San Juan Islands Kayak planning
San Juan Islands Kayak trip packet
Print this. The checklist, the hazards, the emergency plan and the rules of the corridor in one place.
Packing checklist
Immersion & safety
- Dry suit or 5mm wetsuit
- PFD with whistle and strobe
- Bilge pump
- Spare paddle
Navigation
- NOAA chart 18421
- Compass
- GPS
- Waterproof watch for tide timing
Camp
- Full water bladders
- Raccoon-proof food bags
- Multi-tool
Known hazards
- Tidal currents that can exceed 5 knots in the passes — plan crossings at slack
- Commercial shipping lanes in Haro and Rosario Straits
- 45–55°F water year-round — hypothermia in minutes without a dry suit
- Fog banks that drop visibility to zero in minutes
- Steep chop and whitecaps on exposed crossings
- Many marine-trail islands have no fresh water and no cell service
Water notes
Most marine-trail islands are dry — there is no potable water on sites like Blind, James or Posey. Carry at least a gallon per person per day and know the tide and current predictions for every crossing.
Emergency plan
Monitor VHF Channel 16, carry a PLB or satellite messenger, and file a float plan with a shore contact. The Coast Guard covers these waters but you must be able to call and be found.
Leave No Trace
Use designated Cascadia Marine Trail sites, pack out all trash, use the composting toilets where provided, and give seal haul-outs a wide berth.