It is hard to wait for the 2009 kayak tour season to really kick off here on San Juan Island. The weather has been so nice it is crazy. Though we have been running a few winter tours and I was on the water yesterday teaching lessons. It just seems not enough folks come up in the winter to take advantage of such good weather and water conditions we have been having. I keep looking at the forecast and thinking some of the Seattle kayaker weekenders might start showing up early. So far we have not been seeing much. The other day I was on the West Side of San Juan Island to catch one amazing sunet and had the opportunity to sea Dall’s Porpoise, River Otter, Bald Eagles and Stellar Sea Lions. That was from just sitting around in one place on the shore. It was pretty nice. The yesterday I was on the water to teach lessons and the water conditions was so calm it was great for do intro kayaking lessons. Plus with the sun high in the sky, we were really warm. After classes I visited the south end of the island to catch view of fox and various raptors flying around. Then at the end of the day I hired a new Guide for the 2009 season. It looks like he is going to be another great addition to the Discovery Sea Kayak Guide Team. So all in all it has been great out here. If you live in the region and would like to come out to San Juan Island and join a Kayak Tour. Get in touch with us. We are ready and set to get people on the water to enjoy this wonderful time of year.
March is on it way and before you know it spring will be here. Multi-Day kayak trips are already booking. We are excited to hear the phones start ringing as it is a sign that soon summer will be here. If you are planing on getting on the water for a San Juan Island Kayak Tour, start your preparations now. Spend three to five days with your guide as you paddle from island to island. Camping out, eating wonderful and relaxing on the beach with amazing views. The San Juan Islands offer and amazing experience to the first time kayaker to the old pro’s. Discovery Sea Kayaks guides will develop a route that will take on an adventurous paddle through the island. Look out for Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals and Ocra Whales. If you only have a day, check out our Day, Half Day and Sunset Kayak Tours. Our Guides are all excited to get on the water with a host of new people of the 2009 San Juan Island Kayak Tour Season. Check out out website and gives us a call.
Winter kayaking in the San Juan Islands can be a great experience. It is true that it rains more during the winter and the temperatures get a bit chilly. But the scenery is just as beautiful and there is usually plenty of wildlife to view. The added bonus is there is few kayakers on the water or other boat traffic. If you have been here during the summer months you know that the waterways are full of motor boast and the coast line teaming with kayakers.
The main caution during the winter months is the quick changing weather that lead to strong winds. Winds tend to be the most common reason for Discovery Sea Kayaks to cancel tours, though cancellations are rare. Kayaking San Juan Island in the rain is its own experience in itself. Discovery Sea Kayaks provides you with rain gear and dry bags to keep you personal things nice and dry. Sometimes to have little adventure in your life you have to step out into the elements and just accept what you get and have fun. Because if you get over the idea of rain as being miserable, then you will start having fun. It is the Pacific Northwest, so if you live here I am sure you are use to it. If you do not live here, you will get the full experience of the region. Foggy days are common in the winter. Kayaking along the shore in the fog is amazing. One of my favorite times to be on the water. It is usually calm and still when the fog is in the area. It as a different dimension to the adventure.
There are other opportunities for fun while you are here for a visit. There are two National Historic Parks that you can visit and enjoy nice small hikes with stunning views from American Camp. Take a nice walk up Young Hill and have demanding view towards the west with views of Vancouver Island. Visit the San Juan Island Trails Committee website and look over the various options to get on local trails. Beach-combing along South Beach can be a wonderful time. Bundle up and head out for a walk with views of the Olympic Mountains. You will practically have the beach to yourself this time of year.
If you are a birder you can drive to nice location to view a mix of sea birds wintering in the San Juan Island. Go to Cattle Pass at the southern tip of San Juan Island and look for Mergansers (Commons, Red Breasted and Hooded), Scooters, Buffleheads Golden Eyes, Grebes and the list keeps going. Don’t forget to scan the tree tops for the many Bald Eagles that enjoy life here in the San Juan’s.
