Looking for the best places to sea kayak near Seattle? Here are all the best places to have an overnight sea kayaking adventure near Seattle!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy, and I’m a full-time independent outdoor writer and sea kayaker. In 2022, I sea kayaked the entirety of the Salish Sea from Bellingham north. In 2023, I worked as a sea kayaking guide in the San Juan Islands, and I’m stoked to show you around!

What to pack for sea kayaking near Seattle:

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It can be so hard to know what to pack for kayaking trips! This list just covers the basics: for a detailed guide to packing for kayak camping trips, read this article. 

• Your PFD (lifejacket)! If booking a guided tour, this will likely be provided to you. 
• Long-sleeve wool baselayers. Some might opt for a sun shirt instead, but personally I prefer a long sleeve wool baselayers. Wool stays warm when wet, and the waters of the PNW are cold.
• A wetsuit! If paddling alone on Puget Sound especially, you’ll want a wetsuit to avoid hypothermia.
• A marine radio to monitor channel 16 and other sea kayak safety required items. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, book a guided trip!
• Neoprene booties! Everyone shows up to sea kayak with adventure sandals, but you’re likely to get rocks in them on most PNW beaches which is uncomfortable. Consider investing in Neoprene booties instead
• Wool Socks (Darn Tough or Bust) 

Best Places to Kayak near Seattle:

From fjords to freshwater lakes, here are all of the best kayaking destinations near Seattle!

1) Sea Kayak the San Juan Islands of Washington

Kayaking the San Juan Islands is hands down one of the best adventures you can have near Seattle! Here, you can find beautiful island campsites, kayak next to sea stars, explore lighthouses, and cliffs and more!

The San Juan Islands, and particularly the west side of San Juan Island, and are well known for their orca whale population and sightings. Aside from Orca whales, you can also see porpoises, gray whales, humpbacks, and minke whales in the San Juan Islands.

Guided trip options for sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands: Outdoor Odysseys, Discovery Sea Kayaks, San Juan Expeditions

Check out the best things to do in the San Juan Islands for everything you need to know about visiting the San Juans!

2) Adventure to Sucia Island and the Outer San Juan Islands

One of the best, more remote places to kayak in Washington is the outer San Juan Islands including Sucia Island, Matia Island, Patos Island, and Clarke and Barnes Islands. 

This islands have beautiful sandstone formations, coves, cliffs, and unobstructed views of the Strait of Georgia to the north and the Cascade Mountains. Sucia Island is easily one of the best kayaking destinations near Seattle with a variety of oceanside campsites, great hiking trails, and beaches. 

Guided tour options for Sucia and the Outer San Juan Islands: San Juan Expeditions, Moondance Kayak

Check out a guide to visiting Orcas Island, Washington, for a unique island experience that you don’t need to kayak to reach!

3) Kayak and explore the Bellingham Bay

Looking for one of the easiest places to kayak on the ocean near Seattle? Head up to Larrabee State Park to kayak the often calm and protected waters of the Bellingham bay. Here, you can play around sea stacks and cliffs from Larrabee State Park!

Note that while this area is in general calm waters, there are still occasionally strong tidal currents in the bays. If you are crossing to Lummi Island, you will definitely experience strong tidal currents particularly on either end of the island. 

Check out some of the best hiking trails off Bellingham’s Mt. Baker Highway

4) Kayak and Canoe in Olympic National Park

Looking to kayak the Olympic Peninsula? The Olympic Peninsula has some of the best kayaking options near Seattle! Consider paddling Lake Ozette for beginner-friendly paddle and camping, or consider renting a kayak on the fjord-like Crescent Lake.

Looking for an incredible coastal kayaking experience? Elevate Outdoors in Port Angeles will take you out to experience the ocean life on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Check out a budget-friendly guide to exploring Olympic National Park!

5) Explore Desolation Sound, BC’s Best Kept Secret

For one of the most beautiful places to kayak in the world just one-days travel from Seattle, head up to the edge of the Sunshine Coast, BC to sea kayak beautiful Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound is easily one of the best places to kayak on the west coast, if not in the whole world. Here, you paddle in the shadow of the Coast Mountain Range with beautiful islands, waterfalls, and more all around. In general, the waters of Desolation Sound are warm and forgiving, with light to moderate tidal currents. 

Beginner-friendly Desolation Sound destinations include the charming Copeland Islands and Desolation Sound via the Malaspina Inlet. More challenging routes include Toba or Bute Inlet, and the Redonda Islands. 

Guided Tour Options: Powell River Sea Kayak, Coast Mountain Expeditions

Check out this detailed guide to everything you need to know about kayaking Desolation Sound

6) Sea Kayak the Gulf Islands of British Columbia!

For kayaking destination near Seattle less crowded than the San Juan Islands, consider heading up to the Gulf Islands instead. The Gulf Islands are the Canadian neighbors of the San Juans, and are a popular destination for sea kayaking for similar reasons. 

Read a detailed guide to paddling options in the Gulf Islands National Seashore!

Love reading about the best kayaking Destinations near Seattle? Here are some related articles you might enjoy:

• Check out a detailed beginner’s guide to kayak camping, written based on questions I’ve gotten over 7 years of sea kayaking and guiding as an outdoor industry professional!
• Looking for a good tent for sea kayak camping? Check out all of the best camping tents, and let me help match you to the right tent for your needs and budget!
• Check out the best hiking pants for women (that AREN’T leggings!)

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