Taking your boat to the San Juan Islands - what you need to know.

 This post covers just the bare basics needed for a San Juan Islands visit.  Think of it as simple answers to some very important questions.

Just because it is on a trailer does not mean it is a good idea.

#1 Where to begin this epic outing? 

One of these four places may offer exactly what you need to get the boat wet.  First, but not necessarily best, consider Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes.  Cap Sante offers light and heavy travel lift slings but no launching ramp.  They also offer short or long-term pay trailer parking and an RV park.  You definitely will want a reservation for slinging and mast stepping.  You may be able to reserve a slip at the transient dock. The costs are not cheap.

The next place to consider is Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.  While travel lifts are available at the port, their multilane all-tide boat ramp, long-term parking, and abundant transient slips are what most boaters come for.  If your destination is the northern San Juan islands or perhaps jumping over to Canada, this is by far the best place to begin and end your voyage.  No reservations are needed, and they operate 24/7 with a self-pay kiosk.  

Next, back in the Anacortes area are Washington Park and Deception Pass Park.  Washington Park is a city-owned campground with a two-lane boat ramp and float and trailer parking.  You don't need to stay at the campground, you can simply use the ramp and park for up to two weeks.  Pay 24/7 at the pay station.  Parking may be limited so avoid weekends if you can or have an alternate plan.  Tip: Plan an outing staying in the campground, taking the boat into the San Juans for day trips. Of course, you will need reservations for camping.  Lastly, just a few miles away is Deception Pass State Park.  The launching ramp and transient docks are at  Cornet Bay and are just a stone's throw from the famous Pass.  The ramp is usable at all tide levels, has four lanes and floats and has abundant long term parking.  Pay 24/7 at the Kiosk.  Cornet Bay also boasts a marina, fuel and a convenience store. All four locations have nice restrooms with pay showers.

There are a few other options for launching such as boat yards and some inferior ramps but these are the ones recommended that have parking.    all the ramps  As an aside, taking your boat on a ferry expecting to launch from a ramp on one of the islands is not a well thought out plan.

#2  Before you get going you need to take a good hard look at your gear.  Ill-prepared skippers not only risk ruining their cruise but they jeopardize the safety of everyone around them.  On the flip side, well-prepared captains seem to always have great drama-free vacations.  Speaking of gear, you need a way to get to shore from your anchored yacht.  A cheap two-three-man inflatable will work, paddle boards work, but beaching your boat is not going to work well for you. basic gear needed

#3  Okay, you're all packed and on the highway but where will you spend the first night?  Good question and the answer is all up to you and what you want.  What I have learned, is that what works best for me is to stay at Cornet Bay or Squalicum Harbor on the boat.  It is usually late and we are tired, simply getting on the water is enough for day one.  Your plan may be different so here is a list of parks.  parks, parks, parks , and here is a list of resorts and marinas waiting for your arrival. resorts and marinas

#4  You are well on your way now.  I hope you brought some food and fuel, if not, don't worry, here is a list of places you can go to get all the stuff you forgot to bring.  places with food and supplies

#5  If you are really going to the San Juans you will have dozens of new questions now that you are thinking about it.  So try this link for more answers >>  basic questions answered

#6   Lastly, along with planning where to go it really helps to know the distance between points.   Use this handy mileage chart.  water mileage chart  Remember, currents and tide fluctuations are part of every passage.

#7  When to go.  This is not a difficult choice, just go when you are able, but avoid winter weather.  July and August weather attract more people but there is plenty of room.  Holidays can get festive and tend to attract crowds but sometimes that is what makes it a great vacation.

Cruise the San Juan Islands – Sample Itinerary, Trip Plan, Info Guide

      Talk to ten San Juan Island cruisers and you will get ten different answers to the question, "What's the best place to go or thing to do in the San Juan's."   Each will be correct, mostly. To support their answers, they will offer first-hand exciting personal experiences.  That is why you must gather the best information, inject your wants and quirks, and then chart your own course to the San Juan's.  

Our experiences and local knowledge have been earned the old-fashioned way – one cruise at a time. Sailing, hiking, biking and gunkholing, all while immersed in nature has been our reward. 

     This website is a compilation of our travels in five sailboats and two trawlers spanning over two decades.

     Along the way we published a cruising guide, “San Juan Islands Cruise Guide,” followed later with a Land and Sea Guidebook, “San Juan Islands Travel Guide.”  My goal for this website and these books is to help boaters, travelers, sailors, and families enjoy the good times we have enjoyed for many years.

     What is the best five-day itinerary?  That's like asking what's the best color.  But there are certain things that our experience and local knowledge will help with.  Sometimes, one just needs a little push in the right direction to get on the right tack, so to speak.  It is impossible in an essay or article to cover everything important to everybody or all the possible places to go.  However, this website does cover every state park, every county park, every public dock, and much much more.  You will find many links to pictures and specific posts, all composed for San Juan Island boaters.  Be sure, while reading to click the links and follow your interests. Be sure to use the search box at the top of this page on the left side.