You can even contact Captain Jim if you want to go on a boat ride. Check out Stellar Sea Lions hauled out on rocky islands. Pass along the islands taking in the scenery. Contact Jim at Maya Charters for more information.
Dine out at some of our great restaurants. Breakfast at Rocky Bay Cafe. Start the day where all the locals like to sit and enjoy traditional eggs and pancake breakfast. Sip coffee and enjoy the slow pace of the island. Eat dinner at Steps Wine Bar and Cafe where you can dine on locally grown foods prepared with perfection. Chef Madden Surbaugh creates wonderful dishes that are well worth the trip to San Juan Island alone! Other establishments I recommend are Cocho and Backdoor Kitchen.
Find lodging at Junier Lane Guest House. This is a fun and quite place to stay. During the winter months the Guest House is quiet. Relax after dinner and cozy in for the night. Enjoy the art throughout the Guest House.
So if you are thinking of a getaway this winter. Check out San Juan Island, though we are a small town. We offer everything you need for a relaxing slow paced vacation.
Contact Discovery Sea Kayaks today to set up your winter kayak adventure on San Juan Island.
January 2009 and Sunny!
Discovery Sea Kayaks and Steps Wine Bar and Cafe are offering a Valentines Day Special February 14th.
Join Discovery Sea Kayaks for an afternoon of paddling and then a wonderful dinner with Steps Wine Bar and Cafe.
San Juan Island is a amazing place to visit this time of year. There is nothing more romantic than walking the beaches and enjoying a quite night on a Pacific Northwest Island. Kayaking this time of year there is little to no boat traffic on the water and you never know what kind of wildlife you will see. Travel in the comfort of a tandem kayak with your partner. You guide will lead you along rocky shore lines, kelp bed and share their knowledge of the regions wildlife. This is the perfect opportunity to spend the night on the island, spend a day on the water and finish with a romantic dinner.
$145 Per Person (Not Including Gratuity and Tax)
To Reserve Contact Discovery Sea Kayaks
360.378.2559
info@discoveryseakayak.com
Friday Nov 28th Discovery Sea Kayaks will be open at 10am. We have some summer inventory on clearance and we will have all other merchandise on sale at 25% off. So come down to the shop, located next to the Ferry Landing above The Place restaurant.We also have a sale going on our onilne shop as well. http://www.discoveryseakayak.com/shop/home.phpSo if you are in the need of a rain jacket or a nice kayak paddle, stop by.
We were notified to day via email today that we were selected to be in the print of Rough Guide to Ultimate Adventures. It is exciting when you are recognized by outside organizations that you are doing a good job. We can contribute our success to our great staff of Office Management and an amazing staff of Guides. It takes a complete team to create success and we have been very fortunate to put together an amazing group of people that makes Discovery Sea Kayaks.
Thanks for stopping by.
We are selling off some of our fleet kayaks and now is the time to buy if you are looking to get a nice kayak without spending a lot of cash. We have singles and tandem kayaks. All are used but are in fine condition. Check out the following link to see what we have: http://www.discoveryseakayak.com/KAYAKSALELIST.html
That is correct. Discovery Sea Kayaks operates kayak tours every month of the year. Join us in the fall and winter and take advantage of off season lodging rates. The bird life diversity in the San Juan Islands is amazing during the fall and winter. We are setting up a 4 to 4.5 hour tour for the off season. The location of the tour will depend on the winds and currents of that particular day. We will be setting up a link on our homepage in the next couple of days with more details such as time and cost of the tour. Just because the rain is going to be here soon does not mean kayaking is over. We provide you with waterproof jacket and pants as well as a dry bag for the day. Rain or shine we will take you out for a great time on the water.
We are clearing out the summer 2008 clothing. All clothing is on sale ranging from 50% to 35% off. All kayak equipment is 20% off. This is a great time to pick up an extra fleece jacket or a spare dry bag or two. The Sale will end at closing Sunday October 5th. We are also selling off used fleet kayaks. Single and Double kayaks are ready to go. Please contact us if you are looking for a good deal on a kayak.
Here are a few pics of some of the recent sightings. Thanks to some of our guest for sending in these pics.
