• Discover boat-in spots from Sucia’s anchorages to the trails of Stuart and Jones Island
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How can you use the Friday Harbor marina camera to check conditions before arriving?
The Friday Harbor marina camera provides a live view of docks, weather, and boat traffic, helping you gauge how crowded the harbor is before arrival. By watching the camera, you can spot open side-tie areas, check wind conditions, and see activity near the ferry terminal and anchorage to plan your approach.
On the left side of this website is a link to the Friday Harbor Camera. The live camera usually pans back and forth, covering most of the marina.
By watching the marina camera you can see the weather, the ferry terminal, vacant slips and even see if there are very many boats anchored in the cove.
If you watch closely you can see at the bottom of the gangway, A-dock, Comm dock, Walkway C and the By-pass dock, all are side tie and available for transient use. (look at the Friday Harbor marina map to get your bearings, marina map ) This area is first come first served and is assigned or reserved via the harbor master on ch 66. Looking at the space available and the dinghy dock spaces directly below the gangway will give you a sneak preview of how crowded the marina is. If you choose to stay at one of these side tie docks you will reduce your walk to shore by about a quarter mile. The Comm dock has electricity.
What is Watmough Bay like for anchoring, hiking, and visiting by boat?
Watmough Bay on Lopez Island is a secluded, well-protected anchorage with a mostly rock-free bottom and several mooring buoys. Boaters can anchor in shallow or deep water and dinghy ashore to a gravel beach, where short trails lead to viewpoints and a restroom with vehicle access. With no camping and limited walk-in access, the bay becomes quiet once day visitors leave.
This secluded gem of an anchorage is at the far southeast end of Lopez Island. No, not at popular Iceberg Point or Agate Beach.
Watmough Bay Park is on the southeastern end of Lopez facing Rosario Strait. The cute little bay is mostly rock-free, and well protected. You may hook on to one of several buoys or anchor in two fathoms a short dinghy ride from shore.
Mostly visited by vehicle and bicycle travelers the gravel beach is popular with paddle boarders and swimmers. The park boasts standard upgraded outhouse restrooms a quarter-mile walk up a level trail where the ten-car parking lot is located. Two easy hiking trails complete this worthwhile destination, there are no onshore campsites so you will have the place to yourself when the day-use people head for home.
Not exactly sure, but in the far far background (8 miles) is about where Deception Pass is.
Tips for Visiting:
Bicycle-Boating Rendezvous:
Although there is no dock, Watmough Bay can be an excellent drop-off or pick-up point for a combined bicycle and boating tour of Lopez Island.
Timing: Point Colville and Davidson Rock buoy
Large swells can be encountered offshore near where the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Rosario Strait intersect. To avoid rough waters, it’s best to time your visit for near slack water on a low wind day.
Fog Considerations:
Fog is a common occurrence and can linger for days, so be prepared for reduced visibility.
Rewarding Visit:
Despite the challenges, a visit to Watmough Bay is highly rewarding for those who make the effort to reach this beautiful and secluded spot.
Click below to see a satellite view of Watmough Bay
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.
Where in the San Juan Islands can you launch a kayak and park your car?
San Juan area kayak launching and campsites with gps coordinates plus vehicle parking places are just a click away.
Don't just show up with your bicycle or kayak without knowing where to go or what to expect, if you do you may miss out on something and not even know it.
What and where are the San Juan Islands' ten best parks?
Let's start by listing my choices in order of best first, first because they have overnight docks, followed by some pros and cons, and a few real-world comments. (Hopefully, I haven't omitted your favorite) Keep in mind, we go to all the parks and don't dislike any but there is no doubt some parks are five-star and some are not, depending on what we are doing or the weather during that particular cruise.
For a more detailed review of the San Juan area marine parks, including maps try this post. marine parks
parks with docks
Jones Island
Matia
Sucia - Fossil Bay
James Island
Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
Sharpe Cove and Cornet Bay at Deception Pass
parks without docks
Saddlebag Island
Pelican Beach
Turn Island
Eagle Harbor
Cypress Head
Patos
Sucia (Echo and Shallow bays)
Spencer Spit
Odlin County Park (has 2 hr dock)
Clark Island
Doe Island
Obstruction Pass
Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada) (has overnight dock)
Washington Park (launching ramp only dock)
San Juan County Park
Shaw Island Park
1 - Jones Island is my number one choice and here's why
Pros:
bigger but not the biggest dock
protected bay
great dinghy beach with a couple of tidepools
anchor buoys and lots of room to anchor
running water and four nice nearby composters
Hiking the many loop trails at Jones never gets boring
tiny deer, many tame, are unique to Jones
dock is very close to camp sites for evening fires
Is Beach camping alive and well in the San Juan island area?
