Content by Jennifer Furber
In the fifteen years I’ve called the islands home, I had never been kayaking on San Juan Island. I walk along the island’s shores all summer long and float atop the sea in our fishing boat. I had thought I’d seen all I could see. Besides, I’m scared of deep water, so kayaking never seemed like something I could try. I’ll admit, as an islander, it’s a bit odd to carry a fear of deep water.
Summer after summer, I talk with visitors who travel sometimes hundreds of miles to kayak these waters, and I recognize that it’s a bucket-list activity for many. I thought my time along the shores and in our boat was close enough to kayaking. I’d seen whales from a distance, seals and sea lions up close. I wasn’t sure what I was missing until I had the chance to take a family sunset kayak trip of my own.
Our Adventure Kayaking with Kids
Crystal Seas Kayaking is located on Spring Street, just a few yards from the Washington State Ferry Terminal in Friday Harbor. The staff is environmentally conscious and stewards of marine preservation. Many of their employees have majored in science and have a deep passion for the outdoors. Crystal Seas donates to the community and supports farmers, students, wildlife, and islanders in need. They offer three-hour, full-day, sunset, kayak-in tours, kayak-lodging, kayak-camping tours, as well as many bike and whale-watching excursions. For us, the family sunset tour seemed perfect.
The night we took our sunset kayak cruise with Crystal Seas was also our fourteen-year wedding anniversary. We normally don’t bring our children along on our anniversary dates, but this night was special. It made sense to share such a special memory with our children. I believed it would be a wonderful learning experience for our girls to see me overcome a fear of deep water.
Upon arrival at the office for our scheduled float, the entire staff was welcoming and kind. Maybe they could sense my nerves and anxiety. Each staff member assured me it would be a peaceful, enjoyable evening. It was clear they all loved what they did. Our kids were also thrilled and happy, so I tried to focus my attention on their joy.
The morning had been windy, and I’d earlier seen whitecaps on the waves from a westside beach. When we pulled into our departure location of Snug Harbor Resort, the air was warm, and the sea was flat. A perfectly calm night had arrived.
And so the Adventure Begins
Our kayak guide was Jesse. She delivered an introductory lesson as we prepared to get into our boats, and it was both knowledgeable and reassuring. The way she spoke with our seven-year-old daughter made us aware that this really was going to be an all-ages, family-centered outing. She would share the kayak with our youngest daughter and keep her laughing the whole evening, while my husband shared his kayak with our middle daughter.
I got into a kayak with my oldest daughter. Her excitement was infectious. She’s twelve, so I knew she’d be a great paddler. I didn’t want my unease about this first-time experience to ruin her time. We slowly began to paddle around the harbor as we waited for the rest of our group to board their kayaks. After a few minutes, I noticed how smooth and in sync our paddling was. We were in stride after only a few practice strokes. I felt stable and confident, and it was easy to change direction.
An Island View from the Water
We headed along the shore of San Juan Island to Sunset Point. This is a well-known point of land near San Juan County Park on the west side of the island that’s perfect for sunset views and rocky shore exploration. The Strait of Juan de Fuca is known for its high winds and vicious seas, so it was a gift to be atop its calm and placid waters. The entire trip, we had sweeping views of Canada and the Olympic Peninsula. Jesse taught us about the Madrona trees and glacial erratic rocks. We watched as a couple of great blue herons fished from the rocks along the shore. We saw eagles in nests. In the slack tide, we paddled to a bull kelp bed as the sun set.
In unison, our daughters declared it was the “very best night ever!” My husband and I enjoyed sharing our special date with our children. I will now recommend the sunset cruise kayaking tour to every family that asks what to do with children. The sea was calm, and the activity centered their energy. Our Crystal Seas Guide was knowledgeable, and her calm demeanor made me feel safe and in good hands. It surprised me how much I could enjoy the sights of our island, even the everyday trees and wildlife. Floating on the water gave such an interesting perspective.
If you’re planning your own family kayak trip, here are a few practical things worth knowing before you book:
- Age and comfort: Most outfitters, Crystal Seas included, are comfortable with young kids in a tandem kayak with a parent, roughly ages 6 and up, though it varies by company. If you’ve got a toddler or a nervous kid, call ahead and ask directly rather than guessing.
- Trip length: A two- to three-hour tour, like the sunset trip our family took, is plenty for most families with younger kids. Save the full day or multi-day trips for when everyone’s had a bit more practice.
- What to bring: Wear layers and shoes that can get wet. Life vests, kayaks, and paddles are included with any reputable outfitter, along with a short lesson on the beach before you launch.
- Booking ahead: Family-sized tandem kayaks and evening tours book up fast in summer, so a few days’ notice goes a long way, especially if you want the sunset departure as we did.
One of the Best Hotels in Friday Harbor
We’ve partnered with Crystal Seas for years and happily send our guests their way, just as they send guests to us. There’s nothing better than coming home to a quiet room or cottage at our hotel in Friday Harbor. However long your stay, you’ll want to sink into our island-made bath products and cozy up in one of our robes once you’re back. In the mornings, we’ll have a hot breakfast ready with locally sourced ingredients before you head out for your own adventure on the water.
If you prefer to head out kayaking with kids on a self-guided tour, we also have vessels on-site for guests to borrow! For more information, give us a call today at the Tucker House Inn, and we’ll gladly help you make your kayaking reservations, or book your room online and let our concierge take care of the rest. We can’t wait to host you and your family on your next adventure.