What makes a good dinghy beach? Scroll to the bottom for my number one and number two choices when sailing the San Juan Islands
At first I was just going to list some features good dinghy beaches share, then I realized San Juan newcomers may need or want a warning to help in trip planning. So lets be clear, just because a beach is considered a good dinghy beach does not mean it is worthy of a visit and conversely, if someone says the beach is no good for dinghy's does not mean you should not plan a stop over. Forewarned is forearmed or something like that.
In my opinion a good dinghy beach allows you to get to shore and back to the boat with a minimum of fuss and bother.
In no particular order, lets make a list of likes and dislikes.
- not getting feet wet getting into and out of the dinghy is really nice.
- ditto for all tide levels, so the angle (slope) of the beach is crucial
- gravel versus mud is a no brain-er
- sand is better than mud, but both track into the dinghy and back to the boat (gravel doesn't track)
- something nearby to tie the painter to, like a massive old log
- a cool view of my boat when I turn around
- a nearby restroom is handy
- not smelling like dead seaweed is a plus
- fires permitted and driftwood is always nice for evenings
- nearby tide pools for exploring
- security is something some spots lack (theft of dinghy or contents)
- free-roaming dogs! or other wildlife
- how about a lack of bugs and bird droppings
- what about a western view of the setting sun
- protection from weather-driven waves
click on -read more- to find my two best dinghy beach choices