Yes, but it is not the same as camping in the dunes along the Oregon or Washington coast.
It's much better except if you want to hear the surf lulling you to sleep, be mesmerized by endless rows of breaking waves, or have your entire body sandblasted from nonstop winds. Instead, in the islands you will find gentle winds or none at all, still and flat water unless the wind pipes up against the tide. Of course, it is always warmer (not) with fewer clouds and no crowds in the San Juans.
There are no approved places that you may pull up your boat or park your car, or ride your bicycle to, and then pitch a tent.
That leaves parks and resorts and there are plenty to choose from, including those with waterfront or beach camping sites.
County, City and State Parks:
These are the parks that are accessible by vehicle, bicycle or hiking, reservations are a good idea.
Washington Park in Anacortes
San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
Shaw Island County Park on Shaw Island
Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
Moran State Park on Orcas Island
Deception Pass State Park near Anacortes
Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas island, (requires short hike)
Moran Park entrance on Orcas Island
Cornet Bay transient dock and launch ramp at Deception Pass park
Washington State Marine Parks:
These parks are only accessible by boat or kayak, most are entire island. All have campgrounds with beachfront sites. None may be reserved or provide garbage service.
James Island
Jones Island
Clark Island
Doe Island (possibly still closed)
Pelican Beach on Cypress Island
Cypress Head on Cypress Island
Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island (anchor buoy field only)
Matia
Patos
Sucia (campground reservations are availalbe)
Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
Saddlebag Island
Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)
Jones Island State Park
For detailed descriptions, maps and charts and pictures for all the parks in the San Juan Island area, click here.
If you find some useful places on the orientation map below, you will want to click this link of Parks and Islands to zoom in on details of specific parks.
Where are the public docks that are not in State Parks?
Listed below are sixteen public docks in the San Juan Islands. When visiting the Islands, many of us head for the great marine state parks, and for good reason, that's where the floats, campgrounds, and amenities are located that vacationers desire.
However, if you want to get off the boat and see something other than campers and boat people, you have two choices. #1 dinghy ashore somewhere or #2 find a public dock and head out. This list and description of San Juan area docks excludes the state parks because most marine state parks are landlocked or waterlocked, leaving visitors with no opportunity to explore beyond the park.
This county float and boat ramp is located just inside Obstruction Pass on the southern tip of Orcas Island.
Nearby pass traffic wakes make this a punishing place to tie up, even for just the two hours allowed, however rendezvousing with friends on shore or heading out on bicycles for a strenuous ride to the top of Mount Constitution may be just what's needed to round out a perfect cruise. Tip: For longer visits, anchor nearby after dropping off passengers and bikes, then drag the dinghy up onto the float or shore. Your boat will thank you when you return.
Obstruction Pass county dock in red circle at top
Blakely's at bottom
Blakely's
Blakely's is a conveniently located fuel dock/deli store about halfway between everywhere we go in the San Juan's.
They are just inside Peavine Pass on Blake Island. On shore is a small store and deli bar famous for ice cream cones to savor on the lush waterfront lawns. Grazing deer share the lawn so watch your step. The dock is rather long with plenty of room on both sides to tie up big and little yachts and still not interfere with those getting fuel. They offer overnight marina slips in a very protected tiny cove. The island and roads are private so boaters may not leave the marina property.
Fuel and store dock at Blakely's is long and you may tie up on either side to avoid wind or current issues.
Deer Harbor
Deer Harbor and community is on the west end of Orcas Island at the end of the road.
You may purchase fuel and snacks, get ice and rent a slip. The county dock is actually the same dock as the fuel float. Simply tie up for the allowed two hours out of the way just past the fuel dispenser. The county section is painted yellow and accommodates several runabouts, sailboats, or one large yacht. This is an excellent jump-off point for kayakers heading for Jones Island or for dropping off people catching the San Juan Transit minibus. The bay out front is calm and rogue wakes are few, anchoring room is abundant, and restrooms, showers, and laundry are on the wharf.
If you squint, and look under the main wharf at Deer Harbor, you can see the yellow-painted public county dock.
What is the difference between a fender and a bumper?
"A fender is loose and may be moved around, a bumper is permanently attached."
fender?
Sometimes I run out of useful boating and San Juan stuff to write, this is one of those times.
I have always thought when I heard someone say bumpers when they meant fenders, that they simply aren't as nautical as they could be.
I came across the above statement and I have no idea if it is valid, but it sounds good, so I have repeated it here as if it is true.
So, those horizontal fenders I see lashed, nailed or knotted permanently on the sides of some slips, floats and even a few swim platforms and dinghies too, are actually bumpers.
And those funny looking hanging steps are neither.
Yes, yes, and yes, you can bicycle camp in the islands. However, campsites are limited. Basically, there are two choices.
