Sea Quest is an absolute gem that never fails to amaze me. Their staff is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist you. If you're planning a kayaking adventure around the San Juan Islands, make sure to book with Sea Quest. read more

I booked a 3 hour trip with Sea Quest. Paid the deposit and filled out all the waivers. Unfortunately the Saturday before our trip my husband needed emergency surgery which caused us to have to cancel our trip. I called and emailed all of the various excursions, rental cars, sea plane rides etc. Every single one responded and let me know what I needed to do to get credit or refund etc. All were very helpful and supportive EXCEPT SEA QUEST. Sea quest didn't respond at all other than by sending requests saying they did not have our waivers. To which I responded letting them know we had cancelled the trip and btw had sent the waivers even though they're not necessary at this point. I would've been ok if they kept the deposit or gave us a credit. But they continue to ask for waivers while I'm in the ICU with my husband and have now added an additional charge. The kicker is that we're a party of three and they sent a message stating that solo kayaking isn't allowed?? So, are you saying someone has to stay behind because we're a party of 3 and you don't have other kayakers?! lol What a stupid comment w/o providing more info. Clearly not organized. They used to be reputable but clearly they're new ownership has issues. This is one company I won't be using when I rebook our trip. read more

We did the 3-day/2-night overnight trip with Sea Quest Kayak and it was absolutely incredible! Our guide, Scooter, was so friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating--he made sure all 7 of us (with mixed levels of experience) felt included and comfortable the entire time. The planning was spot on, with tides and conditions perfectly timed so everything went smoothly and safely. The camping setup was better than I've ever had--super comfy sleeping bags and pads, I honestly slept better than I do at home! The food was a huge highlight too--fresh ingredients, delicious meals like peanut Thai curry and veggie burritos, and great breakfasts every day. Way beyond our expectations for "camp food." Scooter was constantly checking in, sharing his knowledge of the area, tides, and wildlife, and making sure we had everything we needed. We saw seals, bald eagles, porpoises, salmon jumping right next to our boat, and so many birds. Even though we didn't see whales, the scenery was stunning. Private islands, amazing campsites, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets over calm water. The whole trip was well-organized, from the packing checklist to the quality equipment. I'd recommend bringing a small dry bag for essentials in the kayak. Overall, this trip is perfect for anyone; families, couples, or groups of friends. We left with amazing memories and can't recommend Sea Kayak and Scooter enough! read more

Ben and staff are great to work with. They called us back right away and went out of their way ti accommodate our requests. Thank you!!!

Holy cow why isn't there a 10 star button!!! Seriously, stop reading this review and go book your kayaking adventure now!!! My nephew and I did the bioluminescence night tour and it was the most incredible kayaking adventure I have ever done!! Our tour guides were wonderful! (Heather and Liam I believe) Everyone was so friendly and put all kayaking levels as ease! We went on a night where the moon was very minimal, there were shooting stars and the bioluminescence was particularly bright!! It was incredible!! Worth every penny! Looked like bright blue glitter when you touched the water! Dress to the weather (it was a bit chilly) so we had our rain jackets and a regular jacket on, they provided the kayak, paddles, life jackets and spray skirts (keeps your legs from getting wet.) Wear shoes that can go in the water as you will get them wet when getting in and out of the kayak (We wore crocs and that was fine). You will need a head lamp that you can either bring your own or rent. If you are on the fence just do it!! It was such a magical experience!! read more

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Nothing kills the magic of the San Juan Islands faster than paddling from one full campsite to another, wondering where you'll sleep. We booked a 3-day kayaking and camping trip with Sea Quest in early August, expecting a well-planned, supported adventure. Instead, no campsites had been reserved. After long days of paddling, we had to spend each evening pulling up to potential campsites, only to find them already taken, and then keep going to try the next. One night ended up on a tiny pebbled beach with no facilities, and possibly not even a legal site. Not knowing where we'd sleep each night overshadowed the beauty of the location and the enjoyment of kayaking. We trusted this company to handle logistics and keep the trip safe, and they didn't deliver. Afterward, the owner blamed our guide, who'd been called in last-minute, while also sending an automated text asking for a five-star review to "help" the guide earn a small bonus. The whole thing felt manipulative and made me question the credibility of their glowing reviews. Beautiful setting, but poor planning, lack of accountability, and questionable integrity mean I can't recommend this company's overnight tours. read more