You're invited!

     To help you muddle through this dilemma and provide some interesting reading, please come along with us on our summer cruise in the San Juan Islands.  Of course, you will be taking your own boat since ours is full.  

     Today, we use our laptop as a chart plotter, I only use the GPS function. The program was free online Free chart plotter software but I had to buy a USB antenna for $19.95.  You can get by with a small handheld GPS or even your cell phone but I enjoy the big screen.   I don't want you to get lost if we get separated, or your battery is dead, so you should pick up a paper chart and a compass.   chart #18421 I carry a colorful roadmap with us as well.

    Let's get on the same page and assume this is your first boat trip to the San Juan's, and you are in a trailerable sailboat with a 5-6 mph speed.  There are five or six starting points we have used but only three are preferred.  They are Cornet Bay in Deception Pass, Cap Sante in Anacortes or Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.  If you have a fast powerboat or are coming up from the Seattle direction you will want to make time and distance adjustments.  We will plan to sleep on board but use bathrooms on shore. Okay, let's go. ----- We have narrowed it down to about twenty parks to choose from for the first night, and that's not counting the marinas at Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, or Rosario.   Not to worry, I have a plan >>>  all the parks and then some

      Sometimes when we plan a vacation trip to the San Juan's,  we try to make a great circle route because it saves time and resources. But this time we're going to decide where we go, as we go. We will see how that non-plan works out.  Certain people on the boat have expressed a desire for hot showers, I guess we will see how that works out too. Since we may travel all the way across the San Juan's and back, your boat will need a minimum 75-mile range. Fuel is readily available everywhere but smart skippers figure one-third of the miles out, one-third back, and a third as a cushion.  If your fuel tank is a little small you can tie a five-gallon can on deck.  Knowing you have reserve fuel will ease anxious thoughts and ensure you have a great visit.  Shall we also assume that you have a seaworthy vessel with all safety gear?  If not, correct it before we head out, or stay home.  Life jackets for all

Plan as we go itinerary:

Cornet Bay Launch Ramps

        Let's begin at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park.  However, after reading this post, I suggest that you search this website and check out the other launch locations. Some may fit your plans better. launch points Also, search the other parks and marinas and things to do.  It is easy to overlook a great place or mini adventure that will make your cruise the best of all.  I chose to launch at Cornet Bay this time because I really enjoy the pass scenery.  The dock and the long-term parking are ideal.  Plus being able to take off or return from both directions 24/7 opens up even more possibilities when not having a firm plan. If I was heading for the Sucia area first off, I may have chosen Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham but where we end the cruise may dictate where to begin.

Read the rest?

Deception Pass - How to Navigate Strong Currents and Dangerous Waves

Deception Pass, located in Deception Pass State Park in Washington, is notorious for its strong tidal currents and swirling eddies. The pass can be treacherous for boaters and kayakers. Here are some tips for navigating safely through the Pass:

Looking inbound at what actually is two separate bridges.
You can see narrow slot of Canoe Pass on left side, Deception Pass on right side.

First, let's understand that in the San Juans, Puget Sound, Gulf Islands, pretty much everywhere, there are nasty places where you can get into trouble if you are prone to doing stupid things.  Driving into a storm or wild surf with breaking waves is a mistake for most of us regardless of our boat or skill level.

That being said, the rising/falling  tides cause currents.  Large tide ranges usually mean faster currents. Narrow passes or jutting headlands tend to intensify things. Add to that, strong winds and storms and you get places to avoid on your vacation cruise.  

Deception Pass is very narrow, but only narrow for a short section directly under the bridge.  Consequently, the high current speed and accompanying swirlies and waves are confined.  As you approach the bridge you notice your speed or lack of it rapidly changing making you acutely aware or your boats agility's.  Most sailboats don't have the top speed needed to overcome normal pass conditions on a calm summer day. The water may be mostly flat, whirlpools minimal, no waves and yet the boat stalls out under the bridge with the skipper wishing his 6.75 mph boat could make 7 for just another hundred feet.  Of course going the other way the same boat will whisk through at a breath taking 12 mph.

If the current and wind oppose each other and this is very common, the conditions will be pretty much the same except with increasing wind there will be standing waves directly under the bridge for a short distance.  These waves could range from not much to something that buries the bow and sheets across the deck into the cockpit, making an open boat a very big mistake and a wet thrill ride for sailboaters.  

Slack water: There is no way for me to predict what you will face, that is up to you but slack water happens four times every 24 hrs when the tide changes from incoming to outgoing and vice versa.  Normally during slack water it is flat, the whirlies go away and you can paddle a dinghy around Pass Island.  Keep in mind though that a far away storm can still send swells and waves your way, so no guarantees.  Slack water may last just five minutes before a change is noticeable, up to an hour before things reverse and really get going again.  You can figure that if you missed the window by three hours, then you really didn't care. Powerful, capable boats generally don't pay much attention except when stormy weather is afoot, then even the big boys watch out.

