For our 3-Day premium kayak trip to Sucia Island, you'll hop on board a high-speed water-taxi, loaded with your kayaks and all of your gear, and treat yourself to a premium guided sea kayaking experience. This trip invites adventurers to join your professional guides on a very special trip. Comfortable tents with cots and luxury mattresses ensure a great night’s sleep. Outstanding meals served with Washington wine, or locally crafted beer will nourish your body. Join us!
Cruise the Islands
The boat does the heavy lifting on this premium kayaking trip, no need to paddle a loaded kayak. Your trip begins with a comfortable and scenic ride through Rosario Strait aboard a fast moving water-taxi. While cruising past the Cypress Island Reserve, beautiful Orcas Island, and the rest of the eastern San Juan Islands, you’ll want to keep watch for whales and other marine mammals along the way. As the boat rounds the top of Orcas Island you’ll enter the wide body of water known as Georgia Strait and the Outer San Juan Islands will come into view in the distance. After an hour or so the water-taxi will approach the Sucia Island Marine Park and you’ll land at your destination. Relax and enjoy a freshly prepared snack while your guides set up the camp.
Wildlife
Sucia Island is special for many reasons. One of the biggest attractions for sea kayakers is the dense population of seals and sea lions. The offshore reefs and tiny islets allow for many safe areas for the animals to rest out of the water. Orca whales frequently hunt for the seals here and we’ve had many outstanding encounters while kayaking. Paddle under Bald eagle nests, precariously perched in tree limbs over the sea. If you paddle at night the protected coves can often produce brilliant displays of bioluminescence, lighting up fish and seals as they swim by your kayaks.
Scenery
It is hard to overstate the beauty of Sucia island and the surrounding landscape. Because the islands here are located several miles offshore you will feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere. Mount Constitution, on Orcas Island, rises dramatically from the sea, and unobstructed views of Mount Baker can take your breath away. The wonderful scenery does not stop at the objects in the distance, there is much to see right beside you as well. Golden bluffs of sandstone glow in the evening light, and the honeycombed erosion of the rocks create shapes that inspire the imagination. Search for fossils from the age of the dinosaurs as you walk along the southern beaches. In 2015 a large fossil, belonging to the same group of dinosaurs as T-Rex, was found right here!
Delicious Cuisine
Four our 3-Day premium kayak trip to Sucia Island, we pulled out all the stops. We know that one of the things that you are most likely to remember about your trip is whether you liked the food. On all of our multi-day kayaking trips we provide delicious, healthy, and abundantly portioned food options. The owners of Anacortes Kayak Tours personally see to the menu choices, and source ingredients from locally owned family farms in the Skagit and Samish river valleys. On this premium kayak trip you will love some of the extra goodies that we supply from local providers. A big hit is always AKT owner Megan Schorr’s homemade rhubarb-berry crisp, grown in our company’s organic garden, served with Lopez Island Creamery ice cream! (Yes, ice cream on a camping trip...and why not?!)
Whether you are drizzling organic blueberry sauce from Bow Hill Farms over your pancakes, or savoring a slice of Ladysmith cheese from Samish Bay Farms paired with your favorite wine, you will taste the flavor of our little corner of Washington State. All dinners are provided with a Washington wine, or if you prefer, locally brewed craft beers from the Kulshan Brewery in Bellingham. We can happily accommodate any dietary restrictions. Just let us know.
Camping
You won’t be needing to sleep on the ground on this kayak trip. Your oversized tent comes complete with comfortable cots, luxury sleeping pads, pillows, and sleeping bags (if you don’t want to pack your own). We utilize any one of several different camp areas located on Sucia Island, all of them located next to the sea with fire pits, potable water, and well maintained restrooms. Our focus is on making you comfortable in one of the more beautiful places in the San Juan Islands.
No Experience Necessary!
Like all of 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 Sucia Island expedition is best suited for people in moderate physical condition due to the required channel crossing from Orcas Island. 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 Three) 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.
- Boat service to Sucia Island Marine State Park
- 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 $25/trip if you prefer to travel without one. Please reserve these in advance to ensure that we have one ready for you, can also be reserved at the time of booking.
About The Area
View a larger map
The Sucia Island Group is part of the northern San Juan Islands 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.
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. The island and its waters are, in fact, 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 incudes the T-Rex!) this is the first time that we have had evidence of these massive creatures appearing in the island rocks. While large dinosaur remains are very 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.
We want this trip to be a special event for you. If there is anything in particular that you would like to experience then please let us know. We will do our best to try and make it happen.
Let’s Go!
Arriving at our shop in Skyline Marina you will be welcomed by our friendly staff who will check you in and let you know when the water-taxi will be departing. We recommend that you pack all of the personal items that you wish to bring on the trip into a duffle bag or a backpack. A mid-sized suitcase should be fine as well. We do have dry bags to pack your things in if you would prefer to use them. They are not required because they won’t be packed into the kayaks, but you are welcome to use them. We are happy to store any personal items in our facility while you are on the trip. When it is nearing the time to depart we will escort you down to the dock next to our office.
