The San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest are made up of more than 150 islands. Summer vacation favorites include San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island, but there are SO many more islands in the San Juans to explore. The tricky part is accessing them. That's where tour operators like San Juan Cruises come in handy. They offer a seasonal day picnic cruise to Sucia Island, a stunning part of the San Juans that can only be reached by private boat or charter vessel.
Known for its crystal green waters and lush wooded trails, its unparalleled sunsets and unique sandstone formations, Sucia Island is prized by locals and visitors alike for its year-round beauty and solitude. The island is also famous for what was unearthed there. In 2012, paleontologists at Seattle’s Burke Museum discovered part of an 80-million-year-old femur bone from a theropod dinosaur on the island. (Theropods are a group of meat-eating, two-legged dinosaurs, that includes the T. rex and Velociraptor.)
For those who don't have a private boat but want to experience this majestic island, the Sucia Island Picnic Tour runs mid-June through mid-September.
If you book a cruise with San Juan Cruises, the boat ride departs at 10 a.m. from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven Village (lots of paid parking is available), and the journey to the island is roughly two hours long. Along the way, the captain will entertain you with stories about the San Juan Islands along with interesting facts about the area's history and marine life. Chances are good you'll spot a variety of birds, along with possible sightings of sea lions, seals, or porpoises.
While you're cruising, enjoy a selection of for-purchase snacks and beverages, including local craft beers and cocktails.
Travel tip: Bring layers! It can be cold if you're sitting outside on the boat (the viewing deck is the best way to spot marine life and take photos) but hot on the island in the sun. Make sure to also bring a hat and sun protection, and a rain jacket if there's any precipitation in the forecast.
Rather get up close and personal with the Salish Sea? Go on a 3-5 day Sucia Island adventure with Moondance Kayak. You'll launch from Orcas Island for a multi-night kayaking/camping trip in and around Sucia Island.
Learn about the area's geology and wildlife, explore the island's trails, and spend each night camping under the stars.
No previous paddling experience is necessary, and Moondance offers both fully-catered or non-catered options to work with your budget and preferences.
If exploring the island with San Juan Cruises, the ship docks at Fossil Bay, a jaw-dropping destination where you'll likely see dozens of other private yachts moored in the bay. Though many visitors sleep on their boats, there is also a park on the island that has camp sites. Though there are no services on the island other than toilets (the solitude is part of the appeal!) Sucia Island Marine State Park offers 77,700 feet of shoreline and abundant camping and moorage.
Tour participants can choose between a narrated beach walk or exploring the island on their own. The beach walk is highly recommended - your naturalist will be able to point out and identify different sea creatures and will share stories about the island.
Included in the cruise is a delicious picnic lunch. There are several picnic tables with views of the beach, or you can find a secluded spot near the water. The lunch is prepared daily by the crew, and comes in an insulated tote bag that you get to keep after the cruise!
The cruise back to Bellingham takes another couple hours, and gets you back to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal around 4:30pm.
