Frequently asked

Kayak & SUP RENTALS

Our kayak and SUP rentals are located at Fort Worden Historic State Park in Port Townsend, Washington. See here for directions and parking info.
You will need a Discover Pass or day pass to park within Fort Worden Historic State Park. See here for purchasing details.
Paddlers may explore the waters from our location and head south through downtown Port Townsend as far as the beach in front of Tyler Street plaza. Tides and currents are a danger - please remain up to 300' (100 meters) off shore for safety.
You are required to have a personal floatation device (PFD or life jacket) while on board any of our water craft, including kayaks and stand up paddle boards. PFDs are included with your rental.

Can I bring my own life jacket?

If it's a coastguard certified life jacket then yes. It should have a whistle attached per Coast Guard requirements.
A water bottle

Snacks if desired

Any personal medical supplies you may need, (ie an inhaler if you're asthmatic, etc.)

Water shoes or sandals.

Sunglasses, sunblock, and hat recommended.

We recommend not bringing anything in the kayak that you would prefer to keep dry, unless you have a trustworthy method of keeping your belongings dry.
Our kayaks and stand up paddle boards can only be launched from Fort Worden, from the beach on Defense Harbor Way. We do not offer off-premise rentals.
We understand that plans can change. Customers can receive a full refund up to 72 hours before the tour and a 50% refund if canceled up to 24 hours prior. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If the tour is canceled by us due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a full refund or credit.
If the weather is unsafe (e.g., high winds, thunderstorms, or other hazardous conditions), we will contact you ahead of time to reschedule or offer a full refund. Safety is our top priority, and we will not operate tours under unsafe conditions. We will take the same actions for conditions that are very likely to eliminate chances of seeing bioluminescence, such as heavy rainfall events, strong storm surges, or very overcast weather for long periods before the tour. In these situations we may offer the chance to participate in the tour anyway if it is your only chance to get out there, knowing the likelihood of seeing bioluminescence is not very high.
Our area is home to seals, otters, porpoises, sea lions, and vast array of sea birds. Baleen whales and orcas also traverse the waters. See here for a species list!
Our kayak tours are guided tours that launch from Marrowstone Island where paddlers learn about the rich ecology, geology, and history of Marrowstone Island from expert naturalist guides. All of our guides are trained and experienced naturalists, with a keen eye for spotting animals and interpreting their behavior.

Kayak rentals are located at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and ideal for paddlers who want to enjoy their own pace and route.

Wildlife & bioluminescence Guided Kayak Tours

Our tours launch from a convenient location in Fort Flagler Historic State Park. Specific details, including the launch site and directions, will be provided at the time of booking. See here for directions and parking info.
A Discover Pass or day pass is required to park within Fort Flager Historic State Park. See here for purchasing info.
Bioluminescence is most visible during the warmer summer months, typically from late May to early September. The best conditions occur on dark, moonless nights, which allows the glow to stand out more vividly. We schedule tours around the lunar calendar to ensure optimal conditions for viewing.
Bioluminescence tours typically begin before sunset, generally around 8:00 PM or later, depending on the time of year. The timing varies slightly depending on the time of sunset and the phase of the moon to ensure the best conditions for viewing bioluminescence.
Our area is home to seals, otters, porpoises, sea lions, and vast array of sea birds. Baleen whales and orcas also traverse the waters. Check out our list of what to look for here.

All of our guides are trained and experienced naturalists, with a keen eye for spotting animals and interpreting their behavior.
We've developed our own unique method for predicting when the bioluminescent plankton will be strong. Our method has proven over 98% effective since 2017, and 100% effective since 2020.That being said, bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, and visibility can vary based on factors like water temperature, weather, and plankton activity. Our guides are experts at selecting the best spots for bioluminescent activity, but we can’t control nature.
No prior kayaking experience is required for our bioluminescence tours! Our guides will provide all the necessary instructions and equipment, and the tour is designed to be relaxing and enjoyable for participants of all skill levels. We provide tandem kayaks which are more stable and efficient.
Yes! Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are well-trained and will ensure you feel comfortable throughout the tour. All participants are provided with life jackets and other necessary safety gear, and the routes are carefully selected to avoid any hazards. We also keep our group sizes small for a more personal and safer experience.
We recommend dressing in layers as it can get chilly on the water at night. Wear comfortable clothing that can get wet, and bring a light waterproof jacket just in case. You may also want to bring a small towel for drying off after the tour. We'll provide all kayaking gear, including life jackets, paddles, and a headlamp.
Yes, our tours are family-friendly! Children aged 8 and older are welcome to join with a responsible adult.
Everyone will be in high-quality tandem sea kayaks. If you'd like to kayak only with members of your household, simply book as part of an even-numbered group. Otherwise, you'll have the opportunity to make a new friend and be paired with another customer or guide!
If the weather is unsafe (e.g., high winds, thunderstorms, or other hazardous conditions), we will contact you ahead of time to reschedule or offer a full refund. Safety is our top priority, and we will not operate tours under unsafe conditions. We will take the same actions for conditions that are very likely to eliminate chances of seeing bioluminescence, such as heavy rainfall events, strong storm surges, or very overcast weather for long periods before the tour. In these situations we may offer the chance to participate in the tour anyway if it is your only chance to get out there, knowing the likelihood of seeing bioluminescence is not very high.
We understand that plans can change. Customers can receive a full refund up to 72 hours before the tour and a 50% refund if canceled up to 24 hours prior. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If the tour is canceled by us due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a full refund or credit.