It's definitely not for kids or beginners no matter what they say. We told them we have 6 kids they said there will be one instructor per kayak. But there were 2 instructor for 16 people. We told them we don't have any expertise and filled the form saying we don't have any experience. They still didn't give us enough instructors. Definitely won't recommend it for young kids and beginners. read more

The night-time bioluminscence tour was phenomenal! Our guides were fun (and safe) and somehow managed to coordinate a once in a lifetime experience of both glowing water and a meteor shower! I didn't know whether to look down or up. Getting out of the city doesn't get any better than this! read more

We had a fabulous time on our three-day kayak trip in the San Juans! Guides Caleb and Dana took wonderful care of us all, teaching us about local wildlife and cooking delicious meals. They were endlessly patient and positive and inspiring. All the gear seemed to be in perfect condition. We saw eagles, harbor seals, great blue herons, raccoons, and otters. No whales, sadly, but that's not anyone's fault! I'm still floating. read more

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Our day trip to Friday Harbor included kayaking with Sea Quest. The experience with our guide Jeff exceeded our expectations. It was so peaceful and calming touring around the peninsula. We sighted several bald eagles including a juvenile in his nest as well as many seal pups, and jellies. Although the Orcas were aloof, the beauty of the Salish Sea is a worthwhile adventure especially on a blustery day. Rain or shine...it's worth the time. read more

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We really appreciated their willingness to work with us to make our last minute rental work out. JJ was a great host, providing shuttle service from and back to the ferry dock as well as setting us up with our tandem kayak. The boat itself was very comfortable, easy to paddle and super clean too. Although their prices were in line with other providers on the island, I was a bit disappointed in the cost for what amounted to less than two hours of paddle time. It was still very fun for our impromptu day trip to San Juan Island. read more

We all appreciated the tour with Isabella and Martine. I really enjoyed from being in the front seat. Being in the back I heard was tough because of the rudder. Really difficult I heard. We didn't see much but an Eagle and sea lions. It was hard work kayaking against waves from the boats. It was scenic but hard to see anything really amazing. These people do work hard to make sure that you are safe. I learned how to row in a more efficient way, which I appreciated as well. I'm not sure I'd do it again though for what it was. I think I prefer kayaking on lakes. If I want to see orcas I might prefer a boat, but I enjoyed the sea kayak experience overall. read more

2.5 stars 16 people on a tour is too many. Especially with two guides (the third person provided was not a guide). First day it took 4 hours from pickup to launch on the water. A lot of waiting around without explanation, lack of organization and direction. Didn't get to explore inspiration point or whale rock. On the water kayaking less than 4 hours. Second day ran out of water due to 'so much coffee being drank.' Would think the guides would ensure enough water for day 2. Later a guide said rule of thumb is 3L per person per day and they didn't have that to cover 16 people for 2 days. Was told we would have water once we landed that evening which is not helpful when water was needed when kayaking. Dinner on day 2 was extremely spicy hot curry and barely edible. Had to douse with vinegar in order to eat it. Guide said it was a new item she was trying. Not so sure a group of 16 should be guinea pigs for a spicy meal. Day three was cut short because the guide said the pulse of the group was to stop early. No vote or inquiry was made to the entire group. The website should explain the exertion that is needed to load the kayaks, carry them to the water or the beach, setting up camp, etc. Not just kayaking. Not a problem for our group but could tell it was for the other group who had 2 people that were not so helpful. There were other small things (broken tent pole, guide being on phone often) that wouldn't have been a big deal overall but when added to everything else added up. We came to kayak so it was a disappointing trip to have so little time on the water. This was the consensus of not only our group but what we heard from the others as well. We did appreciate when our friend injured her finger, she was able to get the medical assistance she needed along with the guide who scratched her cornea. read more

