Private tour in Friday Harbor Rebecca J

Epic Two-Day San Juan Islands, WA Discovery

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Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Rebecca J.

5.0

Guide rating

3

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

Experienced Private Guide | Historian | San Juan Islands Discovery Tours-San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands, Washington. Perfect for couples, families, friends, clubs, reunions, and wedding guests looking for authentic San Juan Islands experiences. Private land tours and step-aboard cruises on your vessel. —- With more than twenty years of experience guiding in the San Juan Islands and throughout the Pacific Northwest, I specialize in creating immersive, memorable travel experiences that combine fascinating history, stunning scenery, and a genuine sense of place. I’ve called the San Juan Islands home for over two decades, and my deep knowledge of the region allows me to craft tours that go far beyond the typical visitor experience. Every tour is thoughtfully customized to match your interests and pace—whether that means exploring scenic landscapes, visiting working artist studios, discovering hidden local gems, or uncovering the remarkable stories that shaped these islands. My tours are lively, engaging, and filled with storytelling that brings history to life. Guests often say they feel as if they’re exploring the islands with a knowledgeable friend who happens to know all the best stories, viewpoints, and fascinating details along the way. I love weaving together the region’s Coast Salish heritage, pioneer history, maritime traditions, wildlife, geology, and local culture into an experience that is both fun and deeply informative. In addition to private guiding, I serve as a group leader and regional guide for a renowned international nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning travel. In that role, I lead multi-day educational programs and guide large groups throughout the Pacific Northwest and West Coast, sharing the region’s history, landscapes, and culture with travelers from around the world. This experience allows me to bring the same level of professionalism, preparation, and engaging interpretation to every private tour I design. My background includes decades as a museum educator, historical interpreter, lecturer, and head docent, and I bring that same passion for learning and storytelling to every tour I lead. I’m also a professional genealogist with more than thirty years of research experience, and I enjoy helping visitors connect with the deeper human stories behind the places we explore. When I’m not guiding, you’ll likely find me researching local history, volunteering with our community’s lost pet search and rescue team, cooking for friends, or exploring the islands with my rescue golden retriever. If you’re looking for a guide who combines deep regional knowledge, engaging storytelling, and a relaxed, welcoming style, I would love to help you experience the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest in a way that is personal, enriching, and unforgettable. ⸻ Highlights • University of California, Berkeley-Graduated with Honors • Group Leader and guide for a major internationally recognized nonprofit specializing in educational travel and lifelong learning programs • 20+ years guiding throughout the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest • Museum historical interpreter, educator, and head docent for over two decades • Professional genealogist and genetic genealogy specialist with 30+ years of experience • Experienced leading both private travelers and large educational tour groups

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Rebecca J.

Overview of your Friday Harbor tour

Ready to truly experience the San Juan Islands? This two-day private tour takes you deep into the heart of Orcas and San Juan Islands—where forested peaks, sparkling shorelines, and vivid history come alive. Explore dramatic coastlines, historic lighthouses, artist enclaves, and iconic sites like Mount Constitution, Moran State Park, and American and English Camps—all with a local historian and storyteller by your side. With over 20 years as a guide and island resident, I’ll share insider stories, hidden gems, and rich Coast Salish history you won’t find in any brochure. Whether you’re drawn to nature, fascinated by the past, or curious to meet local artists, this flexible, fully customizable tour moves at your pace. Let’s make this your unforgettable San Juan Islands experience—tailored to your interests and filled with beauty, discovery, and fun.

Your Friday Harbor tour itinerary

This two-day adventure is tailored to your interests and adjusts easily based on your pickup location for a smooth, flexible experience. We’ll dive deep into the must-see highlights of both Orcas and San Juan Islands—exploring the dramatic story of the Pig War, strolling through American and English Camps, marveling at panoramic views from Mount Constitution, wandering forest trails in Moran State Park, relaxing by Cascade Lake, and enjoying the charm of Eastsound and Friday Harbor. As timing allows, we’ll add hidden gems and spontaneous detours—from artist studios and tucked-away beaches to farm visits, museums, hikes, or local wineries. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or island culture, this customizable tour lets you explore at your own pace—with the insight of a local historian and professional guide by your side. Have questions? Let’s build your ideal San Juan Islands getaway together!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

Clean and comfortable 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid full-size sedan with AC/heat. If you have a 4th person, you may decide if they’d like to sit in the middle of the back seat. I have a perfect driving record and will be your driver, but if you prefer, I’m happy to be a guide in your own vehicle-or your own boat.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses; optional museum entry fees; meals, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. Any entrance or tasting fees for seasonal events or optional experiences—such as any local farm fees, wine tastings, local ice cream, artisan coffee, craft beer, or food festivals—are also not included.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Washington, Washington, United States

Meeting points are flexible and based on your location and the island we’re exploring that day. I can meet you at the Orcas Island or San Juan Island ferry terminals, Friday Harbor Marina, Roche Harbor, Deer Harbor, or Westsound Marina for floatplane or private vessel arrivals. Let me know your travel plans, and we’ll coordinate the most convenient pickup location for a smooth start to your adventure in the San Juan Islands, WA

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Off The Beaten Path
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
1428586
Languages
English
Dutch
Activity level
Light

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Washington best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to deeply explore the San Juan Islands with a local historian and professional guide. It's ideal for those interested in nature, history, and island culture, as well as anyone looking to discover hidden gems and enjoy a flexible, customizable experience. Whether you're drawn to dramatic coastlines, historic sites, or local art, this tour offers something for everyone.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Washington be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 days
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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