San Juan: Gay Travel Including a Guided Bicycle Tour of the San Juan Islands
Having Fun in Sunny San Juan
If you enjoy active bicycling vacations with free-roaming wildlife on land and porpoise, whales and seals in the sea, then you will love spending time in the sunny San Juan Islands of Washington. For trips, romantic breaks and vacations, including a guided bicycle tour of the San Juan Islands in your plans is the perfect antidote to urban burnout!
The attractive and unpolluted San Juan Islands form an archipelago on the west coast of the US, comprising a scatter of 172 to over 700 islands and islets depending upon high or low tide; many serving as wildlife refuges for harbor seals, cormorants and sea lions. These bijou beauties are set in the sparkling silver seas of the Pacific Ocean, to the north and west of Seattle and just south of the Canadian border.
Verdant hills and lush green forests
For everyone in need of a complete break from the stress of 21st century life, the verdant hills, deep green forests, and easy access to the sea offer a wonderfully relaxing haven. And the best way to explore the San Juan Islands is on guided bicycle tour.
The islands’ offer a very high standard of accommodation that is gay-friendly and perfect for a romantic interlude. You will find that the islanders welcome all visitors with the same warmth and excellent service. Many GLBTs also appreciate the option to stay in one of the many gay/lesbian-owned-and-run bed and breakfasts..
Relaxing Pastoral Scenery
Bicycle tours are 2 – 6 days in length and include many things to see and do; from kayaking and whale-watching to visiting sites of historical interest and hiking. A guided bicycle tour of the San Juan Islands will be just one of the many highlights of your visit!
With a friendly and knowledgeable tour leader to show you the way, cycling the countryside and listening to the melodious birdsong is undoubtedly one of life’s most uplifting experiences. The incredible sensation of freedom you feel while cycling at an easy pace along beautiful, rural roads is a perfect stress-busting and refreshing way to spend your vacation!
Temperate climate
Local islanders are fortunate to live under the benign protection of the magnificent Olympic Mountains, which shelter them from rain and make the average rainfall on these beautiful landscapes only half that of Seattle! This means vacationers can be sure of sunny weather for roughly 250 days of the year, with relatively mild temperatures in the winter months.
Daytime temperatures are usually around the high 60ºs – 70ºs, and slightly cooler in June. Take some warmer clothing for the evenings when the temperature drops into the 50ºs and a light weatherproof jacket or sweater just in case of wet or windy weather.
Easy terrain
Generally speaking, a typical bicycle tour covers light to moderate terrain mixed with short climbs, along with a few – optional – steep climbs. So you certainly don’t have to be a super-fit athlete to enjoy the fun!
You should expect daily rides of 12 – 35 miles, taken at an easy pace with breaks to observe the abundant wildlife and sites of historical interest. Oftentimes, lunch will be a charming, pastoral picnic.
The San Juan Islands will delight you with splendid views, from gentle hills and picturesque rural settings to absolutely thrilling vistas of the majestic, snow-covered mountaintops sweeping down to meet the Pacific Ocean.
Exciting whale-watching trips
Furthermore, visitors on gay vacations including a guided bicycle tour, also have the option of a sea-kayaking trip and a whale-watching excursion. There is nothing else in the world like the incredible excitement of observing the resident orca whales, seals, sea lions and porpoise.
Gourmet suppers
In the evenings, the focus is on excellent gourmet food and weary cyclists can sample the unique culinary delights of each island, feasting on freshly caught fish, seafood, and locally grown vegetables. After this, a well-earned good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed completes the day’s pleasures perfectly!
San Juan Islands Guided Bicycle Tour Itinerary
For guidance, here is a sample itinerary of a 6-day cycling tour:
Day 1 Meeting Point in Friday Harbor – Biking Beaverton Valley North
Day 2 Biking to Cattle Point Lighthouse – Afternoon Kayak Tour (optional)
Day 3 Whale Watching Tour (optional) – Biking through the San Juan and Beaverton Valleys
Day 4 Cycling in Lopez Island
Day 5 Cycling in Orcas Island and Mount Constitution Climb (or an easier route if required).
Day 6 Cycling in Orcas Island – Eastsound Village – the Enchanted Forest and Crow Valley
Gay vacations including a guided bicycle tour of the San Juan Islands, allow you to explore so many interesting places, ask as many questions as you wish and really get the most out of your precious vacation time!