The Trip:
Day One:
The water-taxi will take you out from Skyline Marina, whisking you through Burrows Pass between Fidalgo and Burrows Islands and out into Rosario Strait. Heading north, you’ll get your first views of the forested slopes of the Cypress Island Reserve, Blakely Island, and the massive bulk of Mount Constitution on Orcas Island. The search for wildlife will begin immediately, there are lots of porpoise and seals here in Rosario Strait and we are always on the lookout for Orca whales who transit these waters frequently in the summer.
While on the beach at Sucia Island you are free to explore the trails on your own, or accompany your guide on a walk if you prefer. 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.
After an hour or so of travel you will be close to Sucia Island. Our exact landing spot changes occasionally depending upon the tides and weather. After landing and unloading on the beach your guides will find a great campsite, present you with a you snack, and then quickly set up your camp for the next few days. Your guides will then either prepare you a delicious lunch in camp, or pack the food with your group in order to prepare it somewhere out on a beach during the day’s kayaking. Exploring the shorelines of Sucia on this first day will help orient you to where the island is located in the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island serves as the dominant landmark, as does the glacier covered peak of Mount Baker in the Cascade Mountains. A fabulous afternoon of paddling will end back at camp. Feel free to go for a walk, or just sit on the driftwood and enjoy the maritime scene surrounding you while your guides create the first of your wonderful dinner experiences. After your meal you’ll want to scout out the perfect sunset spot. Bring a glass of wine or beer, and watch the evening light show as the Sun sets over Canada. What a great day!
Day Two:
It’s your vacation so sleep as long as you wish, there is no need to rush anywhere. [Pro Tip: Get up early. Enjoy the amazing stillness of the morning and the birdsong. Get a steaming mug of coffee, walk to the water’s edge and watch the seals on their morning hunt.]
After a warm and hearty breakfast your guide will talk with you about the day’s kayaking 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 guests expectations. If you are ambitious you can attempt a circumnavigation of Sucia Island with a stop on a neighboring island. Or if the conditions are good perhaps a jaunt over to Patos Island or Matia Island is in order. Just a slow and easy paddle into the bays and coves of Sucia is sufficient for many people too.
We have found that most people are happy with about 5-6 hours of kayaking, with relaxing breaks on the way. Lunch is almost always prepared in the field, away from camp, so bring all that you need for the day.
You’ll get back to camp later in the afternoon with plenty of time for another walk on the trails if you would like. Your guides will once again be busy preparing another delicious dinner meal. All you are responsible for is enjoying yourself!
If you have enough energy, ask your guides if conditions are appropriate for a short night paddle to look for bioluminescence. After it gets dark you can test the waters simply by throwing a stick or rock into the sea. If the water lights up then it is advisable to go for a quick outing. It can be pretty amazing.
Day Three:
Greet your final morning on Sucia Island with a hot cup of coffee and watch as the rising Sun plays with the shadows on the shoulder of Mount Constitution. After breakfast you and your guides will talk about the plan for the morning, and what time the water-taxi is scheduled to pick you all up. Most of the time the boat will arrive by mid-afternoon, but that sometimes changes due to prevailing conditions. A morning paddle is then in order to work off breakfast! Mornings generally are accompanied by the lowest tides of the day. Your guides will be keen to explore the exposed shoreline and show you some of the fascinating creatures found there.
Return time from the morning kayaking excursion is dependent on the scheduled arrival of the water-taxi. Your guides will want to make sure to have enough time to take down the camp and stage the gear for a quick transfer on to the boat.
Seeing the boat approaching is always a melancholy feeling. Few people want to leave Sucia Island. Your trip is not over yet though, there is still the beautiful cruise back to Anacortes. Most trips return between 3:00pm and 5:00pm. Upon arrival there will be someone in our office to give you any items that you may have stored with us.
**This is a sample itinerary which 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. We see whales on all of our different trips, but the frequency and proximity of sightings is impossible to predict. In the summers of 2016 and 2017 our Anacortes departures saw whales more than any other trip in the San Juan Islands. We advise our guests to set reasonable expectations. The animals travel over a wide area (over 100 miles/day) and are unfortunately not concerned about our hopes and dreams of seeing them. More time on the water is the best way to increase your odds of a whale encounter but there is no way for outfitters to honestly predict a sighting, beware of anyone in the San Juan Islands who advertise otherwise. For more information about this subject please visit our Kayaking with Orca whales page.
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 like to call this activity “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 a little bit of 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 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 and consequently we receive much less precipitation than Seattle and the rest of Western Washington State. Don’t rely on Seattle weather reports to tell you what it will be like up 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!
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 own 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 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.
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 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 you.
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 better.
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 me.
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 our Sucia Island Premium Kayak Trip please meet at our store please meet at our store (2009 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA 98221) at 8:00 a.m, unless instructed otherwise by our office staff. We are located just past the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, in Skyline Marina. We like to try and get you on the water as early as possible to maximize your day.
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.
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.
- 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 some other 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.)
- Small camera (bring freezer grade Zip-Loc bags to protect it, if it isn’t waterproof.)
- External battery for charging any devices that you may bring.
- Any personal items that you cannot live without during your trip.
- 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!
- 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)
- Two professionally trained and fun guides, with a comprehensive safety kit
- All camping gear (oversized tents, luxury sleeping pads, cots, comfortable pillows, kitchen items, etc)
- All meals, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and hot drinks. Wine or Beer will be served at dinner.
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 developing 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 you 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 time of booking. 60 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 trip 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.
