Canoe & Kayak Tours and Trips

Hike, bike and kayak on this 5-day family friendly adventure in the San Juan Islands. Tucked away in the northwest corner of the United States, the San Juan Islands are an unforgettable destination to bring the whole family. This trip was designed to perfectly balance adventure, education and relaxation with an itinerary that includes scenic hikes, fun bike rides, whale watching, and an overnight kayak tour to Jones Island. Start things off on an educational foot with a visit to the Whale Museum. Learn about the amazing marine mammals of the Salish Sea before we encounter some of them over the next few days of our journey. Bike along the gently rolling hills of Roche Harbor road, see wooly alpacas grazing in their fields, and get up close with living invertebrates in a marine biology research lab on San Juan Island. On an overnight kayak tour to Jones Island State Park, head into the San Juan Channel and tour several beautiful islands. With the help of our wonderful guides, we bring the natural wonder of the islands to life. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our San Juan Islands Multisport trip.

Sun-soaked adventures in California’s diverse ecosystems. On this sun-drenched 4-day multisport exploration, we’ll hike, bike and kayak through the splendor of southern California’s unique desert and coastal landscapes. In the shadows of 10,000-foot peaks, dramatic landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park lead us to the convergence of two deserts sprinkled with fascinating geology, flora and fauna. Each evening, we dine on delicious local cuisine and return to a comfortable bed for a well-earned rest. From Palm Springs, we jump on the aerial tramway and ascend thousands of feet to our hike near the base of 10,833’ Mount San Jacinto. Heading west to one of the most beloved stretches of coastline, we’ll kayak through ancient sea caves carved over the millennia by the relentless forces of wind and water. Dip your toes in cool Pacific waters and spend some time taking it all in as we cycle the beachside bike paths of Mission Beach. From cacti to coast, this exhilarating yet easy-going adventure transports us away from winter’s chill and into southern California’s warm and welcoming embrace.

Escape to the Sunshine State for 4 days of bucket-list tropical adventures in Key Largo and the Everglades. As a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve Everglades National Park protects an enormous amount of rare and endangered flora and fauna. The best way to explore this extraordinary terrain and the abundance of wildlife that live here is on the numerous land and water trails that snake through the park. American crocodile bask in the warm winter sun, manatee float through blue green waters, and flocks of brilliant white Ibis soar in the vibrant pink, orange and purple evening sky. Everglades National Park offers the perfect blend of premier wildlife viewing with world class outdoor recreation. We’ll paddle through stands of giant mangrove and over crystal blue ocean waters. We’ll hike through tropical hammocks and towering pine forests. Our icing on the cake is world-class snorkeling experience at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home to one of the world’s top five largest coral reefs.

The Grand Tetons are renowned for their breathtaking beauty. This incredible 4-day trip takes us through some of its best sights. One glimpse of the Grand Teton National Park is enough to understand why this is a destination spot for adventurers the world over. Our weekend getaway begins with a steady paddle on Jackson Lake toward our campsite at Grassy Island, situated just below the impressive Mount Moran and surrounded by breathtaking views. We kayak to the trailheads on each of the following mornings, where we leave the boats behind and hike to alpine lakes. Explore the beauty of the surrounding mountains reflected in the still waters. Raft the rugged and scenic Snake River. Our local guides share their knowledge and perspective, prepare delicious meals and provide expert paddling instruction. On our final night, we camp in Spalding Bay, where the star-filled sky is just a zipper pull away.

Reconnect with nature in a South Carolina coastal wildlife refuge. Join a small group of women for a kayaking weekend along South Carolina’s subtropical coast. Our trip takes us to the barrier islands of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and our beachside camp on Capers Island is an ideal launch site. Our naturalist guides explain the wildlife, history, and cultural gems we encounter. Each night, we camp on a white-sand beach. The guides whip up Southern-inspired cuisine—no ho-hum grub here—and lead seaside yoga sessions. We wake up to sunrise and purring waves, then head out in search of fun and adventure. Our kayaks glide through the water as alligators snooze along the sunny banks and bottlenose dolphins dip in and out of our wake. Marvel at the ghost oaks of Boneyard Beach. Hike Bulls Island, with its lagoons, palmetto groves, slinky blackwater creeks and historic ruins. Gather oysters for a seafood feast on the dunes. Admire watercolor sunsets. Seek stillness in a moonlight paddle or meditation under the stars. These islands are an oasis from everyday stress. You’ll carry their spirit with you even after we depart.