Kayak & SUP RENTALS

Our kayak and SUP rentals are located at Fort Worden Historic State Park in Port Townsend, Washington. See here for directions and parking info.
You will need a Discover Pass or day pass to park at Fort Worden Historic State Park. See here for purchasing info.
Paddlers may explore the waters from our location and head south through downtown Port Townsend as far as the beach in front of Tyler Street plaza. Tides and currents are a danger - please remain up to 300' (100 meters) off shore for safety.
You are required to have a personal floatation device (PFD or life jacket) while on board any of our water craft, including kayaks and stand up paddle boards. PFDs are included with your rental.

Can I bring my own life jacket?

If it's a coastguard certified life jacket then yes. It should have a whistle attached per Coast Guard requirements.
A water bottle

Snacks if desired

Any personal medical supplies you may need, (ie an inhaler if you're asthmatic, etc.)

Water shoes or sandals.

Sunglasses, sunblock, and hat recommended.

We recommend not bringing anything in the kayak that you would prefer to keep dry, unless you have a trustworthy method of keeping your belongings dry.
Our kayaks and stand up paddle boards can only be launched from Fort Worden, from the beach on Defense Harbor Way. We do not offer off-premise rentals.
Our area is home to seals, otters, porpoises, sea lions, and vast array of sea birds. Baleen whales and orcas also traverse the waters. See here for a species list!
Our kayak tours are guided tours that launch from Marrowstone Island where paddlers learn about the rich ecology, geology, and history of Marrowstone Island from expert naturalist guides. All of our guides are trained and experienced naturalists, with a keen eye for spotting animals and interpreting their behavior.

Kayak rentals are located at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and ideal for paddlers who want to enjoy their own pace and route.
If the weather is unsafe (e.g., high winds, thunderstorms, or other hazardous conditions), we will contact you ahead of time to reschedule or offer a full refund. Safety is our top priority, and we will not operate tours or rentals under unsafe conditions.
We understand that plans can change. Customers can receive a full refund up to 72 hours before the tour and a 50% refund if canceled up to 24 hours prior. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If the tour is canceled by us due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a full refund or credit.

Wildlife & bioluminescence Guided Kayak Tours

Our tours launch from a convenient location in Fort Flagler Historical State Park. Specific details, including the launch site and directions, will be provided at the time of booking. See here for directions and parking info.
You will need a Discover Pass or day pass to park within Fort Flagler Historic State park. See here for purchasing info.
Bioluminescence is most visible during the warmer summer months, typically from late May to early September. The best conditions occur on dark, moonless nights, which allows the glow to stand out more vividly. We schedule tours around the lunar calendar to ensure optimal conditions for viewing.
We recommend dressing in layers as it can get chilly on the water at night. Wear comfortable clothing that can get wet, and bring a light waterproof jacket just in case. You may also want to bring a small towel for drying off after the tour. We'll provide all kayaking gear, including life jackets, paddles, and a headlamp.
Bioluminescence tours typically begin before sunset, generally around 8:00 PM or later, depending on the time of year. The timing varies slightly depending on the time of sunset and the phase of the moon to ensure the best conditions for viewing bioluminescence.
We've developed our own unique method for predicting when the bioluminescent plankton will be strong. Our method has proven over 98% effective since 2017, and 100% effective since 2020.That being said, bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, and visibility can vary based on factors like water temperature, weather, and plankton activity. Our guides are experts at selecting the best spots for bioluminescent activity, but we can’t control nature.
No prior kayaking experience is required for our bioluminescence tours! Our guides will provide all the necessary instructions and equipment, and the tour is designed to be relaxing and enjoyable for participants of all skill levels. We provide tandem kayaks which are more stable and efficient.
Yes! Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides are well-trained and will ensure you feel comfortable throughout the tour. All participants are provided with life jackets and other necessary safety gear, and the routes are carefully selected to avoid any hazards. We also keep our group sizes small for a more personal and safer experience.
Yes, our tours are family-friendly! Children aged 8 and older are welcome to join with a responsible adult.
Our area is home to seals, otters, porpoises, sea lions, and vast array of sea birds. Baleen whales and orcas also traverse the waters. Check out our list of what to look for here.

All of our guides are trained and experienced naturalists, with a keen eye for spotting animals and interpreting their behavior.
Everyone will be in high-quality tandem sea kayaks. If you'd like to kayak only with members of your household, simply book as part of an even-numbered group. Otherwise, you'll have the opportunity to make a new friend and be paired with another customer or guide!
If the weather is unsafe (e.g., high winds, thunderstorms, or other hazardous conditions), we will contact you ahead of time to reschedule or offer a full refund. Safety is our top priority, and we will not operate tours under unsafe conditions. We will take the same actions for conditions that are very likely to eliminate chances of seeing bioluminescence, such as heavy rainfall events, strong storm surges, or very overcast weather for long periods before the tour. In these situations we may offer the chance to participate in the tour anyway if it is your only chance to get out there, knowing the likelihood of seeing bioluminescence is not very high.
We understand that plans can change. Customers can receive a full refund up to 72 hours before the tour and a 50% refund if canceled up to 24 hours prior. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If the tour is canceled by us due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a full refund or credit.