RESORT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
We love our island and our resort—and we want you to love it too. These guidelines help us preserve the natural beauty of the island while ensuring every guest enjoys a peaceful and memorable stay.
Arrival & Departure
Check-In
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
To allow our staff time to prepare cabins and ensure departing guests have a relaxed morning, we kindly ask that guests do not arrive on the property before 2:00 PM.
Early Check-In:
When available, a 2:00 PM early check-in may be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact us a few days prior to your arrival to check availability.
Check-Out
Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Late Check-Out:
When available, guests may request a 1:00 PM late check-out for an additional fee. Please inquire during your stay.
Registered Guests Only
For the safety, privacy, and comfort of everyone staying at the resort, all resort grounds, amenities, and accommodations are reserved exclusively for registered overnight guests.
Visitors are not permitted on the property at any time. Thank you for helping us maintain a peaceful environment for all guests.
Dogs
We are happy to be a dog-friendly resort, and we appreciate your help in making sure all guests feel comfortable.
• Dogs must remain on leash unless well-behaved and closely supervised
• Dogs should remain near your cabin and not roam into neighboring spaces
• Please be considerate of other guests and their comfort
Dog Fee: $25 per dog / per night
Please note: Tiny House Almar is our only accommodation that does not allow dogs.
Quiet Hours
To maintain the peaceful island atmosphere, quiet hours are from 9:30 PM – 8:30 AM.
Please keep voices and music at a low volume during these hours. Because cabins are close together, sound travels easily.
After-Hours Assistance
If our office is closed, a Manager on Duty is available on the property for emergencies and to assist guests.
A radio is mounted just outside the office door. If you need assistance after hours, please use the radio and the Manager on Duty will meet you at the office.
Guests are asked to follow any instructions provided by resort staff to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Beach & Grounds
Tents & Awnings
Personal tents or awnings are not permitted so that all guests may enjoy the open beachfront views. Picnic tables with umbrellas are available for shade.
Driftwood
Driftwood along the beach is an important part of the island ecosystem and helps protect the shoreline.
Please help us preserve it by:
• Not burning driftwood
• Not building structures with driftwood
• Not throwing driftwood into the water
Water Conservation
Guemes Island relies on a single-source aquifer, making water conservation important for the entire island community.
Please help by using water thoughtfully during your stay.
• Boat rinsing is allowed, but we ask that boat and trailer washing be done in town
• There is no laundry facility at the resort
Boating, Kayaks & Paddleboards
Guests are welcome to enjoy our complimentary rowboats, sea kayaks, and paddleboards.
To keep everyone safe and ensure equipment is available to all guests:
• Watercraft must be checked out during office hours
• All watercraft must be returned one hour before office closing
• A waiver must be completed for each participant
• Life jackets must be worn at all times
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Boats may not be reserved or held for the entire day
After use, please return watercraft to their designated storage areas to prevent damage from tides.
Guests bringing their own boat should bring a dinghy or transportation for travel between the boat and shore.
Jet Skis are not permitted.
Parking
Each accommodation includes limited parking:
• One-Bedroom Cabins: 1 space
• Two-Bedroom Cabins: 2 spaces
• Guemes House: 3 spaces
• Salish Houses: 2 spaces
• Tiny House Almar: 1 space
Overflow parking is available along Forest Lane.
Please do not move rocks or logs to create parking spaces. These protect the septic system, and vehicles parked on septic areas may be responsible for repair costs.
Fires & Burn Bans
The resort has two fire pits:
• One communal pit
• One reservable pit
Guests may bring their own firewood or purchase wood from the office.
For safety and compliance with local regulations:
• Do not burn driftwood or cabin wood
• During a Modified Burn Ban, fires must be completely out by 10:00 PM
• During a Complete Burn Ban, no fires or charcoal grills are permitted anywhere on the property
This includes indoor fireplaces, fire pits, grills, sauna, and Dutch tub.
Propane fire pits are not allowed.
Guests must follow all restrictions from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Skagit County, and Guemes Island regulations.
Fishing & Crabbing
Fishing and crabbing are a long-standing tradition here, and we ask guests to help us protect the marine environment.
Please follow all regulations from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for Marine Area 7.
Licenses are available in nearby Anacortes at local retailers.
Crabbing Guidelines
• Clean and cook crab only at the Crab Shack cleaning station
• Do not cook crab near cabins
• Personal cookers must be on beach rocks at least 10 feet from driftwood
• Return crab shells and bait to the sea where pots were pulled
Each crabber must:
• Have a valid license
• Label buoys with name, address, and phone number
• Follow legal size and seasonal limits
Poaching is strictly prohibited.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside any accommodations.
A $300 fee will be charged for smoking in cabins due to additional cleaning required.
Damages & Responsibility
Guests are financially responsible for any damage to resort property caused during their stay.
Please report any damage to the office prior to check-out. Repair, replacement, and any related lost rental income may be charged to the card on file.
Groups & Events
For groups or events of 20 or more guests, a 10% service fee will be added. This gratuity goes directly to our resort staff.
Our Shared Island
These guidelines help us maintain a safe, relaxing environment for everyone who visits the resort. Failure to follow policies may result in additional fees or removal from the property.
Thank you for helping us protect the island and preserve the experience for future guests.
Ferry info: Get the Guemes Island Ferry Schedule https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksFerry
If you have any questions during your visit, our team is happy to help.
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📞 360-293-6643
📧 reservations@guemesislandresort.com
