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We are pleased to announce that Brian Goodremont, who has been with San Juan Safaris since 1995 and operations manager for a number of years, has purchased the Roche Harbor portion of San Juan Safaris.
All kayaking tours and one whale watching vessel from Roche Harbor will be operated by Brian.
Learn more about San Juan Outfitters at www.sanjuanislandoutfitters.com
Sea Kayaking FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaking
1. What sets your company apart from other kayak tour companies?
What we have been told by our clients is that they have a wonderful, memorable time.
Clients tell us that our naturalist and staff are warm and friendly, and that the
naturalists are involved, knowledgeable and love to teach what they know.
We love our jobs. We see ourselves as professionals.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy comes down to thirty years of success in the Eco-tourism field. Our
clients would rather be guided than herded. We would rather share our knowledge than
shout it over a microphone; therefore our groups are small and intimate. Our naturalists
are amongst our guests. They are up close and personal and happy to interact with guest
questions. They are excited to share their own experiences with our guests.
San Juan Safaris - Exclusive operators out of Roche Harbor Village
and the Port of Friday Harbor
We are the exclusive concessionaire for Roche Harbor Resort day trips and are the
only company currently allowed to launch sea kayaks at the Port of Friday Harbor.
Because of this symbiotic relationship, a considerable amount of effort is made to
develop "guest first" service. This includes special finger docks that allow the
guest entry into the sea kayaks without getting wet. Our guests do not have to
ride to a public beach to launch. Our guests do not have to cart their kayak to
the water, but have the luxury after instruction and training to move quickly into
the pristine waters. It is truly the best of both worlds. Great food and facilities
await your return from this enjoyable experience.
Whale Watching By Kayak
Please note - Some operators attempt to create the idea that whale watching from
kayaks is the norm. Kayakers that launch from the public parks on the west side
often spend their entire trip hoping that the whales will come by. Great if they do.
But if they don't, there is less to see in that area and they are more exposed to the elements.
The northwest side of San Juan Island, where we launch our 3- hour and 5-hour trips,
is the best location to see Orcas. However, we focus on a complete naturalist guided
tour, interpreting all that we pass by. Seeing whales is a great treat when they appear.
It is with good reason our guests leave our docks with wonderful memories. Choose the
company that best fulfills your requirements for a quality experience.
2. What experience do I need to go kayaking with your company?
None! (For the 3-hour tour) Many of our guests have never been in a kayak before.
You do not even need to know how to swim. We supply a life jacket in your size.
A short lesson is given at the dock on use of equipment and safety.
3. Do we have to learn the "roll over" technique?
Absolutely not. It is an extreme rarity that someone on one of our tours
manages to turn over their kayak. Our guides are trained in rescue techniques
and can have a guest back in their boat quickly. But more importantly, our
guides are trained to use foresight to avoid any problems.
4. How far do the trips go? Do I need to be an athlete?
On the 3-hour treks, round trip, our tours are approximately three miles.
Tours are paddled at a friendly pace. Since it is also a time for learning,
the guides make several stops in the water for interpretation. The 5-hour
tour is for people with a bit of experience and who are in good physical
condition. This trek may cover 5-8 miles on the water.
5. What are the weight, height, and circumference restrictions for kayaking?
If you are over 6'2", you will probably not fit in a sea kayak. If you are not certain,
drop by and we will sit you into a kayak and see how you feel. If you have back problems,
you may not wish to be sitting in this position for 3 hours. A guest must fit in our
extra large life vest to be eligible for a kayak tour, kayak rental or whale watch tour.
A guest must easily slip in and out of the sea kayak for safety reasons. The 5-hour sea
kayak tour requires that an individual be in better shape than the 3-hour tour.
6. What about going to the bathroom?
There is a small island that we can stop at with facilities.
Our trips are only three hours long and in the past, it has not
been a problem. The 5-hour tour also has a pit stop.
7. Are we going to see whales?
Occasionally the whales will join us on our 3-hour tour.
Whales generally travel 3-30 mph and the best kayakers travel
at perhaps 3 mph). Much of the time, the whales are either
to the far north or south end of the island and also out west
towards Canada. Other operators may embellish this likelihood,
but in a kayak it is pretty much luck of the draw. If seeing the
whales are the focus of your trip join us on our new 5-hour kayak
tour that we call the orca search or go on our whale-watching
vessel which has a track record of excellent sightings:at and over 90%.
8. What can we expect to see? Click here
9. Age limits for kayaking, what are the restrictions?
Children ages 4-12 years are allowed if the following conditions are met...
1st - There are 2 adults, 18 years or older to accompany the child in a triple kayak,
2nd - There is in fact a triple kayak available for the time and date you wish to go.
