
Trip
Sea Kayak - Fox Island Circumnavigation
Sea kayak 11 nautical miles around Fox Island in South Puget Sound, just 5 miles from Gig Harbor. It's a South Sound classic. Plan to track counter clockwise around the island with occasional breaks and a lunch stop at Fox Island Fishing pier.
- Thu, Jul 17, 2025
- Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Program
- Sea Kayaking
- Adults
- Sea Kayak III
- Moderate
- Mileage: 11.0 nm
- Maximum Wind: 15 kts
- Maximum Waves: 2 ft
- Maximum Currents: 2.3 kts
- Pace: 2.5
- FULL, 2 on waitlist (5 capacity)
- FULL (1 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Expect to launch just before high tide then make the short trip around Fox Island Sand Spit for an initial bio-break and to check equipment or make adjustments. There are several places to pull out along the way for rest, snacks, or other reasons. After rounding Gibson Point at the far end of the island we will land at the Fox Island Fishing pier for lunch. After lunch we will paddle against a mild current for a short time then proceed into Hale Passage toward our start/finish point. Be sure to look for Eagles, Blue Herons, Sea Stars, Kingfishers, Orcas, Seals, and various other creatures.
For questions about this activity please contact Patrick McSherry (253) 381-9443 mcsherrp724@icloud.com
Plan to meet at the Fox Island Boat Ramp. The boat ramp is located on the Island side of the Fox Island Bridge. We want to launch at 10:00am so arrive about an hour early to gear up and help others haul boats to the ramp. The parking area around the boat ramp is limited so we will strive to limit our number to 6 vehicles. The parking area is also poorly maintained with many deep ruts and uneven walking areas. As much as possible we will launch from the boat ramp.
Required Equipment
All participants must have a Basic Kayaking badge on their Mountaineers profile.
All participants must wear Immersion gear preferably a dry suit.
These eight essentials plus The Ten Essentials are required on all sea kayaking trips. All but the whistle and clothing should be provided with any kayak rental.
- Floatation in both ends of the kayak
- U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Paddle
- Spray skirt
- Bilge pump with floatation
- Self-rescue paddle float
- Waterproof whistle
- Appropriate clothing for the conditions encountered seasonally