Pass Island: Deception Pass is actually two passes and two bridges separated by Pass Island.  Canoe Pass on the north is quite narrow, not wide enough for boats to safely pass each other. There is a S curve causing limited sight distance and probably should not be attempted by anyone reading this article.  From time to time excursion jet boats will run through Canoe Pass and competent boaters looking for a thrill will shoot through but it is not worth the risk of life or vessel.  On the other hand, I have taken my dinghy and circled Pass Island many times taking pictures but only during slack water.  I remember vividly once stalling out in Canoe Pass with my 2.5 hp outboard, unable to make headway.  I moved back and forth for a minute trying to gain a little ground.  When I gave up and prepared to turn around I was shocked to see how the waves had grown behind me.  A chill of fear hit me because to turn around I would be broadside for a bit and in a very bad place mere feet from cliffs and in an S turn no less.

Cornet Bay:  Less than a mile inside the pass is Cornet Bay. At Cornet Bay is a large boat ramp, transient docks, restrooms, showers, long term parking, fuel and a convenience store.  Cornet Bay is a great place to start and end your cruise or just hang out while waiting for pass conditions to improve.

Bowman Bay, Sharpe Cove: Is just a short half mile outside the pass.  There is a small dock and protected bay where you can wait for pass conditions to swing your way.

Swinomish Channel:  Fog and bad weather sometimes plague Deception Pass and the Strait of Juan De Fuca.  Sometimes, even in summer the weather gods wont line up with the best planned vacation.  If that happens, simply go another way.  Swinomish Channel is about four or five miles from Deception Pass, back towards Seattle.  Going through the eleven mile channel pops you out near Anacortes and very handily avoids, waves, currents and sometimes pea soup fog.  Along the way you can visit La Conner, walk the boardwalk, or even spend the night at one of three city docks or the county marina.

Tiny Sharpe Cove dock, outside Deception Pass

Deception Pass on left, current beginning to speed up, directly under bridge about 5mph 

Cornet Bay transient floats, 3 day max.

In this article I have tried not to downplay risk nor make it seem that the pass doesn't deserve your utmost respect, it does.  Just make it part of your trip, time you passage for near slack water and have a great cruise.

more Deception Pass insights > Almost losing our battle with the pass

Fifteen best lessor known destinations and hikes not to miss when cruising the San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands Boaters Must-See List

These are special places to go and great things to do that our years of cruising have rewarded us with. Some of the very best places are walks or hikes that are off the beaten path and seldom visited. I have listed them in somewhat of a great circle to help you stay oriented, but you will not be able to visit all of them in one day. I suggest that you mark them on a paper map or chart for later reference.

Check out these places too.  Not really must see places but exploring and gunkholing places.  little coves and back doors

#1 Spend at Least Half a Day at Friday Harbor

While technically not off the beaten path, nor seldom visited, Friday Harbor must be listed. If you only have time for one choice, make it a visit to Friday Harbor, even if just for a few hours. Arrive around noon when marina slips are being vacated from the day before. Walk up the stairs and go to the whale museum. Circle Spring Street and the core area on foot, and visit the many boutiques, bistros, and souvenir shops. If you stop by on a Saturday, there is a Saturday Market at the Brickyard. Shop at Kings Market for all you need for a special meal on board or choose from one of the many restaurants all within a short walk. Walk to the end of Spring Street landing pier and look at the local sea creatures in the huge saltwater aquarium.

While out on the wharf, watch seaplanes land and take off. Stay long enough to watch a 460-foot, 5,000-ton ferry expertly pull into the terminal next to you. Check your watch; you don't want to miss the sunset bus tour to Lime Kiln Point State Park. San Juan Transit van/bus loads alongside the ferry terminal parking lanes and leaves promptly each evening one hour before sunset, delivering passengers to Lime Kiln Park parking lot in time to watch the sun set over Vancouver Island and Haro Strait. Be sure to bring your camera; you may be fortunate and catch an Orca breaching in the evening sun. San Juan Transit will have you back to Friday Harbor in time for your late dinner.

Spring Street (main st) Friday Harbor

Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse

The next morning, if you have an inkling to go for a free ferry ride, check the schedules and go as a foot passenger. Simply walk on, using the foot passenger lane, while cars are being loaded. Eat breakfast onboard, ride to Orcas Landing, do some shopping, and then ride the opposite direction ferry back to Friday Harbor.

If you are more adventurous, bring your bicycle and spend the day riding around Orcas, Lopez, or Shaw Island; your boat will be waiting in your slip when you return. Ferry rides for foot and bicycle riders are free in the inner islands. There is a fee only when departing from Anacortes.

