Itinerary

Day 1: San Juan Island Southern Loops

You will be met by your guide in the vibrant port town of Friday Harbor. Your guide will serve you lunch, give you your trip briefing, and then ride with you for a few miles – just to help you get oriented. Your riding today is focused on the southern part of San Juan Island.

The Moderate ride heads to American Camp at the southernmost tip of San Juan Island. (American Camp was home to the US Army during the joint occupation of the islands by the Americans and the British in 1859.) Your route then continues around the marine sanctuary at False Bay to Pelindaba Lavender Farm – in full purple bloom during the summer months. You then circle back to Friday Harbor.
Distance: 30 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing
Leisure riders follow the Moderate ride above but skip the southernmost tip of the island to loop around False Bay before heading directly back to Friday Harbor.
Distance: 15 miles with 900 feet of climbing
Challenge riders follow the Moderate ride and add on a loop out to Lime Kiln State Park – the nation’s only whale watching park with its iconic lighthouse and old lime kilns.
Distance: 40 miles with 2,400 feet of climbing

Overnight town: Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is a quaint, well preserved town with several art galleries, bookshops, and boutiques dotted along its historic streets. There is a whale museum and whale-watching tours. There are also several great places to eat. As you would expect, seafood is a major feature on many menus.

Day 2: San Juan Island Northern Loops

Today you do a loop ride in the northern part of the island.
The Moderate ride follows rolling back roads to Roche Harbor. This sheltered cove has been a haven for sailors for over 150 years. There are several waterfront restaurants – ideal for a leisurely lunch in the sunshine After lunch, you go on to explore British Camp (the site used by the British troops during the joint military occupation of the Island in 1859). From here it’s a meandering loop back to Friday Harbor along the west coast. In places, you’re less than 3 miles from the Canadian border, and the snow capped mountains of Vancouver Island frame the western horizon. Sites en route include an outdoor sculpture park, an alpaca farm, and Lime Kiln State Park – the nation’s only whale watching park. Wildlife is a common sight – orcas in the ocean, deer on the land and bald eagles in the air.
Distance: 30 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing
Leisure riders follow the Moderate route to Roche Harbor and English camp before heading straight back to Friday Harbor across the center of the island.
Distance: 25 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing
Overnight town: Friday Harbor

Day 3: Friday Harbor to Eastsound (Orcas Island)

Today you head across the water to Orcas Island. Here, dense forests, placid lakes and multiple inlets create a rugged, unspoiled beauty. The day starts with a ferry ride from Friday Harbor to Orcas.

From the ferry terminal, Moderate riders follow the curving shoreline past a series of small inlets to Deer Harbor. The little sandy beach and dock make this a great place for a picnic lunch. Crow Valley Road then takes you across the heart of the Island past Turtleback Mountain Preserve and a succession of small farms. A short detour takes you to Orcas Island Pottery – a world-renowned institution perched on a 100-foot-high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From here, it’s just a short ride to Eastsound.
Distance: 25 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing
Leisure riders start out on the Moderate route but head straight across the island on Crow Valley Road via Orcas Island Pottery, skipping the out-and- back to Deer Harbor.
Distance: 15 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing.

Overnight town: Eastsound
Eastsound is a charming seaside town and artist community. The laid- back atmosphere here can make even Friday Harbor seem hectic by comparison. That said, the clutch of galleries and stores are enough to while away a pleasant couple of hours. Eastsound also has the best ice cream on the archipelago.

Day 4: Orcas Island Loops or Out on the Water

Be as active or as relaxed as you choose. The cycling routes are focused on the eastern side of the Island. The non-cycling options get you out on the water.