Awesome life-changing experience. Bucket-list worthy. The guide was very calm and helpful, allowing even someone with no experience (like me) to have a blast doing a bioluminescence tour in less than ideal weather. read more

I had a magnificent three day women's paddle with our excellent guide, Heather. Everything was flawless and all our bucket list items and beyond were achieved. I would highly recommend this tour and hope to come back for the 5 day paddle. read more

Sea Quest Kayak Tours - Best Trip Ever! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

I can't begin to explain my distaste for this company. My friends and I bought tickets for the bioluminescent tour for the beginning of September for my bachelorette party. I tried to fill out the wavier and I wasn't able to continue because of my weight, the waiver told me to contact the office so I went on the website and put in a request to contact. I didn't think much of it- but this is where it all goes wrong. There was a woman messaging me back probably 5 minutes after sending out the request- she asked when we could talk and I told her 2pm. Fast forward to the next morning and I have 3 messages one of which was asking me to resend my number so she could call me. Mind you it's 10am not within the time I said I was available but I had a moment so I answered. The phone call felt very judgemental, I was not aware of the questions being asked. Which added to my mental anxiety and self esteem problems. After the call I talked with my friends and told them I don't want to go anymore. So I message the company that we all want a refund due to the judgemental tones. And I received a phone call from the owner Benjamin. Mind you- in my head I was like "yes someone who will listen". Nope, lol did not happen. He and I had a conversation and he was just pushing me to still go on the trip, he then asked what I do for work, to his surprise I work in mental health so i explain what I do. Which is to use my trauma and promote hope and recovery in 3-21 year olds. He then asked for me to come early to try the kayaks- after I had previously said I don't think that's possible. Ben and I hang up- and I call my friends and tell them it's even more uncomfortable now not only because he's pushing me to go on the excursion but because he wasn't helping the low self esteem and the high anxiety. He even told me, "well if you can't fit I can only refund you and you can stay back while your friends go" I told him that is not an option because I'm doing this as my bachelorette party. I hang up the phone and I tell my friends- my MOH calls him and Benjamin tells her, "that's just the reality of Hannah's situation." After that he bounced between calling me and the other 2 in my party for a SOLID 10 minutes. My friend messaged him and told him if he calls again it will be harassment and that we just want a refund. My party and I were in a group call at the time so one of them decided to add him into the three way call. Once again he's begging for us all to go and being creepy pushy about it. I told him that the decision was made and that we want a refund and I don't want to support a fat-phobic business. He asked for business advice and I told him, "due to the reality of my situation I feel as though it would've been best to outline your weight restrictions prior to booking. I wouldn't have booked had I know the amount of strife this has caused. You need to outline the questions you're going to ask people so they aren't blind sided." (That's the cliff notes version) Anyway he then offered to take the three of us out on a tour and he said, "I promise I will be sweet and kind please just go" and both me and the others in my party said "NO". Why would I want to be alone with this man in the middle of nowhere?! So we told him why we said no. And then he said, "can you find forgiveness in your heart to understand the situation you have put us in as a small business? We turned people down because you bought tickets." I spit his line right back at him and said, "can you find forgiveness in your heart for the way your company has treated me and the ways you've made me feel uncomfortable?" I then went on to explain that we support small buisness' ALL the time and that we are no stranger to promoting and helping them out. He couldn't find forgiveness in his heart because the next words out of his mouth were- "I need to think for a couple hours and listen to the recordings. Giving back this much money is difficult for a small business" Like I understand that, but if he had just refunded us right then and there he could've filled the three spots fast. He then asks if he could call us- I told him if he does to leave a voicemail. I haven't heard from this guy at all. Not to mention- they DO NOT follow their policy with the travel insurance nor with the 100% money back guarantee for booking within the San Juan islands. This Business will gaslight you if you try to cancel or ask for a refund. Don't accept the hassle. Stand up for yourself. Note- they are making assumptions of my body based off a number- they don't know what I look like. It was nice of them to offer a fit test- but not everyone can get out there early. I also appreciated them adding (per my suggestion) a warning for anyone over 250lbs. read more

