest wildlife, enjoy a picnic with Olympic Mountain views, and explore Lime Kiln Point.

“We had a great time and our guide (Meg) was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. This was a really fun adventure- I’d do it again in the future.”

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13.Lake Union Kayak Tour – Small Groups, Big Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Paddle Lake Union in a small group, see Seattle’s skyline, floating homes, Gas Works Park, and the Space Needle from the water.

“Sergio was very knowledgeable and friendly. He is very passionate about what he does and it was a privilege to be on the water with him. Definitely recommend doing a tour with him!”

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14.Cafes and Kayaks: Full Day Kayaking Adventure on Orcas Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $149

Paddle Orcas Island’s Cascade Bay with a guide, spot seals and eagles, stop in Olga for lunch, and return to Rosario Marina.

“Big thanks to Jake for a beautiful kayak excursion to Sucia Island. We circumnavigated the entire island, had a lovely lunch+hiking break. Beautiful scenery and soaring bald eagles everywhere!”

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15.Alki Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Paddle from Seattle’s Seacrest Boathouse to Alki Point Lighthouse, with mountain views, city sights, wildlife, and a calm small-group guide.

“One of the best kayak tours I have had. Our guide Maya was extremely knowledgeable both about kayaking and the history of the bay. Although I have had a good deal of experience kayaking, she did a great educating those without experience. Very calm area but with interesting sites. There are lockers to store belongings and they also offer water shoes and waterproof coverings if needed.”

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