Bioluminescence Kayaking Adventure in Friday Harbor - San Juan Island
About this experience
Paddle through the glowing waters of the Salish Sea on this 3-hour Bioluminescent Adventure in Griffin Bay off San Juan Island!
No Expiration
DatesFlexible
BookingFree
ExchangesInstant
Delivery
We had an excellent experience with outdoor odysseys bioluminescence kayak tour. We had a relatively small tour group of 7 people, we had a great tour guide in Justin, and we got lucky that the weather was very nice, not cold and barely any wind. We were able to see the bioluminescent plankton easily and learned a lot from our tour guide who made sure the whole group had a good time.
What's Included
- Enjoy this incredible experience with a top-rated experience provider on TripAdvisor
- A great adventure for paddlers of all levels to witness nature's incredible light show
- Participants need to find lodging on San Juan Island; this tour ends at 11:00 PM and there will not be a ferry back to Anacortes at that time
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that's not to be missed!
What happens on the day
Explore this legendary natural phenomenon during the Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure from San Juan. The water lights up thanks to simple movements of your hand or paddle, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s not to be missed!
Once you arrive at the Friday Harbor meeting location a 15-passenger van will transport you and your group to the launch site. Your kayaking adventure begins at sunset, you will paddle during the new moon for the best conditions to see the bioluminescence. Kayak among harbor seals and roosting birds as you wait for the light show to begin. The waters are most serene and vacant of other boat traffic at night but reactivated by fish and jellies in bioluminescence.
Paddle through the bioluminescent micro flora and fauna, as the water beneath you glows and sparkles. A great adventure for paddlers of all levels to witness nature's incredible light show!
Location
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
Availability
When Do I Choose A Date?
Either yourself or the lucky recipient can make a booking and select dates once you are in receipt of the voucher. You’ll register the voucher, follow the booking instructions, and your experience with us begins!
Mid-May through September:
Daily – Select Times
*Times may change based on the season and weather
Important Details
Essential Information
- No experience necessary
- The trips are scheduled during the New Moons for the best conditions to see the bioluminesence
- Tour is appropriate for paddlers of all levels in good physical condition
- This experience is recommended for participants ages 12 years and older
- Experience includes kayaking instructions and guiding, transportation to and from the launch site, kayaking gear and a dry bag
- It is recommended to bring a bottle of water with you on the day of the experience
- Participants need to find lodging for the night on San Juan Island, the last ferry from the Friday Harbor to Anacortes is at 10:05 PM and the tour ends at 11:00 PM
Duration
Experience Provider Info
Maximum Participants
Spectators
Weather Dependent
What to Wear
FAQs
Can we take the ferry back to Anacortes after the tour?
No, you won't be able to take the ferry back after the tour. The Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure ends at 11:00 PM and the last ferry back to Anacortes is at 10:05 PM. Please make sure you find lodging for the night.
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. It is a rarely seen light show put on by plankton beneath the water's surface. As the water is disturbed, the plankton light up and put on a spectacular show!
What equipment will be provided?
This experience includes kayaking instructions and guiding, transportation to and from the launch site, and kayaking gear (spray skirts, PFDs, dry bags, paddle, etc).
What should I bring?
It is recommended to bring a bottle of water, a snack, footwear that can get wet, warm layers (preferably long sleeved) and a change of clothes. Please pack light, all your belongings need to fit in the provided dry bags.
Are there any weight and height restrictions?
There are no exact weight and height restrictions for this experience, however participants need to comfortably fit in the kayak.
Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations
Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 14 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Gifts.
Cancellation Policy
Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no refunds will be given. Cancellations made at least 4 days prior to the experience date will incur a cancellation fee of $30.00, with the remaining balance to be applied to another Virgin Gifts experience of the participant's choice. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and reschedule at least 4 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience.
Customer Reviews
We had an excellent experience with outdoor odysseys bioluminescence kayak tour. We had a relatively small tour group of 7 people, we had a great tour guide in Justin, and we got lucky that the weather was very nice, not cold and barely any wind. We were able to see the bioluminescent plankton easily and learned a lot from our tour guide who made sure the whole group had a good time.
Led by two very capable guides, this trip was just fantastic. we were picked up and then carefully coached in kayaking in the dark and cold--given all our equipment. Carrying our kayaks down to the launch was just part of the fun of the evening. the bioluminescence was awesome--perfect conditions--a sea of glass following a warm day. Magical and special
Response from Virgin Gifts
Hello Deborah, What an awesome experience! I am delighted to hear the guides were good coaches and fantastic to be with! Sounds like a memorable trek to the launch area. What a unique and extraordinary adventure. I hope I get a chance to see it myself. Thanks for the great review! Cheers, Ryan
Awesome way to spend the night, truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Response from Virgin Gifts
Hi Connor, We love hearing you had a great time out on our Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure! We strive to provide many unique, one-of-a-kind experiences and are thrilled you had a fantastic night out on this one! Cheers, Garrett
From
4 Options Available



















