FAQ

When are kayak tours available? 

We offer tours March-October. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, we offer multiple tours each day.  Include link to tour calendar?

When are kayak & stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals available?

90-Minute rentals are available from our kiosk at the South Whidbey Harbor April - September. Full day and multi-day rentals of kayaks and SUPs are available to experienced paddlers year-round.

Are reservations required for tours?

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended for tours but if you are looking to jump on a tour today, simply give us a call at 360-221-0229 to see if we have any spots left. Advance reservations can be made securely online via our website up to the day before a tour, if there are any spots available. 

Are reservations required for rentals?

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended but if you are looking to get a kayak or SUP today, simply give us a call at 360-221-0229 to see if we have any available.

When should I show up for my tour or rental?

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes before the tour begins. This extra time allows everyone to get fitted for a lifejacket (safety first!), visit the restroom and apply sunscreen. Arriving early helps the whole group stay on schedule, so we can begin the tour promptly and make the most of your time on the water. Thank you for your cooperation!

I’m renting a kayak(s) and/or a paddleboard—How do I transport?

For full or multi-day rentals: Ideally by using a kayak rack. If you don’t have a rack, you can use foam on your crossbars, but please bring your own foam and tie-down straps. We do not provide racks, foam, or straps. Renters are fully responsible for any damage, injury, or death resulting from transporting equipment, even if Whidbey Island Kayaking staff provide advice or assistance. We do offer a delivery service.
For 90 Minute Rentals: Meet us at the South Whidbey Harbor, where we will have your rental equipment waiting on the beach.

Are we going to see whales?

Although we have seen whales on our tours, it is rare. If you really, really want to see whales, book a whale watching excursion.  

Does Whidbey Island Kayaking accommodate large groups?

Yes, we are very happy to host group tours and rentals. We have hosted Boy Scouts, corporate groups, wedding parties and bachelorettes, just to name a few. The largest party we will take out at one time is 20 people. For groups of more than 20, we will schedule groups back-to-back.

For groups of 8 or more that are doing a PRIVATE or CUSTOM activity, a deposit of $500 is required to book the event, with the remaining balance to be charged 2 weeks prior to the event, which is also when we require the final total of participants. The deposit is fully refundable up to 2 weeks/14 days of the activity. A minimum gratuity of 15% will be added for private and custom groups of 8 or more. 

I have kids, can they come?

Absolutely! Kids love kayaking, but there are a few things to note: Children must be at least 50lbs to fit in our smallest life jacket and young kids can tire quickly, leaving parents to paddle alone in a tandem kayak, which may not be fun. Also, kids under 7 may struggle with the 1.5 hour tour, so consider a shorter rental at the marina to see how they do. We want everyone to have a great time, so think about what works best for your family!

I have a dog, can it come?

Whidbey Island Kayaking loves dogs, but no. Adding a dog to a boat significantly increases the complexity of maneuvering and asks paddlers to manage sudden weight shifts, potential distractions from the dog, and the ability to react quickly if the dog jumps or falls overboard, which can easily destabilize the craft. Also, we do not stock canine life jackets. 

What should I bring/wear?

-Please bring a full bottle of water, sun and eye protection such as sunglasses and/or a hat with a brim. Please wear comfortable synthetic/athletic clothes and shoes that can get sandy or wet (or go barefoot. Avoid wearing cottons, like jeans and sweatshirts. 

What types of kayaks are used on tours? Are they tippy?

We use tandem kayaks on all of our tours because their size is inherently stable and they are more easily controlled by even novice kayakers. While no kayak is un-tippable, these boats would require a highly unusual event to cause it to capsize.

What is the weight capacity/sizing of your kayaks and paddleboards? 

Weight capacity: A kayak performs best when kept below 70% of its maximum weight capacity. You can calculate the performance capacity by multiplying the maximum weight capacity by 0.7. For example, if your kayak has a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs, you should try to keep your total weight under 350 lbs. The heaviest person and gear should be towards the rear for best boat control.

We use two styles of tandem kayaks. One has a maximum capacity of 600lbs and a cockpit size of 35.5 x 16". The other tandem model has a maximum capacity of 550lbs and comes in 2 cockpit sizes:  31” x 16" and 36” x 18”.
Our single kayaks have different lengths, widths and cockpit sizes so that we can accommodate a wide range of body shapes and heights.
For people who find sit-inside kayaks confining, we also have a few wide and stable sit-on-top kayaks that have a weight capacity of 500lbs and can be set up for 1 or 2 paddlers.
We also have variation in our stand-up paddle board fleet, and can accommodate those who want a super wide and stable board of 12’ x 34” to those who want a narrow board of 12’6” and 30”.

