2-Day Kayaking: Cypress Island camping in the San Juan Islands

Two days paddling to one of the least developed islands in the San Juan Islands, with tent, meals and a guide.

A 2-day kayaking trip from Fidalgo Island to Cypress Island in the San Juan Islands, where you paddle across protected marine waters, camp on a primitive beach, and explore trails through a conservation area that covers 90% of the island. The operator provides all camping gear, meals, a guide and transportation from the parking area, no ferry required. Children from age 6 are welcome. Tandem kayaks are standard, with single kayaks available for an additional fee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Fidalgo Island to Cypress Island

• Depart from Fidalgo Island
• Cross channel to Guemes Island
• Look for porpoise and harbor seals
• Cross Bellingham Channel to Cypress Island
• Arrive at primitive camp area
• Set up camp
• Optional afternoon paddle or hike
• Enjoy dinner prepared by guides
• Optional bioluminescence night trip

Day 2: Cypress Island to Fidalgo Island

• Wake up and have breakfast
• Take down tents and pack gear
• Begin return route to Anacortes
• Lunch on a beach along the way
• Return to Fidalgo Island by afternoon

The experience

You drive to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island and launch straight into the water, no ferry hassles. The first day crosses Bellingham Channel into the Cypress Island Marine Protected Reserve, where harbor seals and porpoise are common sights. The route follows the pastoral shoreline of Guemes Island before entering waters that few commercial operators reach. Depending on weather and group needs, you'll paddle to one of two primitive camp areas on Cypress Island, both set on pebble beaches with access to miles of island trails.

Your guide handles the cooking: dinner arrives after you've set up the tent they provide, along with your sleeping pad and pillow. If conditions allow and bioluminescence is active in the darker bays, the guide will offer an evening paddle to watch it light up the water. The second morning starts with a hearty breakfast before you break camp and pack your gear. The return route depends on tidal currents and weather. Some trips retrace the first day's path while others take a variation, with lunch served on a beach along the way. You're usually back by mid-afternoon.

All camping equipment, meals, drinking water, snacks and coffee are included. The guide is a live professional who speaks English. Tandem kayaks seat two people. If you prefer to paddle alone, single kayaks are available for $50 per day and must be reserved in advance (minimum age 18). Children from age 6 can join with one adult per child in the tandem setup.

What’s included

• All camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, pillow).
• meals (dinner and breakfast).
• water, snacks, coffee and tea.
• professional guide in English.
• all fees and taxes.
• parking and launch from Fidalgo Island with no ferry required.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 5 Jun 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Anacortes Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to paddle to one of the most protected and least visited islands in the San Juan Islands without arranging your own camping setup or meals. Tandem kayaks are the standard, so you'll paddle with a partner. Choose a single kayak if you prefer to paddle alone, though it costs extra and requires advance reservation. Children from age 6 can join if there's one adult per child in a tandem boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the water like between Fidalgo Island and Cypress Island?

Bellingham Channel and the waters around Cypress Island are designated as a Marine Protected Area, so wildlife is abundant: harbor seals and porpoise are regularly spotted. The channel crossing is the main open-water paddle. The rest follows shorelines and protected bays.

Do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping bag?

No. The operator provides your tent, sleeping pad and pillow. You'll need to bring your own personal clothing, water-compatible shoes and any toiletries. There are no showers available on the island.

What happens if the weather turns bad on day two?

The return route on day two is planned based on tidal currents and weather conditions at the time. Your guide will choose the safest path back to Fidalgo Island, which may retrace the first day's route or take a variation. You typically return between 3pm and 5pm.

Can I paddle a single kayak instead of a tandem?

Yes. Single kayaks are available for an additional $50 per day and must be reserved before you book. You must be at least 18 years old to paddle solo.

What meals are included?

Dinner on the first night and breakfast on the second morning are prepared by your guide. Water, snacks, coffee and tea are provided throughout. You're welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages if you wish.

Is Cypress Island really that undeveloped?

Yes. Cypress Island has only one permanent year-round resident and 90% of it is set aside as a conservation area and natural preserve. It's one of the least developed islands in the entire San Juan archipelago, which is why few commercial operators venture there.