• Discover boat-in spots from Sucia’s anchorages to the trails of Stuart and Jones Island
• Experience the Islands
• Visit bustling Friday and Roche Harbors
• Find serene, secret coves • Your adventure begins now!
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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.
No, surprisingly ferries do not make horrible wakes, but friendly boaters do!
When making your plans to visit places in or near the San Juan Islands, you will invariably end up dealing with the Washington ferry system in one way or another.
Boaters sometimes need to send someone home or meet an arrival. Simply avoiding a Friday Harbor traffic jam out on the water or on land is avoidable if you know when and where ferry's hang out. For most of us, the ferries are never an issue, we just give them plenty of room out on the water.
According to WSDOT the busiest ferry travel times are Thursday and Friday evenings westbound and Sunday afternoons eastbound.
Peak travel times from Anacortes are Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Peak travel times from the islands are all day Sunday and Monday mornings.
If you think about it, you will realize that commuters and vacationers share the same system. People are heading to work and coming home from work mixed in with tourists.
Armed with a little ferry knowledge it is easy to work out a vacation schedule that minimizes or complements just about all visitor plans.
Follow this link to the WSDOT ferry schedule page.
How do you set and secure your anchor properly for safe boating?
Proper anchoring is more than just tossing the anchor over the side — you need to pay out enough scope (rode), let the anchor dig in, test the set, and be ready to reset if it drags. By approaching the spot into wind/current, letting out 7–10 × the water depth before cleating, testing with reverse, and checking again, you greatly increase holding power and reduce dragging while cruising or overnighting
Anchoring your boat is easy, but if you don't follow basic rules, your pride and joy will float away.
Take a look below at # 1, when you lower your anchor, it will just be sitting there on the bottom, and that's not good enough for anything but the calmest most temporary of visits. To be secure, the anchor must be set by pulling it (blue arrow) sideways, # 2 with a little tugging by your boat, the points will dig in, creating a strong temporary home for your boat, # 3 & 4.
There can be an endless discussion about anchor types and anchoring techniques but for now, lets just help first timers get hooked.
Notice in the drawing below, the anchor line (rode) is laying on the bottom. When this vessel pulls on the rode it will dig the points in and stay put. If the rode were shorter, say almost straight up, any pulling would lift the anchor right out and you would be set free to drag somewhere bad. (rocks, or into another boat) So it is obvious that the longer the rode is, the better your anchor will set and stay set.
Drawing courtesy of West Marine
Okay, you have the basics, lets talk through what you do to anchor that monster.
If you have been to Friday Harbor, you have probably noticed a medium-sized cove immediately north of the boat basin
Chances are there was a dozen or so boats anchored. This bay is reasonably deep from thirty feet in the front to six feet in the back and with good holding. It is close enough that you can easily paddle, row or motor over to the dinghy dock under the main gangway. If you happen to be in town for the Fourth of July you will have a front row seat for the fireworks display launched from a barge directly in front of you.
Newcomers and those on a budget will be glad to know they have a free anchoring option other than paying for a slip.
BTW, when you arrive at Friday Harbor, you may tie up at breakwater A for free while you run to the store or grab a shower. There is no need to request permission, simply squeeze in where you can. Try to get on the inside, the outside takes a real beating from wakes. (so will your boat) If you spend the night at the breakwater the harbormaster staff will come and collect payment eventually. There is no discomfort discount so you may as well get a slip. (call on 66)
Are boaters in the San Juan Islands required to have a radio?
Pleasure boats are not required to have a vhf radio, but if they do have a radio, it is supposed to be turned on and monitoring channel 16
If you
have a radio you can:
Call the harbormaster from the breakwater and proceed straight to your slip.
Call
the Coast Guard when you're sinking.
Call
other boats and arrange drinks at sundown.
Listen
to others and be entertained for hours, days, even weeks on end.
Get
weather forecasts in several languages for areas you've never heard of.
Tell
your mate not to worry, help will always be just a radio call away.
Call
vessel assist and have them bring you some very expensive fuel.
Seriously, in my humble opinion, I think a radio is a good idea. It is cheap insurance that help is on the way. It is your lifeline from a distant shore when you really need help. If you want to save boat dollars, buy a handheld model for about a hundred dollars. They will do just fine, plus have the added benefit of fitting in your pocket for off boat excursions. (I would pay a little extra and get one that scans) We have our children take the hand held radio so they can stay in touch when they are off exploring in the dinghy.
Radio etiquette: A license is not required but the FCC has some rules you should familiarize yourself with.
Some people
are sticklers and follow all the rules, others just get the job done. For the
most part, make sure you are transmitting on low power (1 watt) for most
situations; if you use high power (25
watt) you will talk over, drown out and annoy boaters in the next county. Start
your call on channel 16 (everyone, including the Coast Guard monitors 16), unless you have a prearranged channel like 66 used for some marinas. First listen to make sure no one
is talking, then depress the button and say the name you are calling three times
ie. “Bad Boy, Bad Boy, Bad Boy. This is Good Girl” now let go of the button and
wait for Bad Boy to answer. They will answer by saying “this is Bad Boy” and
you respond by saying lets go to channel 68 or 69, 71 or 72, the channels used for boating chit chat. That’s it, once you hook up, talk all you want, but
remember you're supposed to be talking boating operation topics, and all the rest of us are listening.
So just remember, channel 16 is for hailing not for talking. Oh, and don’t yell into the
microphone, it will come out distorted.
Some people will say “over” at appropriate times but usually you can tell when its your turn to talk. . You should avoid swearing (FCC rule), and only chickens
will make anonymous comments on 16 about others, unless of course someone's wake swamps
your boat or spills your wine; then the proper yet ill advised way to announce to the world
that a boater is being inconsiderate is to say their boat name three times nice
and clear so everyone can hear, followed by your snarky message, over.
BTW, I think it would be a really good idea, if you haven't named your boat yet, to consider what a prospective name will sound like broadcast across the water. Unless of course you want to entertain the rest of us.
Just my opinion.
Click below to see a satellite view of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island
