Wildlife
The Outer Islands rest on the southern edge of the wildlife-rich inland sea named the Strait of Georgia, which guarantees great views of seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and their nests. A large herd of sea lions is seasonally present in the Outer Islands, as are other exciting marine mammals. Low tides expose the most abundant intertidal life in the region.
Scenery
The highly eroded Chuckanut sandstone on Sucia, Patos, and Matia islands are formed into bold shapes; honeycombed cliffs, whimsical hoodoos, arches, and caves. This is one of the only places in the San Juan Islands where this unusual golden rock appears. Adding to the scenery are massive views of Mt. Baker, a slumbering volcano that appears to rise abruptly from the sea and is covered in glaciers. Surrounding Mt. Baker are the rest of the craggy North Cascades and the snowy peaks of the Canadian Coastal Range. Wide-open waterways surrounding the campsites give visitors a sense of remoteness unique to the Outer Islands.
Delicious Cuisine
Our hope is always to exceed your expectations regarding the food we serve. We understand that the one thing that you are sure to remember is whether the food was enjoyable. On our tours, you won’t go hungry! As the company's owners, we see to the creation of each meal plan on our multi-day camping expeditions. We source most of our food from local organic farms here in the Skagit and Samish River valleys and use the freshest seasonal ingredients possible in all of our dishes. If you have any special dietary needs, then just let us know; we can accommodate almost any request.
Camping
This is a true expedition camping experience! Once you depart from Orcas Island, you will be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all that you need in your kayaks. Sucia Island Marine Park and its nearby neighbors are well maintained by Washington State Parks. Water is available at Sucia Island, and we carry our water to the other more remote islands. Washington State has installed composting toilets for your convenience. All of the campsites in the Outer Islands are located immediately next to the beaches, ensuring gorgeous views for everyone!
No Experience Necessary!
Like all our kayak tours, this one requires no previous paddling experience. Our fun and professional guides will take care of the details so that you can relax and enjoy yourself. The Outer Islands expedition is best suited for people in moderate physical condition due to the required channel crossing from Orcas Island and between the other islands. If you have any questions about whether this trip is appropriate for members of your group, then please call us to discuss it.
What is included (Fully Catered package*):
- Professional guiding service.
- All of your kayaking equipment (boats, paddles, lifejackets, dry bags, etc).
- All meals (from lunch on Day One to Lunch on Day Five) plus snacks, hot drinks, and limited cold drink mixes. Please feel free to bring your own alcohol of choice.
- Cooking Equipment.
- Complimentary insulated travel mug to take home with you afterwards!
- All camping equipment including tents, insulated Thermarest sleeping pads.
- All land use permits/fees.
- The best customer service support in the industry.
Please check our packing list carefully to make sure that you have the appropriate gear. If you plan to bring any of your own equipment then please let us know prior to arrival so that we do not bring unnecessary duplicates.
*Self-Catered package includes everything above, except food, cooking equipment, travel mug, and camping equipment. This is a great option if you already have your own camping gear and want a budget conscious choice.
What is not included:
- Flights, airport transfers, taxis, transportation to launch site.
- Travel/Medical insurance.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Sleeping bags.
- Rain Gear.
- Personal Items (toiletries, clothing, headlamps, etc.).
Sleeping bags can be rented for $35/trip if you prefer to travel without one.
About The Area
View a larger map
The northern San Juan Islands are collectively referred to as “The Outer Islands”. Sucia Island itself is a horseshoe-shaped island which is accessible only by watercraft. Sea kayakers and boaters venturing into its many coves quickly discover why Sucia Island is considered the crown jewel in the state marine park system and a boating destination that is truly world class. Nearby Matia Island is much smaller, but has an amazing old growth forest at its center. Half of Matia Island is set aside as a National Wildlife Refuge and is home to a large number of seals. Patos Island, at the extreme northwest edge of Washington, is one of our favorite destinations anywhere. A historic lighthouse is a short walk from the campsite, and savvy visitors know to be there when the Sun goes down in the evening. It’s simply amazing.
The main island, surrounded by picturesque rocks and smaller islands, gave pause to the Spanish explorers who navigated its waters in 1791. They called it “sucia” or “foul,” a nautical term describing navigational obstacles such as the rocks around the island. In fact, the island and its waters are pristine, and the satellite rocks make for interesting sea kayaking. A large population of Harbor seals use many of these rocks as haul-outs to rest on, providing visitors with ample viewing opportunities. These same seals also attract their main predator, the Orca whale, groups of which are frequently seen prowling the shorelines.