Coastal Carolina's Barrier Islands provide some of the most spectacular wilderness ecosystems in the country, teeming with diverse wildlife and untouched shorelines. Paddle these coastlines while playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins dip in and out of view. As the warm afternoon sunshine rises, take a moment to observe the tremendous amount of natural wildlife that surrounds us. Capers Island Heritage Preserve serves as our oceanfront basecamp. Kayak alongside dolphins while learning about the area’s ecosystem from our naturalist guides. Paddle to Bulls Island’s remote wilderness area, where we explore the vast stretches of beach, inland hiking trails and ponds. Excellent birding and alligator spotting guaranteed. As we paddle around the islands, our guides will be helping us to explore the geology of a barrier island. Take time to investigate the intimate relationship between island, estuary and ocean. This remote coastline getaway provides a unique opportunity to enjoy unparalleled access to Earth’s most wondrous creatures.

Spend four days paddling the lakes of America’s first national park. Yellowstone National Park is a classic; home to abundant wildlife, otherworldly geothermal features and vast expanses of impressive landscapes. Seeing such an iconic area on a kayak takes the adventure into a new and exciting perspective. Led by our local guides, we spend our days paddling high-altitude lakes, keeping an eye out for wildlife as we pass. Explore beautiful shorelines and take in the spectacular views of the Yellowstone backcountry. Take a break from kayaking to enjoy the wild beauty around us and share a picnic lunch far from the park crowds. We reconvene in the evening over a delicious meal and good conversation, before tucking comfortably into our sleeping bags under the starry night sky. Whether exploring deep into the solitude of Flat Mountain Arm or leaving the kayaks behind for a hike to the Shoshone Geyser Basin, the journey is guaranteed to inspire. We finish each day with a deeper appreciation of all that the remote corners of Yellowstone can offer us.

Encounter the soul of the Pacific Northwest on this kayaking and culinary exploration of the San Juan Islands. This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to learn sea kayaking fundamentals, experience the wild bounty of San Juan Islands, and get away without blowing through a week of vacation. After orientation, we set out exploring in double kayaks. For three glorious days, we paddle with the winds and tides, crossing channels, skimming over lagoons and pausing to picnic in rocky coves while seabirds wheel overhead. Our naturalist guides share insights about the islands’ history and animal inhabitants. Keep your eyes open for Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and curious dolphins. We may even glimpse resident orca whales. Each evening, we enjoy a remarkable backcountry gourmet dinner, with multiple courses sourced from the Northwest and perfectly paired with Washington wines. We camp on remote Stuart Island, away from crowds. The summer sky frames spectacular sunsets and views of the Cascades, Olympic Range and far-off Mount Rainier. You’ll leave renewed by the peace and beauty of this wild refuge.

Explore the majestic San Juan Islands from the seat of a kayak on this unforgettable 3-day adventure. Washington’s San Juan Islands are nothing short of magical. Its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a remarkable place to seek serenity and adventure. Our route is designed to take us through the best kayaking the San Juan’s has to offer. Paddling 7-12 miles per day, we pass tranquil beaches, observe marine birds and harbor seals, and spot the occasional orca from our boats. From the quaint island community of Roche Harbor, we pack our boats and set out for a weekend of adventure. Spend two nights on charming Stuart Island, home to great hiking and beautiful campsites. While gliding through Haro Strait and Boundary Pass, we keep our eyes peeled for Dall's porpoise, endangered Steller sea lions and many different types of birds soaring overhead. Our guides are experienced naturalists, trained to help spot the creatures of the San Juan Islands. This journey hooks us with adventure and inspires us with beauty.