My husband and I are novice sailors and planning our first trip to the San Juans early September. We only have one week. What suggestions does anyone have on where to go? Thanks!
San Juan Islands suggestions
- Thread starter Calif. Ted
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Where are ya leaving from?
There's lotsa places to go but I'd Google the San Juans and sailing to see what comes up. I know that one charter sailing outfit has maps and descriptions of places around the islands to visit.
There's lotsa places to go but I'd Google the San Juans and sailing to see what comes up. I know that one charter sailing outfit has maps and descriptions of places around the islands to visit.
Just got back
We just got back from a week in the San Juans and had a great time. We were only there for a week, but here are some of my highlights. Stuart Island was a great place to stay the night and possibly the day. The island has a great hike to the small school house and the Lighthouse. Jones Island was a nice spot to hang out. We went to three marinas, Deer Harbour, Roche Harbour and my favorite, Fisherman Bay. I would recommend getting "Gunkholing the San Juans" and a simple map to research just a bit before you go. Have Fun.
We just got back from a week in the San Juans and had a great time. We were only there for a week, but here are some of my highlights. Stuart Island was a great place to stay the night and possibly the day. The island has a great hike to the small school house and the Lighthouse. Jones Island was a nice spot to hang out. We went to three marinas, Deer Harbour, Roche Harbour and my favorite, Fisherman Bay. I would recommend getting "Gunkholing the San Juans" and a simple map to research just a bit before you go. Have Fun.
We use to cruise there all the time
Before we moved to California, we cruised the San Juans often. If you're planning on marina hopping, you should stay at Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. Our favorite anchorages are: 1. Reid Harbor (on Stuart Island). Lot's of room, great holding, good hiking trails. 2. Blind Bay (on Shaw) Island Lot's of room, great anchoring depths, completely protected 3. Echo Bay or Shallow Bay (Sucia Island). This island is the definition of beauty. 4. Hunter Bay (Lopez Island) The entire anchorage is about 15 feet, no matter where you drop the hook. Spencer Spit (Lopez) Mooring buoys, beautiful spot, bunny rabbits on land to watch. There's a start.
Before we moved to California, we cruised the San Juans often. If you're planning on marina hopping, you should stay at Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. Our favorite anchorages are: 1. Reid Harbor (on Stuart Island). Lot's of room, great holding, good hiking trails. 2. Blind Bay (on Shaw) Island Lot's of room, great anchoring depths, completely protected 3. Echo Bay or Shallow Bay (Sucia Island). This island is the definition of beauty. 4. Hunter Bay (Lopez Island) The entire anchorage is about 15 feet, no matter where you drop the hook. Spencer Spit (Lopez) Mooring buoys, beautiful spot, bunny rabbits on land to watch. There's a start.
Sailing the San Juans
We spent a week chartering in the San Juans seveal years ago. Be sure that you have up-to-date charts and information about tides and currents. There are hundreds of islands in the San Juans, half of which are visible during high tide. We dealt with San Juan Sailing in Bellingham, and they provided excellent information about hazards, etc. The San Juans are amazing! Go and enjoy, but go informed. I'll just sit here in north Texas in 100+ degree heat, watch the lake evaporate, and wish I was with you!
We spent a week chartering in the San Juans seveal years ago. Be sure that you have up-to-date charts and information about tides and currents. There are hundreds of islands in the San Juans, half of which are visible during high tide. We dealt with San Juan Sailing in Bellingham, and they provided excellent information about hazards, etc. The San Juans are amazing! Go and enjoy, but go informed. I'll just sit here in north Texas in 100+ degree heat, watch the lake evaporate, and wish I was with you!
more info
Thanks for the responses! Guess I should have provided more info. We have our own boat so won't be chartering. We have a Cal 44'. We'd leave from Shilshole in Seattle. Thanks again!
Thanks for the responses! Guess I should have provided more info. We have our own boat so won't be chartering. We have a Cal 44'. We'd leave from Shilshole in Seattle. Thanks again!