#1 spend some real money and go to a resort that has set up a campground which will likely be a lawn area behind some rental cabins or #2 go to a county or state park that has set aside walk in sites. Most walk in are group sites where you will share with others but you can reserve private sites at all the parks.
Here are the parks that are bicycle-friendly. Many of the posts on this site refer to combining bike camping with boat camping. Marine parks for boat camping are a click away. marine parks
Hiker/biker/vehicle parks:
Washington Park in Anacortes. This city park is a five minute ride to the ferry terminal. Tip. Consider reserving a campsite and leaving your land cruiser and trailer at Wash. park while boating/biking the islands. Odlin County Park on Lopez Island Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island San Juan County Park on San Juan Island Moran State Park on Orcas Island Shaw Island County Park Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island Deception Pass State Park on the mainland
Our family has enjoyed many multi generational, multi interest outings where we combine boating, biking, kayaking, hiking and car camping all in a week or two in the San Juan's. Think outside the box. Often, we meet up with our children coming by bike or car and transport them and their gear to the marine parks. Days later we drop them off at a ferry landing or back to Washington Park. Remember, inter-island ferry service is free for foot passengers and bikers. Kayaks on transport wheels may be charged a minimal fee if at all.
So, don't hesitate to
embark on a bicycle camping adventure in the San Juan Islands. With the right planning and a spirit of adventure, you can have
a fantastic experience exploring the islands by bike.
Search this website for "bicycle"
Click below for a satellite view of Smallpox Bay & SJ County Park
Where and when are Saturday Markets in the San Juan Islands?
Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island, all have regular scheduled markets in the summer months.
If your running out of things to do and places to go when cruising the San Juans, try Saturday Markets, Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs.
At Friday Harbor on San Juan Island you will find every Saturday morning,
April through September the "San Juan Island Farmers Market" is held at the Brickworks Plaza. Bring your appetite for breakfast or lunch and feast on the island cuisine, then bring home locally made arts and crafts.
Tie up in a slip, or anchor out and use the dinghy dock, its a very short walk.
In Lopez Village on Lopez Island look for the "Lopez Farmers Market" next door to the community center. Open 10am to 2pm mid May into September every Saturday. Plan on having lunch and picking up some local produce and seafood. Local crafts people and artists will be displaying their work.
Berth at a slip in Fisherman Bay and walk about a half mile to Lopez Village.
Don't miss the "Orcas Island Farmers Market" in Eastsound on the Village Green, Open every Saturday from 10am to 3pm May through October. Crafts, arts, food, gardeners, museum and history booths, you will find just what you need.
Eastsound county dock
Music festivals on the green
Use the county dock at Madrona Point or anchor out, and dinghy to the dock,
its just a block or two to Eastsound.
Anacortes, Bellingham, and LaConner should be on your short list of
things to do & places to go!
At Anacortes the Farmers market
is at 611 R Ave in Anacortes, just a few steps from Cap Sante Boat Haven, and runs 9am until closing every Saturday beginning in May.
Don't miss the "Waterfront Festival," normally held in June
Bellingham boasts a Farmers Market
that is just a one mile walk from Squalicum Harbor at Depot Market Square, Railroad and Chestnut streets, open 10am to 3pm April thru Christmas.
Lastly, La Conner on Swinomish Channel
has several public docks downtown where moorage is on a first come basis. As of this writing there is no established close by Saturday Market, but they have an extensive menu of shops jus steps away on main street. Visit the La Conner Chamber website calendar
Click below to see a satellite view of La Conner and Swinomish Channel
Where do you tie up in Friday Harbor, and what else is good to know?
Breakwater "A" is where most new arrivals pull in unless they have a slip already arranged.
Before arriving 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.
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.
Is renting a yacht is a viable option for a San Juan Islands vacation?
Yes, we have rented and recommend you consider renting too, why? see below.
Ahoy savings
Lets see why you would rent:
you may not have a boat
your boat is not trailerable from Kansas or Kentucky
your drift boat is trailer ready but it sucks for camping
renting is a chance to try something different, like a bigger boat
because it doesn't make sense to own a boat and only use it once a year (unless your afflicted with boaters syndrome where you may own many boats you don't use)
switch from power to sail or sail to power
because you can't afford to throw your money into a hole in the sea
to find out if sailing/boating is ok with your family pet, wife, kids, self
Now let's dispel some myths that are true some of the time:
renting is cheaper than owning - yes, with some exceptions
you must have a competency certificate to rent - absolutely not but you must have your state issued boaters card anytime you operate any boat.
is it safe to do this as a novice that has good sense - yes
is it safe to do this as a novice if some relatives that know you well caution you not to - no! (listen to friends and relatives) they know if your an idiot and a menace to all around you - just kidding but bring a level headed 1st mate to help with tough choices like - red on the right! or red on left! or red on bottom?
can a power boater but non sailor rent a sailboat and have a great vacation and learn to sail - absolutely, but the competency thing may come up for bigger boats so bring a sailor friend
can you rent power and sailboats in the San Juans - yes
how much will it cost - small boat $100 - $200 a day (power or Sail)
how much for a bigger rig - $500 and up, up and away
should I get the added insurance offered - probably talk to your agent
how many days should I plan for - 5 / 7 days is very nice but two weeks would be awesome
only go in mid June to mid Sept. - yes, unless you can save big and don't mind a little snotty weather tossed your way, then go anytime but be prepared for unpleasant things.
