Pacific Northwest Activities
Sea Kayaking


Crystal Seas Kayaking Crystal Seas Kayaking
Kayak the west-side of San Juan Island. See orcas, seals, eagles and more. Naturalist guides. 16th season. Owner operated.
877-SEAS-877		 Crystal Seas Kayaking

Sea Kayaking at its best can be found in the States and Provinces of the Pacific Northwest.

Looking for Orca whales? Multiple pods of Orca whales can be found off the San Juan Islands of Washington and near the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. The world's largest resident population of Orca whales can be found in the "Inside Passage" of Johnstone Strait, off of the East coast of Vancouver Island.

Seeking vast stretches of coastline? The Pacific Northwest is unsurpassed in that category. Washington's San Juan County offers more than 375 miles of rocky and sandy waterfront - the most shoreline of any county in the nation. Vancouver Island in British Columbia is the largest island off the Pacific Coast of continental North America.

Seeking an expedition on challenging waters? Consider some of the more exposed shorelines in the San Juan Island group in Washington as well as on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the exposed shoreline and inlets north of Vancouver Island along British Columbia's mainland. Traveling with an experienced outfitter is advised. Paddling destinations include the outer islands of Washington's San Juan Island group as well as destinations along the west coast of British Columbia's Vancouver Island such as the Pacific Rim National Park (Broken Islands Group) and Clayoquot Sound.

Wanting somewhat sheltered waters to kayak on? Cozy camping, vast stretches of sandy beaches, sightings of whales, seals, and bald eagles are part what draws kayakers of varying skill levels to the more sheltered coastal paddling destinations. From multi-hour trips for novice kayakers to multi-day expeditions for more experienced kayakers there is much to interest paddlers in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Popular destinations include secluded coves and shorelines in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound in Washington. Sheltered kayaking destinations in British Columbia include the Inside Passage of Johnstone Strait, the Gulf Islands offering sunny Mediterranean paddling, and Desolation Sound's extended inlets and fjords along British Columbia's "sunshine coast."

Traveling inland? Inland waters including lakes, rivers, sloughs and river deltas, offer a range of Sea Kayaking opportunities. Moose, bear, eagles, trout and blue heron are common sights for the inland paddler. Large lakes, such as Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho or Flathead Lake in Montana may seem like a part of the ocean with vast seas, wind and varying weather conditions. Opportunities abound near inland waters for car camping and kayaking or "yak-packing" (packing camping gear and food in a kayak).

No matter if you are young, old, experienced or new to sea kayaking, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the most beautiful water, abundant wildlife, untamed lands and historically rich destinations to be found.

Click on the following links to learn more about sea kayaking in the Pacific Northwest and to view our kayaking destination maps:

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