Ann
We live on Orcas in the San Juan's so this is our home cruising grounds. September is the ideal time for a cruise here as the weather is still good and the worst of the crowds are gone. I'll reiterate a couple of suggestions. Make sure you have detailed charts and tide tables and know how to read both. There are many rocks in places you might not expect them that get covered up at the higher stages of the tides. Currents can also be very strong in the passes. The best marinas in the islands are the previously mentioned Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor both on San Juan Island. Deer Harbor here on Orcas is pretty good but not alot to do there. Rosario has a good reputation but is overrated in my opinion. The best anchorages in the islands in my opinion are Echo Bay on Sucia, Reid Harbor on Stuart, Garrison Bay on San Juan Island, and Spencer Spit on Lopez.There are many other fine anchorages, but all of these have good shore access options as well. Hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
We live on Orcas in the San Juan's so this is our home cruising grounds. September is the ideal time for a cruise here as the weather is still good and the worst of the crowds are gone. I'll reiterate a couple of suggestions. Make sure you have detailed charts and tide tables and know how to read both. There are many rocks in places you might not expect them that get covered up at the higher stages of the tides. Currents can also be very strong in the passes. The best marinas in the islands are the previously mentioned Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor both on San Juan Island. Deer Harbor here on Orcas is pretty good but not alot to do there. Rosario has a good reputation but is overrated in my opinion. The best anchorages in the islands in my opinion are Echo Bay on Sucia, Reid Harbor on Stuart, Garrison Bay on San Juan Island, and Spencer Spit on Lopez.There are many other fine anchorages, but all of these have good shore access options as well. Hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
San Juans
Early Sept. is a good time to go, not so many crowds but still decent WX. If you're coming up from Shilshole you'll spend a day or two each way, might be worth moving the boat up to Anacortes or even Pt. Townsend the weekend before or something like that. I'd second the recommendation to have good charts/tide/current atlas. All of the spots mentioned are nice, it really depends on what you like. Rosario is another place to consider if you're looking for a little civilization, hot showers, etc. Spencer Spit and Blind Bay are favorites of ours, good crabbing. Friday and Roche Harbors are busy, bustling places if you like that sort of thing. Deer Harbor and West Sound are a little more laid back but also have some shoreside stuff. Sucia and Stuart are great places to hike around but no stores/food/facilities ashore. Are you looking to "get away from it all" or hang out in marinas more? Maybe a little of both? Comfortable anchoring? There's lots of bouys around but they tend to fill up in the early afternoon. Have fun!
Early Sept. is a good time to go, not so many crowds but still decent WX. If you're coming up from Shilshole you'll spend a day or two each way, might be worth moving the boat up to Anacortes or even Pt. Townsend the weekend before or something like that. I'd second the recommendation to have good charts/tide/current atlas. All of the spots mentioned are nice, it really depends on what you like. Rosario is another place to consider if you're looking for a little civilization, hot showers, etc. Spencer Spit and Blind Bay are favorites of ours, good crabbing. Friday and Roche Harbors are busy, bustling places if you like that sort of thing. Deer Harbor and West Sound are a little more laid back but also have some shoreside stuff. Sucia and Stuart are great places to hike around but no stores/food/facilities ashore. Are you looking to "get away from it all" or hang out in marinas more? Maybe a little of both? Comfortable anchoring? There's lots of bouys around but they tend to fill up in the early afternoon. Have fun!
Ann, were at Shilshole also
My wife doesn't like a lot of excitment so we go through via Laconner both ways. About 8 hours from your dock and in September you can probably get a side tie on the outside dock at the municipal dock and go grab dinner so no hassels.
My wife doesn't like a lot of excitment so we go through via Laconner both ways. About 8 hours from your dock and in September you can probably get a side tie on the outside dock at the municipal dock and go grab dinner so no hassels.
thanks!
Thanks everyone for the suggestions! When going up to the San Juans does one take Admiralty Inlet (west side of Whidbey) or the inside? Again, we have a 44' sailboat. Scott - do you and your wife livaboard at Shilshole? We're on K dock. Miles - we'd rather "get away from it all" or most of it. Probably prefer a mooring bouy. Gary - we may take you up on your Spencer Spit suggestion. Looks like a doable one for novice sailors
Anything else close by for a second place to go? We'd like to go to Sucia but maybe a bit far for just one week?
Thanks everyone for the suggestions! When going up to the San Juans does one take Admiralty Inlet (west side of Whidbey) or the inside? Again, we have a 44' sailboat. Scott - do you and your wife livaboard at Shilshole? We're on K dock. Miles - we'd rather "get away from it all" or most of it. Probably prefer a mooring bouy. Gary - we may take you up on your Spencer Spit suggestion. Looks like a doable one for novice sailors
Anything else close by for a second place to go? We'd like to go to Sucia but maybe a bit far for just one week?
Ann II
Hi Ann, When we've made the trip to/from Seattle we've gone the Admiralty Inlet route. It's much less complicated than the East side of Whidbey from a navigational standpoint. Be sure to consult the tide tables though, because the tide runs pretty strong through Admiralty Inlet and good timing can make your trip appreciably shorter. Crossing Juan de Fuca Strait can be intimidating as it has a well deserved nasty reputation. The key is to pick your weather window. Most of the time I've had to motor across for lack of wind. Sucia may be pushing it a bit for a week, but it's the best place in the San Juans for shore exploring. If you choose not to go to Sucia, you might try Hunter Bay on Lopez or Blind Bay on Shaw. Be VERY careful entering Blind Bay and consult your charts as there are submerged reefs across part of the entrance. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Hi Ann, When we've made the trip to/from Seattle we've gone the Admiralty Inlet route. It's much less complicated than the East side of Whidbey from a navigational standpoint. Be sure to consult the tide tables though, because the tide runs pretty strong through Admiralty Inlet and good timing can make your trip appreciably shorter. Crossing Juan de Fuca Strait can be intimidating as it has a well deserved nasty reputation. The key is to pick your weather window. Most of the time I've had to motor across for lack of wind. Sucia may be pushing it a bit for a week, but it's the best place in the San Juans for shore exploring. If you choose not to go to Sucia, you might try Hunter Bay on Lopez or Blind Bay on Shaw. Be VERY careful entering Blind Bay and consult your charts as there are submerged reefs across part of the entrance. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
San Juan in a Week
Hi Ann - If you are on K-dock, then we are real close neighbors, We are on the north side of L. In a boat your size, one week is just fine for a trip to the San Juan Islands. While two or ten would be better, you can get a taste in that much time. Inside or outside (Whidbey Island)? Since you are a bit time constrained, I'd pass on the inside trip up/down through LaConner. While it might be a tamer ride, it is significantly longer than Admiralty Inlet and in my personal opinion, kind of ugly. If you are a novice, leave Deception Pass (another option that is half inside and half outside) for another trip. Shilshole to Port Townsend is an easy half day and a fun town to hang for an afternoon. Don't think you would get moorage during the wooden boat festival (Sept. 8-10), but shouldn't be a problem otherwise. Crossing the strait early is my choice - trading higher winds later in the day for some fog early. Go with the flow - use your tide/current tables. Pay attention to the vessel traffic communication on VHF channel 5, and cross the shipping lanes as close to 90 degrees as you can. Watch for Orca whales! You might get lucky and spot them. You mentioned Spencer Spit - due south of there, in Lopez sound, is Hunter Bay. Very nice, large, protected anchorage. Limited shore access, but there is a county dock where you can take your dinghy and go walking. You could easily spend a couple days at Stuart Island - anchored or at a state park dock in Reid Harbor. Miles of walking, an interesting one room school, and a very cool lighthouse. Jones Island is another State Park - it won't be "away from it all" because it is popular, but it is small, so there just aren't that many folks. Good hiking and views out over San Juan Channel. Friday Harbor - again not "away from it all" in the least, but a fun town anyway and you will need/want some provisions during your week. Grab a chili-dog at Herbs Tavern. Hmmm. Our current plans are to head north around the labor day weekend for around 10 days - you may see us. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Hi Ann - If you are on K-dock, then we are real close neighbors, We are on the north side of L. In a boat your size, one week is just fine for a trip to the San Juan Islands. While two or ten would be better, you can get a taste in that much time. Inside or outside (Whidbey Island)? Since you are a bit time constrained, I'd pass on the inside trip up/down through LaConner. While it might be a tamer ride, it is significantly longer than Admiralty Inlet and in my personal opinion, kind of ugly. If you are a novice, leave Deception Pass (another option that is half inside and half outside) for another trip. Shilshole to Port Townsend is an easy half day and a fun town to hang for an afternoon. Don't think you would get moorage during the wooden boat festival (Sept. 8-10), but shouldn't be a problem otherwise. Crossing the strait early is my choice - trading higher winds later in the day for some fog early. Go with the flow - use your tide/current tables. Pay attention to the vessel traffic communication on VHF channel 5, and cross the shipping lanes as close to 90 degrees as you can. Watch for Orca whales! You might get lucky and spot them. You mentioned Spencer Spit - due south of there, in Lopez sound, is Hunter Bay. Very nice, large, protected anchorage. Limited shore access, but there is a county dock where you can take your dinghy and go walking. You could easily spend a couple days at Stuart Island - anchored or at a state park dock in Reid Harbor. Miles of walking, an interesting one room school, and a very cool lighthouse. Jones Island is another State Park - it won't be "away from it all" because it is popular, but it is small, so there just aren't that many folks. Good hiking and views out over San Juan Channel. Friday Harbor - again not "away from it all" in the least, but a fun town anyway and you will need/want some provisions during your week. Grab a chili-dog at Herbs Tavern. Hmmm. Our current plans are to head north around the labor day weekend for around 10 days - you may see us. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
more thanks!
