In business since 1987, we focus on specific locales where whales and other "wonders of the universe" can be seen in their natural element.

Our company hires the best, most personable guide/naturalists we can find, we attract guests that are well traveled and have eclectic interests, our group sizes are small (generally averaging from 8-10 participants) and we have a well deserved reputation for creating tastefully prepared camp cuisine. Beginners are welcome on all our tours.

A local writer described the essence of sea kayaking perfectly when she said: "Kayaking is the closest you'll ever come to actually being a marine mammal..." We wholeheartedly agree. We use quiet, stable kayaks as our vehicles for paddling and exploring the colorful and abundant marine environment found on the Sea of Cortez as well as the unique flora of the Sonoran desert.

Our tours offer some of the best opportunities in the islands for viewing these amazing creatures. On all of our 1, 2 & 3 day outings we paddle exclusively on the west side of San Juan Island. We've designed our tours to lead us into close encounters with orca whales and other wildlife without disturbing them in their natural environment. Minke whales, Dall's porpoises, harbor seals and numerous seabirds also roam the area. The islands are also home to one of the largest eagle nesting populations in the continental United States.

Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the islands receive almost half the precipitation of Seattle making them a great paddling destination. During summer months expect moderate the warm daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s with evening
temperatures in the 50s.

Factor in superb outdoor cuisine and spectacular sunsets from your waterfront camp and you've got the makings of a great summer vacation! Aside from being great fun to paddle, kayaks provide excellent opportunities for learning more about our rich marine, cultural and natural environment.

ABOUT THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
The San Juan Islands offer relatively easy access to some fascinating marine mammals Orca whales are consistently found from late May through October feeding on the migrating salmon passing through Haro Strait. The Orca population consists of 3 pods and number over 100 individually identified whales. We also may have opportunities to observe minke whales, harbor seals, Dall's porpoise and river otter. Our trip is designed to lead us into close encounters with wildlife without disturbing them in their natural environment.

In terms of birds, the archipelago hosts over 290 different species of birds which use the islands and surrounding habitat for breeding, nesting, and fall and winter migrations. The San Juans also host one of the largest bald eagle nesting populations in the continental United
States.

Surrounded by the crystal-green waters of Puget Sound, the San Juan islands are composed of approximately 350 rocks and islands. Our trip is designed to provide participants with numerous "hands-on" opportunities to observe, study and learn more about the fascinating marine mammals and birds that range along the east side of Haro Strait. Quiet and unobtrusive, double kayaks provide the perfect means for exploring the myriad forms of sea life we encounter. Our trips may include a pre-dawn paddle to watch the sun rise or a special night paddle to watch the bioluminescence. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the islands receive 50% less rain than Seattle and the nearby area. This helps make them an ideal sea kayaking destination.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The San Juans generally have great summer weather. In fact, the islands average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic mountains to the south and west. Prickly pear cactus grows on several islands in the archipelago - a true testimonial to the dryness of the region!

If we experience poor weather the guides may adjust the paddling route to a more sheltered one or may choose to remain in a protected area until the front passes through. If we get some precipitation on our tour (hey, after all this is the Northwest!) I think you'll find that paddling a kayak in the rain can be fun and dryer than you think. Your lower body is protected from the elements because you are sitting in the enclosed cockpit of the kayak. The upper half is covered with both a spray skirt and life jacket affording extra protection from the waist up. You'll keep warm because you're working your arm and shoulder muscles as you paddle.

Camping areas in the San Juans consist of marine state parks and local county parks. The campsites all have outhouses, fire pits and picnic tables. Potable water is available on some but not all of the islands we camp on. No shower facilities are available.

3 HOUR "GRIFFIN BAY" PADDLE

Our Griffin Bay trips are also fun for the whole family. With our 3-seater kayak we can accommodate kids ranging in age from 5 and up. Wildlife sightings may include bald eagles, harbor seals, river otter and a variety of different birdlife. And with a bit of luck, we may
even see minke whales!

Trip Bonuses : Small groups of 9 or less, a shorter period of time on the water and sheltered paddling with exceptional views of the Olympic Mountains make this a superb trip for beginners, families or anybody that doesn't want to spend the whole day on the water.

