Strengthen your bonds in the Islands. Bring your team together with unforgettable island adventures. A true island meeting or retreat will incorporate team building activities that inspire cooperation, self discovery and growth. You'll love building activities around the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands, from whale and wildlife watching to kayaking and sailing, and hiking and biking to shopping and touring.
Let the Salish Sea be your backdrop for an unforgettable meeting or retreat. Visit The Whale Museum in downtown Friday Harbor for fun and educational exhibits, then make your way to Lime Kiln Point State Park - also known as "Whale Watch Park" - to perhaps catch a glimpse of Southern Resident and Transient Killer Whales from shore. One of the best places to see whales from land, the park also features a historic lighthouse and an extensive network of hiking trails.
If you're looking to get out on the water, choose from a wide variety of whale and wildlife watching tours. Spot killer whales, humpbacks, minkes, gray whales, steller sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles, and much more! Be Whale Wise while on the water and watch from a respectful distance. Find out how you can help protect endangered Southern Resident Orcas here.
Put your team (and their muscles!) to the test with a kayaking or sailing trip. Groups can paddle and sail for a few hours or a few days, depending on where you want to go. Experienced guides will lead your team in bonding exercises, problem solving and teamwork. Not experienced on the water? No problem. Island experts give quick lessons in kayaking and boating safety before you settle into your vessel, and you can stay close to shorelines. The outfitters also provide all the gear you need for a successful trip.
Check out this list of kayak outfitters and don't miss these and gourmet kayaking adventures. Find out more about how to kayak safely around marine wildlife through the Kayak Education & Leadership Program (K.E.L.P).
As a world-renowned boating destination, the San Juan Islands have a multitude of harbors, passages and bays to explore. Take a look at this list of boating and sailing adventures and services as you plan your island excursions.
Take your team on a farm, gallery or tasting tour at some of the hidden gems tucked around the Islands. Lopez, Orcas and San Juan offer farm tours during Savor The San Juans where you and your team can explore heritage farms and learn about island agriculture. Stop by Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm to meet the largest herd of alpacas in the San Juans, or Pelindaba Lavender Farm to enjoy a team picnic in a fragrant field.
Experience the vibrant arts scene by touring a gallery, an artist studio or taking in a performance at a local theater. The Islands have attracted an accomplished and varied community of artists who draw inspiration from the San Juans. Take a tip from the artists and help your team be inspired by the locals' creativity, ingenuity and passion. You can even take a painting or pottery class! Explore galleries, exhibits, studios, classes and theaters.
Book a tour or tasting at one of the many wineries, breweries and cideries in the islands. Learn how island grapes are harvested, local hops are brewed, and heritage cider is pressed. Check out our list of wineries, breweries and tasting rooms and let our local liquid artisans wow your team.
Choose from the many beautiful trails in the San Juans and make your way along rocky bluffs, driftwood covered beaches and forested trails. You'll find historic lighthouses, stunning landscapes and unmatched Salish Sea beauty. Choose your level of difficulty as you make your way across countless nature preserves and public lands.
Hiking is a great activity that fosters genuine interaction, easy conversation and inspiration. Stop along the way to take in the view, asses your team's goals and get to know your group. Feel the wave of accomplishment when your team summits Mount Constitution, climbs Turtleback, or reaches the sweeping views of Mount Finlayson. Share in the joys of unplugging from corporate life and allowing space for new ideas while strolling down a beach or through a mossy forest. Find your perfect trail from this list of best island hikes!
Click here for our Hiking Maps page. Once you've selected your route, don't forget to take a team photo at the top!
For a more mellow excursion, spend time perusing the local shops. Make a scavenger hunt through town or merely spend time chatting with friends and co-workers. Shopping in the islands offers everything from small boutiques to galleries featuring locally made art and gifts. Browse our list of island-made products and support the craftspeople who create the art, crafts, foods and more that you can find at artisan fairs, farmers' markets and in their local stores. Each island has a town or village filled with one-of-a-kind shops where you and your team can spend an afternoon.