Heather B. expertly guided our group of various expertise on a 3 day women's tour. We had some fun chop and interesting fog all of which were safely, calmly and expertly managed with the currents and tides. She listened and adjusted our tour to fit in the varied interests of our group. We appreciated her impressive skills as a chef and her people skills. She made our get away fun and easy. The tour provided up-to-date equipment and minute by minute support as needed. read more

On August 31st we went on an amazing bioluminescence kayaking trip with such amazing guides - Paige and Jeff!! They were organized, prompt, very friendly and helpful. The night was incredible and we had a beautiful display! Thank you for making our night and experience unforgettable!!! read more

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The bioluminescence tour was great! Jeff and Paige were amazing guides and we had a ton of fun with the bioluminescence

Ben was a great guide for the afternoon. The gear was nice, felt safe the entire time and the mid tour lunch break on Turn Island was good too. I would definitely use Sea Quest again the next time on island. Thanks for taking two airplane geeks out on the water! read more

Sea Quest Kayak Tours - Checking out the wildlife! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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I signed up for a one day private class to work on kayak rolling. Communication and follow-up was very good. My instructor, Matt, was really enthusiastic and eager to do a good job. I enjoyed the class and would definitely come back. read more

Our outfitter was Kaleb. We had a really great time during our 6 hour kayaking expedition! It really took us out physically, more than we expected but we were stoked for the challenge. read more

Sea Quest Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

We booked a 6 hour day trip with this outfit in advance, just going off reviews online. After setting up an account, all the details about what to wear, items to bring, and what you needed to have a successful trip was all included on the website. Make sure you sign your release ahead of time (also on the website). The day of the trip, we met our Sea Quest guides (Matt, Reagan, and Ben) near the roundabout at the harbor end of downtown. After some brief introductions, we loaded up and headed out to our kayaking destination. Arriving at the launch spot, we spent about an hour unloading, going over the gear, the boats and their basic operations. We split into 2 groups and eagerly left land with Matt and Reagan. We utilized tandem kayaks with 6 in our group plus the 2 guides. Ben guided the other group. We paddled out around the southern end of San Juan Island observing lots of local wildlife. Several jellyfish, a couple of bald eagles, puffins, and harbor seals were spotted along the trip. We spent about an hour on a small island south of Friday Harbor for lunch before heading back. Unfortunately we missed out on the orca whales on this excursion, but Matt and Reagan still made the excursion loads of fun. It certainly makes a difference when the guides enjoy what they do and their passion shows on the tours. We hope to cross paths with Matt and Reagan again. read more

Great experience with Sea Quest Kayak Tours! Will and Caleb were fantastic guides and we highly recommend the night bioluminescence tour - it was phenomenal! read more

Sea Quest organized a fantastic kayak camping trip around the San Juan Islands. Heather and Paige did an excellent job navigating us around and through tricky tidal currents and brought us to the best campsites. I especially appreciated their patience and encouragement as I had suffered a hip injury the month before and was kayaking with a cane!! They were so great! I highly recommend these folks! read more

Isabella was super nice and patient. Family of 4 enjoyed the 6 hour paddle. We were able to see bald eagles, sea lion, harbor seals, and a deer. No whales but still enjoyable. read more

