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Washington

Kayaking the San Juan Archipelago

Program No. 23766RJ
Discover the rich array of fauna along the forested coasts of the San Juan Islands. Join expert kayakers and naturalists to relish vistas and discoveries you can only find by kayak!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 18, 2025
Starting at
2,699
Jun 16 - Jun 22, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Sep 14 - Sep 20, 2025
Starting at
2,899
Sep 27 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
2,899
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 18, 2025
Starting at
3,169
Jun 16 - Jun 22, 2025
Starting at
3,519
Filling Fast!
Sep 14 - Sep 20, 2025
Starting at
3,519
Sep 27 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
3,519
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Come explore the San Juan Islands — one of the top kayaking destinations in the Pacific Northwest and home to unique creatures of the land and sea, from orca whales and Dalls porpoise and harbor seals, to bald eagles, and unique intertidal creatures. Where forest meets sea, discover the rich array of fauna with expert naturalists while you relish vistas and discoveries unique to kayaking during four distinct kayak excursions. Paddle your way through sheltered waters along rocky coasts, through waters rich with seabirds and marine mammals. Plus, enjoy hiking in San Juan Island’s National Park with dramatic coastal vistas.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Four 3-hour excursions on two-person sea kayaks; two 1-3 mile easy/moderate hikes. On this program, the following equipment is provided: tandem kayaks (no solo kayaks); paddles, life vests, and spray skirts. Dry bags are available upon request. Note: Our kayak providers may use triple kayaks on occasion – for odd group numbers or for safety.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Paddle the archipelago in distinct locations around San Juan, Pearl, Henry, Fidalgo and Burrows Islands.
  • Visit Limekiln Lighthouse, a whale research and observation outpost and one of the best land-based sites to spot Orca whales in their native habitat.
  • Enjoy field trips to the Whale Museum and the University of Washington's Marine Labs to learn about the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen View biography
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Profile Image of Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken View biography
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Profile Image of Kevin Culmback
Kevin Culmback View biography
Kevin Culmback's years of travel as well leading wildlife excursions in Western Washington, make him a perfect group leader for the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest. Growing up outside Seattle, Kevin has always enjoyed all things outdoors. Kevin has spent years traveling the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii and beyond, exploring the natural world and capturing those areas through his camera lens. After 20 years in the San Juan Islands, his heart is in the Northwest... until the travel bug bites again.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Seattle
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16 | 6B | 5L | 5D |
Activity Level
Come explore the San Juan Islands — one of the top kayaking destinations in the Pacific Northwest and home to unique creatures of the land and sea, from orca whales and Dalls porpoise and harbor seals, to bald eagles, and unique intertidal creatures. Where forest meets sea, discover the rich array of fauna with expert naturalists while you relish vistas and discoveries unique to kayaking during four distinct kayak excursions. Paddle your way through sheltered waters along rocky coasts, through waters rich with seabirds and marine mammals. Plus, enjoy hiking in San Juan Island’s National Park with dramatic coastal vistas.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Paddle the archipelago in distinct locations around San Juan, Pearl, Henry, Fidalgo and Burrows Islands.
  • Visit Limekiln Lighthouse, a whale research and observation outpost and one of the best land-based sites to spot Orca whales in their native habitat.
  • Enjoy field trips to the Whale Museum and the University of Washington's Marine Labs to learn about the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Profile Image of Kevin Culmback
Kevin Culmback
Kevin Culmback's years of travel as well leading wildlife excursions in Western Washington, make him a perfect group leader for the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest. Growing up outside Seattle, Kevin has always enjoyed all things outdoors. Kevin has spent years traveling the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii and beyond, exploring the natural world and capturing those areas through his camera lens. After 20 years in the San Juan Islands, his heart is in the Northwest... until the travel bug bites again.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Four 3-hour excursions on two-person sea kayaks; two 1-3 mile easy/moderate hikes. On this program, the following equipment is provided: tandem kayaks (no solo kayaks); paddles, life vests, and spray skirts. Dry bags are available upon request. Note: Our kayak providers may use triple kayaks on occasion – for odd group numbers or for safety.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (6 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
16 meals | 6B | 5L | 5D |
5 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
4 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the hotel conference room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also complete kayaking waivers. A copy of the waiver is included at the end of these preparatory materials but need not be completed in advance. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader. In addition to kayaking experts will provide educational content during paddling field trips, we will also hear from local experts for some lectures and field trips. Paddling distances during sea kayaking field trips will vary based on tides, currents, and wind conditions. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach, public transportation, and vans/mini-buses depending on circumstances. Please note that supply-chain issues could have an impact on food services, particularly on San Juan Island. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the Conference Room, we’ll enjoy a catered Northwest-style dinner plus coffee, tea, water.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Getting in/out of 2-person sea kayaks, paddling approximately 2.5 hours, distances vary due to factors such as tides, currents, wind, etc. Getting on/off a ferry; riding about 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Short shuttle ride from ferry to hotel.
