Sucia &
the Outer Islands
Sucia, Patos, and Matia are the outer most islands of the San Juans, and as such are collectively known as the Outer Islands. Our company's namesake, these islands are known for their rugged natural beauty, pristine wilderness, and plethora of wildlife. They are all state parks and welcome to explorers of all ages. Only accessible by small boat, we offer custom charter options with flexible times to visit any of these picturesque islands. Get off the beaten path and experience these unique hidden gems!
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Kayak
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Hike
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Camp
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Birdwatching
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Lighthouse Tours
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and so much more!
A water taxi from Orcas to Sucia starts at $200 one way for a party of up to 6. Water taxis to Sucia directly from the mainland Bellingham starts at $500 one way.
Sucia Island
Among the northernmost of the San Juan Islands, this horseshoe-shaped island is accessible only by boat. Outer Island offers day trips for those adventurers who would like to discover the island on foot or by kayak.
Sucia Island State Park is a 564-acre marine park with nearly 15 miles of shoreline and features 10 miles of well-maintained hiking trails. Because of the unique shape of the island, most of these trails hug the coast and offer breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline and odds are good that you will see seals, sea lions, and a wide variety of birds.
Sucia Island Kayak Tour
Hop on our high speed powerboat out to Sucia Island State Park. Get away from the typical tourist crowds and off the beaten path out to this pristine paradise with infinite options for adventure. Sucia is home to many coves and bays peppered with beaches, caves, reefs, and its famous fossil beds. Highly regarded as the most desirable kayak destination in the San Juans, our knowledgable guides will make this trip an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.
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$199 per person
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Suitable for Moderate to Advanced Kayakers
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Ages 13+
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9:30 am Departure, ~4:30 pm Return
Departs from the north shore of Orcas Island
Sucia Island Day Trip
Embark on a high speed power boat ride to Sucia Island and spend the day exploring the many coves and rocky shores of this remote State Park. Renowned for fossil beds, stunning sandstone formations, and abundant wildlife, there are over 10 miles of trails to explore. After the adventure of a lifetime return to Hotel Bellwether
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$199 Per Person
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Lunch is provided by Lighthouse Grill
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Groups of 5 to 20
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Departs 9:30 am Fridays
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Leave Sucia ~3:30 pm
Departs from the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham
Patos Island
Visit the historic Patos Island Lighthouse, established in 1893. Maintained by the Keepers of Patos Light, from Memorial Day to Labor Day the Lighthouse is open (when docents are available). Here you can find informative exhibits kids activities, and more. The "Isle of Ducks" is home to so much more than sea birds! Seals, sea lions, nesting Bald Eagles, otters, and a plethora of Harbor Porpoise can frequently be seen at the powerful currents by the point.
Matia Island
A Designated Wilderness Area, Matia is quiet oasis with the only truly untouched old growth forest in all of the San Juan Islands. Spanish explorers dubbed Matia Island as “Isla de la Mata,” roughly translated to “Island of the Woods.” True to its name, Matia has spectacular Western Red Cedars towering up to 200 feet tall, among other pristine flora and fauna.
Other Islands
Clark Island State Park, Jones Island State Park, Stuart Island (Turn Point Lighthouse), James Island State Park, and many more islands can only be reached by water taxi. We would love to plan the adventure of a lifetime for you and your group. Call us today or fill out an inquiry and we can get you where you want to go!
Sucia & Outer Islands FAQs
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Sucia Island Day Trips, Kayak Tours, and water taxis depart from West Beach Resort on Orcas Island
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The ride to/from Sucia Island typically takes 20 minutes from Orcas Island
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The ride to/from Sucia Island typically takes 1 hour from Bellingham
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The Outer Island Excursions Office has NO information about availability on the island of campsites or water. Please contact the Washington State Parks for more details.
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No provisions are available on Sucia, Patos, or Matia Islands. You must bring what you need with you.
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Each passenger is allotted a single large bag. Contact us if you are bringing large coolers, camping equipment, or any other recreational equipment.
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Kayaks: Be extremely cautious when kayaking at Sucia Island. It is critical to know how to read the nautical charts and the tide current charts as well as have accurate and up to date weather reports. Tide rips and sudden gusty winds can come up quickly and surprise you. There are no rescue services on the island. Any guests concerned about kayaking should instead join our Full Day Sucia Kayak Tour
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Kayak Rentals are available through Outer Island. Kayakers cannot paddle alone. Reservations are required.
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E-bike rentals are available through Outer Island. Reservations are required. No charging stations are available on Sucia Island.
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Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. Suica Island State Park has 60 standard campsites, four reservable group camps, four picnic shelters, potable drinking water at Fossil Bay early April through September, Echo Bay and Shallow Bay May through September and composting toilets. Patos only has seven site, Matia only has 6 campsites, Clark has 15 campsites, and Barnes has
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Dogs are welcome on Sucia on private water taxis. They must be leashed and well behaved during transport.
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Dogs and all pets are NOT ALLOWED ON MATIA to preserve this pristine wilderness area.
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Cell phone coverage is spotty in the islands. Please plan accordingly.
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Washington State Parks maintains 10 miles of hiking trails on the island which makes Sucia Island very friendly and appropriate for those seeking a land focused exploration. The other islands have several trails as well.