Safe Harbor In The San Juan's

Fossil bay is one of Sucia  Island's most popular destinations perhaps because it is one it's most beautiful, but it is also one of its most protected anchorages-- located next to Snoring bay and just opposite Fox Cove.      Fossil bay got its name from the fossils of small marine life that are found in the surrounding rock faces.     There are 16 mooring buoys to tie up to in Fossil Bay as well as two floating docks-- both of which fill up fast on holidays and on weekends during the summer months.     Some boaters choose to simply anchor in Fossil bay rather than tie up to a buoy to avoid the  $10.00 buoy fee (2005), however they are still expected to go ashore and register at the pay station so the park service can keep an accurate attendance records.

Welcome To Sucia Island Marine Park

Just above the gangway of Fossil Bay's first dock you are welcomed by a park sign paying tribute to those responsible for the acquisition and creation of Sucia Island  marine park.   We all owe them a debt of gratitude for making Sucia accessible to the general public and safe from development.      Just a few yards up the trail you will find the pay station, pit toilet, as well as a water faucet.  This is also the trailhead where you can choose to go left and hike to nearby fox cove or go right and take the trail to snoring bay, echo bay and beyond.     Trails are well marked with guideposts like the one in the photo above.

Water Station

Fresh water is available in Fossil Bay from April to September.   It would be nice if there were showers available but then, if you had all the comforts of home you'd might as well stay home, right?    You could always make the next stop on your cruise either Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor where you can stock up on supplies and take a nice hot shower.   The park service asks that you conserve water when possible by not leaving the faucet running and simply not wasting any so that there will be enough for the other guests.   Even though the island is surrounded by saltwater, fresh water is precious and in scarce supply.

Pack It In - Pack It Out

There's no trash pickup on shore at Fossil bay or anywhere on Sucia Island so you are required to take your garbage back with you and simply dispose of it when you get home or to your marina.     The park service had found itself struggling with a mountain of trash that had to be collected daily and then transported off the island.    It really isn't inconvenient nor too much to ask that you simply take home with you what you brought,  and the island has actually become cleaner since their new policy has been in force,  perhaps because there are no garbage cans to tip over or for wildlife to rummage through. 

Beautiful At Every Turn

Exploring the trail system on Sucia Island,  you come upon one beautiful vista after another.   Bring Your Camera!  you're going to want to remember your time on Sucia.

Night Falls On Fossil Bay

As nighttime falls on Fossil Bay, many people like to dinghy ashore to light bonfires socialize with fellow boaters.   If you plan on roasting wieners or snuggling by a fire you might want to bring your own wood because most of the island can get picked clean of even the smallest twigs and not all driftwood will burn.    You could also stay on your boat, share a bottle of wine, and watch the stars come out.      

NEXT - EWING COVE               Current Weather For the San Juans