Breakfast:
You'll receive a breakfast voucher. Breakfast is served in the lobby restaurant.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll board the motor coach and ride north to Anacortes on Fidalgo island. Anacortes is a town steeped in maritime history and serves as the gateway to the San Juan Islands. We’ll then ride Washington Park and enjoy its expansive marine views.
Lunch:
At a picnic area in Washington Park, we’ll have sack lunches. Sack lunches will feature a sandwich, chef's choice side (whole fresh fruit, chips, or deli salad), beverage, and a chef’s choice fresh bakery treat for everyone.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to the Skyline Marine Center for a kayak safety and operation orientation. We’ll then get into two-person sea kayaks and paddle near Fidalgo and Burrows Islands for approximately 2.5 hours. Fidalgo and Burrows are known for scenic rocky shorelines where evergreen forests carpet the landscape right down to the shore. During the paddle, our naturalist kayaking instructors will provide educational commentary focused on the natural history and wildlife of the area. We’ll reboard our motorcoach and ride a short way to the Washington State Ferry Anacortes Terminal, where we’ll board the Washington State ferry bound for San Juan Island. You might like to enjoy the view of the National Scenic Byway through a tapestry of islands from the inside passenger cabins or from the outside decks as we take our 1.5 hour journey through the archipelago to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival at the dock in the late afternoon, we’ll make a quick transfer via shuttle check to the hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty meal featuring salad, a main entrée, sides, vegetables, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.
Evening:
After dinner, the Group Leader will provide handouts for recommended morning stretching, yoga poses, and meditation that you may do on your own in preparation for tomorrow’s paddling activity.
Activity Note
Wellness activities on own are recommended to warm-up and stretch for the day. Getting on/off vans; driving about 25 miles, less than 1 hour. Hiking up to 1.5 hours; coastal terrain, well-maintained trail. Getting in/out of 2-person sea kayaks, paddling approximately 2.5 hours, distances vary due to factors such as tides, currents, wind, etc.
Breakfast:
A breakfast featuring hot and cold choices and beverages will be served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
A local resident expert will join us to offer an insider’s look at contemporary life in the Islands and explores issues affecting island life. Later in the morning, we will be joined by a wildlife rehabilitation expert who will give us an informative presentation about the wildlife that call the San Juan Islands home. We’ll learn about rehabilitation efforts and techniques as well as specific characteristics of local species. We’ll then set out on mini-bus with our Group Leader for a field trip to Limekiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to view whales from land. The park is also home to an Orca research outpost and lighthouse. We will explore areas of the park including around the lighthouse (entry into lighthouse is not permitted).
Lunch:
At Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we’ll load into our mini bus and travel north to Roche Harbor. Established in 1886, Roche Harbor is home to the classic Hotel de Haro which is still open today and is now listed on the National Historic Register. While in Roche Harbor, you’ll have a choice of two walking activities that you may choose to do on own. Choice 1: Set out on a short stroll to the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and Reserve to view various works of art and sculptures as you stroll through this unique outdoor sculpture park. Choice 2: Self-exploration of Roche Harbor Resort and it’s gardens and marina. After, we will have another kayak safety and operation orientation at the Roche Harbor Marina. We’ll then set out with our naturalists in two-person sea kayaks from the Roche Harbor dock for an early evening paddle to explore the northwest coastlines of San Juan Island, Henry Island, Battleship Island, as well as Westcott Bay.
Dinner:
Served in the hotel conference room. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. You may bring other beverages of your own with you to dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Wellness activities on own are recommended to warm-up and stretch for the day. Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day, standing up to an hour at a time; paved walkways, wooden docks; 25 steps with railing to upper level at Whale Museum.
Breakfast:
Served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will gather in the hotel conference room for a presentation from a local expert on our local resident orca pods. We will also hear recordings of a uniquely social population using their “language” to communicate with one another.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Everyone will go on a walking field trip to the Whale Museum (the nation's first museum dedicated to whales living in the wild). Enjoy some afternoon free time to explore Friday Harbor or otherwise enjoy as you wish! We’ll meet up at the hotel late afternoon for a short reception. Enjoy a wine reception featuring Washington wines hosted by Skagit Valley College and your group leader. Celebrate the long term partnership of SVC and Road Scholar, and take time to socialize and connect with program staff and your fellow participants.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans/mini-buses; driving about 25 miles with stops, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Getting in/out of 2-person sea kayaks, paddling approximately 3 hours, distances vary due to factors such as tides, currents, wind, etc. Hiking about 2.5 miles, approximately 1.5 hours; well-maintained dirt trails.
