Sea Kayaking in the San Juan Islands: Burrows Island

Harbor seals, porpoises and a lighthouse you reach by paddle.

Sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands departs from Anacortes on Fidalgo Island and paddles to Burrows Island, a small uninhabited island just offshore where few visitors go. You operate a single or tandem kayak with a professionally trained guide, all equipment and safety gear included, and spend three hours on the water exploring shorelines, watching for marine wildlife and taking in views of the Olympic Mountains and Rosario Strait. The trip avoids the ferry hassle. You drive straight to the docks, which means more time paddling and less time traveling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sea Kayak Tour in San Juan Islands

• Attend brief kayaking lesson
• Depart from custom-built kayak docks
• Paddle out into Burrows Bay
• Circumnavigate Burrows Island
• View Burrows Island Lighthouse and Rosario Strait
• Observe harbor seals and seal pups
• Watch for harbor porpoise and orca whales
• Enjoy views of Olympic Mountains and San Juan Islands

The experience

Anacortes sits on Fidalgo Island, connected to the mainland by three bridges, so you drive directly to the custom-built kayak docks instead of waiting for a ferry. After a brief lesson, you and your guide push off into Burrows Bay. The wildlife often starts right there: harbor seals pop up in the marina to watch you leave. Most trips paddle around Burrows Island itself, where the Salish Sea holds the densest population of harbor seals in the world. In summer the pupping season brings young seals into the water, and the narrow passages between Burrows and Allan Island are the best place in Washington to spot harbor porpoise. Orca whales sometimes move through these same waters, and the guide watches for them.

The island sits off the beaten path, so once you're out on the water you won't see crowds. The Burrows Island Lighthouse stands on the west side, and across the Rosario Strait the Olympic Mountains rise in the distance. You travel at a walking pace, which means the details (the rocks, the birds, the way the light hits the water) stay visible instead of blurring past. The guide knows the area and tells the cultural history of the islands while helping you spot what's moving in the bay. The whole experience stays small: the company runs only a few departures a day, and groups stay tight.

All sea kayaking equipment, life jackets and safety gear come with the booking. Single kayaks are available for an additional $25 per person if you prefer paddling on your own rather than sharing a tandem. The guide is professionally trained and leads in English. Because you're driving to Anacortes instead of taking a ferry to San Juan Island, your time on the water stretches longer than it would on other island-based trips that include a shuttle ride as part of the day.

What’s included

• All sea kayaking equipment, life jackets and safety gear.
• professionally trained guide leading in English.
• brief kayaking lesson before departure.
• access to Burrows Island and its shorelines.

Information

Lasts 3h, from US$ 135.22 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 13 May 2027

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Anacortes Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?The guide leads in English, so you'll follow the commentary and stories about the islands without strain. This works for anyone comfortable paddling at a walking pace for three hours. The fitness bar is low, but the time in the kayak is real, so bring water and sun protection and dress for the weather on the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I actually see on a kayak in the San Juan Islands?

Harbor seals are nearly guaranteed. They're the most common sighting and often appear right in the marina before you leave. The Salish Sea has the densest population of harbor seals in the world, and in summer you'll see young pups. Harbor porpoises show up in the narrow passages between Burrows and Allan Island, and orca whales sometimes hunt through these waters, though sightings are less frequent. The guide watches for all of them and knows where to paddle for the best chances.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle in the San Juan Islands?

No. The trip includes a brief kayaking lesson before you depart, and the guide is professionally trained to work with all fitness levels. You'll paddle at a walking pace, which keeps the experience manageable and lets you notice details around you instead of focusing on technique.

Why is Anacortes better than other San Juan Islands kayak trips?

Anacortes is the only island in the San Juan Islands you can drive directly to: three bridges connect it to the mainland. Other outfitters on San Juan Island require a ferry ride, which cuts into your time on the water. From Anacortes, you also get access to Burrows Island, which this company is the only outfitter currently able to lead trips to. That means you'll explore shorelines few visitors ever see.

How long is the actual paddling time?

The trip is three hours total. Because you drive straight to the docks in Anacortes instead of taking a ferry, nearly all of that time is spent on the water paddling and exploring, rather than traveling to the launch point.

What's included in the kayaking trip?

All sea kayaking equipment, life jackets and safety gear are included. The professionally trained guide is included. Fees and taxes are included in the price. You'll want to bring your own water, snacks and sun protection like sunscreen and a hat, and wear clothes that can get wet. The company has some loaner jackets and sweaters if you need them.

Can I paddle a single kayak instead of a tandem?

Yes. Single kayaks are available for an additional $25 per person, though they must be requested in advance and are subject to availability. Call the outfitter after booking to arrange one.