Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions - Highlights

Orca Waters: The San Juan Islands

Imagine yourself in a kayak flowing down a broad ribbon of blue water. Surrounding you are more islands than you can count, and in the distance, you see snow-capped mountain peaks. Your flotilla of companions rounds a headland crowned by an old light-house, and suddenly, they appear. A pod of twenty orcas rises to the surface, their six-foot dorsal fins cutting straight for your group. Your senses are filled by their awesome presence: explosive exhalations echo from the cliffs, the smell of fishy breath drifts on the breeze, and a seven-ton bull harmlessly breaches amid a thunderous splash. Glistening black-and-white hulks gently glide through your flotilla without so much as rocking a single kayak. Gradually the family of whales rounds the point and leaves your sight – but the memory stays with you forever.

Our paddling routes are carefully planned to traverse the most important whale habitats. And our skilled guides are able to utilize their years of experience to help bring about an encounter. These are key differences between Sea Quest and other outfitters. Another is that we use kayak campsites that can only be reached by boat. Our one to five-day tours in the protected waters of the San Juan Islands are the perfect introduction to seakayaking. Longer itineraries, including the Canadian Gulf Islands, can be arranged if you call in advance. Detailed information and itinerary are available by visiting our website at sea-quest-k

The Art of Sea Kayaking

Seakayaks create an intimate bond between paddler and ocean. Gliding silently across the water's surface in your kayak, you absorb the sea's pulse through paddle and hull. Like the salmon, puffin, and orca whale, you are compelled to respond to complex rhythms of wave, current, and tide. These primeval sensations have been experienced by kayakers for centuries. Ancient people of the far north traveled in many styles of kayaks. Lone hunters stalked the frigid waters in tiny boats often made entirely from animal skins and bones. Larger kayaks transported whole families, including sled dogs and supplies. The remarkable seaworthiness of kayaks allowed their originators to hunt even the great whales on the open ocean. Modern seakayak adventurers have crossed the largest oceans of the world in these indomitable craft. The fiberglass kayaks you will use on a Sea Quest Expedition represent a graceful blend of these enduring designs.


Whale-watching with Sea Quest

All of our expeditions are designed for whale-watching – it's our specialty! Our paddling routes traverse the legendary whale retreats in the proper seasons: orcas in the San Juan Islands, humpbacks in Alaska, and both grays and blues along the Baja coasts. Sea Quest offers you the very best opportunity to see and learn about whales and other marine wildlife from the perspective of a seakayak. If you would like additional information about the programs you see in this website please contact us. We will send you a complete information packet that includes details on logistics, weather, geography, natural history, and an approximate day-to-day itinerary.


Your Expedition Leaders

The most important resource you have in the field is your guide. That's why we've taken a major step beyond ordinary outfitters in selecting and training our field staff. Our leaders are chosen not only for their extensive experience in outdoor instruction, but also for their comprehensive knowledge of natural history. Each expedition features guides with academic credentials and often publications in their field of study. All Sea Quest Expedition leaders are committed to provide you with the best experience possible - you will find them knowledgeable, enthusiastic, reliable, and above all, fun! More info on our guides can be found by clicking here.


Safety First!

Your safety is always our priority. Our guides are selected for their extensive experience in both sea kayaking and outdoor education. They possess all the skills necessary for a safe adventure: first aid, kayak safety, emergency procedures, weather prediction, and good old outdoor wisdom. Every guide carries both a marine radiotelephone and cellular phone to summon help if it is ever needed, and so your family at home can get in touch with you in an emergency.


Hand-Crafted Adventure

For 15 years we have specialized in taking people sea kayaking, camping, and wildlife-watching. Our success has been founded on several key points: we paddle only in the world's best whale habitats, we provide outstanding educator/guides, and we provoke and inspire your sense of wonder. In response to constantly changing weather, tides, currents, wildlife events, and the personalities of our guests, each departure is skillfully handcrafted into a unique adventure.

The nature of sea kayaking requires us to be as flexible and adaptable as the creatures we share the sea with. Like the wildlife, our travel will be influenced by wind, tide, and currents. Flowing with the forces of nature will increase our chances of encounters with bald eagles, river otters, seals, porpoises, and whales in the Pacific Northwest. Carrying this same attitude south to Mexico could lead to seeing an osprey catch a coronet fish, swimming with dolphins, or even petting a whale!

Our guides will make sure you get the most out of your adventure. They will lead you on hikes and snorkel excursions, share their ample knowledge of sea kayaking and natural history, cook great meals, and allow you time to just relax. Rest assured, your adventure with Sea Quest will be unforgettable!

PO Box 2424, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250