TOURS & RENTALS

When are kayak tours available?

We offer tours March-October. During the summer, which we consider Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, we offer multiple tours each day. Launch times vary for some activities due to tides, so please check the calendar for the tour that interests you.

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

Full day and multi-day rentals of kayaks and SUPs are available to experienced paddlers who can perform at least assisted rescues every day, March-October. Hourly rentals are available to less experienced paddlers when temps are at least 55 degrees.

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. Reservations can be made securely online via our booking system, which charges a 6% online convenience fee. If you wish to avoid that 6% charge, you can phone us with your credit card number and we will make your reservation for you.

Are reservations required for rentals?

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended for full day and multi-day rentals but if you are looking to get a boat or SUP right away, simply give us a call at 360-221-0229 to see if we have any available.

When should I show up for my tour?

Please arrive at your tour launch location 15 minutes ahead of your start time. Everyone needs to sign a liability statement and we want to make sure to get a good fit for your life jacket.

Are we going to see whales?

Gosh, we hope so, but we make absolutely no promises. March through May is when the gray whales hang out in our area eating sand shrimp before they continue their journey north to arctic waters where they spend the summer. We usually see orcas around here in the late summer and early fall. But although we have seen whales on our tours, it is rare. If you really, really want to see whales and that's the only reason you are getting in a kayak, we recommend that you take a whale watching cruise in a larger boat that can follow the whales.

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, Bachelorettes, just name a few. The largest party we will take out at one time is 20 people. For larger groups, we can often schedule groups back-to-back. Depending on the group and the services requested (tour/rental) we may assign additional tour guides to the group as required. For groups of 8 or more, we will add a 15% gratuity for our guides. If the number of tour spots required has changed since the time of booking, please call or email to confirm the final numbers at least 2 days prior to your departure date. Failure to do so will result in charges for the number of spots reserved, regardless of how many participants arrive.

I have kids, can they come?

Yes, kids love kayaking! But keep a couple things in mind: First, your child needs to be at least 50lbs to fit in our smallest life jacket. Our insurance provider requires that only our equipment is used on our tours so we're sorry, but no, you can't bring your child's pfd. Second, we've found that most kids younger than seven years old have a difficult time sitting in a kayak for 2 hours, which is our shortest tour. As parents, you know your children's capabilities, and if you are in doubt, then consider renting a kayak for an hour and paddling just within our marina. This will enable you to determine whether a longer trip is possible. And finally, kids can tire and get bored quickly so parents often find that they are left to paddle a tandem kayak alone, which is not fun for everyone. We want parents to have fun too so please keep your whole family in mind when choosing to do a tour or a rental.

My dog is a good swimmer, can it come?

Whidbey Island Kayaking loves dogs, but no. We do not stock canine pfds and again, our insurance company requires that we only use our own equipment.

Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

What forms of payment does Whidbey Island Kayaking accept?

Deposits for tours and rentals must be paid with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit and debit cards. Balances can be paid with the same or cash. We can add tips to credit cards, but our guides much prefer to be tipped in cash.

What about tips and gratuities?

Tipping is not required, however it is greatly appreciated. Please keep in mind that your guide’s primary responsibility is your safety. When guides do their job correctly you probably won’t even notice all the details that have gone into make your trip safe like weather checks, kayak and gear preparation, ensuring your comfort, being current with First Aid and CPR training, and knowledge of changing marina hazards. What you should notice is the friendly kayak instruction, knowledge of local history and marine wildlife, good conversation... or peace and quiet, if that’s what you prefer. We think our kayak guides are awesome and we know you will too. An appropriate tip for their knowledge and skill is 10-15% or roughly $10 per person (per day if you are on an overnight trip). As another in our industry 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?

We know that plans change and people get sick so deposits made on any reservations cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure will be refunded. However, deposits will not be refunded for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice. The same goes for "no shows." Charges will be applied to the credit card provided.

What happens if Whidbey Island Kayaking cancels a reservation?

Our activities are highly dependent on weather conditions. Therefore we reserve the right to alter tour routes and rentals if weather jeopardizes the safety of the group. Whidbey Island Kayaking reserves the right to cancel tours or rentals due to inclement weather, foreseeable hazards, or events beyond our control.

If we must cancel an activity, we will try to provide as much notice as possible but sometimes it is an 'on the beach' call. Alternative dates and times will be offered first but if we are unable to reschedule you, then we will provide a full refund. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy page for more details.

Locations & Directions

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. Please see our Getting Here page for transportation info and maps for all of our launch locations. 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. The Port of South Whidbey will not allow our customers to park in the main lot for the marina. We recommend that you park in one of the free lots in town and walk down to the marina. 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.

Clothing, Gear & Weather

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.

Can I paddle in a single kayak?

We exclusively use tandem kayaks in our tours. By using tandems, we can better balance paddlers of different ability and keep boats in a closer radius for safety. If you absolutely must paddle a single, then give us a call at 360-221-0229 and let us create a custom tour for you. Private groups can choose a single, tandem, or a combination of both.

Can I bring my own kayak to a tour?

We don't allow personal kayaks to used on tours because our guides have been specifically trained for safety and rescue procedures on our equipment.

What if my group is an uneven number of people?

If your group is 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!

Legal

Do I need to sign a waiver?

Yes, every individual must have a completed liability waiver before participating in any Whidbey Island Kayaking activities. Anyone under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the liability waiver too. We use digital waivers that can be completed prior to your tour and right on your smart phone.

Can I bring some beers along?

Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are permitted on our tours tour or while renting our equipment. If we suspect that a guest has been drinking directly prior to their activity, we will not allow them on the water in our equipment.

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

Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are permitted on our tours tour or while renting our equipment. If we suspect that a guest has been using any altering substance directly prior to their activity, we will not allow them on the water in our equipment.

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.

Miscellaneous

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

You will need a rack on your car. If you do not have a rack that is meant for kayak or SUPs, then you can use foam on crossbars. Please bring your own foam and tie-down straps if you are renting and taking our equipment off-site. We do not supply racks, foam, or straps. Renters are completely liable and responsible for all damage, injury or death resulting from transportation of equipment even if advised or assisted by a Whidbey Island Kayaking employee.

Does Whidbey Island Kayaking offer delivery?

We are happy to deliver and pick up kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by advance reservation for a fee, please see our rental page for more details.

What if I am not satisfied with my tour?

Tell us, please. We will make it right or refund your money. We love our tours and hope you do as well. If you see room for improvement let us know as well (hint: there is always room for improvement and our goal is to constantly improve our experience).

What if I am very happy with my tour?

Tell everyone you know about Whidbey Island Kayaking. Like us on Facebook, share our posts, post a review on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, Facebook and/or the social media of your choice. And please tag any photos added to Instagram with #whidbeyislandkayaking.

Got a question?