San Juan Islands suggestions

[Robin]

Favorite Island in the San Juans

My wife and I like Sucia Island on the north side of the islands. Echo Bay is a great anchorage and can be reached in an easy day's sail from Anacortes. Spencer Spit on the NE end of Lopez Island is also a great stop. Check out the driftwood constructs there. Great for kids.

 

[monty]

whales

I sail in the san juans and gulf islands every year. just got back from 10 days in the islands. if you want to see orcas you might consider sailing the west side of san jaun island and the north side of san juan and orcas. we have seen many in those areas. recently there was a pod on the east side of orcas as well. south of lopez and san jaun is hein bank and 3 others which are all formerly well known feeding grounds but I havn't seen whales there in a few years. keep in mind that many of the marinas will take a reservation, without one you will likely be on a wait list at roche, fisherman, friday harbor, deer harbor(one of our favorites) and rosario. sucia is great but crowded, have an alternative in mind or arrive early and wait for a mooring, same with jones isl. a couple of great moorings but crowded. aleck bay is great-watch the tide re: the shallow areas, hunter bay is as described by others. a few years ago I sailed from olympia, through the NW passage and stopped at james island, very nice moorings, good view might be crowded but I wouldn't think it is as popular as sucia and jones. there is also I nice little inlet in Blakely island, I have been by many times but never stopped.monty

 

[Taylor]

Current Atlas and another place to stay

You should get a copy of the Canadian Juan De Fuca Current Atlas, and a set of the tables that go with it. The current atlas is good forever, you need new tables every year. This will really help you understand the farily complex currents in the San Juans as well as the Gulf Islands, and the Strait of Georgia when you start to go further. They never go the direction you expect, and they can run up several knots. If the current is with you, you will make much better time. See attached link, but I'd recommend getting it at Captains on 15th NW in Interbay. Great people. September is a fine time to go, the weather should be good, and since the kids are back in school, you will find lots bouys available at the state parks, such as Echo Bay on Sucia and Reid or Prevost Harbors on Stewart. The bouys are nice, espcially are new to anchoring, because you always sleep better if you don't have to worry about the anchor dragging.One of my personal favorites has already been mentioned: Pelican Beach on Cyprus Island is very pretty, with a nice hike to the top of Eagle Cliff. This is a popular spot with kayakers (which is how I found it). Please note - do NOT anchor here, you just can't. Its too steep a drop off. But there are about five DNR bouys, so if you can get one of those in settled weather, its a great place to stay. As mentioned by others, you must go to Sucia Island, and marvel at the fact that the island was purchased by boaters and given to the state for a park. Echo bay has a great view of Mt Baker. Its a long way in a week, but doable, so that should be your goal. Have fun!