First Time Trip to the San Juans Suggested Itinerary for a Nine Day Trip

San Juan Islands for First Timers

Suggested Itineraries for  San Juan Island boating trips

(Updated (2014) alternate itinerary with Echo Bay at Sucia Island as 1st stop)
click here  Sucia Trip Intinerary

(For a  shorter itinerary on your first cruise and with different island stopovers (click here) 

      This article is designed to get you going on that first boating/sailing trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington State.

Below is a snapshot map of your dreamed about vacation land (or water) 

The map above identifies many  (not all) common names and places

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with some locations you may have read about.

You may want to follow this link and take a quick look at the detailed marine parks list and then come back to the suggested itinerary below, "MARINE PARK LIST AND MAPS" click here 

for your detailed itinerary click (read more) below  >>

What is the Best Dinghy for Cruisers in the San Juan Islands? The Dinghy Dilemma!

       We all know asking "What's the best dinghy" is a loaded question; boaters can be passionate when it comes to  equipment choices.  Based on my own frugal, sailing/boating should be affordable philosophy "The best dinghy is the one you already own."  Whoa now, lets start listing exceptions.  I don't mean too small, too big, leaky, unsafe, etc. etc.   I mean a basic dinghy, that only has to float you and your stuff to shore.

    In keeping with this blogs purpose to help first timers get to the San Juans, lets talk reality.

     Here are ten or more irrefutable truths about dinghies.

• You must have a dinghy to go ashore at most parks, because you can't count on there being room at the dock. Many docks have room for only four boats. Many parks have no dock.
• You don't need a dinghy if you only go to resorts and marinas.
• You will probably tow your dinghy everywhere you go.
• You may not use it at all (makes you wish you left it home).
• If you need it you will be thankful you brought it with you.
• There is no place you will go that you can't drag your dinghy along.
• Dinghies may be major status symbols among some groups.
• Towing a dinghy slows you down and uses fuel
• You may run over your tow line and foul your prop or rudder (use a floating tow line).
• Certain people have a hard time climbing into or out of a dinghy alongside their boat.
• Children need a dinghy.

     Okay, that list is far from complete but highlights some points. Yes you need a dinghy, even if you can beach your boat, there are simply too many limitations and problems with beaching your water borne camper.  Lets say for example you rush to shore to use the bathroom at one of the great State Parks.  In the ten minutes you're ashore, a falling tide could leave you high and dry.  With a dinghy you simply pick it up and carry it back to the water. You need a two or three person dinghy, a one person craft can't ferry others to shore. When using dinghies, a multi hull catamaran style such as a Livingston is very stable, rows  well, beaches easy, and can carry big cargoes, however when towed they track to one side, hunt back and forth, forcing you to keep them on a very short leash. A conventional V hull dinghy is  tipsy crawling over the bow on the beach, carry's less cargo, but rows very nice and will tow directly behind you on a long or short leash.  Inflatables can carry enormous loads, some (not all) row poorly and some create so much drag they are impossible to tow. Just about all dinghies can be outfitted with an outboard motor, but you really don't need one for simple cruising in the San Juan Islands unless you plan on doing miles of shoreline exploring.

        In the summer season you probably wont see any big dinghy capsizing waves, but storms and adverse winds can churn up anywhere anytime, my dinghy floats when swamped, but not with the outboard, with the outboard bolted to the transom it's straight to the bottom or at least as far down as my tow line is long. Inflatables may be swamped without damage or sinking, which is something to think about if  your main boat is not up to the challenge, and could itself be sunk somehow.

Our Livingston dinghy is nine feet long and a tad bit overloaded

This inflatable was $69 and holds two people

This inflatable stows on deck, or deflated stows below and carries three people. 

      How about two dinghy's?
If you have children that take off with the dinghy, they are effectively leaving you stranded on the boat or ashore.  Well that's not going to happen you may say.  I say, "what if they get hurt ashore and call you on the phone or radio for help? What do you do? What if they take off in the dinghy and it gets dark, what do you do? (swim)"
Several years past I sent my bored and restless son (in the dinghy) to shore at dusk, telling him to invite himself to one of the many campfires we could see from the boat.  He met some other boaters with kids and before you know it it was after 10:00 pm and very dark.  His mother and I started to wonder what to do as we were stranded, and had no way to communicate with him. After a few minutes I took a strong flash light and blinked it into the darkness in the direction we thought he was last seen.  A short while later he appeared at our transom asking if we wanted him or something.  This little non event made me realize how handy a second dinghy would be, so we bought an inflatable kayak to stow below, just in case.

10/13/13 update worth noting
I'm selling the new sailing dinghy

4/17/17 update on converting the 9'  Livingston dinghy to sailing
 >> go to the do-it-yourself page and scroll way way way down to see the finished conversion << The dinghy conversion section is before the Bimini top on the cheap instructions and after the Boat acronyms if that helps you find it.
Livingston dinghy sailing conversion

9/13/20 another dinghy update. Last winter I plunked down about a grand in boat bucks and bought a new inflatable. My criteria was as follows. First, it must be light enough for me to muscle it around onto and off of the cabin roof by myself. It must have two seats. I must be able to inflate and deflate it on the boat. I bought a 9.5 foot boat with aluminum seats, plywood transom and high pressure inflatable floor.  Without seats, oars or pump, the rolled up package is about 4 feet long, 1.5 feet in diameter and weighs in at 73 pounds.