In 2012 a large dinosaur leg bone was excavated from the banks of Sucia Island. Belonging to the group of dinosaurs known as Therapods (which includes the T-Rex!) this is the first time we have had evidence of these massive creatures appearing in the island rocks. While large dinosaur remains are rare, the southern shores of Sucia Island are thick with smaller fossil beds. Intrepid explorers can spend hours walking along the beaches among these signs of ancient times. Collecting fossils is strictly forbidden, but looking at them is highly encouraged.
Known for its emerald waters and forested trails, its magnificent sunsets and sandstone formations, Sucia Island is prized by locals for its off-season beauty and solitude. Sucia Island Marine State Park is a 564-acre marine park with 77,700 feet of shoreline and abundant camping and moorage.
Our trips to Sucia Island require a ferry trip to Orca Island. We highly recommend adding extra time on Orcas Island if you are able. The Moran State Park or Turtleback Mountain are wonderful places to hike. The tiny hamlet of Eastsound has many fun shops to browse through and some delicious restaurants.
Let’s Go!
Arriving on Orcas Island, you will make your way to the north shore area known as North Beach. It is about a 25-minute drive from the Orcas ferry landing. Your guide will meet you at the launch site and will issue you dry bags so that you can begin packing your gear. (If time allows, feel free to drop by our office in Anacortes before departing on the ferry. We can check you in early and give you your dry bags then.) Parking is located right at the launch site; your guide will direct you to the best places to leave your vehicle.
After packing your gear and loading the boats, your guide will discuss some safety considerations, explain the planned route for the day, and give you a short introduction to the basics of sea kayaking. After a last-minute restroom break, you’ll be off the beach and headed to the islands!
The Trip:
Day One:
Launch from North Beach, and paddle across the channel to Sucia Island. Our guides are familiar with the tidal currents and will choose the optimal route for your group. The crossing is approximately two miles and generally takes about one hour. Keep your eyes open for porpoise cavorting in the tides, or seals hunting salmon. After completing the crossing we usually head directly into one of the coves on Sucia Island to find our campsite. We like to find a camp early in order to unload the equipment, enjoy a delicious meal, and relax a bit before heading back out for an afternoon of exploration in the kayaks.
While on the beach at Sucia Island you are free to explore the trails on your own or accompany your guide on a walk. Later in the day, after a fun exploratory afternoon of kayaking, your guide will be busy preparing a delicious dinner for you to enjoy. This is another great opportunity to go for a walk or just relax on the beach with a glass of wine, watching the evening light coloring the sky. Sucia Island boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere in the San Juan Islands.
Day Two:
After a hearty breakfast, your guide will talk with you about the day’s paddling options. We rarely have a set plan for this day, so feel free to talk about what you are hoping to see and do. Our guides love to try and tailor every trip to meet their guest's expectations. If weather and tidal currents are good then your guide may suggest kayaking to one of the neighboring islands, called Matia or Patos islands, to camp for the night. This can be a very rewarding experience. It is more physically demanding and dependent on fair weather conditions, so if you are feeling ambitious, then let your guide know, and they would love to incorporate it into the trip. We have found that most people are happy with about 5-6 hours of paddling, with plenty of relaxing breaks on the many small beaches located around Sucia Island. Lunch is almost always prepared in the field, away from camp, so bring all that you need for the day.
If you paddled to Patos Island, you will rise to greet your morning in the Outer Islands with a hot cup of coffee and watch as the Sun rises and changes the shadows on the surrounding islands. The views south are spectacular. After breakfast, you and your guide will talk about the best route back to Sucia Island before taking down your camp and packing the boats. Launch time is determined mostly by the tidal currents. Some trips must leave fairly early in the morning, and other trips will wait until the tides turn around in your favor. It all depends on the days that your trip is happening. Lunch will usually be another beach break somewhere along the route.
Strong and very ambitious groups may take advantage of the currents and weather to paddle to Matia Island today. It’s a long day, but the short trail around the island will reward you for your efforts. One of the better old-growth groves of massive trees can be found here, along with private coves and loads of seals. Your group may also prefer to camp on Sucia Island again and use it as a base camp for day trips to the surrounding islands. You and your guide will tailor the trip to meet your needs.
Day Four:
You’ve settled into the daily patterns of a kayak expedition by now. Camp life seems normal, and your “real life” back home may seem like a distant memory. If you chose to base camp the last couple of nights on Sucia Island then this could be a perfect day to paddle over to Matia Island. Or perhaps you’d prefer to linger on shore a little longer today, exploring the many trails of Sucia Island. Either way, it is good to be here!
