Kayaking the San Juan Islands

The San Juans are a fairly well known tourist attraction that brings a decent amount of attention and tourists (several movies have been shot in this area). Therefore, it is not exactly an "unknown" destination and yet it still manages to retain the feeling that it is "undiscovered."

The typical tourist visit to the San Juans will entail a ferry ride from Anacortes in a car. Most will walk along a beach or two and maybe even spot some whales in the distance, but few people make the effort to Kayak between the islands and this is what really makes a trip to the San Juan Islands extraordinary.

The San Juan Islands include hundreds of large and small islands, most of which are uninhabited (only 15 having ferry service connecting them to the mainland).

This means there are literally hundreds of small uninhabited islands that are unreachable except by small boat of some sort, making this area a treasure trove of secret and undiscovered nooks, crannies, and niches.

For the explorer wanting to get off the beaten path, there is no experience quite like paddling up to a small uninhabited, undeveloped island, beaching your kayak and strolling the untouched, seemingly undiscovered forests and beaches.

The sense of being lost from the world of humans is complete and it is easy to completely forget all of the problems, limits, and considerations of our day to day existence. Like time, and responsibilities, and occupations.

Do beware that you will entertain fantasies of building a small shack, fishing for food, and never leaving. This is normal, so don't panic.

Most people will spend an hour or two as sovereign lords over their small island realm, then sigh as they get back into their Kayak and return to "civilization."

But even though you make the hard decision to get back in your rented Kayak and return to the mainland, you will never forget the sense of absolute freedom, peace, and serenity you experienced there. This is an experience that everybody should have at least once in their life.

To get to the San Juans, either drive or take a bus to Anacortes, Washington (60 miles north of Seattle on I-5, then head West on Highway 20 for approximately 20 miles to Anacortes. Follow signs to the San Juan Ferry).

There are many kayak rental and kayak tour operators on the various islands so look here for some of the local companies.