Standing on the cabin roof, I was able to fully inflate the new boat and slide it into the water.  Dragging it back up was much more work, even with two of us.  Then we drove around for three days with the inflated boat on the roof. All in all I like the new boat and am happy with my choice.

Testing complete, we deflated our new dinghy, rolled it up and headed for the San Juans.  At the last minute before heading up the freeway, I put the Livingston back on it's  swim step snap davits.  I know my plan was to replace the Livingston with something more seaworthy but I decided to bring the new and the old anyway.

In the San Juans we never inflated the new dinghy, and used the Livingston as usual.  Now the new inflatable is sitting collecting dust in my boat shed. I used it once for one hour. I still have high hopes to somehow justify my purchase. I hope mice and squirrels don't chew on it in the meantime.

How to Plan an Unforgettable San Juan Islands Vacation Boat Trip

 

Embarking on an adventure begins with making a firm decision and setting a date. If you're considering a San Juan Islands vacation boat trip, we offer sound advice based on our many visits to these beautiful islands and villages.

Washington Park ramp

1.      Setting the Perfect Date: Choosing the right time for your trip requires careful consideration. We have traveled throughout the San Juans from early spring to late fall, and each month offers a unique experience. July and August offer the best weather and blooming flowers but also attract the most visitors. May and June may bring cooler and wetter days, but they also offer excellent sailing winds and the chance to see newborn fawns. September and October may bring foggy days, especially near Deception Pass and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, but you might be rewarded with fewer crowds and wonderful weather. Keep in mind that early spring and late fall may find some businesses and parks closed or partially operational. It's essential to make inquiries to ensure it doesn't affect your plans.

2.      Where to Start: The answer to this question varies for each boater, but there are a few common options. If you're coming by boat from Seattle or the Puget Sound area, you'll need to go around Whidbey Island through either Admiralty Inlet and Port Townsend or Deception Pass. Many skippers prefer Deception Pass due to calmer waters and no commercial shipping. The Deception Pass route also allows for a visit to Cornet Bay or a detour through Swinomish Channel to explore La Conner and Anacortes. Although Port Townsend is an option, personally, I recommend choosing La Conner and Cornet Bay.

3.      Trailering Boat Arrival Options: Most boaters arrive with their boats on trailers. To find suitable ramps for launching, you can refer to this comprehensive list: (http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/taking-your-boat-for-camping-vacation.html). However, only three ramps are typically preferred: Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, Cornet Bay at Deception Pass Park, and Washington Park in Anacortes. Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes offers a travel lift hoist but no ramp. Washington Park is the closest to the San Juans and allows for a quick start, but parking may be limited during peak times. Parking at Cornet Bay and Squalicum Harbor is always readily available. We have utilized all three ramps multiple times, and our choice depends on our destination and who accompanies us. Sometimes, dropping off children at Washington Park is convenient if they need to return home early. Personally, I enjoy the Deception Pass area, so if our agenda is clear, Cornet Bay is our preferred choice. Note: I do not recommend taking a ferry to the islands with plans to launch at any of the county ramps. The ramps are inferior, and most don't allow overnight parking. An exception may be small skiffs or kayakers.

4.      Rest After Travel: If you've traveled a long distance and then rigged and splashed the boat, chances are you are exhausted, and it is getting late. It's advisable to spend the first night at a nearby dock or location. Both Cornet Bay and Squalicum Harbor offer transient docks next to the launch ramps. Note that Washington Park only offers a launch dock and is not suitable for overnight stays. Anchoring out front in exposed Guemes Channel, while very doable, will not be much fun due to the many wakes. Nearby welcoming places like James's Island, Cypress Head, or Saddlebag Island, located about four miles away, offer great options depending on your route. Keep in mind that anchoring requires a dinghy to reach the shore. Alternatively, last summer, we tried inflatable paddleboards instead of a dinghy, but their usefulness as a full-time dinghy substitute is still uncertain.

5.      Planning Your Itinerary: Your itinerary doesn't have to be rigid, with specific stops for each minute or day. It's more enjoyable to have a rough idea and a list of preferred stops. For example, you might want to have a late lunch and buy ice and groceries at Friday Harbor, but you can do the same at Lopez Village, Roche Harbor, or Eastsound. Consider visiting stores when your ice melts on day two or three and take the opportunity to enjoy a hot shower. Most villages and marinas offer groceries, fuel, and shower facilities. Don't worry about being turned away as ample anchorage is available throughout the islands. Consider saving fuel and time by following a great circle route and avoiding backtracking. Visit the outer points early while you still have ice and snacks, and then recharge in the villages. Allowing seven days for your trip is ideal, as anything less might feel rushed, while more time will be well spent.