After returning from the day’s adventure, it is time for….you guessed it….more relaxation! Go for another walk, skip stones, or simply sit at the water’s edge and contemplate the beauty around you while your guide is busy preparing your next delicious dinner. (As you can tell, these guides work hard for their tips!)
Day Five:
The last day of a 5-Day kayak expedition is always a bit melancholy. You are excited to get back home, but you have also settled into the rhythms of living outside. The birdsong in the morning is the best alarm clock you could ask for. After one last breakfast in camp and packing up your gear, you hop into your kayak and head south toward the mountainous flanks of Orcas Island. Depending on the needs of the group, the tidal currents, and the prevailing weather conditions, these trips usually return to Orcas Island between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. After unpacking your belongings and bidding your guide farewell, you are off to the next adventure!
**This is a sample itinerary that outlines the type of experience that most often happens. Due to the dynamic nature of outdoor adventures, things can sometimes change without notice. We work very hard to provide the best possible experience for each of our guests, so if you have any special needs or concerns or any particular expectation that you have, then please do call us so that we can talk to you more about it. Thank you!
What trip offers the best chances of a whale sighting?
This is probably the most popular question that we hear on the phone. The best answer is “it is impossible to predict”. Kayaks simply do not travel fast enough to manifest a whale encounter on purpose. Our guests have always appreciated that we set reasonable expectations about whale encounters. If seeing a whale is a primary goal for you then we suggest that you book an additional trip with a whale watch company. They have fast-moving boats which can seek out the whales’ locations on any given day. Kayak trips and whale watch outings are actually very complementary and will give you the best possible experience in the San Juan Islands.
I have never tried sea kayaking before; how do I know whether I can do this?
These kayak tours are designed for people with little or no previous experience who enjoy an active experience. We call this activity a “soft adventure” because the tours are loaded with fun (without too much adrenaline)! The goal is to move quietly through the landscape, enjoying the views while rewarding the body with some easy exercise. All of our tours will move as slowly as necessary to ensure that you won’t get too worn out. Our guides are very competent paddlers and well-trained trip leaders. They will worry about the details so that you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you have any specific concerns, then please call us so that we can make sure that you get placed on the most enjoyable trip possible.
What is the difference between an All-Inclusive Package and a Self-Catered Package?
The only difference between these two packages is that in the All-Inclusive Package, we provide your camping gear and your meals. Here in the outdoorsy Pacific Northwest, a large number of our guests possess their camping equipment and prefer to use it. We have responded to this reality by creating an option that saves them some money and allows them to use the gear that they have already invested in. On all trips, we will provide the kayaking equipment and the same exceptional guide service that our guests have come to expect from Anacortes Kayak Tours.
What if it rains?
As the saying goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just unfortunate clothing choices.” Joking aside, we are very fortunate that we live in the “rainshadow” of the Olympic Mountains. Consequently, we receive much less precipitation than Seattle and the rest of Western Washington State. Please don’t rely on Seattle weather reports to tell you what it will be like here because we are in a very different climate zone. What little rain falls in the summer rarely lasts for too long, and it usually creates some of the most beautiful kayak trips of the season as the muted colors of the Pacific Northwest come alive with the moisture. We won’t cheat you out of the experience because of a little rain; bring a rain jacket or borrow one of ours and come to enjoy the show!
Can I paddle in a single kayak?
Yes! We have a limited number of single kayaks available to reserve. Check out our info on single kayaks for Multi-Day trips. We are currently the only outfitter in the San Juan Islands to be able to offer this option. The superior training and skill levels of our guides allow us to make this type of experience available to our guests.
What’s the weight limit for paddling in a kayak?
265 lbs for double kayaks and 225 lbs for single kayaks. We have found that these weights are generally the limits for your comfort and enjoyment of the activity.
What is your policy on tipping?
Your guides work very hard to keep your party safe while also supporting an entertaining atmosphere. Gratuities are always appreciated, with the average tip being 10 percent of the total trip cost, with some guests tipping more and some less, depending on your experience.
depending on your experience.
What Our Clients Say
Thanks for the magical day at Sucia Island. We are still savoring the moments. What a place! The Wendell Berry quote fits… The world lives in the death of speech, and sings there Your guide Dave was such a pleasant pathfinder for us. And a big appreciation to the Anacortes Kayak Tours owners who provided us with this trip. We… Read more “Magical day at Sucia Island”
Sue and Tom
Thank you again for taking the 3 of us sea kayaking a couple of weeks ago. We really enjoyed our trip. I look forward to going kayaking with you in the future. By the way, my parents will be in Seattle in about two weeks. I gave them your brochure and recommended them to… Read more “We really enjoyed our trip.”
