Shearwater - 3-hour Tours




								Join one of our 3-hour Sea Kayak Tours for a taste of sea kayaking while on Orcas Island. Small groups (up to 8 people) make for a fun and intimate experience of the marine environment. These tours are offered from 4 locations: Deer Harbor Marina, Rosario Resort Resort, West Beach Resort, & Doe Bay Resort. Eagles, seals, shore birds and sea stars are common sightings. Times can vary, but are generally March - May: 10am & 2pm daily. June - Labor Day: 9am, 1pm & 5pm daily. Sept - mid Oct: 10am & 2pm. $60/person Deer Harbor Marina is at the southwest corner of Orcas Island, about 9 miles from Eastsound Village and 7 miles from the ferry landing. A popular launching site for kayakers, we visit the Wasp islands on this tour. Click for directions to Deer Harbor. Rosario Resort is in the center of the island on the fjord-like inlet of East Sound. It is 14 miles from the ferry landing and 5 miles from Eastsound Village. We explore cliffs covered with sea stars and encounter few other boats on this route. Click for directions to Rosario. Doe Bay Retreat Center and Resort is at the southest corner of Orcas Island, about 20 miles from the ferry landing and 11 miles from Eastsound Village. Here we enjoy the open waters of Rosario Strait with views of Mt Baker and the Cascade Mountains. Click for directions to Doe Bay. West Beach Resort is at the northwest corner of the island, 11 miles from the ferry landing and 2 miles from Eastsound Village. We launch our Sunset Tours here and enjoy views of the Canadian Gulf Islands. Click for directions to West Beach.


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Shearwater supplies: 2-person kayaks, paddles, flotation vests, spray skirts, guide and safety gear.

You supply: appropriate clothing for the day's weather (as if you were going for a walk--don't forget that raincoat if it looks like you might need it!), sunglasses, hat & water bottle. Regardless of how nice the day is, we suggest you bring along extra clothing.

Reservations: Reservations are best made by phone at (360)376-4699, or stop by our Adventure Store in Eastsound when you are on the island. We recommend reserving space at least 2 days in advance, but often there is room up to the last minute. Deposit for a 3-hour trip is full price of the trip. A full refund is available with at least 2 days advance notice of cancellation (groups of 6 or more call for group refund policy).

Shearwater reserves the right to cancel any tour. In the event of such a cancellation you will receive a full refund if you choose not to reschedule.

A signed personal liability release form is required for participation in any Shearwater activity.

3hour Tours -- Frequently Asked Questions

Am I in good enough shape to enjoy kayaking?
If you are in average physical shape the answer is probably yes. Our 3-hour Tours are designed for adults and families on vacation. We don't try to set any speed or distance records.

Which tour locatioin is best?
Our guests enjoy each of our locations. The landscape is a little different at each one, so they each offer slightly different view of Orcas Island. We suggest you choose the locatioin that is most convenient to your other plans for the day.

Where do you go on the 3-hour tours?
We don't have a set destination on any of these tours. It is up to our guide to determine the best route based on the day's conditions, wildlife, etc. Our guides can adjust the route in response to changing conditions or the energy level of the group.

What is the minimum age on a 3-hour Tours?
Our minimum age varies at the different locations. At Deer Harbor and Rosario, we have a kayak with a center seat for kids as young as 5-10 years with 2 adult paddlers. 10 is the minimum age for paddling in the front of a kayak with an adult in back. At Doe Bay the minimmum age is 15 years.

Can I take my camera?
Some people do. Keep in mind that salt water is very corrosive to electronic equipment. We suggest you leave your expensive camera on shore and use a waterproof single-use camera instead.

Should we tip our guide?
Our guides are paid for their work. However, if you especially enjoy or appreciate their efforts it is certainly acceptable to show your appreciation with a tip.