What should you not miss when vacationing or cruising in the San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands bucket list — What should you not miss when visiting the San Juan Islands?

  The San Juan Islands offer more than just well-known attractions, with must-see experiences on both land and water.

 Highlights include: 

• Whale watching at Lime Kiln Point State Park
• scenic harbors like Friday Harbor 
• hiking, quiet coves
• parks such as Jones Island State Park
• Slowing down and experiencing the islands fully

 “Not to Miss” Doesn’t Mean Just the Famous Spots

• It means not to miss the magic of the islands — whale-rich waters, quiet coves, ferry rides, friendly harbors, and abundant wildlife.

• No list can cover everything, but some experiences are simply not to be skipped.

• Sometimes, just being somewhere instead of reading about it, is what makes it special.

• Highlights for both land travelers and boaters.

On Land:

Whale watching at Lime Kiln Point (aka whale watch park)

Summiting Mount Constitution –  (by car) the best panoramic view in the islands

Strolling Friday Harbor or Eastsound – small towns worth walking

Picnicking at South Beach – raw, open storm-tossed shoreline

Visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm in July (news has it that it has shut down)

Roche Harbor - stroll among million dollar yachts and whimsical garden art

Explore Moran State Park’s  trails, swim and boat the lakes

Hike, boat or bicycle to Watmough Bay for a relaxing serene afternoon

On the water:

If You’re Cruising by Boat – Don’t Miss These Anchorages & Harbors

Sucia Island – Horseshoe-shaped island with many fingers and coves, great for hiking and kayaking. Anchor out or use one of two docks.

Stuart Island & Turn Point Lighthouse – reachable only by boat and hike-worthy. Anchor or use the park floats in Reid and Prevost Harbors.

Patos Island – for solitude and night skies and lighthouse turned museum

Jones Island – trails, wildlife, pygmy deer, and raccoon visitors

Roche Harbor Marina – full service, history, and sunset flag ceremony with cannon firing

Rosario Resort Marina – dock-and-dine with historic mansion and music

Blind Bay or West Sound – for a quiet anchorage, dinghy over to Skull or Massacre Island

Friday Harbor by water – fuel, groceries, entertainment, a real town you can walk to, anchor or take a slip

Tips for Making the Most of  Land or Sea Visits

• Best months to visit (May–September; July for whales and lavender, September for fewer crowds)

• Packing smart – layers, water shoes, dry bags for boaters

• Book ahead – ferries, campsites, airbnb's, and marinas fill up

• Combine land and sea – rent kayaks, take day sails, or ferry-hop for free with bikes

• “Even if you’re cruising, don’t miss hiking Mount Constitution, Young Hill or Turtleback. 

• Even if you’re on land, take a wildlife or whale boat tour.”

Don't miss out by going too fast or doing too much

• Slow down and explore. “You’ll miss more by rushing than by staying put.”

• In comments, add your special ideas and suggestions. “What did you find unmissable?”

Worst Places and Attractions in the San Juan Island Cruising Area.

  What places should you avoid when cruising the San Juan Islands?  

  Some San Juan Islands locations are popular but offer little beyond anchoring. Places like Blind Bay lack public access, docks, or shoreline landing, while Eagle Harbor has limited facilities and difficult dinghy access despite many buoys. This article highlights spots that may disappoint boaters and suggests better nearby alternatives with trails, beaches, and amenities. 

While perusing  San Juan articles, I came across a comment that recommended going to Spencer Spit.  My first thought was. That's bad advice. Why would they give bad advice?  I thought some more and decided, #1 Maybe they don't know any better.  #2 Maybe just for them, it was an okay visit. #3 Perhaps I am wrong.  And that is how I came to create this negative San Juan Islands article.

Not every popular stop in the San Juan Islands is worth your time.

San Juan Islands places to avoid.

Some well-known stops attract boaters mainly because they are easy to anchor in, not because they offer good access or amenities. Blind Bay provides little beyond open anchorage, while Eagle Harbor’s muddy shoreline and limited facilities make landing difficult. Nearby alternatives like Pelican Beach offer better access, trails, and overall cruising experience. 

It is more than a little subjective to name off so-called second-rate or low-rated anything.  But if you think about it, we have no problem talking up all the really great places, so for the very same reasons, we should also talk about the crappy ones.  And at the very least, explain why or what makes them such so that you may decide for yourself where to hang out.

So here's a no-no list followed by explanations for their inclusion.  Keep in mind, these reviews are from a boater's perspective.  My goal here is to save cruisers some frustration or disappointment when using their limited time and resources to visit less-than-great destinations.

Excellent Anchoring Etiquette and Proper First Impressions at State Marine Parks

  What is the proper or correct way to anchor in crowded marine parks?       

