shearwater kayak tours reviews

Shearwater Kayak Tours

Review Highlights

“ Wonderful kayaking trip with Carson - three hours out of Deer Harbor , out around the islands, and back to the marina. ” in 12 reviews

“ We had the best time on our morning 3-hour kayaking tour leaving from Doe Bay ! ” in 5 reviews

“ We started by exploring the shallows (tide was out) and seeing sea creatures (stars, sea cucumbers, crabs, etc.). ” in 7 reviews

Location & Hours

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138 N Beach Rd

Eastsound, WA 98245

Serving Eastsound Area

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About the business.

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Business Owner

Explore beautiful Orcas Island, in the heart of Washington's San Juan Islands with Shearwater Adventures. Join our small group sea kayak tours to experience the hundreds of small islands that make up the San Juans, and the rich variety of marine wildlife that call these waters home. Visit our shop in Eastsound Village for quality kayak gear, wildlife gifts, outdoor wear, t-shirts and more. Since 1982 we have introduced thousands of people to the joys of sea kayaking on Orcas Island with our sea kayak tours, instruction, and kayak & gear sales. We use the best kayaks and equipment available, have a dedicated staff of qualified guides, and know the islands better than anyone. Orcas Island kayaking is a great activity during your visit to the islands. Join one of our 3-hour, day, sunset or moonlight tours for a fantastic time on the water. …

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Overall rating

We did the Sunset/ Moonlight tour with Jennifer. We had a delight guide and a lot of fun. We watched the sun set, watched the moon rise and saw seals in the ocean. This was one of the most memorable nights of my vacation. We were first time kayaker and my husband is not a strong swimmer. Jennifer took the time to make us comfortable with the equipment and instruction of properly using the kayak. She also had lots of information and answered many questions during our tour. I would highly recommend this group!

Cory the tour guide kayaking master was so friendly and rad! We stayed at the Doe Bay Resort and did this on our last day, easy since the kayak shack was right on the grounds. Kayaked in tandem kayak with my partner, small group of six + Cory, so four total kayaks. Went out to Peapod islands and around Rosario straight and saw all sorts of seals including their pups (at respectable distance), starfish and crab on the way there and back, and one jellyfish in the mix :) Large eagles nest as well. Time flew, had no idea we had paddled several miles! All the while Cory encouraged kayakers so get close to coves and look closely at the wildlife, very knowledgeable too. Plenty of breaks if needed. Water bags provided for snacks/electronics and wet skirt for keeping water out of the kayaks while paddling.

I wish I could've left a better review. I'm sure their tours are great. Unfortunately, after driving 40 minutes from one end of the island to the other to go on a tour, we arrived with an excited (but soon to be disappointed) 7 year old to an empty office and another couple waiting. About 10 minutes before the tour was supposed to start, the other couple managed to contact Shearwater's office only to be told that the tour was being cancelled at the last minute due to wind. Of course, they had my cell phone # from when I made the reservation the day before. And of course they could've called us in the morning and given us a heads up that the weather was iffy. Or they could have told us when we booked the reservation that sometimes tours are cancelled because of wind/weather. But they did neither, and to me that demonstrates an incredibly poor level of customer service. We'll be back to Orcas, without a doubt. And we'll certainly avail ourselves of one of the other outfitters when we do.

We had a great family kayak trip for three hours out of Deer Harbor. The guide was knowledgeable and patient with our inexpert paddling. Great fun being on the water, seeing seals, eagles and other wildlife. This is our second time doing the trip and we will definitely be back another summer.

A group of us rented kayaks. Nothing really special about the rental place, but enjoyed the actual kayaking as got to see a lot of jellyfish.

Ably guided sea kayak group in the San Juans. We launched from Deer Harbor on Orcas but other locations were offered. Our group saw bald eagles, many types of sea birds, harbor seals, sea stars and jellyfish. Our guide gave us bits of history of the islands, ecology of the area, and descriptions of the animals. A quiet, peaceful trip I would happily do again!

Fantastic three hour tour from West Beach resort. Blake was really knowledgeable and did a great job explaining things to my kids. Really patient with beginning sea kayakers. Saw porpoises, seals, and eagles. Beautiful!

Trips fill up quick so sign up fast! Went out and did the sunset paddle. Amazing views and got to see some porpoises. Didn't get to see orcas during the tour, but saw them from the launch area. Recommend this trip because once you round the corner and see Mt Baker in the sunset you'll never forget it. Michelle was an awesome guide too!

Took the sunset cruise out of West Beach one Sunday evening. There were 4 of us and no one else signed up. Our guide was super sweet, super nice and very knowledgeable. Just some notes for those of you who decide to do this: 1) Make sure your relationship is strong if you get in the kayak with a spouse/significant other. The person in the back gets to paddle AND steer the kayak with the foot pedals that control the rudder. This means that person will constantly get yelled at by the person in front who has no idea how hard it is. 2) They call these two person kayaks "Divorce Boats." See #1 3) If you are tall and/or big it's a challenge getting in and out and not necessarily the most comfortable experience sitting in the kayak. Make sure your back is in good shape. 4) See #1 and #2.

They're ok -- we did a 3 hour kayak trip with them that went fine. But if you're looking for an outfitter, I would be inclined to go with Outer Island Expeditions instead. The kayak trip we did was pretty, and went smoothly, but Outer Island just goes to prettier and more interesting places I think. I also found Outer Island's service to be better. I called Shearwater before this year's trip to ask about bringing my 8-year-old son, and they were pretty snotty to me about it. I then called Outer Island, who were friendly and accommodating; and on the trip were really great with him.

5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Shearwater Adventures

Kayak tours on orcas island, we offer guided kayak tours on orcas island — no unguided rentals, featured kayak tours.

• Most Popular
• Users Ages 7+
• Hour Glass 3 hours

Deer Harbor Kayak

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 / May only
• Users Ages 15+
• Hour Glass 5 hours

Spring Wildflower Experience

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.

Doe Bay Kayak

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.

• Hour Glass 6 hours

Paddle & Picnic

mid May – mid September • Tu/Th/St Pack your favorite picnic lunch and join us for a great day exploring the islands. Kayak to a small, uninhabited state park island or isolated beach. We have a long break mid-day to enjoy trails, explore tide pools if the tide is low, or just relax. After the break, we take a new route to loop back to the harbor.

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Bioluminescence Kayak

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.

• Hour Glass Custom

Custom Tours

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.

See Why Our Guests Love Us!

A perfect way to enjoy a fall day. Will be back!

We had perfect weather for a 3-hour paddle around and a bit beyond Doe Bay. Our guide was excellent!

We 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!

We 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!

The bioluminescence tour was absolutely magical. Galaxies of light exploding underwater blew our minds and expectations!

Kayaks and equipment in great shape and guide was outstanding. As frequent kayakers, we highly recommend this quality company.

The 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.

Our guide was awesome. Best instruction and care I've ever experienced kayaking! Highly recommend!!

Lee 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!

Our 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!

Fantastic 3 hour tour from Deer Harbor. The highlight of our weekend on Orcas. Really enjoyed the trip paddling around the islands past the harbor.

We 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!

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