BELLINGHAM KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Three Hours Paddling Wildcat Cove: A Hands‑On Introduction to the Salish Sea
A three-hour, instructor-led outing from Larrabee State Park that pairs basic paddling instruction with shoreline exploration—this guide lays out the route, gear, and logistics you need to go.
Three Hours Paddling Wildcat Cove: A Hands‑On Introduction to the Salish Sea.
Kayak The Cove is a concise, hands‑on introduction to sea kayaking in the Salish Sea, run out of Wildcat Cove at Larrabee State Park. The three‑hour outing (two to three hours on the water) mixes guided paddling with close-up exploration of beaches, tide pools and protected islands, and is positioned as an accessible option for new paddlers and families just 20 minutes from Bellingham, WA.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wildcat Cove and the Salish Sea coastline
The excursion launches from Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park and takes paddlers along sheltered coastline and into a small cove, offering views of the intricate coastal geology of the region.
Beaches, tide pools and a protected island
If time allows the group lands on a Nature Conservancy protected island or a beach to stretch legs and inspect tide pools and coastal wildlife—one of the trip’s recurring highlights.
Hands‑on instruction for new paddlers
The three‑hour tour includes focused, practical instruction in kayak safety and paddling technique, making it an ideal first sea‑kayak experience.
What the day feels like
What the three hours feel like
From meeting and unloading at Wildcat Cove to a guided safety briefing and the push off into protected water, the outing is paced to teach paddling fundamentals while keeping an eye out for shoreline wildlife. Expect two to three hours actually on the water, punctuated by a beach or island stop when time and tide allow, with an experienced guide handling equipment and route decisions.
THE ROUTE
Wildcat Cove and the Salish Sea coastline
The excursion launches from Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park and takes paddlers along sheltered coastline and into a small cove, offering views of the intricate coastal geology of the region.
WILDLIFE & SHORES
Beaches, tide pools and a protected island
If time allows the group lands on a Nature Conservancy protected island or a beach to stretch legs and inspect tide pools and coastal wildlife—one of the trip’s recurring highlights.
SKILLS
Hands‑on instruction for new paddlers
The three‑hour tour includes focused, practical instruction in kayak safety and paddling technique, making it an ideal first sea‑kayak experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a three‑hour outing with approximately two to three hours on the water. Expect a morning schedule in the sample itinerary, including briefing, paddling, a beach or island break, and return.
Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet, quick‑dry shorts or pants, a wind or rainbreaker, sunglasses and a sun hat. Personal items such as footwear and clothing are not provided by the operator.
The trip includes all kayaking equipment (tandem fiberglass sea kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt), an experienced sea kayak guide, and a light on‑water snack.
Departure is from the Wildcat Cove boat launch at Larrabee State Park; a Discover Parking Pass is required for WA State Parks and is available for purchase on site. A liability release must be signed upon arrival. Masks were optional during summer 2022; bring one if you plan to wear it on land.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is three hours long with two to three hours spent on the water.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Wildcat Cove, Larrabee State Park boat launch.
What is included in the price?
All kayaking related equipment, an experienced sea kayak guide, and a light on‑water snack are included; personal clothing and footwear, transportation to the launch, the required Discover Parking Pass, and guide gratuity are not included.
What are the rates?
Rates listed are: Person $99, Children $89, and private groups from $300 to $1,080 depending on size.
Are discounts available?
Discounts are available for active military and their immediate family, K–12 school teachers and adventure youth groups—contact the operator after booking to receive your discount.
Do I need to wear a mask?
During summer 2022 masks were optional; bring your own if you plan to wear one while on land.