  Proper anchoring etiquette means respecting space, setting your anchor correctly, and not interfering with other boats’ swing. First arrivals have priority, and newcomers must anchor clear or move on. In crowded areas, boaters may use bow and stern anchors to limit swing, but poor setup, loud behavior, or crowding others creates problems quickly or is at least bad manners.

Oh yeah!   Everyone remembers when you anchored, you were the one saying eff'g this and eff'g that while instructing your crew in dealing with your short comings.

 Yeah, we remember you calling your wife an idiot and moron.  Idiot for not pushing you over the side tied to the anchor is more accurate.

Loud, obnoxious, boisterous, yelling and foul language are no way to announce your arrival to the anchorage.  You should be on your good behavior, you will never get another chance to make that first impression.

It's entirely possible that there is no room where you want to anchor, and you have no choice but to move along to your second choice.  You can't squeeze in where you wont fit, and if you do force the issue, and there is an incident causing damage, you will be responsible financially.  I think most boaters are a forgiving and helpful bunch, but not if your an inconsiderate dweeb to begin with.  Hint: Ask the other boaters already anchored for help in anchoring before you anchor in their yard.  They may just move over a little to help you out.

The old adage first come first served is true when you anchor, meaning the guy there ahead of you has claim to his spot, and you need to respect his anchor location and swing of his boat. The guy that comes in after you will stay out of your way, 

and so forth.

Stern anchor plus bow anchor:

Many hot spots will have more boats than can hang and swing safely so skippers have taken to hooking out both directions, and stretching the boat in the middle to limit swing, thereby cramming more boats in safely.  This is perfectly acceptable provided the weather agrees.  If you arrive in one of these places and don't follow suit you're being somewhat within your limited boater rights, however taking an exorbitant amount of room to anchor your yacht spoils the fun so  you may not be invited to sun-downers.   When it gets really crowded, skippers will raft boats together, usually anchoring just the biggest boats.  Let the party begin.

Defensive boating

is just like in your car, you need to be prepared to move when a boat comes at you dragging its anchor.  Watch others upstream of you when they anchor, if they don't have much scope out, or didn't set their anchor, watch out.  Its better to move your boat in the daylight before they drag into you in the dark.

What about private anchor buoys?

Most of the harbors and resorts around the San Juan's have private buoys scattered around. You should leave them alone unless you have permission to use them. They may be not maintained and unsafe, the owner may show up after dark and tell you to leave.  Emergency's are different, but your emergency may not matter to the owner.

Anchor lights:

If you're in an established anchorage, (all parks are ) you don't need to have a light, but if you think someone may run into you in the dark, turn it on, that's the smart call.  We use a battery powered light run up a halyard, plus if we are on shore after dark, it makes finding the boat easier.  It is disconcerting paddling the dinghy into the darkness and not being able to see your boat.

Article on first time anchoring,  

How to anchor that yacht 

 Anchor that Yacht

Click below for a Satellite view of Spencer Spit State Park

Twenty Marine Parks - Twenty Public Docks - Five Boat launching Ramps in the San Juan Islands

Where is a map of San Juan Islands Parks, Docks, and Boat Ramps?

Map of the San Juan Island Area
With selected Parks, Docks, and 
Trailer Boat Ramps

The  boat ramps (purple) are all on the mainland
The ramps in the islands are not suitable for cruisers.

 •  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.

Click below for Cornet Bay Boat ramp

Marine Parks of the San Juan Islands and Surrounding Area

Where are the marine parks of the San Juan Islands?

Below is the marine parks list, followed by reviews, charts, and pictures.

        This is not all the parks, just the ones you may want to make part of your cruising. It's unlikely you can visit all in one trip and still do a decent job of sightseeing. You should plan multiple visits to the San Juans.

Many people choose Jones as their favorite for just hanging out for a few days, so Jones is first.
For hiking, Sucia, or Pelican Beach on Cypress Island are the best, but all the parks have hiking trails.
      Some parks are in a convenient location when you need to spend the night and you're between destinations, Saddle Bag, Eagle Harbor, and Odlin would fit this description. 

 Most parks with docks have picnic tables on the floats, which are very handy for extending your living area, socializing, and meeting other boaters.

        For marinas/etc. where you can get fuel and provisions  

  try this list >>       Marinas - fuel - beer and ice - slips for rent  

• Jones Island  

• James Island
• Clark Island
• Doe Island (possibly still gone) we miss it
• Obstruction Pass
• Pelican Beach
• Eagle Harbor
• Cypress Head
• Matia
• Patos
• Sucia
• Stuart Island  (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
• Spencer Spit
• Odlin County Park
• Washington Park
• Deception Pass Park
• Saddlebag Island
• Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)

Click here to go to complete description and maps of above listed parks