7 Best Places to Paddle Board on San Juan Islands, WA

Welcome to the San Juan Islands, an enchanting archipelago in Washington state.

With crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, it’s no wonder they’re considered among the best places to paddle board in the San Juan Islands.

Get ready to embark on a paddling adventure of a lifetime amidst these scenic islands.

Map

Planning Your Paddle in San Juan Islands

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from May through September. August is the warmest month, averaging 69 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 2 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes: Lopez Island Sea Kayak and Crescent Beach Kayak Rentals. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in San Juan Islands

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Roche Harbor

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️Access Point: Roche Harbor Resort (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Protected bay, calm waters, light winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea otters, harbor porpoises
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic Roche Harbor Village, nearby islands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect Marine Protected Areas

Roche Harbor is a picturesque spot situated in the northwest corner of San Juan Island. With calm waters and stunning views, it’s a popular destination for paddle boarding.

Paddle around the historic village, enjoying views of the neighboring islands and the local wildlife.

#2 Friday Harbor

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Friday Harbor Port (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered harbor, gentle waves
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Harbor seals, sea lions, sea birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Friday Harbor Marina, waterfront dining
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow local boating rules

Friday Harbor is the largest town on San Juan Island, offering a bustling waterfront area perfect for paddle boarding enthusiasts.

Surrounded by charming shops and restaurants, paddlers can enjoy views of the marina and keep an eye out for local wildlife in the harbor.

#3 Lime Kiln Point State Park

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Near the lighthouse (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Harbor seals, sea lions, orca whales
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lime Kiln Lighthouse, Orca watching spots
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check marine wildlife guidelines, respect Marine Protected Areas, be cautious of currents

Lime Kiln Point State Park, on the west side of San Juan Island, is famous for its lighthouse and orca whale watching opportunities.

Paddle boarders can explore the water along the rocky shoreline while enjoying views of the lighthouse and being on the lookout for orcas.

#4 Griffin Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Jackson Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, minimal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Harbor seals, sea birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Mount Baker, outer islands, beautiful shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local guidelines

Griffin Bay, located on the southeast side of San Juan Island, offers a serene paddleboarding experience.

With calm waters, beautiful shoreline, and stunning views of Mount Baker and the outer islands, it’s an ideal spot for a tranquil adventure.

#5 Fisherman Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Fisherman Bay Spit Preserve (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered bay, mild currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea otters, sea birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lopez Island shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local boating rules

Fisherman Bay, located on Lopez Island, offers a protected and beautiful area for paddle boarding.

The calm waters give paddlers the chance to peacefully explore the coastline and observe local marine life in their natural habitat.

#6 Sucia Island

🏖️ ️Location Type: Island
📍 Access Point: Fossil Bay (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Varying conditions, sheltered coves
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Harbor seals, sea birds, tide pool creatures
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Geological formations, sandy beaches
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for changing currents and tides, respect Marine Protected Areas

Sucia Island, one of the outer San Juan Islands, is a hidden gem for paddle boarding. The island’s many sheltered coves and inlets provide a variety of conditions for paddlers to explore.

Sucia Island has an abundance of geological formations and beaches to explore.

#7 Deer Harbor

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Deer Harbor Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, minimal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, sea birds, occasional orcas
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Orcas Island shoreline, surrounding islands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local boating rules

Deer Harbor is located on the west side of Orcas Island and offers calm bay waters for paddle boarding.

The shoreline and views of surrounding islands make it a picturesque spot for paddling. Keep an eye out for seals, sea birds, and even occasional orcas as you explore.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case