ADULT ONLY

San Juan Islands Adventure

  • 6 Days
  • 18 People Max

    6 - 18 guests

  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Seattle, Washington
  • Trip End: Seattle, Washington
san juan islands

Just off the coast of Washington state, discover the magic of the Pacific Northwest on our San Juan Islands Adventure.

Wander small towns, bike through fragrant lavender fields and let time stand still on our 6-day San Juan Islands adventure and hiking tour. Starting and finishing in Seattle, the only thing between you and the ultimate adventure holiday is a short ferry ride to Friday Harbor. Time will immediately slow down as you kayak the pristine waters of San Juan Island and stop for a coffee or ice cream in picture-perfect quaint towns. Expansive views no camera can give justice to will reward you as you climb Mount Constitution and hike to Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse. All the while, keep watch for whales, seals and porpoises playing amongst the waves. As day turns to night, indulge in some of the finest wining and dining in the Pacific Northwest and stay in cosy accommodations with superb views. There's no doubt you'll fall in love with this splendid part of Washington state as you embark on our San Juan Islands adventure and hiking tour.

Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse

HikingHiking

Mount Constitution

HikingHiking

Lavender Fields

BikingBiking

San Juan Island

KayakingKayaking

Whale-watching cruise

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Watch the sun set over a postcard-perfect cove

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Wine tasting

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Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

San Juan Islands Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Seattle, Washington Trip End: Seattle, Washington

Download our Handy Trip itenary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Bike to American Camp

  • Day 2Explore San Juan Island by kayak & bike

  • Day 3Hike & bike around San Juan Island

  • Day 4Explore Orcas Island and Whale-watching!

  • Day 5Hike Mount Constitution

  • Day 6Hike Cascade Falls, farewell!

  • Day 1

    Bike to American Camp

    #1389

    Our journey will start with a morning shuttle from Seattle to Anacortes before catching a ferry to San Juan Island. You'll notice the hustle and bustle of city life begin to fade as we pass the picturesque islands of Lopez and Shaw. We'll arrive onto the Island at Friday Harbor, a charming, historic, walkable seaport just steps from the ferry landing, and disembark, enjoying lunch before heading out to explore the coastal town. This afternoon we'll make our way to American Camp, located on the southern end of the Island. The camp was occupied by the U.S. Army from 1859 through to 1874 due to a water boundary disagreement with Great Britain, and American soldiers lived here during the peaceful 12-year joint occupation of San Juan Island. After you've checked out the site, saddle up for your first bike ride of the trip back to Friday Harbor. Our accommodation for the next 3 nights, the Discovery Inn, combines comfort with handsomely appointed rooms designed for relaxing. It's close-by to downtown Friday Harbor where you'll find award-winning dining, art galleries, and fun shops with souvenirs for browsing. Tonight we'll dine nearby at the Friday Harbor House before resting for the next days of activities and wildlife viewing.

    Discovery Inn (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Biking: 10 miles (16 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Explore San Juan Island by kayak & bike

    #1390

    After a scrumptious breakfast overlooking Friday Harbor, we’ll make our way over to Roche Harbor, a historic seaside resort steeped in rich history and surrounded by lush gardens, for a morning of kayaking. After gearing up, we'll head out on the water to paddle the quiet bays and shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, bald eagles, otters, porpoise and – if you’re lucky – orca whales! This afternoon, after enjoying a lunch overlooking Roche Harbor at The Madrona Bar and Grill, we'll drive through cottage country to the San Juan Island National Historical Park where the English Camp is located. The English Camp is where the British soldiers lived during the boundary dispute over the ownership of the island until the islands were awarded to the United States by Kaiser Wilhelm I in an arbitration agreed by the parties in the 1872 Treaty of Washington. Once we've explored the camp we'll slowly make our way back to Friday Harbor by pedal, enjoying the coastal views from the rolling hills. Along the way we'll stop off at a winery to taste award-winning estate-grown wines in the coolest-climate growing region of Washington State. We'll be back in time for you to explore the Friday Harbor shops if you wish, or you can enjoy a soak in the large outdoor Jacuzzi back at the Inn. You're on your own for dinner tonight to enjoy one of the many local hotspots in Friday Harbor - ask your guides for their recommendations!