10. What about a person with a disability?
Usually, but not always, this person can be placed in the center of a
triple kayak accompanied by two others in their party. This is at the
discretion of the guide, as safety is the first concern.
11. What about booking a private tour?
Since our trips are set up to accommodate 10 guests per guide,
booking a kayak guide for a private tour would be $490 (less 10%
discount, plus tax). Our guides are not available for private lessons.
12. What about group tours and group rates?
A group is considered 10 or more. Our discount rate for groups of 10 or
more is 10% and do require a 50% deposit.
13. Cancellation Policy
We are particular about our cancellation policy. All bookings require a credit card.
Staying at Roche Harbor does not exempt necessity for a credit card.
Without leaving a credit card, one would not have a firm booking.
Of course one would be welcome to show up and take their chances.
In July and August the chances of just showing up would most likely
not afford one a place on the whale watch vessel or a kayak trip.
No shows are charged full price.
A. 1-4 people - You must cancel 48 hours prior to your trip.
If you cancel inside of the 48 hours or do not show, you will be charged the full amount
B. 5-9 people - Requires a 50% non-refundable deposit. If the booking is
not canceled full 48 hours prior to the trip, or you do not show, you will be charged the
full amount.
C. 10 or more people - Requires a 50% non-refundable deposit by check.
Full payment by check 30 days prior. This booking needs to be canceled a full 30
days prior to the trip. If the booking is canceled inside the 30-day period,
full price will be charged. A no show will be charged full price, once the space
is firmly booked, we will be turning business away in order to hold it for you.
14. What do I need to bring kayaking?
Check list: A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars if you have them, a camera
if you wish, water bottle in plastic container, a snack and wear shoes you wouldn't
mind getting wet such as a Teva style or old tennis shoes. We do supply a dry bag.
15. What is the current schedule and pricing?
16. Can I make a reservation on line?
Yes! - Click Here
17. What about sunset trips?
Yes! Please see our current schedule.
18. How long are the kayak tours?
We have a 3-hour tour and a 5-hour tour. This means actual time on the water,
not a van ride to and from the water then unloading the kayaks, which sometimes
can take 1.5 hours of a tour with other operators.
19. Why don't you offer kayaking the remainder of the year?
There are several reasons. First, and most importantly, safety. After the first part
of October, the weather and water conditions are not usually predictable. Most years,
it is windy, rainy and cold. Wind is not good for water conditions and bad water
conditions are very bad for a vessel such as a kayak.
20. Do you take school groups, scouts and kids clubs?
We sure do. We love to teach kids about the whales, wildlife, and the ecosystems
here in the islands and what they can do to help protect these resources.
Best time for these excursions is May, June and September when it's not so
busy. This is a special booking due to the age of the young people. Parents
must sign off on a release and adults need to accompany the young people.
21. Can I have a single kayak?
Sorry, no. Our own trained guides are the only ones allowed in single kayaks.
Guests use doubles or triples.
22. Can we bring our own kayaks on your tours?
Sorry, no. We use only our own equipment.
23. Do you rent kayaks?
We do not rent sea-touring kayaks. We do not endorse anyone sea kayaking
in the (48 degree) waters around the San Juan's unless they are well versed
in these waters or a trained, professional guide accompanies them. What
we do rent is an open deck, sit-on-top style kayak. Please see rentals Click Here
24. What are your environmental ethics?
We adhere to the NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) standards and do our very
best to see that all of our guests do also.
25. What is Eco-Tourism?
Click here for Bill Wright-Eco Tourism Consultant.
Each year a number of our guests return for another look at the whales. Often they
develop a sincere bond with our resident Orcas. New folks come to the San Juan Islands'
yearly just for the "Orca Experience". I often describe the "Orca Experience" as the
Serengeti for whales. For it truly is a wonderful world-class wildlife experience.
In years past, I have had the good fortune to travel to some of the world's last
great reserves and enjoy the feeling of joy that comes from interacting with the
last great living treasures of the earth. We in the San Juans are fortunate to
have that experience daily in the summer months.
The Eco-tourism movement has without doubt prolonged the existence of some of the
world's dwindling species. By responsibly showing our guests their beauty, by
talking truthfully about their condition and by encouraging our clients to experience
the joy of sharing the planet with these animals, we hope we play a positive role in
their survival.
One other tenant of the Eco-Tourism movement is the fact that small local companies
such as ours; living within the same eco-system, create a sustainable economic
non-consumptive model that generates income by maintaining the viability of the resource.
This symbiotic relationship works on the plains of Africa as well as the waters of the
San Juan Islands. We hope you agree and we hope that you will join us on your next visit.
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