Price: $45 (ages 5-11, $32)
Dates/Times:
Morning Paddle: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Daily from June 3 through  September 15th
Afternoon Paddle: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Daily from June 3 through September 15th
Evening Sunset Paddle: 6 - 9 PM, (By special arrangement only ­ call our office)

WHALE WATCH CRUISE & KAYAK COMBO
What could be better? In one day you can learn to kayak with us on scenic Griffin Bay, and also hop aboard San Juan Boat Tours' Blackfish to search for Orcas and other sea life in the waters off San Juan Island! 

Our Griffin Bay paddles are fun for the whole family. With our stable 2- and 3-seater kayaks we can accommodate kids ranging in age from 5 and up and all levels of adult paddlers, from beginners to experienced. After a thorough dry-land orientation covering paddling technique, safety and boat handling, we'll get on the water. The rest of our time will be spent, paddling, exploring and learning about                  

For the whale-watching part of the Combo tour, San Juan Boat Tours' owner Darrell Roberts will welcome you aboard his 12-passenger Blackfish. As the fastest boat in the local charter fleet, Blackfish is known for getting to the whales first and staying there the longest. And with only 10 - 12 passengers, it's easy to get answers to your questions from the trained naturalists on board.

You can choose to kayak first and cruise later in the day, or vice versa, depending on your preference and trip availability. Outdoor Odysseys and San Juan Boat Tours offer trips daily from June 3rd through September 15th.
Price: $91
Dates/Times:
Morning Cruise: 10:30 am ­ 1:30 PM then Afternoon Kayak 2:30 - 5:30 PM - Daily except Mon.
Morning Kayak 10:30 am- 1:30 PM then Afternoon Cruise 2:30 PM ­ 5:30 PM  Tues., Thurs., and Sat.

1 DAY "EAGLES & ORCAS" KAYAK SOJOURN
Paddling on the west side of San Juan Island affords participants the best chance in the lower 48 states to observe Orca whales in their natural habitat. The pristine waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands are host to over 100 resident Orca Whales. The resident J, K and L pods are found in the San Juan archipelago from May to October.

Our trip is designed to provide guests with numerous "hands-on" opportunities to observe, study and learn more about the fascinating marine mammals and birds that range along the east side of Haro Strait. Quiet and unobtrusive, double kayaks provide the perfect means for exploring the myriad forms of sea life we encounter.

We'll kayak for about an hour and a half and then stop for a leisurely lunch. After lunch we'll spend the next 3 - 4 hours paddling along the rocky shores of San Juan Island. After a sublime day on the water viewing the wonders of the universe, we'll get you back to Friday Harbor by 5 PM in time for the 5 PM ferry to Anacortes, or for dinner on the town if you are staying overnight.

Trip Bonuses : We limit our guest size to 9 people to ensure a small personalized tour. The price includes lunch as well as our state sales tax.
Price: $75
Dates: From June to September

2 DAY "EAGLES & ORCAS" KAYAK SOJOURN
Our two day trips are similar to the one day outing in that we paddle and explore the same "whale waters" on the first day of our weekend paddle as we do on our day trip. An obvious difference is that we spend twice as much time on the water which allows us plenty of opportunities for seeing whales and other larger marine mammals. The pace is also a bit more relaxed as well as giving us ample time for exploring and poking along the numerous bays and
inlets of the west side. We'll be camping on Saturday night at San Juan County Park a marine park which features spectacular sunsets and sweeping views of Canada and passing Orca whales.

Trip Bonuses: Two days spent kayaking in prime whale watching territory coupled with waterfront campsites and great Northwest cuisine.
Price: $245
Dates: July: 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31-Aug. 1; August: 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 September: 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

3 DAY "EAGLES & ORCAS" KAYAK SOJOURN
Our three day outings are similar to our 2 day "Eagles and Orcas" trips. We schedule these trips during June and early July which is the best time for seeing these fascinating creatures. Our previous guests have never been disappointed when it comes to seeing whales during
our scheduled three day outings during June and July.

Trip Bonus : Scheduled during the absolute best time to see Orca whales.
Price: $345
Dates: July: 2-4 July 7-9, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29; August 10-12, 17-19, 24-26; Sept. 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23

5 DAY "SAN JUAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION" KAYAK SOJOURN
Our five day sojourn allows us to spend time kayaking and exploring some of the finest islands and scenery the San Juan Archipelago has to offer. After loading the kayaks, your
guide will go over the basics of fitting you to your boat, paddling and steering and reviewing our safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all trip members feel comfortable in the kayaks. 

