Everything you need to know for that first cruise in the San Juan Islands

 Cruising Itinerary, Parks, Campgrounds, Launch ramps, Friday Harbor, Maps, docks, and Anchorages.

This post covers the bare basics needed for a San Juan Islands visit.  Simple answers to some very important questions.

Because it is on a trailer does not make it a good idea!

While reading this somewhat abbreviated post, click the links to dig into specific details.  Be sure to use the search box to find more of what you need to know.

#1 Where to begin this epic outing? 

Launch your boat at one of these four places. 

Cornet Bay at Deception Pass Park

Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, 

Washington Park in Anacortes

Cap Sante in Anacortes.

One of these four places may offer exactly what you need to get the boat wet.  First, but not necessarily best, consider   Cap Sante offers light and heavy travel lift slings but no launching ramp.  They also offer short or long-term pay trailer parking and an RV park.  You definitely will want a reservation for slinging and mast stepping.  You may be able to reserve a slip at the transient dock. The costs are not cheap.

 Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.

The next place to consider is Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.  While travel lifts are available at the port, their multilane all-tide boat ramp, long-term parking, and abundant transient slips are what most boaters come for.  If your destination is the San Juan Islands or perhaps jumping over to Canada, this is by far the best place to begin and end your voyage.  No reservations are needed, and they operate 24/7 with a self-pay kiosk.  Driving the extra freeway miles to Bellingham adds very little time to your overall day.

Washington Park

Next, back in the Anacortes area are Washington Park and Deception Pass Park.  Washington Park is a city-owned campground with a two-lane boat ramp and float and trailer parking.  You don't need to stay at the campground, you can simply use the ramp and park for up to two weeks.  Pay 24/7 at the pay station.  Parking may be limited so avoid weekends if you can or have an alternate plan.  Tip: Plan an outing staying in the campground, taking the boat into the San Juans for day trips. Of course, you will need reservations for camping.  

Deception Pass State Park.

Lastly, just a few miles away is Deception Pass State Park.  The launching ramp and transient docks are at  Cornet Bay and are just a stone's throw from the famous Pass.  The ramp is usable at all tide levels, has four lanes and floats and has abundant long term parking.  Pay 24/7 at the Kiosk.  Cornet Bay also boasts a marina, fuel and a convenience store. All four locations have nice restrooms with pay showers.
There are a few other options for launching such as boat yards and some inferior ramps but these are the ones recommended and that have parking.    all the ramps  As an aside, taking your boat on a ferry expecting to launch from a ramp on one of the islands is not a well-thought-out plan.

Your San Juan Islands vacation cruise is soon to become a reality but you have some simple questions needing answers.

#2  Before you get going

you need to take a good hard look at your gear.  Ill-prepared skippers not only risk ruining their cruise but they jeopardize the safety of everyone around them.  On the flip side, well-prepared captains seem to always have great drama-free vacations.  Speaking of gear, you need a way to get to shore from your anchored yacht.  A cheap two-three-man inflatable will work, paddle boards are tippy but will work, but beaching your boat for anything but a minute or two is not going to work out well for you. basic gear needed

#3  Okay, you're all packed 

and on the highway but where will you spend the first night?  Good question and the answer is all up to you and what you want.  What I have learned, is that what works best for me is to stay at Cornet Bay or Squalicum Harbor on the boat.  It is usually late and we are tired, simply getting on the water is enough for day one.  Your plan may be different so here is a list of parks.  parks, parks, parks , and here is a list of resorts and marinas waiting for your arrival. resorts and marinas

#4  You are well on your way now. 

I hope you brought some food and fuel, if not, don't worry, here is a list of places you can go to get all the stuff you forgot to bring.  places with food and supplies

#5  If you are really going to the San Juans

you will have dozens of new questions now that you are thinking about it.  So try this link for more answers >>  basic questions answered

#6   Lastly, along with planning

where to go it really helps to know the distance between points.   Use this handy mileage chart.  water mileage chart  Remember, currents and tide fluctuations are part of every passage.

#7  When to go.  

This is not a difficult choice, just go when you are able, but avoid winter weather.  July and August weather attract more people but there is plenty of room.  Holidays can get festive and tend to attract crowds but sometimes that is what makes it a great vacation.

Click below for a satellite view of the Cornet Bay launching ramp

Cruise the San Juan Islands – Sample Itinerary, Trip Plan, Vacation Guide

"Where are the best places to go or best things

 to do in the San Juan's?"       

Talk to ten San Juan Islands cruisers and you will get ten different answers to the question,  Each will be correct, or mostly correct. To support their answers, they will offer first-hand exciting personal experiences.  That is why you must gather  the best information, inject your wants and quirks, and then chart your own course to the San Juan's.  

     Our experiences and local knowledge have been earned the old-fashioned way – one cruise at a time. Sailing, hiking, biking and gunkholing, all while immersed in nature have been our reward. 
     This website is a compilation of our travels in five sailboats and two trawlers spanning three decades.
     Along the way we published a cruising guide, “San Juan Islands Cruise Guide,” followed later with a Land and Sea Guidebook, “San Juan Islands Travel Guide.”  My goal for this website and these books is to help boaters, travelers, sailors, and families enjoy the good times we have enjoyed for many years.
     What is the best five-day itinerary?  That's like asking what's the best color.  But there are certain things that our experience and local knowledge will help with.  Sometimes, one just needs a little push in the right direction to get on the right tack, so to speak.  It is impossible in an essay or article to cover everything important to everybody or all the possible places to go.  However, this website does cover every state park, every county park, every public dock, and much much more.  
     You will find many links to pictures and specific posts, all composed for San Juan Island boaters.  Be sure, while reading to click the links and follow your interests. Be sure to use the search box at the top of this page on the left side.