6.      Additional Excursions: Don't miss out on Butchart Gardens and Victoria; both can be day-only or overnight additions to your San Juan Islands trip. While reservations aren't necessary, make sure to carry your passports for re-entry into the US.

7.      Easy Quick Itinerary:

• Day 1: Launch at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park, spend the night at the transient dock.
• Day 2: Run to Jones Island, spend the night at anchor or dock.
• Day 3: Run to English Camp, hike up Young Hill, have lunch at Roche Harbor, and return to Jones.
• Day 4: Run to Friday Harbor, have lunch and showers, buy groceries, and return to Jones.
• Day 5: Run to Stuart, hike to the lighthouse, and dock or anchor for the night.
• Day 6: Run to Sucia, anchor or dock for the night in Fossil Bay, hike to China caves and Ewing Cove.
• Day 7: Stop by Saddlebag Park for a short hike, run through Swinomish Channel, have lunch at La Conner, and arrive late back at Cornet Bay to spend the last night at the dock.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to embark on an unforgettable boat trip through the stunning San Juan Islands. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty and create lasting memories. Most of all, you will have fun.

If you really want to take advantage of tides and currents, consider this guide

San Juan Islands area current atlas

Map locating Boat Ramps, Docks, Marine Parks and boat launching ramps serving the San Juan Islands

Map of San Juan Island Area

With selected Parks, Docks, and Trailer Boat Ramps

 •  Boat Ramps = Purple  •  Parks = Red  •  Docks = Green

Most docks (floats) are in parks, resorts, marinas and may be used for overnight camping. Boat launching ramps have long term parking.  Parks without docks have anchor buoys or areas suitable for anchoring.

The facilities listed, are in my opinion, most useful for cruisers, which means lots of private resorts are not shown because they don't cater to transient boaters.

Click on the picture and then enlarge it to see dot colors better!

Note on trip planning:
I don't recommend taking your boat on a ferry and launching somewhere in the islands.  However if you must, there are county ramps on all four  islands served by the ferries except Shaw.  Many private resorts have ramps but they are inferior at best, nonfunctional at worst. The one exception is Jackson Beach Park  (Port of Friday Harbor) near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Jackson has a good double ramp and float and you can park for free up to 72 hours.

The mainland ramps I recommend are Washington Park, Deception Pass Park or Squalicum Harbor (#1 choice most trips is Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham)

Top Things to do and Places to go in the San Juan Islands

Discover the top places to go and the best things to do by boat in the San Juan Islands. 

The difference between a truly wonderful vacation and a ho-hum boat ride is the memorable experiences and special places visited along the way.  These are some of our favorite haunts and things to do.  Maybe some will become your favorites as well.  

• Matia Island one-mile loop trail:  This easy one-mile loop immerses you deeply into the shaded forest the minute you take your first steps. Towering trees, oversized ferns, and thick mosses line the trail.  Our first walk many years ago was so serene and calming that even our young kids were quiet and talked in whispers.  Matia Island pictorial

• Pygmy deer on Jones Island:  The northwest is full of wildlife and deer are everywhere, or so it seems sometimes.  However, apparently, the many deer on Jones Island have developed to a much smaller size. Even the older bucks with big racks are only about waist-high.  Many of the deer are tame, and some are downright annoying.  One time a deer met me at the water's edge as I came ashore in the dinghy.   Several times deer have joined us around our campfires looking for handouts and letting the kids rub their heads and pet them.  I remember once a spike kept crowding too close to the fire, he was intent on getting at a bag of corn curls. It is against park rules to feed the animals so I don't know how they learned to expect treats from boaters.  Jones Island deer

• While Deception Pass isn't located within San Juan County, any boating enthusiast would be remiss not to include it in their cruising itinerary. In fact, Cornet Bay, with its well-facilitated ramp, serves as a prime launch point for those embarking on their nautical adventures. But, here's a piece of advice – don't just launch and rush through; take the time to savor the breathtaking scenery.
  
  
  Consider planning part of your voyage around the four daily occurrences of slack tide. At slack tide, the turbulent waters temporarily calm, providing an excellent opportunity for exploration. A mere quarter-mile beyond the pass, still within the park's boundaries, you'll discover Sharpe Cove. Here, you can moor your vessel at the floating dock, and at the head of the ramp stands the remarkable Maiden of Deception Pass.
  
  
  This extraordinary statue, carved from a towering cedar tree, stands at an impressive twenty-five feet. It portrays a Samish woman gracefully holding a salmon aloft. The story it tells is one of unwavering sacrifice, representing a Native Indian woman who risked her life to ensure her people would never go hungry. It's a powerful testament to the deep connection between the indigenous people and the land.
  