    Discovery Inn (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Kayaking: 2 hours
    Biking: 10 miles (16 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Hike & bike around San Juan Island

    #1391

    Today we'll head out to explore San Juan Island by bike and by foot, starting with a shuttle from Friday Harbor this morning. Make sure to pause and take in the expansive views as we make our way to the historic Lime Kiln State Park. Set on a rocky bluff at the west end of San Juan Island, it's considered to be one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. We’ll embark on a short hike loaded with picturesque views while watching for the 80+ Orca that call these shorelines home. The pods, which also include humpback and minke whales, pass through the area every May through September, with peak times depending on salmon runs. After lunch, we’ll hop on bikes to pedal over to Pelindaba Lavender Farm – an experience for all the senses! Here they cultivate all their lavender flowers in organically certified fields and extract the essential oils from these flowers in their own on-site distillery. We'll be able to explore the farm and purchase any products if you wish! The day’s adventure will end back at Friday Harbor once we arrive on our bikes and there will be time to freshen up before dinner tonight in Roche Harbor.

    Discovery Inn (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 1-2 miles (1.5-3 kilometers)
    Biking: 10 miles (16 kilometers)

  • Day 4

    Explore Orcas Island and Whale-watching!

    #1392

    This morning we'll depart San Juan Island after breakfast and take a short ferry over to Orcas Island. We'll take a lovely loop hike around Cascade Lake that offers intimate views of the lake and its pine-studded shores. Along the western banks, you'll have various viewpoints on the banks of the lake. You may also catch a glimpse of a deer or two on your venture. After completing the hike enjoying some lunch, we'll board a boat and get ready to go whale watching! This all-afternoon tour will take you to the best spots to look for all the different kinds of whales of this area and learn how they hunt, interact, and migrate. We'll then drive across to the Rosario Resort where you will stay for the last two nights of the trip. Rosario Resort & Spa was built over 100 years ago by a Seattle shipbuilder and it offers comfortable and relaxing guest accommodations with beautiful views of the Islands including the magnificent East Sound and Cascade Bay. We'll dine tonight at the resort's restaurant featuring fresh, locally sourced, and creative house-made seasonal cuisine.

    Rosario Resort & Spa, Orcas Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 2.7 miles (4.2 kilometers)
    Cruise: 3 hours

  • Day 5

    Hike Mount Constitution

    #1393

    Surrounded by small, scenic State Park-designated islands, Orcas Island is a playground for adventurers, so this morning we’ll explore one of the many trails of Moran State Park. Named after Robert Moran, the Seattle Mayor and ship builder who provided the land, the park is 5,424-acres and offers abundant camping, five freshwater lakes for swimming and more than 30 miles of hiking, bicycling, mountain biking and equestrian trails. If you’re feeling energetic, we'll take a hike up Mount Constitution to the highest point in the San Juan Islands (it’s worth the effort – the views are spectacular!). We'll head around the left side of Mountain Lake, and then continue on to Twin Lakes, before starting your jaunt to the top of Mt. Constitution. Sitting on the crest is a stone tower replica of Russian watchtowers constructed in the Caucasus during the 12th century. We'll enjoy lunch on the trail and head back down in time for freshening up before our last dinner. Tonight we'll wrap up our active day with a farewell dinner at The Mansion at Rosario and toast to a great trip exploring the San Juan Islands!

    Rosario Resort & Spa, Orcas Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 4 miles (6.4 kilometers)

  • Day 6

    Hike Cascade Falls, farewell!

    #1394

    This morning, find a refreshing, majestical waterfall as we hike a trail located near Eastsound, Washington with other falls scattered along the way. Enjoy watching the water rush down the rocks as you're enveloped in a lush forest. Watch for birds flitting through the trees! We'll then make our way to the Orcas Ferry Landing to catch our final ferry back to Anacortes, with a packed lunch provided for the journey. Once we've landed in port we'll have a drive before dropping you back to either the hotel or the airport. This is the end of your trip and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us!

