daily tours • April – September
Get a taste of sea kayaking while exploring beautiful Deer Harbor and the Wasp Islands on this easy adventure. Sheltered waters provide a great location for experiencing fantastic views and marine wildlife.
April 13 – May 11 • Tu/Th/St
Join us for a unique excursion while on Orcas Island in spring 2024. We paddle to a small nature preserve island known for its native wildflowers, and see a variety of wildlife from the kayaks along the way.
late May – early Sept • Mn/Wd/Fr/St
Explore the “far side” of Orcas Island on this three-hour kayak adventure. Enjoy views of Mount Baker in the North Cascades, along with a variety of marine wildlife. Strenuous tidal conditions on some dates — call for details.
late June – early Sept • Tu/Th/St/Sn
Get a taste of sea kayaking while exploring near the historic Rosario Resort on this three-hour adventure. Glide along the shores of East Sound with us!
June – Sept • limited dates on the darkest nights of the moon
Experience magical, twinkling lights from the depths of the Salish Sea! Join us as we paddle after dark through the beautiful phenomenon that is bioluminescence.
Custom Tours are trips that we tailor to meet the needs of different groups and skill levels. Whether a private tour for two or a large group of friends, call us to explore the possibilities. Different timing, locations, and routes available.
Shearwater Adventures has been offering a variety of sea kayak tours, instruction, and retail sales on Orcas Island since 1982. Over the years, we have introduced thousands of people to the joys of paddling in the San Juan Islands. Our focus has always been sharing the fun of kayaking and the beauty of the marine environment.
Shearwater uses the best kayaks and equipment available. We have a dedicated staff of qualified guides, and we know the islands better than anyone. Kayaking with Shearwater is a great activity to experience during your visit to the islands. Join us for a kayak tour and a fantastic time on the water!
Kayak rental is included in each tour, along with all the paddling equipment needed. Participants simply need to dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
Read our Cancellation Policies for details if your plans need to change.
A perfect way to enjoy a fall day. Will be back!
– Wendy W. | Google review | Sept 2023We had perfect weather for a 3-hour paddle around and a bit beyond Doe Bay. Our guide was excellent!
– Charlie C. | Google review | Aug 2023We went on the daytime tour out of Deer Harbor and it was the highlight of our trip... If you're visiting Orcas, you have to do a kayak tour with this company!
– Lexi K. | Google review | Aug 2023We have kayaked several times in the San Juans, (3-hours tours, and multiple day also)… Shearwater is simply the best of any company we have booked with in the past!
– Pamela L. | email | Aug 2023The bioluminescence tour was absolutely magical. Galaxies of light exploding underwater blew our minds and expectations!
– Darryl D. | Google review | Aug 2023Kayaks and equipment in great shape and guide was outstanding. As frequent kayakers, we highly recommend this quality company.
– krish922 | TripAdvisor | July 2023The trip was very safe and well organized while still being relaxed and fun. They have all the gear you need. Would definitely do it again.
– Patty H. | Google review | June 2023Our guide was awesome. Best instruction and care I've ever experienced kayaking! Highly recommend!!
– Judith B. | Google review | June 2023Lee was our guide and he is one of the best kayaking guides I’ve ever had! I did the Yellow Island trip and it was wonderful! I highly recommend this trip and guided tour!
– TripAdvisor | April 2023Our guide Dan was kind, conscientious and extremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and geology of the islands. We had a wonderful experience kayaking with Shearwater!
– Stephanie D. | Google review | April 2023Fantastic 3 hour tour from Deer Harbor. The highlight of our weekend on Orcas. Really enjoyed the trip paddling around the islands past the harbor.
– Will S. | Google review | Sept 2022We loved our sunset paddle on Orcas! We had an excellent guide who got us comfortable in our kayaks and did a great job of helping us spot porpoise, seals, a bald eagle and star fish. It was absolutely gorgeous on the water!
– Gina E. | TripAdvisor