Planning my first paddling trip to the San Juans. Where to start? Experienced paddler, but from south FL where the water is warm & the tides are micro (in comparison to higher latitudes), so think I ought to go w/ guide. Expect multiday trip would offer better wildlife viewing opportunities, but perhaps not if I stay on the right island. Welcome any suggestions on outfitters/guides & premier destinations that are must-sees out there. Tentatively planning to go this Sept. Thanks!

Robin, Not only are the tides larger, the SJIs, being an underwater mountain range, have many currents and they frequently run in directions that are contrary to what you'd think and move surprisingly fast. That said, especially since it sounds like you probably won't have your own equipment, an outfitter would be a great idea. Beyond that, I'd just Google the SJIs and kayak and you'll come up with a decent list.

I would suggest for your first time there, you might want to actually go over to the islands on the ferry and paddle around inside the islands. Sometimes crossing the Rosario Strait can be challenging and at times the fog will keep you stuck on land for days. The islands seem to have a little weather bubble all their own, so don't be deterred by what is happening around the rest of the area.

Robin

May I suggest you talk to these guys - http://www.bodyboatblade.com/

If they dont have anything (mostly they do lessons) they can point you to the right people.

Shawna and Leon are good people

Robert

I would second Magooch's recommendation of starting in the islands and certainly talk with your outfitter or additional experienced paddlers from the Northwest about our local conditions. We have a few crossings, even between islands, that you'd want to be aware of possible dangers.

Michael

I'm at Fort Myers Beach.
Buy a dry suit, neo gloves, and an emergency beacon. If affordable, a Garmin with marine maps. Read Washburne's book: essential. Reserve space at San Juan County Park for trips down to Kanaka Bay and back, around Kellet Point to upper Roche then east around the corner toward Limestone Point. Past Limestone you're in a different weather pattern of the Cascades/Cuckanuts. Around Kellet, stay in the current.
These paddles are done with the current in and out. The Garmin marine maps are excellent in use here.

Reserve space at Odlin for trips up to Shaw and around to Jones.

Bring supplies, Gore Tex hat.

There are stretchs of tranquil Bahamian weather when paddling a surfboard camping circumnavigation of SJI is fine, then days when getting out of SJCP is grade 4.

Not an expert on Fla kayaking but I've run on all the beaches. Except for storm conditions, no Fla coastal water exceeds the normal range of roughness in the San Juans....due to action of wind from the three mtn ranges against tides.

My skills stemmed from canoeing and some small boat so in my second sea outing off Key West, the CG came out running a drill with 2-3 large rescue craft creating 2-3' clapotis around me. That was SJ normal.

If you access Google Earth on Flamingo, FL, you will see a tidal river running over the flats off the Flamingo campground. Running the tides here out to Shark PT or the Pelican Islands moderately equips skills for SJI.

Excellent beginners training, Florida Bay off Flamingo is shallow, warm, and boats are nearby. One step up, search for kayaking Savannah, GA. There's a school there. And Nantahala in North GA.

St George Island area is windy but very beautiful late summer as is Pensacola. Paddles across to Dog Island would near SJI conditions. Possibly off St Marks in Apalatchicola Bay.
Read Washburne, both books and Burch on navigation.

Running out of San Juan County Park is OK for developed beginners as there's a island side eddy to fall into. Out of Odlin is good for beginner's camping. You nare not out in the wilderness but conditions duplicate the experience.

I have a CD Solstice Titan with a Backup rolling cartridge and dry suit. My routine is go with the tide then turn into wave sets as tide carries me to point B. The technique, hahaha, is good for small craft warning conditions. Experts on the area zooooom around like waterbugs on a farm pond while I zigzag my way down the tide water.

The mapping is inexpensively done by entering overfalls and seamounts off free NOAA maps online into your waterproof and Sealine bagged GPS. As mentioned, this is a biggie. A calm pool as an 'overfall' like one north of Lime Kiln State Park, scene of a famous shipping accident turns into a full bore 2+ river rapid at low low tide with an opposing wind. And it ahppens as you paddle around the cliff corner. There's a hole right off SJCP south of Low Island. passed a small white wave crest there several times, I saw it again paddling down from Roche on my way into Smallpox Bay.

Having lost my good judgement after a successful day of not drowning, I headed over for a look. Damned if this small local wave unseeable from water or park didn't swallow us into a 6' hole then pop us back out.

If you go also try the Columbia at what is that park's name ?

and Long Island above Astoria.

I forgot Tampa Bay !!! Incroyable. Fort Desoto with camping and breakfast offers a SJI type paddle out to an island at the bay's mouth.

The Tampa area has several sea kayak/canoe routes worth paddling, check Malloy.

For wildlife, try the Makah Indian Reservation at Juan de Fuca and Pacific Ocean. The Makah have a boardwalk viewing replicating life before Juan. Bring binoculars and pack up the hillside road opposite the boarwalk access. A ways up there is a viewing area for the JDF Lighthouse on Tatoosh with seal colony.
Visit the fish hatchery with tour. Do this not visit Seattle.