  
  Just a stone's throw from the Maiden lies Rosario Beach, a renowned tide pool area. It's a place where nature's wonders are on full display, offering an opportunity to observe a rich variety of marine life and coastal ecosystems up close. So, when charting your course through these waters, ensure you dedicate some time to exploring Deception Pass and its fascinating surroundings. The remarkable beauty and cultural significance of the area are sure to leave a lasting impression on any adventurer. Deception Pass

• Did you notice?
•  As a writer wannabe, I enjoy playing with words. Lately, I have been kicking around artificial intelligence.  The next passage and the preceding passage were passed through an AI program.  I supplied the basic information, the fluffy language, not so much, enjoy.
• The Swinomish Channel, a hidden gem for seasoned boaters, provides a picturesque and relaxing alternative to the sometimes turbulent waters of Deception Pass. Many visitors who park long-term at the  Cornet Bay boat ramp in Deception Pass Park, myself included, choose to embark on this delightful detour. When heading out, instead of veering right into the unpredictable waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Rosario Strait, consider retracing your route for a few miles and setting a course through the serene Swinomish Channel. This not only offers a respite from the challenges of the Pass but also shields you from the often encroaching fog in the Straits. As a delightful bonus, you can make a pit stop at the charming town of La Conner. Nestled along the banks of the channel, La Conner welcomes boaters with open arms. The town offers four docks, perfect for short-term or overnight stays. A leisurely stroll along the charming boardwalk presents a plethora of quaint shops, inviting bistros, and even a provision store for all your needs.So, when charting your course, why not opt for the scenic great circle route, meandering through the Swinomish Channel? Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery, and don't forget to treat yourself to a delectable ice cream cone at La Conner, making your journey all the more memorable.  (not bad, but not me)

• The San Juan's are full of hikes, walks, and places to explore and I'm not going to list all of them on Sucia, Stuart, Matia, James, Jones ...  But two hikes beckon me back again and again because they reward me, not just exhaust me.  Hiking to the top of *Eagle Bluff on Cypress and the top of  *Youngs Peak, aka Young Hill at English Camp. Both hikes are thigh burners and just plain hard work. Both are short and intense, we pace ourselves, rest, and keep coming back.  The summit views are worth it. Bring cameras and water.  Go to this link and then scroll down to #7 and #9

• Use your dinghy, kayak, or paddleboard to explore Echo Bay:  Sounds simple enough and you probably already plan to,  but I suggest you go to Ewing Cove at the far northeast end of Echo Bay. You can sneak in with your big boat but using the dinghy allows you to paddle through some narrow slots and get up close to some cool cliffs and rocks.  You can even go ashore to use the privy, have a campfire, or drop off passengers who want to make the long hike back through the woods to Fossil Bay.  Ewing Cove has two buoys and is at the far north end or point of Echo Bay on Sucia Island.  Watch for rocks, follow your chart, watch the sounder, and go slow.

• Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor: I don't believe the park is part of Roche Harbor but if you go by boat, you need to get a slip at the marina or anchor and go ashore at a dinghy dock.  Once on shore, walk uphill past the pool and cabins, and cross the road, you can't miss it. It's free, donations are welcome.  We enjoy strolling through the fields, meadows and woods. The unique large art pieces are spread out over twenty acres. Some spin and whirl, some are interactive, and some have deer grazing nearby.  There is something for all ages and dogs are welcome too.

• Turn Point lighthouse museum hike:  Chances are that you already know about this very popular destination.  Most newcomers will be staying at either Prevost or Reid Harbors and then hike the 2.5 miles  (one way) from the State Park docks.  You can save two miles and an hour by taking the dinghy to the county dock at the far north end of Prevost Harbor.  We usually anchor near the county dock and then leave the dinghy tied to the small float while we walk out to Turn Point.

•  Moran Museum:  You should stop by Rosario Resort in East Sound on Orcas Island.  You may anchor, tie to a buoy, ask for a complimentary slip, or spend the night.  While you are there make your way to the third floor of the mansion-turned-resort office and restaurant.  The top floor museum is dedicated to the early days of Robert Moran and the San Juans.

• Friday Harbor music on the promenade:  The short promenade that runs between the marina office and main street is a small city park.  Most summer weekends the stage is filled with musicians entertaining cruisers and locals.  It is lots of fun and free,  Music will drift out on the dock to your boat but not if you are somewhere else.  When planning your travels, plan Saturday at Friday Harbor.  

Your interests will vary from ours, so this list may not be perfect for you. I suggest that you search this website, you may discover the perfect idea.

Turn point museum at the lighthouse

Creating maximum space at the dock and general good manners.

   Having just returned from a 200 mile sweep around the San Juan's, I am fresh with observations and thoughts of how to improve the experience.

      Everyone knows that dock space is first come first served and not to expect room for one more when you arrive.  However, there is room for more if you try using some common sense.  Somewhere in the mountain of state park dock rules and regs is the suggestion to locate boats close together.  Spacing boats fifteen feet apart is not helpful and yet it is common. Tying ones dinghy to the float instead of rafting it is another obvious inconsiderate ploy that effectively exclude others.  By the way, did they pay for the extra dinghy footage?

