A self-catered guided kayak rental is a great way to save money compared to a fully-catered kayak tour in the San Juan Islands. If you are an experienced camper but don’t have the skills to rent a kayak for exploring on your own, we can supply an expert kayak guide along with a kayak rental package. Our guided kayak rental adventures are perfect for someone who already has camping equipment, enjoys the process of planning a camping trip, has skill at preparing their own meals in the field, and wants to stay within a tighter budget during their vacation.

Guided kayak rentals are accompanied by a Sea Quest kayak guide. By including a kayak guide with your rental package, you can expand your already existing skills, receive valuable counsel during decision making, and obtain crucial advice on local weather and wildlife movements. Our guides are in tune with the locations of our local orcas and can really improve your success for killer whale watching. They also know the most scenic kayaking tour routes and can point you to the best campsites.

Our guided kayak rental fees include the tandem and solo boats, plus all related kayaking gear, and your guide. Your rental kayak guide will come equipped with a VHF radio and a complete kit of various emergency signal devices, a tool kit, local navigation chart and other navigation aids, and lots of specialized knowledge. As the guided rental kayak program is self-catered, you will need to provide your own transportation to and from the beach and pay any launch or camping fees incurred. You are responsible for camp chores, providing your own camping and cooking gear, meals, sleeping bags, tents, etc. In case you have some gaps in your personal gear closet, we do have some of this camping gear available to rent and it can be added to your package. Call or email us for availability of these additional items if needed.

Our guided rental kayaks are top-quality Boreal Designs and Wilderness Systems models – designed by experienced kayakers with the aid of naval engineering software. These are expedition-style kayaks suitable for everything from exposed ocean to protected coves. Our guided rental tandems are 19.5 in length with bulk headed compartments for dry storage in the bow and stern. The center area can be used as storage, or fitted with a seat for a third person if your group has a child or participant unable to paddle with vigor. Our guided rental solo kayaks are the Tempest 165s, Tempest 170s, Epsilon P300s, Tsunami 175s or Inukshuks. These speedy beauties handle like a dream and we’ve given them sea trials in ocean surf, rock gardens and other extreme conditions where they’ve earned our highest marks. Most of our guides end up purchasing one of these boats for their personal kayak.

Sign up today for a guided kayak rental adventure in the San Juan Islands with Sea Quest!

For regular kayak rentals without a guide, available for experienced sea kayakers only, please visit sea kayak rentals on San Juan Island.