What I Wish I’d Known Before Taking My Boat to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands

Before we ever tied up in Friday Harbor, there were a few things I really wish someone had told me.

These tips come from arriving by boat, making a few mistakes, watching other skippers struggle, and learning what actually works once you’re in the harbor.

#1 Breakwater “A” — What You Can (and should not) Do

After many visits to Friday Harbor, I learned that it is okay to tie up at Breakwater “A” without a reservation or even asking permission. That sounds ideal — and sometimes it is — but don’t count on it being open. It often fills up, and the outside of the breakwater takes a beating from wakes and wind waves, which explains the name.

Friday Harbor Marina Map

Tip:  Several times we have observed boats being wave and wake damaged, bouncing and crashing while tied on the outside.  One time, I stayed behind to hold the boat off even though I had lots of big fenders.

The good news is that boats come and go all day. Most visits have calm waters. Sometimes we hang around a bit, and a space opens up.  This is our go-to dock when we arrive for a short trip to the store or restrooms.  The second choice is the load dock.

Do not tie up at Breakwater B or any other breakwater without permission. The customs dock at the end of B is clearly marked as a red no-tie zone, and the opposite end is used for seaplanes. Both are off limits.

Closer to shore, there are several walkways where side-tying is allowed. My favorite spot for overnighting is across from the dinghy dock. (bypass walkway)  For entertainment, Popeye the seal is often hanging out in the area.

When I find a place to stay, I simply walk to the marina office to register. Later in the day, staff often come by and check boats in directly.

Tip: If you need shore power, ask the Harbormaster for a slip assignment. There’s no power available on the breakwater.

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#2 Reserving a Slip

If I want to lock things in ahead of time, I make a slip reservation in advance. Otherwise, when I’m getting close, I’ll call the harbormaster on VHF channel 66A and ask about availability.  They will ask for your boat name and length.

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#3 The Public Loading Dock

Friday Harbor has a very handy public loading dock just off the main wharf, directly below the marina office. It’s marked as “Load Dock” on the marina map.

To access it, simply drive past the fuel dock. The side facing the shore is for public use, and it saves a long walk, easily a quarter mile, compared to hiking from Breakwater A.

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#4 Restroom and Shower Locations

There’s a floating restroom (no shower) at the foot of E Dock, right where it intersects with walkway D. You can’t miss it, you have to walk past it to get ashore.

There’s also a second restroom and shower facility on shore in the marina office building. The showers eat up quarters, and the marina office makes change. Tip (but no change after hours when the office is closed)

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#5 Which Side of Brown Island?

When approaching Friday Harbor from the east.  (Anacortes, Cattle Pass, Lopez, etc) it is very easy to enter the bay on the east side of Brown Island.  However, after doing it from both sides, I almost always choose the west side. It’s the safest, shortest, fastest, and most direct route. The east side works fine too, but it passes marinas and commercial shore structures and requires strict no-wake speeds.

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#6 Anchoring Instead of Paying for a Slip

I don’t always stay in the marina. When I’m feeling frugal, or just prefer the tranquility of anchoring, or the harbormaster says there is a long wait, I drop the hook in the medium-sized Cove immediately north of Breakwater A.

The holding is good, there’s plenty of room to swing, the view is fantastic, and it’s a very short dinghy ride to the dinghy dock under the main gangplank.

Tip: This is the best place to be for a front-row seat to the Fourth of July fireworks.

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#7 Grocery Store Location

Kings Market is the main grocery store in Friday Harbor. It’s located on the second block of Spring Street, which begins at the turnaround on Front Street and serves as the town’s main drag.

I’ve learned the hard way that it’s easy to buy more than I can carry back to the boat. Now I bring the crew, a folding dolly, or at least a large backpack, especially if I need ice.

#8  Ice cream cones and music

 Cones are available on Front Street just past the Spring Street turnaround. Musicians set up in the park area along Front Street a few steps from the marina. 

This is certainly not all there is to know and do in Friday Harbor. It is what I wish I had known, and now I do.

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