       Speaking of dinghy's, many parks have designated dinghy docks but I see people with fifteen foot inflatables, complete with 50hp outboards, consoles, windshields and bimini's, side tied at the dinghy dock forcing real dinghy's to make do as best they can.  What is really annoying is when you realize the offending dinghy belongs to the fifty five footer tied to the same float.

      Speaking of  bigger or smaller boats,  a considerate skipper will let his longish bow area stick out beyond the end of the float so his fifty five feet only uses forty feet of  dock.  Stop! I know this trick is a bad idea in some locations and for some boats. Obviously, I'm not suggesting being foolish, I'm suggesting being thoughtful and considerate.

       While we are talking considerate  activities,  how long is long enough or too long to run a generator?  During my latest visit we were treated to a generator running for eight hour stretches.  It was during the daytime and it was fairly quiet but come on, at least get off the dock and anchor out a ways. I was anchored out myself, it must have been no fun at all for the people close by.

       I spend some of my non San Juan boating time around jet skis, water skiers, tubers, newbies, loud music and alcohol fueled people enjoying the water.  As such, I expect close encounters, big wakes and general on water mayhem.  But not in the San Juan's, the San Juan's attract an older more refined, mature crowd. We have miles of room to navigate, there is really no reason for close encounters. Jet skis are outlawed and proper boating is the norm.  On this visit a thirty five footer at high speed overtook us and passed by so close they would have hit us if I had turned unexpectedly.  I had no time to react, their wake rolled us so violently that one crew was thrown out of their seat and some of our belongings came crashing off shelves and out of cabinets breaking on the cabin sole.  I regret I did not get a picture or name of the offending boat.  I am not embarrassed that acting on reflex, I cussed them over the radio.  Then after realizing in my haste I may not have keyed the mike, I did it again clearly to make sure they heard.  I hope they heard me but my antenna was down with the inflatable on the roof so my range was greatly reduced.  I apologize for may last paragraph, I'm still reeling when I think about the incident.

     On an upnote, at Jones Island, as we were anchoring, a skipper at the float yelled over to us that he was leaving in a few minutes. We aborted lowering the hook and moved over, thank you very much.

     Also at Jones, we thought we lost a cell phone, trail mix and passports in a drybag at our camp site, only to find it two days later where a racoon had stashed it in the bushes, unharmed but chewed on.

     

      

Places to go in the San Juan Islands

Places to go and things to do in the San Juan Islands.  All places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle also.

• Hikes:  Pretty much every park has easy to lengthy hikes so instead of making a long list you may follow this link to all the parks  All the parks
• Eagle Bluff on Cypress (Start at Pelican Beach)
• Afterglow Mausoleum at Roche Harbor
• Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island
• Young Hill at English Camp
• China Caves from Fossil Bay
• Vendovi Preserve on Vendovi Island
• Fort Whitman on Goat Island
• Turtleback Mountain, begin at West Sound county dock
• Click here for >> Detailed instructions for the hikes listed above
  

            

Eagle Bluff (Cliff) from Rosario Strait

• Dining/eats:  I have never reviewed restaurants and won't here.  However a newbie to the San Juans has no idea what to expect or where to go so here goes some locations.
• Blakely's: Just inside Peavine Pass has a small deli bar
• Eastsound: It's a one block walk from the dock to downtown with many bistros, shops.
• Rosario: Dock, restaurants
• Lopez Village - Fisherman Bay: Restaurant at Islander resort or for Dinghy beach landing at Lopez Village
• Friday Harbor: many places are walking distance from complementary tie ups in marina
• Deer Harbor: Deli on dock, restaurants on shore
• Roche Harbor: several restaurants on shore, complementary dock
• West Beach: north shore on Orcas, deli in store on dock

• Transient tie ups:  All cities and marinas are well noted on this site but there are lots of docks other than parks that you may visit for short term, try this link, 16 public docks other than parks where you are welcome

• Groceries, shopping:  The best advice here is to bring what you can before you head out, but the San Juans are not without good grocery stores.  You just need to know where they are.  This comprehensive post has them all >> Where are all the big stores?

• Fuel:  Gas and diesel are readily available.  I would arrive with full tanks but not to worry if you don't.  This link will take you to all of them  >>  fuel docks

• Museums and points of interest: 
• Whale Museum in Friday Harbor is just up a flight of stairs from the marina office
• Turn Point Lighthouse museum on Stuart Island
• Patos Island Lighthouse Museum on Patos
• Moran mansion has a third floor museum at Rosario Resort
• English Camp at Garrison Bay on San Juan Island
• Sculpture Garden at Roche Harbor
• There are Saturday Markets at Lopez Village, Friday Harbor and Eastsound

• Campgrounds, parks: For all the parks, click right here  >> Parks - Parks - Parks 

• Special places we really like: Fifteen lessor known places to go