Breakfast:
Served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
We will hop into vans and ride to Jackson’s Beach where we’ll launch from the beach for our morning paddle of approximately 2.5 hours. We’ll paddle through Griffin Bay and pass by Dinner Island and Brown Island as we explore the San Juan Channel. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.
Lunch:
Served in the hotel conference room.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip with our Group Leader, we’ll set out in vans/mini-buses and ride to the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs for a docent guided tour to learn about the important research being done at this unique marine setting. We’ll then continue riding south to the island’s southern area and the south end of the San Juan Island National Park site at American Camp. Upon arrival, we’ll set out on a spectacular coastal hike with epic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountain range to the west. Our buses/vans will pick us up at the end of the trail and we’ll return to the hotel late afternoon.
Dinner:
Served in the hotel conference room. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. You may bring other beverages of your own with you to dinner.
Evening:
After dinner, a local historian joins us to give us a presentation on the impact the fishing industry has played in San Juan Island history.
Activity Note
Wellness activities on own are recommended to warm-up and stretch for the day. Getting in/out of vans/mini-buses; driving about 20 miles with stops, approximately 3/4 hour riding time. Getting in/out of 2-person sea kayaks, paddling approximately 1 hour; distances vary due to factors such as tides, currents, wind, etc.
Breakfast:
Served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
We will gather in the hotel conference room for a presentation by a local expert from the San Juan Island Preservation Trust Stewardship, highlighting the island’s most precious resource: undeveloped land. We’ll then hop into vans/mini-buses and ride to Roche Harbor for a paddle along the island’s scenic west side, known as one of the best areas to view wildlife of all types. Our naturalists will also identify and point out intertidal life along the shoreline.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot, we’ll have sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, the remainder of the afternoon will be free. You might like to explore in town, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.
Dinner:
In the hotel conference room, we’ll enjoy a tasty farewell dinner, including coffee, tea, water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.
Evening:
We'll then gather for a quick wrap-up and review of the program, including a review of the departure details. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 7:15 a.m. Getting on/off a ferry; transfer to Anacortes about 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport followed by original starting hotel at approximately 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively. Schedule outbound flights after 2:30 p.m.
Breakfast:
Early breakfast in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, walk to the ferry landing, and board the Washington State Ferry. Upon docking in Anacortes, we’ll board a chartered motorcoach and ride to Seattle with drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport, followed by the original hotel. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
  • May 12, 2025 - May 18, 2025
  • Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
  • Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
1 night
Location: Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
5 nights
Location: Friday Harbor
You will stay in a stylishly renovated local Inn, proudly preserving the comfortable simplicity of its classic motor inn structure completely renovated with natural design choices and a full complement of modern, more upscale features and amenities. Inn amenities include heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, day spa on site, conference room, coin-op self-laundry on-site, and limited exercise facility on-site. The Earthbox Inn is easy walking distance (1-3 blocks) from all of the Friday Harbor amenities and just 3 blocks from the waterfront.
1 night
Location: Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
5 nights
Location: Friday Harbor
You will stay in a stylishly renovated local Inn, proudly preserving the comfortable simplicity of its classic motor inn structure completely renovated with natural design choices and a full complement of modern, more upscale features and amenities. Inn amenities include heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, day spa on site, conference room, coin-op self-laundry on-site, and limited exercise facility on-site. The Earthbox Inn is easy walking distance (1-3 blocks) from all of the Friday Harbor amenities and just 3 blocks from the waterfront.
1 night
Location: Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
5 nights
Location: Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor Suites is an all-suite facility featuring spacious suites with a bedroom, bathroom, dry bar, and living room. Some suites have two queen-size beds, with one queen-size bed in the bedroom and one queen-size bed in the living room. Note: If you require a suite with two queen beds, please contact the Skagit Valley College Road Scholar office approximately 30 days prior to the start of your program. We can be reached at 360-378-3265 or at roadscholar@skagit.edu and are available M-F (8am-5pm PST). All room requests will be accommodated based on availability. The hotel is a great in-town location accessible to museums, galleries, restaurants, and services.
