South Sound Kayak Tours offers guided kayak tours across South Puget Sound out of Olympia, Washington, with small group adventures suited for all skill levels. The business runs seasonally from April through October, designing every trip to be safe, informative, and fun, treating each outing as a shared adventure rather than just a guided tour.
The most popular trip explores Hope Island Marine State Park, departing from Arcadia Point Boat Ramp in Mason County. The protected waters around the island offer a strong chance to spot seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and other marine life, with time on the island itself to explore trails, old-growth forest, and a historic fruit orchard, plus views of both the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier on clear days. The 3-hour trip, including 45 minutes on the island, runs daily April through October, welcomes ages 5 and up with an adult, and requires no prior experience. Beyond Hope Island, the business also runs Olympia Waterfront and Olympia Sunset kayak tours for those wanting a shorter, more urban paddling experience closer to downtown.
South Sound Kayak Tours is one of the few companies on Puget Sound offering a choice between single and tandem touring (sea) kayaks on every trip. Tandems are recommended for most guests, offering high stability, speed, and rudder-controlled steering that lets each paddler go at their own pace, while single kayaks suit more active paddlers comfortable with self-rescue assistance from a guide if needed. Every trip price includes all necessary equipment, a guide, instruction, and dry bags for small personal items; guests just need to bring their own water, snacks, and appropriate synthetic clothing.
The Hope Island tour is priced at $72 per person, including the state park fee, with a 2-person minimum per tour (solo bookings may be rescheduled or canceled to meet that minimum). A weight limit of 250 pounds per person applies.
For anglers and adventurers looking to explore South Puget Sound’s islands and waterfront by kayak with an experienced, small-group guide, South Sound Kayak Tours offers a well-reviewed seasonal operation out of Olympia.
