Blue Otter Outfitters is recommending all business to

Anacortes Kayak Tours
the premier sea kayaking outfitter in the San Juan Islands

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: I have never kayaked, how easy is it?

Answer: Every trip has been designed to be fun and comfortable for folks of all abilities. Ne previous experience is necessary at all. We have a competent kayak guide who will help each person get comfortable paddling. Most customers fall in love with kayaking and get comfortable in the boats after the first half-hour.

2. Question: Why is Anacortes a better place to join a kayak tour?

Answer: We have some of the most beautiful shorelines anywhere in the San Juan Islands! There is abundant wildlife to search for, and we rarely have to share the experience with other tour groups.

Additionally, there are no ferry hassles to deal with. In the summer months hardly a day goes by when we don't welcome visitors in our store whose vacation plans have been shattered due to a cancelled sailing or unreasonably long ferry lines. You are on vacation after all, why take on more stress?

3. Question: Do you see whales?

Answer: In 2008 we saw the whales as much as any kayak company in the San Juan Islands. Many other kayak companies have so much invested in marketing "kayaking with whales" that they don't dare mention that the whales travel over 100 miles in a single day! Apparently selling trips is more important than meeting the expectations of their guests. Anacortes Kayak Tours has chosen to operate under a different business model. We will not create unreasonable expectations just to sell you a trip, our kayak tours are so much fun that whale sightings are just icing on the cake. We believe in this policy of being honest so strongly that we have created an web page highlighting our position statement about kayaking with orca whales. We encourage you to read it!

4. Question: What is the best time to see the whales?

Answer: Generally the resident Orca whales congregate in the area from early May to September. However, the whales can be unpredictable and are hard to forecast. For example, in the summer of 2000, the whales left the area for 6 weeks in July and August.

5. Question: How do most people get to the Anacortes from Seattle?

Answer: Most people drive directly to our store, it is an easy 90 minute drive from downtown Seattle and there are no ferries involved..

6. Question: How many people are on a tour?

Answer: We run small group sizes to ensure a personalized experience for all of our guests. Unless you wish to make other arrangements for a larger group, all kayak trips are limited to 10 guests. We also have a very popular option on our multiday kayak camping trips. If you have 4 or more guests you can opt to make it a private tour! Nobody else will do this for you. This has enabled families with smaller children to join us and get their kids outside, it is also nice for adult groups who want to do their own thing.

7 Question: Will it rain on us?

Answer: I hope not. June, July, August and the beginning of September are the driest months in the NW. During these months it is not uncommon for hardly a drop to be seen. BUT, it does rain occasionally and it is best to pack a rain jacket just in case. If it does rain, the tours are usually unaffected. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just unfortunate clothing choices!.

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December 11, 2008