POINT DOUGHTY TOUR
Duration: 3 Hours
Join us on a kayaking adventure out to Point Doughty State Park. This kayak tour explore the best wildlife area Orcas Island has to offer! It is home to many harbor seals, porpoises, shore birds, and eagles. You might get lucky and spot the occasional orca!
Surrounded by private property on land, the park is only accessible by kayak, canoe, or row boat. Once at the park we take a brief break on the beach to enjoy a nature walk and beautiful views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding islands before we head back.
This tour welcomes all ages 8 and up and is fit for all levels of experience from first time paddlers to seasoned kayakers.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
Experience the wild, rugged beauty of Orcas Island’s northwest coast. Launching from West Beach, this half-day kayaking tour takes you along scenic shoreline to the secluded beaches of Point Doughty State Park—accessible only by non-motorized boat. With rocky headlands, forested bluffs, and the chance to spot seals and sea stars, this is coastal Orcas at its best.
What Is Point Doughty?
Point Doughty is a remote, marine-access-only state park preserve on the northwest tip of Orcas Island. The coastline is rugged, the beaches are unspoiled, and the surrounding forest offers a glimpse into what the San Juan Islands looked like before development. The point itself juts out into the Salish Sea, offering incredible views of Sucia Island, the Canadian Gulf Islands, and Mount Baker (on clear days). It’s an ideal destination for paddlers seeking quiet wilderness, rich intertidal life, and dramatic scenery.
What Should You Bring?
You’ll be on the water and a remote shoreline, so come prepared for a few hours outdoors. We provide all paddling gear. You should bring:
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Comfortable, layered clothing (avoid cotton)
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Water shoes or sandals with heel straps
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Sun protection: sunglasses, hat, reef-safe sunscreen
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Snacks or a small packed lunch (you’ll have a beach stop at Point Doughty)
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Refillable water bottle
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Optional: camera or phone in waterproof case, binoculars, towel, or windbreaker
Dry bags will be available for small personal items.
Is This Trip Right for Me?
This tour is ideal if you:
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Enjoy a bit of physical activity in a wild, natural setting
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Want to explore parts of the island only accessible by kayak
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Are a beginner or intermediate paddler looking for a guide-led adventure
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Are interested in wildlife, marine ecology, or natural coastline
No kayaking experience is needed, but you should be comfortable on the water and active for a few hours.
Who Can Participate?
This tour is suitable for:
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Adults and families with children aged 8 and up
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Individuals, couples, or small groups
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Beginner and intermediate paddlers
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Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet, non-commercial adventure
Guests under 18 will paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult. Guides provide all safety instruction and support throughout the tour.
When Do Tours Run?
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Season: May through September
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Departure Times: Morning and afternoon
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Duration: ~3 hours (including paddle time and a beach break)
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Launch Location: West Beach Resort area, northwest Orcas Island
Tours are scheduled around tide conditions to provide an optimal paddling experience along the island’s exposed northwestern shoreline.
What Can You Expect?
After meeting your guide and getting geared up at West Beach, you’ll receive a short orientation before launching directly into the Salish Sea. You’ll paddle north along the coastline, weaving past rocky outcroppings, kelp beds, and sea-level cliffs. Look for harbor seals, bald eagles, sea stars, and other marine life as you trace the wild edge of the island.
At Point Doughty, you’ll land on a quiet beach and take a break to explore, relax, snack, or simply enjoy the remote setting. Afterward, you’ll paddle back to West Beach, soaking in new views along the return route.