The Moderate route heads south past the placid waters of Cascade Lake and through the densely-forested Moran State Park. After a side-trip to Obstruction Pass you head to the idyllic beach at Doe Bay for lunch.
Distance: 25 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing
Leisure riders follow the Moderate route but skip the detour to Obstruction Pass.
Distance: 20 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing
Challenge riders follow the Moderate route but add in a steep out-and-back to the top of Mount Constitution. At 2,400 feet, this is the highest point on the San Juan Islands.
Distance: 35 miles with 4,300 feet of climbing
Overnight town: Eastsound

Day 5: Lopez Island Excursion

Today, you head over to Lopez Island – the “Friendly Isle.” This 15-mile island is one of the most peaceful and relaxed islands in the San Juan chain.

Once on Lopez Island, Moderate riders cycle past driftwood-scattered beaches to Spencer Spit with stunning views of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains. After cycling past small farms that produce fruits and vegetables, you get to Shark Reef Sanctuary where seals bask in the sunshine. From here you head back up to Lopez Village.
Distance: 30 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing
Leisure riders follow the Moderate route but head straight to Lopez Village from Spencer Spit -skipping the loop to Sharks Reef.
Distance: 20 miles with 1,100 feet of climbing
Challenge riders follow all of the Moderate route but also add in an extra loop to MacKaye Harbor on the southern tip of the island.
Distance:35 miles with 1,900 feet of climbing
Overnight town: Friday Harbor

Day 6: Shaw Island Excursion – Last Day

Shaw Island is today’s destination. Shaw is the smallest of the islands serviced by the regular ferries. On Shaw Island you will find sandy beaches, quiet roads and a historic general store – but not much else. And that’s just how the population of 240 likes it. One of the few places to visit – other than the beaches and parks – is the Benedictine monastery. The resident nuns farm the land here and welcome visitors. Indeed, nuns operated the store and ferry terminal here until 2004. The island is small and the riding is leisurely. 15 miles with 900 feet of climbing

Optional (not included): Today is also a good day to enjoy sea kayaking or whale-watching or you can simply relax in Friday Harbor – shopping, browsing the galleries or visiting the Whale Museum.

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

San Juan Islands

Standard hotels for this tour:
Properties in our Standard category are typically simpler B&B’s and more modest inns or hotels. However, all the properties are well-kept with en suite facilities

Friday Harbor: Discovery Inn
This small family-owned inn has a friendly staff and a mid-20th century rustic charm. The rooms are clean, pleasant, well-appointed and recently renovated – all with private bathrooms. Most rooms are spacious with the exception of those on the third floor where there are sloping ceilings. The Discovery Inn is on the outskirts of town; less than a mile from the town center and the ferry.

Eastsound: Inn at Ship Bay
This eleven-room inn is set at the top of a bluff with unobstructed views over the water. The Inn is built around the historic 1869 Adam’s orchard farmhouse. All rooms have views, are nicely furnished and well maintained. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The Inn at Ship Bay is 1 mile from Eastsound but has a good restaurant on site (closed Sunday & Monday)

Classic hotels for an upgrade of $ 540.- pp
Properties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&B’s with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres.

Friday Harbor: Tucker House
Stay as the guests of Anna and David in this luxury inn. Just a block from the bustling downtown, this charming inn consists of a cluster of buildings centered around two charming Victorians. Rooms are romantic and tastefully decorated while breakfast is a three- course feast with some ingredients flown in on the owner’s plane!

Eastsound: Outlook Inn
One of the original buildings in Eastsound – built in 1888 – this classic hotel sits in the center of town commanding superb views across the bay. There are a range of tastefully renovated rooms on the property. We typically book rooms with views and private bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant – the New Leaf Café – is one of the best in town. The Outlook Inn only serves breakfast Thursday through Monday. When not available, we provide vouchers for breakfast elsewhere in town. The New Leaf Restaurant is typically open Thursday through Monday.

