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Multi day Sea Kayaking and Camping Trips in the San Juan Islands
Three Day Kayak Expeditions
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 IslandGuides' Choice for Sea Kayaking in the San Juans
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 3 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. 3) Strawberry Island is another one of those perfectly situated campgrounds. This small island sits just offshore of Cypress Island and is accessible only by paddle powered craft. With only 3 campsites available, visitors to Strawberry are guaranteed to have a quiet experience. Phenomenal views south to the Olympic Mountains, and San Juan sunsets make Strawberry Island a coveted kayaking destination. Due to the exposed nature of this little island, and it's small size, we don't use it all the time. We like to be "good neighbors" with private kayak groups and share this space.
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.
(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. Be wary of any outfitter making unreasonable claims of "no minimums", they may be taking a risk with your well being. Anacortes Sea Kayaking Tours Home Page (800) 992-1801
updated
March 5, 2008
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Our
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. 
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. 
