Known for its crystal green waters, lush wooded trails, and unique sandstone formations, Sucia Island is prized by locals and visitors alike for its year-round beauty and solitude. It's also home to Sucia Island Marine State Park. 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.)
The tricky part is getting to the island, which is only accessible via private boat or charter. That's where local tour operators come in handy. Keep reading to learn about local tour operators that offer spectacular day cruises to Sucia Island.
If you book a picnic 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 returns around 4:30 p.m.
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.
Once on the island, guests enjoy a picnic lunch and can choose from a narrated beach walk, led by a naturalist, or exploring on their own.
Enjoy a day cruise to Sucia Island with local boat tour agency Island Opportunity Charters! This cruise is more intimate, accommodating up to 12 passengers total. The boat's cabin is heated and includes a restroom and cooler with water and sodas.
On this six-hour day cruise to Sucia Island you'll enjoy a narrated journey through Bellingham Bay and up to the northern end of the San Juan Islands. Spot wildlife like seals, sea lions, porpoises, birds, and possibly whales.
Once on the island, explore Sucia Island State Park and its beautiful trails, shoreline, trees, and sandstone rock formations.
Experience the magic of Sucia Island and its remote surrounding islands on a unique 4 to 5 day yacht cruise with Alaskan Sea Adventures. This intimate yacht experience, limited to 8-10 guests, offers an all-inclusive adventure.
Discover the pristine beauty of the islands, hike through breathtaking landscapes, kayak through serene waters, and encounter a diverse array of marine life, including whales, porpoises, birds, seals, and sea lions.
Indulge in delectable Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and expertly crafted dishes celebrating the region's flavors.
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.
Most ships dock 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.
When walking along the beach, keep your eyes peeled for local marine life. You'll likely spot starfish, anemones, and possibly even some seals.
For lunch, there are several picnic tables with views of the beach, or you can find a secluded spot near the water.