Trip Bonuses: Five days of paddling in scenic pristine waters, small groups of 9 or less and gourmet quality cuisine make this a  memorable vacation.

Price: $605
Dates: July: 12-16, 26-30; August: 9-13, 23-27; September: 13-17

Other custom 2-5 day trips on request with a 4 person minimum.

Paddling the rich azure waters offers exceptional opportunities for viewing marine mammals including common and bottle nosed dolphins, sea lions and with a bit of luck, fin and blue whales. We'll also be accompanied by numerous birds including brown pelicans, blue footed boobies, nesting osprey, and high flying frigate birds.

The relaxed paddling pace of 3-4 hours a day provides striking views of the red hued desert hillside and untrammeled sandy beaches. And with temperatures in the '70s, the turquoise water is irresistible. With ample time to snorkel, we'll explore another world composed of strikingly colored fish, coral and other sea life.

Spending as much time as we do on and around the water, it is easy to forget about the desert. Our relaxed schedule will allow plenty of time for hiking and exploring the desert environment. Unique plant species found only in Baja include the giant Cardon cactus and the Boojum tree.

Most of our paddling occurs in the morning when it is cooler and the waters calmer. This leaves plenty of time in the afternoon for hiking, snorkeling, reading, or just plain lazing around. You'll enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Las Gigantas mountains and dazzling starlit skies.
Call or email us for Baja trip schedules for next year.

TRIP DETAILS:

YOUR GUIDES 
Outdoor Odysseys feels very strongly that the quality and maturity of the guides on your trip will play an important factor in determining the overall success of your Baja, Mexico vacation. We place a premium on hiring guides that are personable, mature, experienced and most importantly, who genuinely like and enjoy people. 
We refuse to cut corners by hiring student interns or by hiring guides that have never paddled in Baja. In a business that has a high turnover rate (outdoor guides tend to be kinda' independent and free spirited) we have been very fortunate to keep and retain our guides. One reason is that we pay our guides the highest salary we can afford. We feel the extra salary that it takes to attract and keep excellent guides is reflected in the quality of our tours- and ultimately in your overall enjoyment of the trip.

We are very fortunate to have lead guides Dan Kennedy and Hans Bruing back again for our 1999 season. This is Dan's 6th season and Hans' 3rd season working for Outdoor Odysseys de Mexico. As professionals, they offer years of paddling experience in Mexico and other parts of Latin America and are committed to making your Baja sojourn a memorable one.

2000 Baja Kayak Odysey Tour Dates:
Enjoy our 6 or 10 day expeditions paddling on azure waters, camping on pristine sandy beaches and enjoying dazzling views of starlit skies. Enjoy sublime snorkeling, marvel at feeding whales and playful porpoises.

6 Day "Gulf Islands Expedition" -
Price: $1025 (includes 2 nights hotel)
Dates: Jan. 30 - Feb. 4, Feb.: 6-11, 13-18, 20-25, Feb. 27 - Mar. 3, Mar.: 5-10, 12-17, 19-24, 26-31, Apr.: 2-7

10 Day "Loreto to La Paz Expedition" -
Price: $1395 (includes 2 nights hotel)
Dates: April 10-19

COMPARING DIFFERENT OUTFITTER PACKAGES
When comparing different outfitter packages it is sometimes difficult to determine what each is offering and what up front costs (and extra time for shopping) you'll need to incur while preparing for your vacation. Our goal at Outdoor Odysseys de Mexico has always been to make it as easy and hassle free for our guests as we can.

Our price includes 6 (or 10) days of on-water paddling. (Some outfitters include travel days to and from Loreto as part of their overall paddle itinerary.) We've italicized features that are part of our standard tour package but may not be included in our competitor's tours.

Two nights of hotel, top quality sea kayaks and all related gear,tent (or you're welcome to bring your own), Crazy Creek chairs,waterproof storage bags, cup, plate, bowl, breakfast, lunch and dinner while on the water including delicious Dutch oven cookery, all drinks including coffee, tea and some alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, group camp and kitchen equipment, transportation to the put-in site and transportation from the take-out site, safety equipment, experienced, mature guides and leadership. And, a special Outdoor Odyssey's tradition, refreshing cold drinks at the conclusion of your outings.