Frequently Asked Questions

What is a zip line?

A zip line is a cable reaching between two fixed points (in our case trees), that a participant zips on with a trolley that rests on the cable and is attached to the participant. The person can travel, or zip along from the start to the end of the cable, landing on a platform at the end of each zip line.

How safe is this?

The construction and operation of our zip line course meets or surpasses the Association for Challenge Course Technology's (ACCT) standards. Our course was designed and installed by Synergo; a Professional Vendor Member (PVM) of ACCT. Synergo also provides the training for our guides and completes our periodic course inspections. Daily inspections of the course and all equipment are done by the Zip San Juan guides.

What if I've never gone zip lining before?

Don't worry; you'll fit right in with most other participants! Our experienced and patient guides will happily facilitate your experience to make you as comfortable as possible. You will also complete a short practice session prior to the main tour.

What restrictions do you have around age/weight/health?

Participants that are 8 years and older (that fall within weight requirements) can safely zip, and those under the age of 17 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Participants need to weigh between 60 and 300 pounds (27 and 136 kilograms). This weight policy is for your safety. If you fall outside of these weight limits, but made a reservation anyway, you will not be issued a refund.

Participants must also be relatively physically fit and be able to walk unassisted on a variety of terrains and surfaces as well as be able to follow instructions and directions given by the guides. There is some walking involved between some of the zip lines and at the beginning and end of the tour. Participants must be able to walk up a moderate 500-foot incline, as well as be able to hold the cable trolley and lift their knees up while they are zipping. Some of our platforms are accessed by stairs and one platform is accessed by a climbing wall or ladder. The zip line tour is not recommended for people with neck or back injuries. People with other medical conditions should check with their doctor before participating. We are not able to accommodate pregnant women on our zip tour. Zip San Juan has the right to cancel your tour if we are concerned about your physical well being.

How long does the tour take?

Approximately 3 hours, which includes brief transport time from downtown Friday Harbor and back.

How many people are in a tour group?

Tour groups consist of a maximum of eight participants and two guides.

How high off the ground will I be?

Between 15 and 50 feet; each individual zip line is different.

How many zip lines are on your tour?

There are six main zip lines on the tour, plus two small practice zip lines at the beginning.

Do you run tours in the rain?

Yes! We zip in most weather conditions and will make every effort to complete your tour as scheduled. If there is lightning or high winds we will need to suspend and potentially cancel your tour. If your tour is cancelled due to weather we are happy to offer you a rain check and reschedule you for another date that same season.

Do I need a signed waiver?

Yes! In order to participate, each person needs to sign our Assumption of Risk form. Adventure activities involve hazards and risks which are outlined in our Assumption of Risks Form. Below is a link to this form that each person participating will need to fill out and sign. Those under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or guardian signature as well. Forms will be available to fill out on site. DOWNLOAD FORM

What should I bring/wear?

Wear comfortable clothing. If wearing shorts, the harness will be more comfortable if the shorts come down to at least mid-to lower-thigh. We highly recommend closed-toe shoes, but sandals with a heel strap are acceptable. If your hair is shoulder length or longer, bring a hair tie. Please remove dangling jewelry prior to zipping. If you want to bring a camera, that is great! Just make sure it is securely strapped to you, and keep it in a secure pocket while zipping.

How much does it cost?

$68 for youth (14 and under)
$78 for adults (15 and over)
* rates include tax and processing fee

What equipment do we wear for the tour?

Each participant will wear a seat harness, as well as a helmet and leather gloves. You will also have your own zip trolley which allows you to zip from platform to platform. We provide all of this equipment on site.

How do I book a tour?

Go to our Reservations page and it will walk you through the steps or you can call our office at 360-378-5947. The main details needed for your reservation include; the number of participants you have, the date of the tour you want, the tour time that works best for you, and your payment information.

Should I tip my guides? How much?

It is customary to tip your guides about 10% if they did a good job and you had a great time.

What is your cancellation policy?

To ensure a quality experience, tours are offered by reservation only. Once you have booked your tour, we schedule guides and administrative staff to be available to make your Zip San Juan adventure as amazing as possible. For this reason, we require a 7 day notice for cancellations and rescheduling of tours. We will work with you to reschedule another date that is more appropriate. If you need to cancel entirely we will provide a full refund with 7 days notice.

What if I am running late, miss the ferry, or the ferry is running late?

If you are late for your tour or do not show up, you will not be refunded. As a company we will have incurred all the same expenses and will have sadly turned other zippers away who wanted your spot. Be careful to plan well in advance for ferry lines and ferry schedule changes. It is not unusual for ferries to be running 20 to 30 minutes late, and ferry lines can get pretty long in the summer months.

Where and when do we meet for the tour?1

Please meet 10 minutes before your tour at Roy's Coffee Shop on the corner of A and Nichols Streets, near ferry lot B and look for our van! To get there from the ferry, walk up A Street, past the main ferry parking lot, then one more block.

What if I have more questions?

Go ahead and give us a call! We'll be happy to answer your questions. (360) 378-5947.