Lee
I just wanted to say “Thanks” for a wonderful day of Kayaking yesterday around Cypress Island. For 4–5 years we have been doing a yearly outing of a guided kayak trip and found your group to be the most organized, friendly and well equipped so far. Your kayaks, life vests and spray skirts were by far the best, driest and… Read more “A first-class organization”
Noel (Nikki)
I just wanted to thank you for arranging an incredible kayak trip for my sister and I — it truly was a trip of a lifetime! Peter was an incredible guide who was so helpful and informative plus we were blessed with amazing wildlife to watch and perfect weather. It could not have been… Read more “Truly was a trip of a lifetime!”
Noelle
I want to thank you both for providing us such a wonderful and memorable experience kayaking last week. Andrew, Matt, and I had a fabulous time. Megan — thank you in particular for the fine shopping and meal planning. The boys and I were joking that we ate better during the trip than we did at home the past 2… Read more “A wonderful and memorable experience kayaking”
Pete, Matt, and Andrew Noone
I just returned home from an amazing kayak vacation with you folks, and I’m dreading a return to real life tomorrow. My head is still full of the San Juans and I wish that I could have stayed out for another day, or ten. I did quite a bit of research before booking the trip and your company stood out… Read more “Next time — five-day trip!”
Julie Alexander
Fantastic trip! Pete and Alex were fantastic! They were both knowledgeable and professional. The trip was a tremendous value for the money; great food and top-notch equipment! Thank you so much! Please thank Pete and Alex again for… Read more “Tremendous value for the money”
Carl Roth
Just wanted to let you know how pleased we were with the tour to Cypress Island (Sept. 2008). Freddie and Peter were great guides. They were extremely friendly and cheerful, and very well qualified to lead us. What made it especially nice was that both Freddie and Peter related well to both us old fogies as well as the younger… Read more “They were intent on spoiling us”
Cynthia Dietz and Susan Larsen
Thanks so much for a memorable 2 days in the San Juans! We thoroughly enjoyed every moment, though our shoulders and backs indicated that we should’ve done a better job getting in paddling shape beforehand! You could not have tailor-made a menu more suitable for our family (down to the s’mores!) nor have given us a better guide/chef/friend for the… Read more “A memorable 2 days in the San Juans”
Melinda Y. Ching, Senior Attorney-Asia Pacific/Hawaii The Nature Conservancy
Thank you for everything. Our meeting went like Swiss clockwork from start to finish thanks to you and your amazing guides. I simply can’t say enough good things about those four to do justice to the subtle but stout job they did on our trip. We felt completely safe, the food was nothing short of spectacular (and always right on… Read more “What customer service can and should be”
Kaj Bune
Exped
I just got back from a wonderful trip to Sucia with my husband and another couple. We had a great time with Jeremiah, our guide. We were amazed by the scenery, wildlife, and the general beauty of the San Juan Islands. Jeremiah was professional but down-to-earth, and we always felt completely safe because of his degree of knowledge and experience.… Read more “Amazed by the scenery and wildlife”
Kristen Richards
Hello team at Anacortes — Wendy, Erik, Jeremiah, Gary and Megan and everyone else who helped to make our trip so special! Hey guys Roger and I are now in Juneau about to hit the mountains for a week of running and I just wanted to pause and say thank you so much for a wonderful visit to the… Read more “Thank you”
Kylie and Roger
We had a wonderful trip. Blake was a great guide. Very relaxed and nice pace. The side trip to the lighthouse was magical, and nice to get out and stretch. You do a good job of getting people out on the water safely and comfortably. The equipment was top notch. Well done!!! We will let friends know about the great… Read more “Very relaxed and nice pace”
Barbara Beattie
Prepare for Your Multi-day Adventure
Meeting Place and Time
For all trips to Sucia Island, take the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. From the ferry terminal on Orcas Island, drive up to North Beach, where you’ll meet your guide.
Gear You Will Need
The San Juan Islands have a very mild climate during the summer months. Most trips will experience temperatures around 70° F during the day, and mid-50s at night. Rain is not common, but be aware of the weather and come prepared accordingly.
Every person will be assigned 2–20L dry bags and 1–10L dry bag for their gear.