We are happy to answer any specific questions about the best fit for you and are happy to let you ‘try on a boat’ before a tour or rental while it is on stable dry land. 

Can I paddle a single kayak on a tour?

Private groups can choose their equipment: single kayaks, tandem kayaks, or a combination of both. Or paddleboards. 

Can I bring my own kayak on tour?

We don't allow personal kayaks to be used on tours because 1) our insurance policy doesn’t allow for this and 2) our guides have been specifically trained for safety and rescue procedures on our equipment.

What if my group has an uneven number of people?

We will ask one of your group to share a kayak with either another customer or one of our staff. We find that our guests are friendly and adventurous types and our staff is awesome, so be prepared to make a new friend!

What forms of payment does Whidbey Island Kayaking accept?

Our online system accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, + Apple and Google Pay. When paying in person, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AmEx. We do also accept cash, however we cannot make change.

What about tips and gratuities?

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Your guide’s main job is ensuring your safety, and while you may not notice all the behind-the-scenes work (weather checks, gear prep, First Aid training), you'll definitely notice their friendly instruction, local knowledge, and great conversation. A typical tip is 15% -20%, or about $10 per person. As another guide puts it, "Tip your guide, not your kayak!"

Are there any discounts?

We salute our military and to show our appreciation for their service, we offer a 10% military discount on our tours and rentals for Active Duty and Veteran members of the United States Armed Forces. Please use this code when booking ARMEDFORCES10.

School and youth educational groups receive a 15% discount. Please contact us if you have a school group.

Whidbey Island locals always get 10% off tours and rentals during the months of May and September! Please use this code when booking WHIDBEY10.

What if I need to cancel my reservation? 

Because we keep our group sizes small and respect our team's time and energy, we cannot make exceptions to our cancellation policy.

Payment is due at time of reservation for all activities, including tours, rentals, and classes.
Full refunds will be given for cancellations up to 2 weeks/14 days of the activity.
Cancellations made less than 2 weeks/13 days or less of the activity will receive a 50% refund on a gift card with no expiration date.
No refunds will be given for any cancellations made with notice of 48 hours or less.
No refunds will be given for no-shows.

What if I am late? 

IF YOU ARE LATE for any activity, your payment will be turned into an electronic gift card that can be used at a future time. Be advised that ferry traffic on the weekends, especially during the summer, can include wait times of 1-3 hrs, so plan ahead and allow ample time. 

What happens if Whidbey Island Kayaking cancels a reservation?

We reserve the right to cancel any trip or rental due to adverse water or weather conditions, including small craft advisory strength winds, heavy and consistent rain, dense fog, and/or unhealthy levels of smoke. If we determine that conditions are unsafe, and we are unable to reschedule your activity, customers will be given the option to have their payment issued as an electronic gift card or a full refund. However, we do not cancel activities because of cloudy skies or light rain showers; we are happy to lend you a paddle jacket.n text goes here

Where do we meet you?

All 90 minute rentals are launched from our South Whidbey Harbor location. Full and multi-day rentals can be delivered or picked up at our headquarters at 5781 Bayview Road. Please see our Visit page for transportation info and a map.

Tour departures vary depending on the tour. The launch location is included in the email confirmation that you received. If you’re not sure where to meet us, just give us a call at 360-221-0229 and we’ll help you get to where you need to be.

Where can I park?

Parking at the South Whidbey Harbor is very limited year-round and is almost impossible during the  summer due to all the boaters and crabbers. We recommend that you park in one of the free lots in town and walk down. During the summer there is a free shuttle/golf cart that circulates thru town and the marina; just look for the red & white shuttle signs.
Parking information for all of our tours is included in our confirmation and reminder email. There is designated customer parking outside of the fence at our headquarters. 

Do I need to sign a waiver?

Yes, every individual must have completed a digital liability waiver before participating in any Whidbey Island Kayaking activities.  Anyone under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian complete the liability waiver.  

Can I bring some beers along?

No. In Washington state, operating a boat under the influence (BUI) is a gross misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail. WA State Boating Laws.

Cannabis is legal in Washington State so can I light up on the tour?

No. In Washington state, operating a boat under the influence (BUI) is a gross misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail. WA State Boating Laws.

I don’t smoke but I vape.

Use of tobacco products is not allowed on the premises of Whidbey Island Kayaking nor during the use of its equipment. 

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What if I am very happy with my tour?

Tell everyone you know! Post a review on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook and/or the social media of your choice. Follow us on Facebook. Tag any photos added to Instagram with #whidbey_island_kayaking.

What if I am not satisfied with my tour?

Tell us, please. We will make it right.

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