The 38 foot boat we rented for about $3000 a week, slept eight and handled bad weather very nice, but as you can see, the weather was not bad. Rental boats should be fully equipped with safety gear and navigation supplies for your travel area but don't assume anything. The boat above came with a 12 foot sailing tender, economical single diesel, thruster, chart plotter and radar.
Rent boats in Anacortes or Bellingham, but do some online research and find private rentals too.
Where can you camp by boat in the San Juan Islands and what should you expect?
Boat-in camping in the San Juan Islands is mainly at marine state parks and small water-access-only sites, with simple campsites, mooring buoys, small docks, and few amenities. Boaters should plan to be self-sufficient, arrive early, and expect limited, if any, services in exchange for quiet, scenic locations.
Sailing the Salish Sea
Nestled within the
serene waters of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands offer a
picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its
stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a myriad of outdoor activities, the
islands have become a sought-after destination for camping and boating
enthusiasts. Traveling in the San Juan
Islands provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's
beauty while experiencing the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest.
The Allure of Camping in the San Juan Islands:
The San Juan Islands boast breathtaking natural beauty and
are characterized by lush forests, rugged coastlines, and sweeping views of the
surrounding bays, coves, straits, and sounds.This inland sea is sometimes referred to as the Salish Sea, honoring the
first inhabitants of the region.When
campers pitch tents, park RVs, or tie up their boats, they are greeted by
panoramic vistas and outstanding sights at every turn. Sunset views overlooking
the water create an ethereal ambiance.Evenings
around the campfire become an unforgettable experience.
Reservations, yes or no?
When planning a car or RV camping trip to the San Juan Islands during peak seasons, it is
essential to make reservations in advance. But not if you are traveling by boat.
There are approximately twenty plus campgrounds that are only accessible
by boat, and none of them may be reserved.There are about six or so public, county and state campgrounds
accessible by vehicle, all of which take reservations.It is strongly recommended that anyone planning
car camping, visit the appropriate state,
county, or private website to familiarize themselves with rules and
regulations.
Those going to water-access-only parks are advised to expect
to be able to anchor, but do not plan on getting a space at the dock or an empty anchor buoy.
Dock space and anchor buoys become available as
boaters come and go without notice throughout the day, week, and month
depending on the weather and an entire host of reasons.It is always best to arrive prepared for anything.
Follow these links to complete park and campground listings on this
website.
Marine Parks of the San Juan Islands Area: Marine Parks
How do you plan a San Juan Islands trip by boat or land and what should you know first?
Planning a San Juan Islands trip starts with gathering reliable local knowledge, choosing an itinerary, and understanding tides, destinations, and travel options by boat or by land. This website and our guides help first-time visitors sort through choices, avoid common mistakes, and plan a trip that includes cruising routes, marine parks, towns like Friday Harbor, and the best ways to experience the islands at your own pace.
Turn Point on Stuart Island
Planning your vacation should be as enjoyable as actually
implementing your plan.
Therefore you need information to glean through so that you can make some educated choices. What is less helpful are glitzy ads and sponsored one-sided reviews
Ask a friend for ideas and if they have visited or traveled to the same area, you may save yourself some time and possible mistakes. We offer our friendship and as a friend, our experience.
Our first family visit was a camping trip over forty years ago and by boat, was over twenty five years ago. My brother has been an islander for as long. Our long history attests to the allure of the Islands. In our travels, we have explored, hiked, biked, and created wonderful memories. Of course, some experiences are best not repeated and should be avoided if possible.
In 2014, we published "San Juan Islands Cruise Guide," specifically for sharing our knowledge of resources and what works, what doesn't work and how to make the most of visiting the area by boat. In 2017 we came out with "San Juan Islands Travel Guide," a by land and by sea guide and in 2019 updated the original cruiser's guidebook.
In writing the guidebooks, we strived to provide the basic information and local knowledge that new visitors needed to create their own special visit to the San Juans that we love and adopted long ago.
For planning your next great adventure to the San Juans, I suggest you dig into this website using the search box feature, mark a departure date on your calendar, and order our guidebooks. E-mail us your questions.