Found Sea Quest by searching "Orcas Island Kayak." Booked without noticing that it WASN'T Orcas Island. Couldn't make it, and contacted them to see if there was something we could do. They offered a different day, but it didn't work with my schedule. Then, they reverted to "no refunds within 2 weeks." So, be careful when booking. I assume they're great tours, if you can make it. If you can't, they'll be happy to keep your money. read more

Amazing experience, start to finish! The booking process was super easy and Ben (owner) was readily available to answer questions. The company provides a comprehensive guide on what to pack/wear to ensure a comfortable experience. Once the day finally came around to hit the water, Sea Quest took us through the ins/outs of the equipment, paddling techniques and safety directions. I enjoyed the 3 day kayaking tour with 2 nights of island camping. Our guide was Caleb and I was really impressed by not only his knowledge of everything you would expect from a kayak guide, but also his insights on the plants and animals on the islands we camped on. There is no better way to experience the beauty of the San Juan Islands than in a kayak. Already looking forward to my next trip with Sea Quest Kayak Tours. read more

Sea Quest Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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Friends and I traveled on a 3 day San Juan excision with Sea Quest last month. While I'm one of the few in my group who would do the trip again, I cannot recommend this outfitter. To their credit the guides fulfilled the most important part of their job, which is getting all passengers there and back again. However two of us were left on the island on the"layover" day through the guides' lack of clear communication regarding departure time. Clearly, being left behind was not what we had paid for. The San Juans are gorgeous and the opportunity to experience the area in such an up-close way is incomparable. That said, I would strongly encourage anyone considering the trip to also have conversations with the various operators regarding layover day expectations. My experience communicating the "left behind" issue with Sea Quest has been consistent with comments you find from others online regarding post-trip feedback. They took nearly a month to follow up with me then foisted the problems off on the guides. While the guides are the front face of an org, management is responsible for training and integrity in service delivery. read more

The bioluminescence outing is not to be missed. It's spectacular, particularly kayaking through it, and being able to dip our hands in the water with the phytoplankton was so cool! Thank you Sea Quest for such a memorable adventure. read more

We just ended out three day kayak trip yesterday and it was amazing. To spend three days kayaking, camping, and hiking -- being with nature -- was just what I needed. Three things made this trip special: 1) The beautiful nature and animals of the PNW. The views, water, sunsets, sunrises, etc were breathtaking. Being part of this trip made me feel like I was part of something larger, not just an observer. 2) Our group. Somehow the group that was put together gelled almost immediately. Our humor matched, we worked as a team, and everyone felt like fast friends. It was great to meet such wonderful people and share this time with them. 3) Ben, the best guide I've ever had on a trip. Ben was not only capable in skill (kayaking, cooking, etc) but he has the perfect personality for this type of work. When he first got ya together as a group, Ben was welcoming, happy and energetic. He took the time to not only get to know us --- but really was interested in who we are and what we do. I really believe that helped make our group so special. We had only tough weather day. Besides making sure we all navigated the weather and water safely, Ben also took everyone on a beautiful hike. I've never kayaked in the ocean before, and I felt very safe with Ben's guidance. Hey - he even fought off raccoons! Since we didn't get to see Orcas -- I'll definitely we back again! This time with more experience and better packed! (My fault for forgetting some things) If Ben's there - we'll try to ask for him again. (Can we push to give him a raise?!) read more

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My friend and I did the night kayak to look at all the bioluminescent plankton. It was absolutely amazing!! The conditions and weather were perfect. It felt like we were transported into avatar (the blue ones lol). Adam was our guide and he was awesome! read more

