Kayaking

Your stay at Spring Bay will be enhanced by a kayak tour. Sign up for a personal guided kayak tour, or one of the regularly scheduled tours that leave from Spring Bay. Of course, unsafe conditions such as lightning strikes or stormy surf will keep you ashore. Watch for bald eagles, harbor seals, river otters, sea birds, and an amazing variety of tidal sea life as you ply the waters of the San Juans. We use double kayaks and provide necessary gear. Double kayaks can be rented from Spring Bay during your stay at the cabin. Active tides and currents require that newcomers to the San Juans and novice kayakers join us for an optional guided tour for the first time out!

Youngsters are welcome, however, all participants must have the physical ability to lower themselves into an 18"-wide cockpit, and also have the size, coordination and strength to reach forward and free their spray skirt from the kayak.

What does one wear kayaking?

What to wear will be largely determined by the day's weather. Spray skirts and floatation vests will provide extra warmth, although the water temperature rarely exceeds 52 degrees. Do not wear cotton garments because they do not insulate when damp. Thermal wear designed with nylon, capilene, polypropylene or polar fleece is ideal. Long sleeves will need to be rolled or pushed up. We stand ankle deep in water as we step in and out of our kayaks. Sport sandals or booties are great. Neoprene booties are available for you to borrow.

If it's a sunny day, sun screen, sun glasses and hats are strongly recommended to minimize the effects of glare off the water. If it's a colder day, you might consider bringing glove liners. For an additional outer layer, our neoprene mitts will fit over them to help keep hands comfortable. Reaching for cameras and binoculars may be a challenge for paddlers who must keep their balance and control their paddle as well. Sometimes it's best to leave such extra gear ashore the first time out.