Shearwater - Sea Kayak Day Tours




								Discover the shores and coves of Sucia Island, a favorite of the marine state park islands scattered throughout the San Juans. Sucia Island is composed of sandstone, and has fantastic shoreline formations carved by thousands of years of wave action. There are sandy beaches, fossils, miles of trail, and spectacular views of Mt. Baker and the Canadian Gulf Islands. We shuttle from Orcas Island to Sucia by powerboat with Outer Island Expeditions in order to maximize our time on Sucia. Bald eagles, seals, porpoise, and other marine wildlife are common sightings. These tours generally follow a relaxed pace and include stops for enjoying your lunch, exploring trails or tide pools, or simply taking a break on an island beach. We use stable 2-person kayaks on these tours and usually take no more than 8 people at a time. $125/person Shearwater supplies: 2-person kayaks, paddles, flotation vests, spray skirts, guide and safety gear, transportation to the launch site and pick-up at the take out. If you take extra clothing (we suggest you do) we have dry bags for you to use. You supply: appropriate clothing for the day's weather (as if you were going for a day hike--don't forget that raincoat if it looks like you might need it!), sunglasses, hat, water bottle, footwear that can get wet, and lunch (a box lunch can be ordered for $15). Regardless of how nice the day is we suggest you bring along extra clothing. We can supply dry bags for storage. On day trips your feet will get wet getting into and out of the kayaks, so you will need footwear you don't mind getting wet (sport sandals, water socks, old sneakers, etc.). If you do not have appropriate footwear Shearwater can provide you with some. 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 10days in advance, but sometimes there is room up to the last minute. Cancellations within 7 days of a trip date will be charged full price unless we are able to fill the cancelled space(s). 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. Day Tours -- Frequently Asked Questions Am I in good enough shape to do a Day Tour? If you are in average physical shape the answer is probably yes. Our day trips are designed for adults on vacation, so we pick routes that allow us to paddle with the currents and wind, as much as possible. We don't try to set any speed or distance records, but you may feel some new muscles by the end of the day. How long is the Sucia Island Day Tour? Day Tours generally meet at our shop in Eastsound at 9:00 am and return between 4:00 and 4:30 pm. Once everyone has checked in at our shop, you then drive 1 1/2 miles to a small marina on the north shore of Orcas Island to meet the shuttle boat. After a safety talk and paddling instruction on the beach we are on the water for 1-2 hours to our lunch stop. Depending on where we stop, this break could include tide pooling or a leisurely walk exploring scenic trails. After lunch we return to the kayaks for 2+ hours to explore more channels and shorelines before landing and meeting up with the shuttle boat for the return to Orcas Island. 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 behind 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.