Cypress Island 3 Day
PRICE: $699 per adult //$625 per child Duration: 3 Days Location: Cypress Island Restrictions: All Ages
Join Us for A Sea Kayaking Adventure in Cypress Island!
We love this trip! Enjoy this mountainous island that offers wildness unsurpassed in the San Juan archipelago. Cypress Island is the largest undeveloped island in the San Juan Islands and there is no ferry access (5th largest island in all of the San Juans)! Currently surveyors on Cypress Island have identified 142 species of birds (plus 50 sighted, but undocumented bird species) and over 264 plant species! What an incredible place! This kind of biodiversity puts Cypress Island into “world class” status (shhhh don’t tell anyone because we want to keep it this way). Year after year, we can’t get enough of the wonderful diversity this island provides.
The two campsites we use are primitive with inspiring views of Mt. Baker an, all from the window of your tent. Hike our favorite trail 1.3 miles up to Eagle Cliff where your view of the San Juans Islands will be expansive and breathtaking. If you are listen closely you might just hear a Falcon soaring below the cliffs edge, or see Bald Eagles perched in the tree’s below. We have topped out on many of the San Juan Islands and this view is by far our favorite. Don’t worry if you still want more hiking, you will have nearly 15 miles of hiking trails to explore during your stay if you’re up for more exploring after our day’s paddle.
Time and weather permitting, we will paddle to Strawberry Island for a lunch exploration – keep your eyes out we often see Porpoise playing in the tidal currents surrounding this beautiful Nature Conservancy Island!
Details
Our catered trip includes all the necessary kayaking gear, dry bags for personal gear, kitchen supplies, food and a lovely kayak guide to cook delicious meals throughout the trip.
In order to keep the trip cost down we ask that you pack your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc) but we realize not everyone has their own. If you need to rent equipment from Moondance please contact us about rental availability.
All meals are prepared and provided by Moondance.
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Our launch location is on Guemes Island, which is a short 5 minute ferry ride from Anacortes. Reservations are not required for the ferry, though it is advised to line up 30 minutes prior to ferry time.
If you preferred, you may leave your car on mainland and catch a ride to the launch location with Moondance, if space allows.
Additional driving directions will be available in confirmation email.
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Day One - Meet on Guemes Island
10am- We will meet at the launch location and go over kayak equipment, packing, paddling techniques and safety briefings.
Mid morning- Based on currents, we’ll either have lunch before pushing off, or we’ll have a short snack and hit the water to start our crossing over to Cypress Island.
Afternoon- After an exploratory day on the water, we’ll set up camp and enjoy a peaceful afternoon lounging on the beach. Opportunities for a short paddle or hike for sunset may be available. Dinner will be prepped and prepared by your kayak guides.
Day Two- Paddle to Strawberry Island
Morning: Breakfast and Coffee/Tea
Late Morning: Launch kayaks to begin on a longer day paddle. Depending on the tides/currents and pace of the group the day will either be spent paddling to Strawberry Island, Sinclair Island or simply exploring the intricate shoreline around Cypress from Towhead Island, around Eagle Cliffs with a lovely beach lunch along the way.
Late Afternoon / Evening- Arrive back at camp, and relax on the beach. Dinner will be prepped and prepared by your kayak guides.
Day 3- Return Home
Morning: Breakfast and Coffee/Tea
Late Morning: Pack up camp/kayaks and launch kayaks! Today we will head back to our launch location on Guemes. Depending on tides and currents, before returning we will spend some time exploring Cypress coastline, paddling to the nearby Cypress Head, or exploring the protected area of the Cone Islands.
2-3pm- Arrive back at Guemes Island unpack and deissue gear and say our goodbyes!
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All kayaking related equipment (Tandem fiberglass sea kayak, paddle, pfd, spray skirt, guide, etc)
Experienced Sea Kayak Guide
Two 10L dry bags for personal gear
All meals from lunch day one to lunch on the last day
Camping Fee’s and permits
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Personal Gear (ie. footwear, clothing, sunglasses, etc)
Transportation to and/or from launch location
Guide Gratuity: Never expected, but always appreciated if you feel that your guides went above and beyond (industry standard is 15-20% gratuity).
Camping Equipment (ie tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad). We are happy to organize rental gear and have it for you for the start of your trip. Please contact us for more information if you are in need of camping gear).
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Be prepared to get your feet wet!
Check out our Gear Lists for more info. A detailed packing list will be sent to you after booking.