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.
