"This is nowhere near Friday Harbor, when we say 'Outer Islands' sea kayaking trips, we mean it."

 

Multi day Sea Kayaking and Camping Trips in the San Juan Islands

Three Day Kayak Expeditions

 

Sea Kayaking under Eagle Bluff, Cypress IslandOur most popular multi day kayaking trip takes us out to the Cypress Island Conservation Area, a place unlike anything else in the San Juan Islands. It is the largest undeveloped island in the San Juan Islands. In fact, 90% of the island has been protected for its outstanding native ecosystems. In August of 2007 the waters surrounding the island were permanently placed into protection as an Aquatic Reserve, giving the island over 11,000 acres of protected area.

What we really enjoy about this island is the quiet environment that we experience when we gaze across the water from a high lookout point. Unlike some of the more developed islands, and the State Park islands frequented by so many others, this island is relatively undisturbed. Only two campgrounds are on the island, there are no resort communities, and there are very few places for anchoring a yacht, so the island sees much less traffic throughout the year.

 

Cypress Island

Guided sea kayaking at Cypress Island, San Juan Islands, Washington.Because the waters surrounding Cypress Island are now included as a Marine Protected Area, this is the largest single region of the San Juan Islands under protection by the State of Washington. It goes without saying that, both above and below the waterline, wildlife is abundant here.

This is the destination that all of the seasoned kayak guides throughout the San Juan Islands want to take their guests. Unfortunately, most other companies are based too far away to take advantage of this extraordinary natural treasure. Launching from Anacortes gives us plenty of time to explore the island, both by kayak and on foot.

With so much time at our disposal, we usually have time to make the 1.2 mile walk up to Eagle Bluff (see photo). At 900 feet above Rosario Strait, this is arguably the most scenic viewpoint in the San Juans. The entire San Juan Islands are displayed for you, as are the Olympic mountains, the Cascades, Vancouver Island, and the Skagit Valley. Just seeing an eagle's eye view of the densely forested slopes of Cypress Island itself is worth the walk up.

Looking down Rosario Strait, Eagle Bluff may offer the most amazing views in the San Juan Islands.

We have 2 different campsites to choose from depending on weather, tides, and group needs.

1) Cypress Head is the closest camping area, and is perhaps the best place to be awakened to the sound of whales passing by. We never can predict when this may happen, but on an outgoing tide (most summer mornings) our local Orca pods often pass within yards of Cypress Head.

2) Pelican Beach is a favorite of ours. Named for a type of small sailing craft (not the bird), Pelican Beach has some of the best views of the 10,781 foot high Mt. Baker. There is nothing quite like waking early to see the sun rising behind this glacier covered volcano, it's a classic Northwest landscape.

 

Sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands on a rainy afternoon.
Rainy days can be the best kayaking weather. Keep your camera handy!

 

Although our itineraries change from day to day depending on weather, tides, and other circumstances, you will be sure to have an amazing experience on this trip. Most of our three day kayaking trips are able to circumnavigate the entire island with ease. If the group is up to it we'll sometimes circumnavigate both Cypress and Sinclair Island.

Sinclair is a wonderful little secret. Historic farms, quaint summer cottages, and friendly people harken back to a quieter era when the San Juan Islands were virtually unknown to most Americans.

Great food, knowledgeable guides, and top notch equipment are at your disposal, making this one of the premier sea kayaking experiences in Washington State.

 

Due to the sensitive nature of Cypress Island Biological Reserve , and because it is such a remarkable place, our trips out here strictly abide by Leave No Trace Ethics .

We are just interlopers in this timeless place and we want it to remain intact for future generations of creatures who call Cypress Island home.

Out here our group sizes are limited to create the smallest "footprint" possible.

Groups of 4 or more are guaranteed a private and exclusive kayak trip!

3 day Cypress Island sea kayaking expedition - $549
Trips depart daily. June-September Call for availability.

Trips meet in Anacortes at 8:30 a.m. on the day of departure to check in and begin packing.

Return time varies, usually we are back at the beach in the late afternoon or early evening (2pm-5pm).

(click here) Book your trip online! (click here)

or call: (800) 992-1801

Anacortes Kayak Tours reserves the right to change, or cancel available departure dates and prices.

Once you book a kayak tour with us we will run it, as long as weather conditions permit us to conduct a safe sea kayaking excursion.

On multiday kayaking trips we do have a minimum of two people to run the trip, this is a matter of safety- not economics.

(800) 992-1801
updated June 21, 2010