Sunset Sea Kayak Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will I fit in the kayak and gear?

  Here’s a good way to get an idea if you will fit in the kayak. Most people of average body weight and height can fit into the kayak. All of our kayaks are doubles so there is more space that one might think.

  NOT SURE? PLEASE DO THIS: Take a measuring tape and measure the circumference of the widest part of your body (hips/stomach/chest).

  Our SPRAY SKIRTS fits up to 43 inches including clothing, around the largest part of the midriff. The spray skirt is what you will wear around your torso. It connects to the kayak cockpit to keep you dry. You can wear it above or below your chest. There is a string to synch it to your body. If you can comfortably fit into it, you should be good to wear the spray skirt.

  Our COCKPIT dimensions are 31" Long x 16" Wide x 14.5" Deep.

  The cockpit is the opening area to get into the kayak. You will need to be able to sit down past it to get onto the kayak seat. Remember that your body parts can move and the boat is fiberglass so if you have hips that are around these dimensions, you can typically still sit into the kayak. What we want is for you to be able to safely exit the kayak. *Please send us a message through our website or give us a call, if you question whether you or someone in your group might not fit.

• Am I too tall?

  The kayaks are most comfortable for people who are 6' 4” ft. and under. If you are above this height, you may not feel comfortable. We can put tall people in the front of the kayak to give them more leg room. *Please send us a message through our website or give us a call, if you question whether you or someone in your group might be too tall.

• What is the cancellation policy for your day tours, three hour tours and sunset tours?

  We try to be very lenient on our cancellation policy as long as we do not have to turn people away for your spots, but here is our formal policy... "For reservations of 4 people or less, if you cancel 24 hours or more in advance of the tour there will be no charge. For reservations of 5 people or more, if you cancel 72 hours or more in advance of the tour there will be no charge. Reservations of 4 people or less that are canceled within 24 hours of the tour, reservations of 5 people or more that are canceled within 72 hours of the tour and reservations that no-show will all be charged the full cost of the tour. All cancellations must be in writing and the charged amount is determined upon the date of receipt."

• What if the weather is bad?

  Safety is our first priority. We have alternate routes in more protected areas if the weather is questionable. In the rare event that we have to cancel a trip, you will not be charged for your tour.

• Will there be a restroom?

  Guests should use the restroom before the kayaks leave the docks as there are no places to stop once we are en route.

• What if I am traveling alone? Can I still take a tour?

  Yes, you would get paired up with another guest or a guide. Please note that we require at least 2 people minimum to run a tour.

• Should I book a private tour for my group?

  The minimum rate for a private tour is the equivalent of 6 to 8 people depending on the specific trip date and time. In most cases a non-private trip will be ideal, since we keep our groups small to achieve a personalized touch. Please contact us if you would like to book a private tour.

• What is the youngest age allowed on a tour?

  On our Family 3 hour Tours and Family Sunset Tours the minimum age is 5. On our regular 3 Hour Tours, Sunset Tours and Day Tours the minimum age is 12.

• Is this the best area for killer whale kayaking and when can we see them?

  The San Juan Islands offer a unique opportunity during May through September to see orcas in the wild. The area where we paddle is deep nutrient rich water; perfect conditions for migrating salmon. So this is where the resident orcas come every year to find their favorite fish; the Chinook salmon. We do not guarantee that you will see orcas on your tour because they are wild and swim up to one hundred miles per day but we do kayak where they are most commonly seen, giving our guests the best opportunity for seeing an orca by kayaking in Washington State.

• How safe is sea kayaking near orca whales?

  There has never been a single incident of aggression against a kayaker or boater by an orca whale. 98% of the diet for the resident orcas consists of one type of fish; the Chinook (king) salmon. Other than that they eat fish. Orcas are the largest of the dolphin family so sometimes they can be seen being playful. At times they will peak their heads up out of the water which is called spy hopping...just to look around. When the orcas do get near, they will just pass gracefully by. We have a special protocol to follow when we see the orcas coming our way. We follow the Be Whale Wise Guidelines as well as local, state and federal laws anytime we are in a kayak with orca whales in the vicinity

• I've kayaked many times, am in great physical shape, and want to kayak more than 3 hours; is the 3 hour tour a good fit for me?

  You and your group might find our Full Day Tour a better match for your skill and fitness levels.

• How long is the tour and how much time is spent actually kayaking?

  The total length of the tour is 4 hours. Approximately 2 to 2.25 hours is spent out kayaking. The remaining time is for the safety lesson and transportation to and from our Snug Harbor Resort launch point.