Friday Harbor – Extra upgrade $230.- per night Friday Harbor House
A modern boutique hotel right on the waterfront. Most rooms have balconies and fireplaces and many have water views. While the hotel has its own restaurant it is also within easy strolling distance of the town’s other dining options. There is no spa but an in-room massage can be arranged

Included:

• Private transfers from/to Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal or Airport.
• Inter-island ferry tickets.
• GPS smartphone app plus maps and a custom guidebook (one set per couple).
• Guide available by phone from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On-call roadside assistance available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.
• Luggage moved between lodgings with wine or other purchases collected en route.
• Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves – to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.
• Snacks and ride food.
• Concierge service for activity and meal reservations.
• Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier).
• Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier). Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms with one bed unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Not included:

• Flights to and from the tour.
• Lunches and dinners though we are pleased to make reservations for you.
• An on-bike guide.
• Transport from/to the mainland to/from Friday Harbor. See Arrival and Departure Information below for options on getting to/from Friday Harbor.
• Activities such as kayaking, whale watching, and spa treatments – though we are pleased to make suggestions and reservations on your behalf.

Pricing / Tour dates

All hotel prices are starting prices depending on availability.
Tour price 2025 standard hotels: $ 2450.- pp.
Upgrade classic hotels package: $540.- pp.
Bicycle rent:
Hybrid $250.- per week
Road bike $320.- per week
E-bike $450.- per week
Tour dates: between 1 May – 30 September
You can choose a date you prefer

Conditions

Deposit $620.00 pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Arrival & departure information
There are several good options for getting to the San Juan Islands:

• Take the fast Clipper Ferry from downtown Seattle to Friday Harbor.
• Fly direct to Friday Harbor from Seattle’s Boeing Field airport.
• Drive to Anacortes and take the Washington State Ferry.
• Take the airport shuttle from Seattle’s SEA-TAC airport to Friday Harbor.

Many past guests have enjoyed taking the Clipper from Seattle out to the islands and then flying back to Seattle’s Boeing Field at the end of their tour.

Clipper Ferry from Seattle to Friday Harbor
The Clipper Ferry departs from Pier 69, 2701 Alaskan Way on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. Tickets can be booked at www.clippervacations.com / 800-888-2535 and are $70 return. The trip takes about 3 hours.
NOTE: At the time of publication, it was unclear whether the Clipper Ferry will be in service this season. Please check with the operator before making travel plans

Flying Direct to Friday Harbor
Kenmore Air operates six flights a day to Friday Harbor from Seattle. Flights leave from Boeing Field, but there is a free shuttle from the main (SEA-TAC) airport. Prices are around $250.-pp return for scheduled flights – www.kenmoreair.com / (425) 486-1257. Northwest Sky Ferry operates flights from Bellingham, WA to Friday Harbor for $100 to $150.- pp return – www.nwskyferry.com / (360) 676-9999.

San Juan Airlines offers scheduled flights to Friday Harbor from Bellingham and Anacortes, WA. In addition they operate chartered flights from Seattle and Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia – www.sanjuanairlines.com / (360) 293-4691

Driving to Anacortes
Anacortes is 80-miles north of Seattle. There is parking at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal – $10/day or $40/week. From here you can walk onto the Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor – $13 pp. If you plan to take your car on the ferry, we strongly recommend making a booking at http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/.

Airport Shuttle from SEA-TAC Airport
There are a couple of shuttle services from Seattle’s SEA-TAC airport to Friday Harbor via the Washington State Ferries (via Anacortes): Airporter Shuttle – www.airporter.com / 360) 380-8800 and Island Airporter – www.islandairporter.com / (360) 378-7438. The shuttle service is approximately $50.- one-way.

Flying into Seattle Airport and Staying in Seattle
Seattle Airport (SEA-TAC), has direct flights from most major U.S. cities. There are a number of good options for getting into downtown Seattle from here including taxi ($50.- / 30 minutes), Shuttle Express to major hotels ($18.- pp (425) 981-7000) and the Light Rail service to the center of Seattle (Pioneer Square) ($3.- / 40 minutes).

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR
Guests often stay in Seattle before and/or after their trip. We have had good feedback for the following hotels and B&B’s:
Seattle Hotels
Alexis Hotel www.alexishotel.com
Inn at the Market www.innatthemarket.com
Edgewater Hotel www.edgewaterhotel.com
The Maxwell Hotel www.themaxwellhotel.com
Ace Hotel www.acehotel.com/seattle