Wild Kelp & Seaweed Foraging Tours

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PRICE: $175 per person Duration: 5 hours Location: Lummi Island Restrictions: Ages 14+

Harvest seaweed right from a kayak!

Just a short 20-minute drive from Bellingham, you’ll arrive at a quiet ferry landing before crossing to beautiful Lummi Island—a small, peaceful community of about 964 residents. This slow-paced island sets the stage for a day centered on the living shoreline of the Salish Sea.

This experience focuses specifically on kelp and seaweed foraging by kayak—one of the most unique and effective ways to access these coastal food resources.

Kayaks are the ideal platform for harvesting bull kelp and other seaweeds, allowing us to reach floating kelp beds, nearshore forests, and intertidal zones that are often inaccessible from land. Much of the best seaweed habitat exists just offshore, making paddling not just part of the experience—but essential to it.

Throughout the day, you’ll learn how to identify local kelp and seaweed species, understand seasonal availability, and practice safe, sustainable harvesting techniques rooted in respect for the ecosystem.

If you hold a valid Washington State seaweed harvesting license, you are welcome to harvest and take home seaweed during the trip when conditions and regulations allow. For guests without a license, this remains an immersive educational experience with optional small seasonal tastings provided along the way.

These trips are scheduled around some of the lowest tides of the month, giving us access to the richest intertidal areas and most diverse seaweed habitats. Availability is limited and highly seasonal.

Freshly foraged Bull Kelp being made into Seaweed Salad on Moondance Sea Kayaks Wild Foraging Tour off of Lummi Island

  • This trip departs from Village Point Marina on Lummi Island. A short 5 minute ferry is required to access the island. No reservations required.

    The ferry schedule can be found here (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/562/Ferry-Schedule)

    Driving directions can be found in confirmation email

  • Depends on what we find! Typically our wild foraging trips focus on seaweeds. Guests will have the opportunity to sample many small tastes. If you are interesting in harvesting your own seaweeds to take home, please provide a current WA state Seaweed/Shellfish Harvesting license.

    • 10:30am: Arrive at Legoe Bay, get outfitted and move boats to the water.

    • 10:40am: Discuss kayak safety, paddling technique, and the day’s route.

    • 11:00am On the water! Enjoy the views, explore the coastline, and learn about the plants, animals, and history of the Salish Sea. We’ll forage seaweed from our kayaks and discuss the many different wild foods of the Salish Sea.

    • 12:30pm: Enjoy a leisurely lunch break on a beautiful Island, or pebbled beach- explore and relax.

    • 1:30pm: Back in the boats, there’s more to see!

    • 3:00pm Land back at Legoe Bay. Load boats and return safety gear.

    • 3:15pm So long for now!

      **Spring/Early Summer highlights include wildflowers and migratory birds! All summer long enjoy expansive views, unique geology, wild(life) visitors and unique perspective of Lummi Island!

    • All kayaking related equipment (Tandem fiberglass sea kayak, paddle, pfd, spray skirt, guide, etc)

    • Experienced Sea Kayak Guide

    • Delicious lunch (we can cater to dietary restrictions)

    • Tasty foraged snacks

    • Personal Gear (ie. footwear, clothing, sunglasses, etc)

    • Transportation to and/or from launch location

    • Ferry Ticket

    • Guide Gratuity

    • Seaweed/ Shellfish Harvesting License

  • Be prepared to get your feet wet!

    • Wind or rain break recommended

    • “Quick dry” shorts or pants

    • Sunglasses and/or sun hat are desirable.

    • Full water bottle (there is no potable water at launch site)

      Be sure and check out our “Gear List” to ensure you have everything you need! You will receive a confirmation email upon booking that will include detailed information on directions, emergency phone #’s and more.

 
Person collecting seaweed from their kayak on the water. The seaweed being harvested is Turkish Towel, also known as Mastocarpus papillatus

Learn Sustainable Harvest Methods

Two people foraging pnw wild foods. The plant being examined is beach rocket, which is frequently found on Moondance sea kayaks wild foraging trips.

Identify Plants and Seaweeds

People sitting on beach preparing kelp to be made into fresh seaweed salad, with kayaks in background.

Create New Recipes