- Long underwear- polypropylene or something synthetic, top and bottom
- Shorts (1 pair, preferably non-cotton)
- Pants (1 pair, preferably non-cotton)
- T-shirts (2-3 depending on the trip length)
- Sweatshirt (fleece or synthetic, cotton will not dry) or insulating shirt (2)
- Underwear (enough to make you happy)
- Socks (enough to make you happy; 4 pairs should be plenty)
- Light rain jacket and rain pants
- Water-compatible shoes (Tevas, Chacos, water socks, old tennis shoes, etc)
- Shoes for camp (light running or hiking shoes are great)
- Baseball cap or a brimmed hat
- Wool or fleece hat for camp
- Sunglasses (You will definitely want these!)
- Binoculars
- Two water bottles; one liter each (please fill them at the store, or before you arrive)
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries
- Book, playing cards, journal.
- Any favorite snacks (we’ll provide a lot, but you may have special preferences)
- A small camera (bring freezer-grade Zip-Loc bags to protect it if it isn’t waterproof)
- Personal medications, as needed, including painkillers (we have First Aid kits but prefer to keep our medications for emergencies.)
- Allergy medications—if you are allergic to bees, please bring an epi-pen!
- The sleeping bag must be compressible to fit into one of the 20L dry bags. (we have bags to rent for a nominal $35 cleaning fee)
- Beer or wine, if you like (for insurance reasons we cannot provide alcohol)
- Toiletries
- A small hand towel
- Earplugs
- Any personal items that you cannot live without during your trip
Anacortes Kayak Tours will provide
- All kayaking gear (boat, paddles, spray decks, life jackets)
- A professionally trained and fun guide with a comprehensive safety kit
- Dry bags for your gear, usually two 20L bags and one 10L dry bag
- All camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, pillows, kitchen items, etc.)
- All meals, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and hot drinks
Age Limits
If you have younger kids (under 12) then please call before making a reservation.
Anacortes Kayak Tours prides itself on being the most family-friendly kayaking company in the San Juan Islands. We consider your kids to be an investment in the future and we want to get them out on the water and develop an active lifestyle and an appreciation of the natural world!
That being said, kids under 12 are best suited for private trips for better group dynamics and safety on the water.
Weight Limits
For your safety and comfort, we have a weight limit of 265 pounds (per person) in tandems and 225 pounds (per person) in singles. Call if you have any questions.
Health / Physical Limits
Our #1 priority is to bring you home safely. In the unlikely event of a capsize, we need to know that you are physically capable of keeping your face above the water, that you are able in some fashion to assist with the rescue, and that your heart can take the stress of the immersion and exertion of an unplanned accident. If you think that you may be at risk or that your health conditions are of concern, then please talk to your physician and then give us a call. We’d love to try and help you find a solution and if possible, to get you out on the water.
Deafness and blindness will not prevent you from enjoying our tours, but please let us know at the time of booking.
If you have health issues on the day of your trip, please pull your guide aside and let him or her know. This includes even small issues (like diarrhea) that can turn a great trip into a problem for you. Our guides can then plan the trip accordingly.
Cancellations
Multi-Day Expeditions require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. Sixty or more days before the trip date, full refund of all payments less a $100 per person cancellation and handling fee. 31-59 days before the trip date, guests will be charged 50% of the entire trip cost. 0-30 days before the trip date, guests will be charged 100% of the entire trip cost, and no refunds will be made. All cancellations must be in writing and charged amount is determined upon the date of receipt. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy page for details.
Weather
We enjoy about 250 days of sunshine per year, mostly in the summer. Even when it does sprinkle on us it rarely lasts more than a few minutes. We won’t cancel for rain.
The only weather that will cancel a trip is windy weather that causes hazardous sea conditions. Your comfort and safety are our biggest concern.
A Few Rules–Please Read!
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- No Smoking in the kayaks on these trips. This is a safety concern for us; many people get seasick after being exposed to cigarette/cigar smoke.
- Please do not litter. Pack out everything that you pack in.
- Sorry, no dogs. We like them, but they tend to tear the heck out of the boats, can disrupt the enjoyment of other guests, and can also create safety concerns.
- Your guide needs you to follow their instructions. Please respect this.
- Respect the wildlife who make the San Juan Islands their home. We give the whales plenty of space when they are around; we try not to frighten seals that are hauled out on the rocks, that sort of thing. Your guide will explain this more out on the water.
And at last, The Fine Print
We strive to make sure that we are being entirely open and honest with our marketing language and also when we speak to people about what our trips are like. We’ve been burned before on our travels, and we never want to be remembered as a disingenuous company when you’re reminiscing with your friends later.
To assist us in placing you on the most appropriate trip, please let us know if you have any special requests, concerns, or expectations when you call. That will allow us to either recommend the best trip for your needs or at least to give you a proper explanation about what we can realistically accomplish for you.
