Wildlife Kayak Tour at Fort Flagler State Park — Sea Kayaking & Tidepool Eco-Adventure
Paddle protected inlets off Marrowstone Island with naturalist guides who spotlight eagles, seals and tidepool life. This 3-hour sea kayak tour blends easy paddling with rich ecology and coastal history at Fort Flagler State Park.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a WA Discover Pass
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle entry to Fort Flagler — purchase at the park entrance or online to avoid fines.
Footwear for rocky landings
Wear closed-toe water shoes with good grip for put-ins, landings and exploring tidepools.
Respect wildlife distance
Keep noise low and avoid approaching seals or nesting birds; guides will advise safe viewing distances.
Check tides before booking
Low tides reveal richer tidepool life and better beach landings, while high tides create different paddling routes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Marrowstone Point Lighthouse — a quietly photogenic headland reachable on calm days
- •Kilisut Harbor tidal flats — best at low tide for tidepool discoveries away from main beaches
Wildlife
- •Bald eagle
- •Harbor seal
Conservation Note
Guides emphasize minimal disturbance: keep distance from wildlife, avoid collecting tidepool specimens, and pack out all trash to protect sensitive intertidal zones.
Fort Flagler was part of the Tri-Agency coastal defense system built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to guard the entrance to Puget Sound; remnants of gun batteries still punctuate the shoreline.
Photographer's Notes
- • Admiralty Inlet with the Olympic Mountains behind
- • Kilisut Harbor tidal flats for close-up intertidal shots
- • Rocky headlands near the old battery ruins for wide-angle shoreline scenes
What to Bring
Waterproof jacketEssential
Protects against wind and spray on the inlet and is useful outside summer months.
Closed-toe water shoesEssential
Protects feet during rocky launches and when exploring tidal pools.
Dry bag (small)Essential
Keeps phone, camera, snacks and layers dry during the paddle.
Binoculars or monocular
Helps spot distant eagles, seals and seabird flocks without disturbing them.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what is the schedule?
The tour runs about 3 hours total: roughly 1 hour for safety/orientation and 2 hours on the water. Exact launch times vary by booking.
Is this suitable for beginners or children?
Yes — the tour is rated easy and suitable for most fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and the cockpit opening is 16.5 inches.
What are the weight or size limits for the kayaks?
Tandem kayak combined weight should not exceed 460 lbs; guides will assign boats to match participant size and safety.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours are canceled for unsafe conditions; the operator offers full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance or due to weather-related safety concerns.
Do I need a WA Discover Pass?
Yes — a Washington Discover Pass is required for vehicle entry to Fort Flagler State Park and is available at park kiosks or online.
Are restrooms and parking available at the meeting point?
Yes — the Fort Flagler boat launch area has parking and park restrooms near the teal container setup where the kayak base is located.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Port Townsend, Washington
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Good for beginners and recreational paddlers; basic endurance for 2 hours of paddling is helpful
Ready to Explore Port Townsend?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now