Do not use this kayak rental/tour. Owner, Ben, is an unscrupulous business owner. The business owner doesn't disclose the physical demands of requiring his customers to carry his kayaks, which weigh as much as 100 pounds, over hazardous terrain to and from the launch site. Our group's tour guide did not show any haste to get our group launched. She took 2 1/2 - 3 hours to get our group launched for a 6 hour kayak. Four other kayak groups arrived after us and launched before us. Our guide showed no sense of urgency and wasted our time and money as she sauntered between the launch Location, her trailer and the bathroom several times. We had another kayak tour scheduled for a bio-Lum tour two nights After our first miserable tour. We called on the phone to inquire if we would be asked to lift the 100 pound triple kayak again (this time in the dark) and were advised "I will need some help." Then, we were advised that the triple kayak we reserved was broken and our 5 year old would have to ride with crew. I wasn't asked but told that was what was happening. The owner, Ben, then proceeded to inquire about the nature and scope of my son's perceived disabilities- violating every ADA law out there. Ben stated to me that he felt this line of questioning was fine because I described my Son as highly sensitive as a reason that putting him in a kayak with a stranger for three hours was not a good idea. Ben wanted to know about my son's symptoms on the autistic spectrum - which my son is not on. Ben never did acknowledge a problem with his actions and comments. A business cannot ask about a person's actual or perceived disabilities. Period. We cancelled our 2nd tour due to Sea Quest not having the triple kayak we reserves available, violating ADA law on my 5 yr old son, making arrangements for my son to kayak with a stranger and demanding we possess the physical prowess to move their 100 pound kayaks in the dark. Ben has had the nerve to continue to charge my card for the complete cost of the second tour that they could not fulfill what we booked. We have had numerous emails with Ben where he has defended his business practices and line of questioning on my son that violated ADA law. Do NOT book with this company. If they are the last option open on the island, skip kayaking, and go sailing instead or do anything else. Walk the streets of Friday Harbor. They're amazing. Note: this guides on the Discovery Kayak tours were hauling ass and getting after it. I would book with them. They got people launched in the water within 30 mins on each tour that arrived during the almost three hours Sea Quest took to launch our group. Try Discovery. They looked amazing. read more

An amazing day, got my daughter and sister out on the ocean for the first time! Saw bald eagles and lots of harbor seals. The currents were at times challenging but just added to the adventure. Greg & Isabella were engaging and very informative. Looking forward to doing it again soon! read more

ALEX led us on a fantastic day. We saw plenty of seals and river otters. He pointed out lots of wild life as well as geographic information and history. I was nervous for what to expect (6 hours!!), but he answered all our questions snd gave us a thorough on boarding experience. I'd love to come back! read more

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Four of us enjoyed a 5-hour sea kayak tour, meeting at Friday Harbor and heading to the east side of the island. Highly recommend! Beautiful views, lots of harbor seals swimming and sunning, comfortable pace, and knowledgeable and delightful guide (Luke)! read more

Sea Quest Kayak Tours - Tandem kayak with two kayakers - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

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Ben the owner and our guide was very helpful and patience in helping us with our kayaking needs. Understand and takes suggestions well. Highly recommended to use his kayak tours for all ages . read more

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Ben took us out today pre season on a multi-generational family tour with young children. He was extremely professional and ensured our safety while also maximizing our experience! No Orcas today but we did see King Fishers, Black Cranes and seal pups!! It was a great adventure and was better than we anticipated- he even made sure there was no rain!!! Don't hesitate to book with Sea-Queat. read more

We had a great time on our kayak rental! Sea Quest was great about booking us in a last minute reservation. One of the few places that does rentals after Labor day. read more

Coming from 2 very in-experienced kayak users we would totally recommend Sea Quest. They have a variety of different tours which can accommodate any skill level. Longer camping tours for the kayak vets and just a few hour tours for newbies. My wife and I were obviously the least professional kayak-ers but our guide helped us through the whole day and made sure we could keep up. The weather was foggy and semi unpredictable that day but our guide made sure we settled into kelp beds when needed and beached for lunch during some less than ideal weather conditions. Even when we got the giggles and were totally done with the paddling she got us to buckle down and finish the last leg of the tour. And we saw orcas!!! I know with this kind of tour you can't guarantee that you will see the orcas but we did, TWICE! And it was something I will never forget. read more

Sea Quest Kayak Tours - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington