Cruising Guide

Gulf Island Map

San Juan Island Map

SAMPLE ITINERARY-APPROXIMATE NOON DEPARTURE FROM BELLINGHAM

1st STOP - Sucia Island State Park. Approximately 4 hours sail from Bellingham. Anchor in Echo Bay. This group of 11 islands provides an opportunity to see marine life such as sea lions and a variety of birds. Six miles of hiking trails around the park, wildflowers, berries, good fishing, crabbing. Campsites with picnic tables, stoves, pit toilets, freshwater in season. Over a dozen mooring buoys are near the shore. The water is often warmer here for swimming than near other San Juan Islands. A breathtaking anchorage and there's usually room for one more boat.

2nd STOP - Stuart Island. Go to Reid Harbor. At the head of the bay, there's a dock with a mooring float as well as several mooring buoys (first come, first served) throughout the harbor. On shore there are campsites, fire rings, shelters, picnic tables, pit toilets and fresh water. Black-tail deer, raccoon and eagles might be seen here. Cemetery and Gossip Islands near the entrance to Reid Harbor are undeveloped marine parks. Good diving in area. Park Ranger - 360-378-2044.

3rd STOP - San Juan Island. Roche Harbor Resort. Moorage and vacation facilities. First class restaurant and cocktail lounge, historic Hotel de Haro. Formal gardens. Fuel station, laundromat, post office, general store, showers. There is also anchorage in the bay in depth of 15-50 feet on good bottom. Roche Harbor Resort.

4th STOP - Vancouver Island, . Moor in Victoria Harbor (first come, first served). There are city-owned floats directly in front of the famous Empress Hotel. Spectacular view of night lights on the Empress and Parliament buildings. Stroll downtown Victoria and enjoy the fine restaurants and shopping.

5th STOP - Back to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island (don't forget to check in with Customs after reentering the ). Temporary and overnight moorage is available at the Port of Friday Harbor Marina. Power, water and fuel is available. This is a picturesque island village with great restaurants, a local winery, lots of shops and a well-stocked grocery store. You can make reservations for moorage ahead of time by calling 360-378-2688. DO NOT forget to have your passport or birth certificate with you for ease of re-entry.

You may want to stay two nights at Sucia Island, Victoria or San Juan Island. There's so much to see. If not, here's one more island you can visit on your way back to Bellingham.
 

6th STOP - Orcas Island. Eastsound and Rosario Resort. Mooring buoys, floats, fuel. Another historic hotel with fine dining, cocktails, dancing, swimming, and a beautiful view of East Sound. Rosario Resort, Eastsound, WA 98245. 360-376-2222.

BACK TO BELLINGHAM BY NOON FRIDAY. 

Please note: Itinerary could vary by charter. 

A personal planned itinerary available for the asking.  

View local weather in the San Juan Islands.