    No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Hiking: 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers)

Tour Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year

We will not be operating our San Juan Islands Adventure in 2024, however if you are interested in joining this trip in 2025, or would like to inquire about any of our other adventures, please contact us.

USD $4499/per adult
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Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

Reviews from our Guests

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San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Beautiful destination, great guides, and new friends

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends. Our friendly guides, Jayson and Steve, were very organized and did an excellent job planning our meals and activities.

read more

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends.… read more

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends. Our friendly guides, Jayson and Steve, were very organized and did an excellent job planning our meals and activities. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

S Stuart | September 2023

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Suzanne M Kujat

"The trip was wonderful & the guides excellent & so much fun to be around. They were organized (& had Plan B's when needed), helpful, friendly, fun, knowledgeable & very interested in each person on the tour.

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"The trip was wonderful & the guides excellent & so much fun to be around.… read more

"The trip was wonderful & the guides excellent & so much fun to be around. They were organized (& had Plan B's when needed), helpful, friendly, fun, knowledgeable & very interested in each person on the tour. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

S Suzanne | September 2023

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Island hopping

"I had a great time in a place I knew nothing about. Jayson and Steve did a great job educating us on the history of the SJI and taking us out to do an abundance of activities and keeping us well fed. My husband and I came on this trip because it worked out with another activity scheduled nearby so we had no prior knowledge of the area. We came to find out our group was mostly repeat guests who had taken the Mighty 5 trip during a different week then us; but had the same former guides. We had some fast bonding and we had a great time with this group of people and I hope our guides also enjoyed their week.

read more

"I had a great time in a place I knew nothing about. Jayson and Steve… read more

"I had a great time in a place I knew nothing about. Jayson and Steve did a great job educating us on the history of the SJI and taking us out to do an abundance of activities and keeping us well fed. My husband and I came on this trip because it worked out with another activity scheduled nearby so we had no prior knowledge of the area. We came to find out our group was mostly repeat guests who had taken the Mighty 5 trip during a different week then us; but had the same former guides. We had some fast bonding and we had a great time with this group of people and I hope our guides also enjoyed their week. read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

k katelyn | September 2023

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Carla

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a phenomenal job of keeping us on track and providing exceptional service to the group. Their efforts and the wonderful bounty of the islands made for a special experience.

read more

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a… read more

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a phenomenal job of keeping us on track and providing exceptional service to the group. Their efforts and the wonderful bounty of the islands made for a special experience. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

C Carla | September 2023

San Juan Islands Adventure - August 2023

"A very relaxing vacation with incredible views of nature that exceeded all expectations.

read more

"A very relaxing vacation with incredible views of nature that exceeded all expectations. read more

"A very relaxing vacation with incredible views of nature that exceeded all expectations. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

J Janice | August 2023

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"WOW! WOW! WOW!
I am not a queen, however that is how I felt while on this trip! The attention to detail was astounding, the food was unending and delicious, the activities abundant. Steve and Jayson seemed like treasured family members from the start. Best trip EVER!! I will planning many more!

read more

"WOW! WOW! WOW!
I am not a queen, however that is how I felt while on… read more

"WOW! WOW! WOW!
I am not a queen, however that is how I felt while on this trip! The attention to detail was astounding, the food was unending and delicious, the activities abundant. Steve and Jayson seemed like treasured family members from the start. Best trip EVER!! I will planning many more! read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

P Pamela | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"The trip was an amazing experience. The guides were delightful to travel with - the perfect mix of organization and hospitality. The biking pushed me personally (and aerobically) but I felt supported with Jayson at the back of the line encouraging me along. I loved the history lessons about the area and the environmental lessons. Steve always knew when to infuse a bit of levity and fun .... we loved the special treat that was added with pre-dinner visit to a gorgeous lighthouse setting. The restaurants were delicious, and we also loved the mix of picnics and tailgate breakfasts. The food the guides prepared was always delicious and gave us a break from restaurant fare.

