Combining outdoor adventure, creativity, and mindful connection.
Set out on a peaceful journey through calm coastal waters, sheltered bays, and scenic shoreline views. We’ll paddle at an easy pace, taking time to pause, observe wildlife, and soak in the quiet rhythm of the sea—an immersive coastal adventure grounded in presence and connection to nature with art to follow.
NOTE: All gear will be provided.
We recommend staying overnight August 7th on Lopez Island or in Anacortes and taking the morning ferry.
Participants Will:
Experience the beauty of the San Juan Islands from the water during a guided sea kayaking adventure.
Learn basic sea kayaking techniques and paddle alongside experienced guides.
Slow down and deepen their connection with nature through mindful observation.
Find inspiration in the colors, textures, and movement of the surrounding landscape.
Create an original piece of artwork inspired by the day's adventure.
Explore intuitive, process-based art techniques—no prior art experience necessary.
Enjoy time for reflection, creativity, and meaningful connection with others.
Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected to both nature and themselves.
Receive watercolor paints, and journal, to take home to keep up practice.
The Details
Arrival
Since our guided sea kayak tour begins at 10:45 AM from Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island, guests should plan to arrive on the island with enough time to drive to the park, check in, and get outfitted.
The Outdoor Adventure Center schedules tours around the ferry system, and recommends arriving at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes early as a walk-on or 60+ minutes early with a vehicle.
For the current summer ferry schedule, I'd recommend guests book the:
9:35 AM ferry from Anacortes → Lopez Island, arriving around 10:20 AM. This provides just enough time to drive the short distance to Spencer Spit for the 10:45 AM tour.
Sample Itinerary
8:30–9:00 AM
Arrive at Anacortes Ferry Terminal
Grab coffee and breakfast
Meet the group
Board the 9:35 AM ferry
9:35–10:20 AM
Ferry to Lopez Island
Scenic views of the San Juan Islands
Opportunity to begin slowing down and noticing the landscape
10:30–10:45 AM
Arrive at Spencer Spit State Park
Meet Outdoor Adventure Center guides
Safety briefing and gear fitting
10:45 AM–12:45 PM
Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure (2 hours)
Paddle along Lopez Island's shoreline
Wildlife viewing
Learn about the island's marine ecosystem
Time to pause, observe, and connect with nature
1:00–2:00 PM
Picnic Lunch at Spencer Spit
Bring your own lunch or provide boxed lunches
Quiet reflection overlooking the water
2:00–4:00 PM
Watercolor Workshop
Participants create artwork inspired by their experience using watercolor, mixed media, and journals.
Rescheduling & Refund Policies
If you need to cancel your spot at a class for whatever reason, these are our studio policies. Please note that due to material purchases and necessary preparation time, we have limitations around rescheduling and refunds. If you wish to cancel your spot at any time, please go to your confirmation email, hit the “cancel appointment” button, and follow the instructions. What happens next depends on how far out from the class you are cancelling. *Phone calls, emails, and text-based cancellations will not be honored. You are responsible for cancelling via the confirmation email.*
If you cancel your spot more than two weeks before the class, we will offer a full refund for your reservation. If you cancel your spot 1-2 weeks before the class, you will be offered class credit to a pre-existing future class. Please email us with the class you want to attend instead (Additional costs will incur if switching to a higher-priced class. Lower-cost classes will not be reimbursed). If you cancel your spot 7 days or less before the class, you are not eligible for class credit or a refund. You are welcome to find someone else to fill your spot and email us with their name and information.
Additional Policies
Each workshop spot includes materials and instruction for one person only. Sharing projects is not allowed. Only registered participants are allowed in the class. Unregistered guests may not "sit in" or observe. We cannot set aside materials for cancelled or missed classes.