THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle from Anacortes to the protected shores of Cypress Island on a fully catered two-day kayak camping trip. Expect tidal navigation, abundant wildlife, and tent camping on one of the San Juans’ most undeveloped islands.
Paddle from Anacortes to the protected shores of Cypress Island on a fully catered two-day kayak camping trip. Expect tidal navigation, abundant wildlife, and tent camping on one of the San Juans’ most undeveloped islands.
The morning light hits the blue kayak above the garage door in Anacortes and you load dry bags with the sense of leaving the ordinary behind.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anacortes Kayak Tours · Anacortes, Washington
The morning light hits the blue kayak above the garage door in Anacortes and you load dry bags with the sense of leaving the ordinary behind.
Paddling out past Fidalgo and Guemes islands, the channel narrows and porpoise arc through the swell while harbor seals regard you from floating rocks. Cross Bellingham Channel and the forested slopes of Cypress Island rise—steep, rocky ridgelines carved by glaciers, then softened by fir and salal. The island’s protected status—part of the San Juan Islands National Monument and a Marine Protected Area—keeps most of its shoreline raw and quiet.
Indigenous tribes, including the Samish and Lummi, have long histories here; archaeological sites and traditional shellfish areas frame the human story against glaciated bedrock and old-growth stumps. Trails climb to sharp overlooks and drop into pebble coves where tide and wind sculpt new patterns every hour.
Expect tandem sea kayaks, guided route choices based on tides and weather, and one of two primitive tent campsites. Guides handle meals and gear; you carry personal items in provided dry bags. Evenings can reveal bioluminescence in calm bays or eagle silhouettes against a cooling sky.
Plan for wind and swift tidal currents: check forecasts, wear layered synthetic clothing, and bring grip-friendly footwear for rocky landings. Hydrate, secure sunscreen, and allow extra time for transfers back to Anacortes—trips usually return mid-to-late afternoon on day two. For paddlers looking to mix quiet wilderness, wildlife viewing, and low-impact camping, this two-day loop is practical, focused, and reliably wild.
moderate.
2 days.
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and the ability to sit and paddle for several hours across two days; not technical but requires stamina.
No advanced skills required—this trip is guided and suitable for beginners, though basic paddling ability and comfort in small craft are helpful.
Yes—single kayaks are available for an extra fee if reserved in advance; the standard trip uses tandem kayaks.
Participants over roughly 265 pounds or taller than 6'5" may be uncomfortable in standard kayaks—contact the operator for arrangements.
All meals, camp tents, sleeping pads, cutlery, and kitchen gear are provided; you only need to pack personal clothing and small items in supplied dry bags.
Cypress Island is largely protected as part of the San Juan Islands National Monument; Indigenous peoples including the Samish and Lummi have historical ties to the archipelago.
The surrounding waters are a Marine Protected Area and most of the island is conserved, so campers must follow leave-no-trace practices and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Anacortes Kayak Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The morning light hits the blue kayak above the garage door in Anacortes and you load dry bags with the sense of leaving the ordinary behind.
The morning light hits the blue kayak above the garage door in Anacortes and you load dry bags with the sense of leaving the ordinary behind.
Paddling out past Fidalgo and Guemes islands, the channel narrows and porpoise arc through the swell while harbor seals regard you from floating rocks. Cross Bellingham Channel and the forested slopes of Cypress Island rise—steep, rocky ridgelines carved by glaciers, then softened by fir and salal. The island’s protected status—part of the San Juan Islands National Monument and a Marine Protected Area—keeps most of its shoreline raw and quiet.
Indigenous tribes, including the Samish and Lummi, have long histories here; archaeological sites and traditional shellfish areas frame the human story against glaciated bedrock and old-growth stumps. Trails climb to sharp overlooks and drop into pebble coves where tide and wind sculpt new patterns every hour.
Expect tandem sea kayaks, guided route choices based on tides and weather, and one of two primitive tent campsites. Guides handle meals and gear; you carry personal items in provided dry bags. Evenings can reveal bioluminescence in calm bays or eagle silhouettes against a cooling sky.
Plan for wind and swift tidal currents: check forecasts, wear layered synthetic clothing, and bring grip-friendly footwear for rocky landings. Hydrate, secure sunscreen, and allow extra time for transfers back to Anacortes—trips usually return mid-to-late afternoon on day two. For paddlers looking to mix quiet wilderness, wildlife viewing, and low-impact camping, this two-day loop is practical, focused, and reliably wild.