Squalicum Harbor Chart — The best Launching Point for San Juan Islands Cruising

Where is the best boat launch ramp for starting a San Juan Islands cruise?   

   This chart of the Squalicum Harbor boat launch ramp in Bellingham shows the marinas, parking areas, and transient docks used by boaters beginning a San Juan Islands cruise.  Squalicum Harbor is a popular starting point, with an all-tide launch ramp, two large marinas, parking, and easy access to northern destinations such as Sucia, Matia, and Stuart islands.

Red dots mark the ramp, parking lot and transient dock.

✔ Tip When considering Washington Park or Squalicum Harbor or Cornet Bay as your departure/return point, don't let the minimal highway mileage differences influence your choice. For us, where we are headed on day #1 and where we plan to be on the last day are what we have found determine our best place to begin. Of course, some of us just plan to go sailing with little consideration for where we spend the night.

Friday Harbor Marina Map >> Friday Harbor map showing slips, ferry terminal, showers, fuel dock

Roche Harbor Marina Map >> Roche Harbor Marina Map with, slips, fuel dock, resort grounds, store, dinghy dock

San Juan Islands map and mileage chart

  How far is it between destinations in the San Juan Islands by boat?  

 This San Juan Islands mileage chart shows approximate boating distances between popular destinations, helping boaters plan routes and travel times. Distances are based on the most direct paths between locations such as Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Sucia Island, and Deception Pass.

Water miles between Popular Parks, Cities, and Destinations

Use the chart below the map to find the approximate distance between points.  Sea miles were calculated by plotting the most direct route.  Tides and currents may dictate following a different route.

Click below for a satellite view of  Cattle Pass

Friday Harbor Marina Map

  Where is a Friday Harbor Marina map?      

   A  Friday Harbor Marina map is right here.  For first-timers to the  Marina, it is really handy to know where your assigned slip is in a maze of fairways and other boaters.

        Even regular visitors can forget where G-dock is or which side are the odd-numbered slips!
Does anyone see the dinghy dock?  (It's at the end of A-dock)

Tip #1  Ask for a slip close to land, that quarter-mile walk gets old real fast!

Tip #2  If your visit includes loading and unloading passengers and gear,  save yourself a long walk and use the loading dock below the marina office. (just motor past the fuel pier) The side-facing land is for public use. The other side is for VIP's

Tip #3 Call the "Friday Harbor Master" for slip assignment, call on channel 66 or use your cell phone.  Or simply tie up to breakwater "A" when you arrive.

Click on the image for a bigger view.

Roche Harbor Marina map >> Marina map of Roche Harbor

Squalicum Harbor Marina Map >> Marina Map of Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, WA

Click below for Satellite view of Friday Harbor

Roche Harbor Marina Map

  How do you find your slip and navigate the docks at Roche Harbor Marina?  

  Roche Harbor Marina is larger and more spread out than it first appears, with separate dock areas, fuel dock access, and multiple slip sections. Using this marina map helps locate assigned slips, understand dock layout, and identify key features like the main guest dock and fuel dock, making your arrival smoother and reducing confusion.

 Thanks to Roche  Harbor Resort for letting us use their area map, it also shows where the Mausoleum and Sculpture Garden/Park are located.

Our 2019  cruise guide has this updated map and the new  Friday Harbor map as well. It's pretty helpful when getting a slip assignment to be able to

 check the map and know exactly where to go.

2019 - San Juan Island's Cruise guide (at Amazon)

Roche Harbor marina map

Friday Harbor Marina Map >> Friday Harbor marina map

Squalicum Harbor Marina Map >> Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, WA

Click below for a satellite view of Roche Harbor