Gary - thanks for the Hunter Bay suggestion. Both you and Tim suggested it so think we'll check that out. Tim - we are close neighbors! Really appreciate the detailed info and suggestions. We're at a boatyard for the next couple weeks ($$) but will look for you after that. I'm sure I've seen you coming and going. We really may end up seeing you along the way as we are also planning to leave labor day weekend (maybe Friday)!
Gary - thanks for the Hunter Bay suggestion. Both you and Tim suggested it so think we'll check that out. Tim - we are close neighbors! Really appreciate the detailed info and suggestions. We're at a boatyard for the next couple weeks ($$) but will look for you after that. I'm sure I've seen you coming and going. We really may end up seeing you along the way as we are also planning to leave labor day weekend (maybe Friday)!
Hey Ann
Celebration is on M dock, but we don't live aboard. I guess we like the LaConner route. We did the Deception pass route going up one time. First overnight was anchored on north side of the island a mile or so inside and south of Deception Pass. Then morning departure to go through at end of slack with an ebb following for a little push through. It was a windless morining but Rosario Straight was lumpy with a swell that unnerved my wife. Crossed over and anchored at south side of Spencer Spit. Next night on mooring at Rosario Resort. Got the guest van ride to Morrow Park and hiked up MT. Constitution, hitch hiked back down. Next day anchored off of Friday Harbor, walked and shopped and lunched, then a half hour ride across/north to the University of WA research station bay for the night. Forget where we sent after that, except we ended up going south through LaConner and we SAILED down the channel to Laconner, with the wind on the nose. Pretty rare. I like Pelican Beach on Cypress, there is a hike up to Ealge Cliff, great view. I like Clark Island also, and short trip to Sucia from Clark. My reference guides are Wagoner and Gunkholing the San Juans. Have a great trip
Celebration is on M dock, but we don't live aboard. I guess we like the LaConner route. We did the Deception pass route going up one time. First overnight was anchored on north side of the island a mile or so inside and south of Deception Pass. Then morning departure to go through at end of slack with an ebb following for a little push through. It was a windless morining but Rosario Straight was lumpy with a swell that unnerved my wife. Crossed over and anchored at south side of Spencer Spit. Next night on mooring at Rosario Resort. Got the guest van ride to Morrow Park and hiked up MT. Constitution, hitch hiked back down. Next day anchored off of Friday Harbor, walked and shopped and lunched, then a half hour ride across/north to the University of WA research station bay for the night. Forget where we sent after that, except we ended up going south through LaConner and we SAILED down the channel to Laconner, with the wind on the nose. Pretty rare. I like Pelican Beach on Cypress, there is a hike up to Ealge Cliff, great view. I like Clark Island also, and short trip to Sucia from Clark. My reference guides are Wagoner and Gunkholing the San Juans. Have a great trip
Aleck Bay
I hesitate to add anything to the long experience so well represented already. And, we loved every stop we made in our week in the San Juans on a charter out of Anacortes. We had unusual luck with wild life anchoring in Aleck Bay on our first night. - While entering against a strong tidal current, we saw a Minke whale. - The bay is very sheltered, beautiful, and quiet. We saw lots of sea birds, otters, seals, and a fishing Bald Eagle while at anchor. - As we left the bay, we saw a large pod of Orcas charging by outside the rocks to the south, headed west in the San Juan de Fuca straight. It's a great cruising ground - enjoy yourselves! David Lady Lillie
I hesitate to add anything to the long experience so well represented already. And, we loved every stop we made in our week in the San Juans on a charter out of Anacortes. We had unusual luck with wild life anchoring in Aleck Bay on our first night. - While entering against a strong tidal current, we saw a Minke whale. - The bay is very sheltered, beautiful, and quiet. We saw lots of sea birds, otters, seals, and a fishing Bald Eagle while at anchor. - As we left the bay, we saw a large pod of Orcas charging by outside the rocks to the south, headed west in the San Juan de Fuca straight. It's a great cruising ground - enjoy yourselves! David Lady Lillie
San Juan Island suggestions
Hi Ann, Looks like you have lots of suggestions. I will reiterate 3. 1. Plan you trip with the help of a tide atlas, the currents around the islands have left us sailing backwards a few times. 2. September is a beautiful time to sail the islands the WX is still nice but the crazies have gone home. Still morning fog is often an real issue. a gps is invaluable to keep you out of the shipping lanes. Nothing like hearing a really loud fog horn and not being able to tell where it's coming from. 3. Lastly take a look at Washington State Parks docks, parks etc. Several of our favorite spots are only accessable by boat. Have a great time, perhaps we will see you up there. Doug
Hi Ann, Looks like you have lots of suggestions. I will reiterate 3. 1. Plan you trip with the help of a tide atlas, the currents around the islands have left us sailing backwards a few times. 2. September is a beautiful time to sail the islands the WX is still nice but the crazies have gone home. Still morning fog is often an real issue. a gps is invaluable to keep you out of the shipping lanes. Nothing like hearing a really loud fog horn and not being able to tell where it's coming from. 3. Lastly take a look at Washington State Parks docks, parks etc. Several of our favorite spots are only accessable by boat. Have a great time, perhaps we will see you up there. Doug
And some More "Stuff":
More info: 1. My trips have been pretty-much across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and went for the first time via "the cut" (or ditch) a couple years ago just to see what it was like. The fastest way, as was mentioned, is via Port Townsend. 2. Fogust: This time of year expect a lot of fog. It comes and goes but when it goes it's often blown away. The heated interior sucks in the cooler maratime air from the ocean and can cause pretty good winds so going in the fog may be preferable to waiting until it clears. Make sure you have at least one good radar reflector. If under sail, realize that it can be difficult for radar to "see through" sail cloth. 3. Port Townsend crossing: try to cross on an ebb and be mid channel for the flood for the ride in. However, Cattle Pass can provide a rolicing ride if the current is flowing good. If you go up Rosario then there are several passes to choose from to get on the inside. 4. Currents: This is the really big thing. Go against the flow and it takes for-ever! Recommend the San Juan Current Atlas and this will help you plan your trips to go with the flow. This is a two-part sytem. The Atlas and the Washbournes Tables for the particular calendar year. Look up the date and time in the table to get a page number in the Atlas and those are the currents for that date and time.
More info: 1. My trips have been pretty-much across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and went for the first time via "the cut" (or ditch) a couple years ago just to see what it was like. The fastest way, as was mentioned, is via Port Townsend. 2. Fogust: This time of year expect a lot of fog. It comes and goes but when it goes it's often blown away. The heated interior sucks in the cooler maratime air from the ocean and can cause pretty good winds so going in the fog may be preferable to waiting until it clears. Make sure you have at least one good radar reflector. If under sail, realize that it can be difficult for radar to "see through" sail cloth. 3. Port Townsend crossing: try to cross on an ebb and be mid channel for the flood for the ride in. However, Cattle Pass can provide a rolicing ride if the current is flowing good. If you go up Rosario then there are several passes to choose from to get on the inside. 4. Currents: This is the really big thing. Go against the flow and it takes for-ever! Recommend the San Juan Current Atlas and this will help you plan your trips to go with the flow. This is a two-part sytem. The Atlas and the Washbournes Tables for the particular calendar year. Look up the date and time in the table to get a page number in the Atlas and those are the currents for that date and time.
Boat name
Gosh everyone! Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. I'm a bit concerned about the tides, currents, shipping lanes, fog, etc but with radar and gps hopefully we'll do fine. Tim - our boat name is True Blue. We're on the north side of K dock (not right now though) and have a blue full enclosure. I know we've seen you coming and going as I recognize your boat name.
Gosh everyone! Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. I'm a bit concerned about the tides, currents, shipping lanes, fog, etc but with radar and gps hopefully we'll do fine. Tim - our boat name is True Blue. We're on the north side of K dock (not right now though) and have a blue full enclosure. I know we've seen you coming and going as I recognize your boat name.
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