1 night
Location: Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
5 nights
Location: Friday Harbor
You will stay in a stylishly renovated local Inn, proudly preserving the comfortable simplicity of its classic motor inn structure completely renovated with natural design choices and a full complement of modern, more upscale features and amenities. Inn amenities include heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, day spa on site, conference room, coin-op self-laundry on-site, and limited exercise facility on-site. The Earthbox Inn is easy walking distance (1-3 blocks) from all of the Friday Harbor amenities and just 3 blocks from the waterfront.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 10 Reviews
Sort By:
Nancy | Patchogue, NY
This is an excellent program; I highly recommend it, for both the kayaking, the beauty of the area, and the learning experiences.
— Review left October 8, 2024
Jane | Carterville, IL
This was our first Road Scholar trip. The quality of the materials, the presenations and the guides were excellent. I have kayaked for several years but on lake waters. I had never kayaked in a sea kayak. It was very simple to adjust to the sea kayak. The length of time and distances we kayaked were appropriate for the ages of the participants and kayak experience of the group. I enjoyed the fact that we did a morning, afternoon and evening kayak trip. (The morning one was really cool--fog!) Prior to our trip we were not expecting so much information about whales. It was GREAT!
— Review left September 28, 2024
Sue – Class of 2024 | Star, ID
An amazing look into life in the San Juan Islands! I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left September 23, 2024
Lynn | Louisville, KY
This is a great, well run tour. Having a Harbor Seal approach our kayak was a highlight of our time on San Juan Island. The group was constantly on the move; kayaking, hiking, listening to lectures or visiting museums, our time was well spent and organized. I highly recommend this experience.
— Review left June 30, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Süs – Class of 2022 | Seattle, WA
Kayaking was my main focus on this trip, and the paddling experiences went beyond my expectations. We took four trips around the islands - at the perfect pace to work out and still soak up the magnificent scenery. Our guides went above and beyond to provide not just a safe and comfortable experience, but to point out sights and to relay fascinating details -- everything from stories about the Madrona tree and local residents, to descriptions of tectonic plates, to myths of the Salish peoples. We even saw Orcas breaching nearby! Aside from paddling, I also loved the outstanding evening speakers' presentations. We heard the very top speakers and guides for the San Juans. I learned more about the Pacific Northwest in three days than I have in my 11 years living in the region! All of these experts - in history, wildlife, indigenous people's culture, fisheries, environmental issues, island lore - spoke with such love and passion. I am sure more than a few of us were wondering if we could live in the San Juans ourselves. This was my first Road Scholar trip, and it was the perfect choice for me (even though I was unable to hike at this time). Everything was so well organized, well paced - and adjustable to my needs. I really enjoyed chatting with long time residents of the islands and with people who have helped build Road Scholar programs in this region. Even the mealtime staff and the guides in transit were warm and helpful. Above all, our leader was especially attentive and knowledgeable. Her good humor, calm problem-solving and her anticipation of our concerns impressed me. It was like having a mother eagle watching over us! I may even do this trip again!
— Review left October 5, 2022
Barbara – Class of 2016 | Maple Grove, MN
This was a wonderful look at the San Juan Islands. It is listed as spirited but don't let that scare you away. It is less spirited than expected. Beautiful scenery. Great guides. Wonderful program
— Review left October 3, 2022
Ola – Class of 2021 | Portland, OR
Wonderful way to explore a little-known part of the US while getting out into its fascinating nature by kayaking and hiking. It inspired me to keep exploring more places off the beaten track that I otherwise wouldn't get to on my own.
— Review left October 2, 2022
Kathleen – Class of 2022 | Alta, WY
Seeing killer whales from a kayak was exciting, and the trip was interesting and fun. I made friends on the trip that I will keep in touch with, and travel with again. My first group trip has inspired me to travel more solo; safely, without worrying about planning, and connecting with interesting people.
— Review left September 28, 2022
Krista – Class of 2016 | Longmont, CO
The San Juan Islands are beautiful, and this trip provides informative speakers who taught us so much about this unique place. The kayaking was such fun and we felt safe and supported the whole time. This trip has inspired us to seek out more opportunities to kayak, and we're even considering buying our own kayak.
— Review left September 26, 2022
Terry – Class of 2010 | Edgewater, FL
Kayaking in the San Juan Archipelago was outstanding! Go if the trip description sounds like something you would enjoy. Kelley, the trip leader, is the best and an expert on Orca whales. I learned a great deal about them and the other marine life that call the San Juan's home. This trip was a great immersion into the San Juan Islands, even though we only visited San Juan itself. Angi, our chef for the week, was exceptional! The Earthbox Inn is extremely comfortable - perfect actually. I can't say enough good about this trip!
— Review left June 28, 2022





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