How do you plan a boat cruise through the San Juan Islands?
Planning your first San Juan Islands boat cruise involves basic preparations:
- Choosing a launch ramp
- Preparing safety gear
- Mapping overnight stops.
- Squalicum Harbor
- Washington Park
- Cap Sante, or Cornet Bay
Guides provide:
- Tips on fuel range
- Anchorages M
- arine parks
- Provisioning
First-time skippers can confidently plan a multi-day San Juan Islands cruising itinerary. If you're new to boating in the San Juans, here are simple answers to the most common questions, all in one place.
 |
| Because it is on a trailer does not make it a good idea! |
This article serves as a mini San Juan Islands cruising guide for first-time boaters, with practical planning tips and launch locations.
While reading this somewhat abbreviated post, click the links to dig into specific details. Be sure to use the search box to find more of what you want.
#1 Where to begin this epic outing?
Launch your boat at one of these places.
- Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham,
- Washington Park in Anacortes
- Cap Sante in Anacortes.
- Cornet Bay at Deception Pass Park
One of these four places may offer exactly what you need to get the boat wet. First, if a sling is required, consider Cap Sante. They offer 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.
Click below for the — four best places — to begin your cruise
