Price from:
145 USD
Mon - Thurs $165/Person | Fri - Sun $199/person
Reserving for a group of 4 or more? Use Promo Code Bio2025 and save 10%.
Bioluminescence Paddling San Juan Island, Wa
Discovery Sea Kayaks is well-known for being the first dedicated Bioluminescence Kayak Tour on San Juan Island.
- Dates selected for the darkest nights for the best
viewing experience.
- Comfortable 2-Person fiberglass sea kayaks.
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants provided. (No extra charge)
- Dry Bags provided. (No extra charge)
- Small Groups (Smallest Groups on San Juan)
- No Aadded Government Launch Fee
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Join the Waitlist
If the date you want to join is booked, sign up on our waitlist. [WAITLIST](https://forms.gle/TVVpKhbcq7SZhYdy8)
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Group Sizes
We set two departure times to stagger the groups. Both departures go to the same location and operate the same tour. Each departure has a maximum of 10 guests with two guides. This ensures not only your safety but also complete access to your guides so you can ask any questions and hear all the great information they share. **Our goal is to provide an experience, not a cattle drive.**
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The Bioluminescence Kayak Experience
🌌 Discover the Magic. Paddle into Wonder.
Be part of the original—and most acclaimed—Bioluminescence Kayak Tour on San Juan Island. Years ago, we pioneered this mesmerizing nighttime adventure before anyone else, and today it stands as our most sought-after experience.
🛶 What Awaits You: Set off just before sunset into a serene, protected bay, chosen for its ideal conditions and actively monitored bioluminescent activity. As twilight deepens, you'll glide at a peaceful pace, anticipating the moment when the waters below erupt with ethereal light.
✨ Guided by Expertise: Our seasoned kayak guides will lead you to the most vibrant bioluminescent zones while unraveling the scientific mysteries and ancient lore surrounding this natural phenomenon. Every guide undergoes rigorous training and mentorship in kayaking, San Juan wildlife, and regional history, bringing unmatched insight and safety to your journey.
🌑 Optimized for Awe: We carefully select specific dates each month to ensure the darkest nights, allowing the bioluminescence to truly shine. Bright moonlit evenings? We avoid them to protect the magic.
👥 Intimate Group Sizes: Enjoy a personalized experience with the island’s smallest tour group sizes. This ensures clear communication, one-on-one connection with your guide, and a more immersive adventure. Want to bring a larger group? We offer custom private tours—just ask.
🔒 Safety, Comfort, and Style:
Industry-best fiberglass tandem sea kayaks for stability in all conditions
Premium gear for all guests: dry bags, waterproof jackets, and pants
The highest safety standards of any nighttime kayak operator
Come witness nature’s light show—and paddle into the extraordinary. Spots fill fast on our hand-selected dates. Reserve your unforgettable night on the water today.
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Duration and Departure
The tour takes an estimated 3.5 hours door to door. Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of water time. Time on the water can vary night to night. Departure times vary with the sunset time. See the calendar for exact times and dates.
Check-in Time for Bioluminescence Kayak Tours is 15 minutes before the reserved departure time.
Location: 260 Spring St. Friday Harbor, WA. We have a brick-and-mortar location. So you will meet us at our office, not the side of the road randomly in town.
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Why We Have Limited Dates
If we could, we would offer this kayak tour every night. But with our years of experience, we have honed in that only certain dates on the calendar will ensure the best experience.
We choose to paddle around the darkest nights of the month based on the moon phase. Once the moon gets to approx, half (50%) it will be too bright on the water to see the Bioluminescence through the reflection of the moon.
You may see companies offering Bioluminescence Kayak Tours when the moon is 50% or greater. Paddling under a big, bright moon is great, it is just not a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour.
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Important Information on Cancellations and Unavailable Dates
Many dates are sold out, and we do not have room for leniency on our cancellation policy. Please read the Terms and Conditions before reserving.
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**Wa State Ferry Travel Notice**
If you are arriving by Wa State Ferry we advise all guests to select a ferry sailing that arrives as early as possible to San Juan Island. **Missed tours due to ferry delays or missed ferries are treated as same-day cancellations. No Refund and No Reschedule.**
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**Lodging**
Securing lodging for the evening is very important. We will not be back in time to catch the ferry off the island. Failure to secure lodging does not void the cancellation policy.
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Provided by Discovery Sea Kayaks
- Sea Kayak Guide
- Tandem Kayaks and Paddles
- Life Vest (PFD) and Spray Skirts
- Dry Bags
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants
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What to Bring and Do
- Headlamp (On land use only)
- Shoes you can get wet
- Gratuity for guides (Cash or Venmo)
- Eat dinner before the tour. Please do not consume alcohol before the kayak tour.
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Booking Notes
Thank you for choosing Discovery Sea Kayaks. We are excited to have you on board and get you on the water. We are here to provide you with the best possible kayak experience, so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions prior to your kayak tour.
**IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR WA STATE FERRY TRAVEL**
The Washington State Ferry has consistently been running late. The ferry has been up to 2 hours late. We recommend taking the early morning ferries to arrive on time for any of our daily departing kayak tours. Please plan ahead and plan a ferry arrival that allows several hours before your scheduled kayak tour departure. Follow this link for ferry travel alerts. (https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedule/bulletin.aspx)
Missing the ferry does not void the cancellation policy.
##Customer Promotions##
Rent Bikes with us too! Save 10% on your bike rental with promo code KTR. Reserve on our sister site, [Discovery Adventure Tours](https://discoveryadventuretours.com/san-juan-island-bikes/san-juan-island-bike-rentals/)
Save 10% on a motorized whale watching adventure with [Western Prince](https://orcawhalewatch.com/) with your reservation confirmation with Discovery Sea Kayaks. Use promo code western10. Exclusive to Discovery Sea Kayaks customers.
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##We are Social: Follow Us##
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/DSKAYAKS)
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/discovery_sea_kayaks/)
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##Check-In Time
Check-in is 15 minutes before departure time. We will depart on time, so please arrive at our office on time.
There is **NO RESTROOM at check-in.** But there **IS A RESTROOM at the beach.** You will have the opportunity to use the Restroom once you are at the beach.
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##Where to Meet
The meeting location is 260 Spring St. in downtown Friday Harbor. Just a short walk from the ferry.
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##What to Bring
- Long sleeves with a short sleeve layer under.
- Hat appropriate for the season. (Beanie for cold weather)
- Shoes you do not mind getting damp or wet (feet can get wet when entering and exiting kayaks)
- Gloves are optional and a personal preference.
- Water or Non-Alcoholic Beverage
- Headlamp Recommended (For use at the beach at the end of the tour)
- Gratuity for Guides (They work hard preparing and cleaning after each tour)
**Remember We Provide**
- A Dry Bag per guest. Dry Bags are **handed out at the beach**, not in the office.
- Waterproof Jackets and Pants will be handed out at the office at check-in.
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##BRINGING A CAR?
We do recommend walking on the ferry if at all possible. The island gets very busy, and it can be more difficult to secure a spot on the ferry than walking on. If you need your car, please make a reservation for the ferry if you plan on bringing your car to the island.
https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx
##WHERE TO PARK
Parking enforcement in town ends at 5 PM. Feel free to park anywhere in town near our office.
**Please consider the following when making your travel plans.**
Allow yourself more travel time than what Google Maps tells you. There are a lot of variables between here and Seattle that can throw off your logistics.
- Drive time from Seattle can vary due to busy summer traffic on I-5. Please allow adequate time to arrive at the ferry terminal in Anacortes to catch the ferry. **Missing the ferry does not void the cancellation policy.**
- Flying to the island is a great way to get here, but at certain times of the year, flights are often canceled. In the event of a flight cancellation, we are happy to rebook you to another date if possible (rebooking fees may apply). **Flight cancellation does not void the cancellation policy.**
##Don't forget to rent bikes for your on-land exploring!
We have a large selection of Rental Electric bikes and Standard bikes. Reserve your rental bikes online [HERE](https://discoveryadventuretours.com/san-juan-island-bikes/san-juan-island-bike-rentals/)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email.
Office: 3603782559 (Call or Text)
Email: info@discoveryseakayak.com
Thank you and see you soon!
Cancellation Policy
##Discovery Sea Kayak Terms and Conditions##
**Cancellations, Refunds, and Rebooking**
**Groups of 5 or fewer** (Final payment due 31 days before the departure date. If reserving within 31 days, full payment is due at the time of reservation.)
- 60 or more days before the tour departure date, Full Refund.
- 31 - 59 days before the tour departure date, Loss of 50% Deposit or 50% of the Total Tour Cost.Whichever applies to your reservation.
- 0 - 30 days before the tour departure date, No Refund.
- No Shows will be subject to Full Charge.
- Cancellation requests must be in writing (email).
Resell Option: Within 60 days, if we can resell your seats, we will submit a refund less $50 per person.
**Groups of 6 or more** (Final payment due 60 days before the departure date. If reserving within 60 days, full payment is due at the time of reservation.)
- 90 or more days before the tour departure date, Full Refund.
- 60 - 89 days before the tour departure date, Loss of 50% Deposit or 50% of the Total Tour Cost.Whichever applies to your reservation.
- 0 - 59 days before the tour departure date, No Refund.
- No Shows will be subject to Full Charge.
- Cancellation requests must be in writing (email).
Resell Option: Within 90 days, if we can resell your seats, we will submit a refund less $50 per person.
**Rebooking Policy**
- Groups of 5 or fewer can rebook 31 days or more before the tour departure date. A $20 per person plus tax rebooking fee will be applied.
- Groups of 6 or more can rebook 60 days or more before the tour departure date. A $20 per person rebooking fee will be applied.
##Canceled Trips##
Discovery Sea Kayaks reserves the right to cancel any tour for any reason whatsoever. In such a case, a full refund for the cost of the tour is given. Discovery Sea Kayaks is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation/travel/lodging for the trip.
**PLEASE NOTE CANCELLATIONS ARE VERY RARE!**
Discovery Sea Kayaks reserves the right to postpone departure or change kayak route locations.