read more

"The trip was an amazing experience. The guides were delightful to travel with - the… read more

"The trip was an amazing experience. The guides were delightful to travel with - the perfect mix of organization and hospitality. The biking pushed me personally (and aerobically) but I felt supported with Jayson at the back of the line encouraging me along. I loved the history lessons about the area and the environmental lessons. Steve always knew when to infuse a bit of levity and fun .... we loved the special treat that was added with pre-dinner visit to a gorgeous lighthouse setting. The restaurants were delicious, and we also loved the mix of picnics and tailgate breakfasts. The food the guides prepared was always delicious and gave us a break from restaurant fare. read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

D Dawn | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"Loved our guides and the balance of activities. The islands of course are spectacular. Food was very very good. Hotels were comfortable and had some unusual aspects to them

read more

"Loved our guides and the balance of activities. The islands of course are spectacular.… read more

"Loved our guides and the balance of activities. The islands of course are spectacular. Food was very very good. Hotels were comfortable and had some unusual aspects to them read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

K Kate | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

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5 Stars (93 reviews)

M Michael | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"A wonderful experience. Beautiful places to explore, wonderful and very capable and helpful guides who took good care of us, excellent food.

read more

"A wonderful experience. Beautiful places to explore, wonderful and very capable and helpful guides who… read more

"A wonderful experience. Beautiful places to explore, wonderful and very capable and helpful guides who took good care of us, excellent food. read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

A Anjana | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

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5 Stars (93 reviews)

M Mary | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"The trip was great. The guides were fantastic and the location was beautiful. The "active" part of the trip was a bit more challenging than I expected, but doable. But I didn't know until the day we arrived that the group was 18. For some reason I thought it would be limited to 14. 18 was a bit too many people.

read more

"The trip was great. The guides were fantastic and the location was beautiful. The… read more

"The trip was great. The guides were fantastic and the location was beautiful. The "active" part of the trip was a bit more challenging than I expected, but doable. But I didn't know until the day we arrived that the group was 18. For some reason I thought it would be limited to 14. 18 was a bit too many people. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

C Cynthia | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"This was my 2nd trip with Austin Adventures and everything was wonderful! The areas we rode our bikes, and the hiking and kayaking were all great. And we even saw some whales on the whale watch. I throughly enjoyed the trip, meeting new people and having a good time with Bob, Steve and Jayson- our terrific guides.

read more

"This was my 2nd trip with Austin Adventures and everything was wonderful! The areas… read more

"This was my 2nd trip with Austin Adventures and everything was wonderful! The areas we rode our bikes, and the hiking and kayaking were all great. And we even saw some whales on the whale watch. I throughly enjoyed the trip, meeting new people and having a good time with Bob, Steve and Jayson- our terrific guides. read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

K Karen | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

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5 Stars (93 reviews)

C Caroline | September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2022

San Juan Islands Adventure

"This adventure was a bit challenging for my age/condition but guides were right there to support all activities. San Juan Islands are spectacular. Did not want to leave Orcas.

read more

"This adventure was a bit challenging for my age/condition but guides were right there to… read more

"This adventure was a bit challenging for my age/condition but guides were right there to support all activities. San Juan Islands are spectacular. Did not want to leave Orcas. read less

5 Stars (93 reviews)

B Bonnie | September 2022

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T&Cs Apply. Read more here.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport at 5:45am or the Seattle Airport Marriott at 6am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Seattle, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Seattle Airport at 5pm in time for flights below or at an airport hotel of your choice in Seattle around 5:30pm

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Seattle at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Seattle after 7pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post Accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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4.85 out of 5 from 6601 reviews. That’s pretty solid.

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.

Trip Inquiry

North America

San Juan Islands Adventure

USD $4499/per adult
$500 USD deposit per person required to secure your place on the trip

What To Expect

  • Place your booking
  • Receive your confirmation email & details to set up your Travel Wallet
  • Our dedicated team will keep you up to date all the way to the departure date

Dates