Sucia Island Day Adventure: Boat, Bluffs, and Tide Pools in the San Juans
Ferry-free gateway to the San Juan Islands’ wildest state park
The boat noses out of Bellingham’s Squalicum Harbor just as the bay exhales its morning fog. Gulls argue over pilings, harbor seals surface like punctuation, and the San Juan Islands—splayed across the horizon—draw you forward. The cabin is warm, the coffee still hot in your mug, and the skipper’s easy narration sketches the day ahead: a six-hour out-and-back to Sucia Island, one of Washington’s wildest state parks and reachable only by water. It feels like stepping through a side door into the archipelago, bypassing ferry lines and slipping straight into the elements.
Trail Wisdom
Plan a Loop from Echo or Fossil Bay
Link shoreline and forest trails for a 3–5 mile loop with 100–300 feet of gain—enough views and tide pools without rushing.
Time Your Tide Pools
Low tide unlocks Sucia’s best intertidal exploring. Check the Bellingham tide table and aim for a falling low during your island window.
Watch Your Step on Sandstone
Tafoni honeycomb rock is photogenic but fragile. Stay on durable surfaces and avoid climbing delicate formations.
Layer for Island Weather
Wind can be stronger and temps cooler than the mainland. A light puffy and shell keep the crossing and headlands comfortable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •North shore tafoni outcrops east of Echo Bay—an easy detour with intricate honeycomb patterns
- •The short spur to Shallow Bay’s headland at low tide for tide pools and kelp forest views
Wildlife
Harbor seal, Bald eagle
Conservation Note
Sucia is a marine state park with sensitive intertidal zones. Stay on established trails, keep at least 100 yards from marine mammals, and pack out all waste.
Sucia Island’s name stems from Spanish charts noting its ‘foul’ reefs. In 2012, Washington’s first dinosaur fossil—a theropod bone—was identified from Sucia’s rock.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildlife watching, Cool-weather hiking
Challenges: Breezy crossings, Rain squalls
Shoulder-season calm and fresh greens in the forest. Expect variable weather and pack a warm layer and rain shell.
summer
Best for: Family-friendly beach time, Long daylight hiking
Challenges: Busier coves, Sun exposure on bluffs
Warm days and reliable conditions make summer ideal. Start early for quieter trails and bring sun protection.
fall
Best for: Clear views, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Chilly winds, Shortening daylight
September and early October bring crisp air and glassy mornings. Layers and an early start help you maximize island time.
winter
Best for: Storm watching, Solitude
Challenges: Cold temps, Rougher seas
Only for hardy travelers; dress for cold and be flexible. Wildlife can be excellent between weather windows.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof ShellEssential
Wind and passing showers are common over open water and on exposed bluffs.
Lightweight Insulating LayerEssential
A synthetic or down mid-layer keeps you warm on the ride and at breezy viewpoints.
Sturdy Hiking ShoesEssential
Mixed terrain—roots, sandstone, and beach cobbles—rewards supportive footwear with good traction.
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife sightings of seals, porpoises, seabirds, and possible whales.
Common Questions
How much hiking can I do during the six-hour trip?
Most groups comfortably hike 2–5 miles with time for tide pools and photos; faster hikers can push to 6 miles. Trails are mostly easy with rolling grades.
Are there restrooms on the boat and island?
Yes. The charter boat has an onboard head, and Sucia Island has basic vault toilets near main coves.
Will I have cell service on Sucia Island?
Coverage is spotty but often available in higher or open areas. Do not rely on it for navigation or coordination.
Do I need a Discover Pass or any permits?
Passengers arriving by charter do not need a Discover Pass for the island. If you park a vehicle at the harbor, follow posted marina rules and fees.
What wildlife might we see?
Harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and cormorants are common; orca or humpback sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
Is the trip suitable for kids and older adults?
Yes. The heated cabin, calm pacing, and gentle island trails make it family-friendly. Choose shorter loop options to match comfort and energy.
What to Pack
Layered clothing for variable marine weather; a waterproof shell for wind and spray; sturdy hiking shoes for roots, sandstone, and beach cobbles; a packed lunch and water for your island time.
Did You Know
In 2012, Washington’s first dinosaur fossil—a partial bone from a carnivorous theropod dating to roughly 80 million years ago—was identified from Sucia Island’s sandstone.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20–30 minutes early to park and board smoothly; check tides to align with tide-pooling windows; carry a printed or downloaded map as cell coverage is spotty; bring cash or card for post-trip food in Bellingham’s harbor district.
Local Flavor
Back on shore, walk to Boundary Bay Brewery for a post-trip IPA and fish tacos, or head to Aslan Brewing for seasonal plates and a hazy. If you want something quick and local, The Filling Station serves excellent burgers, and a sunset stroll along Bellingham’s waterfront rounds out the day.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Bellingham International (BLI), 10 minutes to Squalicum Harbor. Departure: 2505 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham. Drive time from downtown: ~5–10 minutes. Cell service: Good in town, spotty on Sucia. Permits: None for passengers; follow marina parking rules.
Sustainability Note
Sucia Island’s intertidal zones are fragile—step on durable surfaces, never pry organisms from rocks, and observe marine mammals from a respectful distance. Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps and micro-trash.
Continue Reading
Throttle Into Lake Wateree: Jet Ski Rental Days That Fly
Carve coves, chase open-water straights, and let South Carolina’s Lake Wateree show you how a day on a jet ski can fly. Here’s the how, when, and where to make the most of a half- or full-day rental.
Camden, South Carolina
Lake Champlain, Your Way: A Private Day Cruise From Burlington
Settle into a 90-minute private yacht cruise on Lake Champlain, where you call the shots—BYOB, picnic on deck, and soak up Adirondack-to-Green Mountain views. It’s an easy, flexible way to see Burlington’s waterfront and the region’s quiet grandeur from the best seat in the house.
Burlington, Vermont