You're invited!
     To help you muddle through this dilemma and provide some interesting reading, please come along with us on our summer cruise in the San Juan Islands.  Of course, you will be taking your own boat since ours is full.  

     Today, we use our laptop as a chart plotter. The program was free online Free chart plotter software but I had to buy a USB antenna for $19.95.  You can get by with a small handheld GPS or even your cell phone but I enjoy the big screen.   I don't want you to get lost if we get separated, or your battery is dead, so you should pick up a paper chart and a compass.   chart #18421 I carry a colorful roadmap with us as well.

    Let's get on the same page and assume this is your first boat trip to the San Juan's, and you are in a trailerable sailboat with a 5-6 mph speed.  There are five or six starting points we have used but only three are preferred.  They are Cornet Bay in Deception Pass, Cap Sante in Anacortes or Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.  If you have a fast powerboat or are coming up from the Seattle direction you will want to make time and distance adjustments.  We will plan  to sleep on board but use bathrooms on shore. Okay, let's go. ----- We have narrowed it down to about twenty parks to choose from for the first night, and that's not counting the marinas at Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, or Rosario.   Not to worry, I have a plan >>>  all the parks and then some

      Sometimes when we plan a vacation trip to the San Juan's,  we try to make a great circle route because it saves time and resources. But this time we're going to decide where we go, as we go. We will see how that non-plan works out.  Certain people on the boat have expressed a desire for hot showers, I guess we will see how that works out too. Since we may travel all the way across the San Juan's and back, your boat will need a minimum 75-mile range. Fuel is readily available everywhere but smart skippers figure one-third of the miles out, one-third back, and a third as a cushion.  If your fuel tank is a little small you can tie a five-gallon can on deck.  Knowing you have reserve fuel will ease anxious thoughts and ensure you have a great visit.  Shall we also assume that you have a seaworthy vessel with all safety gear?  If not, correct it before we head out, or stay home.  Life jackets for all

Plan as we go itinerary:

Cornet Bay Launch Ramps

        Let's begin at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park.

  However, after reading this post, I suggest that you search this website and check out the other launch locations. Some may fit your plans better. launch points Also, search the other parks and marinas and things to do.  It is easy to overlook a great place or mini adventure that will make your cruise the best of all.  I chose to launch at Cornet Bay this time because I really enjoy the pass scenery.  The dock and the long-term parking are ideal.  Plus being able to take off or return from both directions 24/7 opens up even more possibilities when not having a firm plan. If I was heading for the Sucia, Patos or Matia Island area first off, I may have chosen Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham but where we end the cruise may dictate where to begin.

Read the rest?

San Juans Itinerary for a Nine Day Trip

Suggested Itineraries for a first time boat trip to the

 San Juan Islands

(Updated (2014) alternate itinerary with Echo Bay and Sucia Island as 1st stop)

click here  Sucia Trip Intinerary

(For a  shorter itinerary on your first cruise and with different island stopovers (click here) 

      This article is designed to get you going on that first boating sailing trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington State.

Below is a snapshot map of your dreamed-about vacation land (or water) 

The map above identifies many  (not all) common names and places

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with some locations you may have read about.

You may want to follow this link and take a quick look at the detailed marine parks list and then come back to the suggested itinerary below,

 "MARINE PARK LIST AND MAPS" click here 

click here to read the rest of this post

Planning your San Juan Island's cruise is as easy as two things.

Many moons and several magnificent sunsets had passed when I finally embarked on the grand adventure of planning a summer trip to the enchanting San Juan Islands. 

However, fate had a different plan in store for me. Due to circumstances, we found ourselves without a vessel. 

We were at Yellowstone National Park, gazing at the late spring snows. Time was slipping away, and our planned departure date to the San Juan’s was fast approaching, yet we were still boatless. A thousand miles away from home in a campground full of bears, I resorted to browsing Craigslist on my laptop while clutching my cell phone in hand. It was then that I stumbled upon a boat for sale posting that caught my attention.

To my surprise, the boat in question was of the type I had previously owned. The price was right, and a surge of confidence swept over me. I made a daring decision to promise to buy it sight unseen upon our return in two weeks. However, there was a hitch. The seller had just embarked on their own vacation and would not be back for another three weeks. Oh, dear! That meant they would only be back a week before our planned departure for the San Juans. Time seemed to be playing a cruel game with our hopes.

Fast forward three weeks later, and I found myself standing at the seller's doorstep, armed with cash and eager to drive away with our trusted vessel for the San Juan Islands. Back at home with our new boat and trailer, time was short, and I could only manage a few essential tasks. 

I diligently checked and greased the bearings, stepped and un-stepped the mast, and on the eve of our departure, I hurriedly took her for a test run in the river to gauge the motor's performance.

 As fate would have it, the 7.5 Honda motor ran smoothly for ten minutes before suddenly quitting. I drifted back towards the ramp in semi-darkness. Moments before hauling her out, I tried the motor once more, and lo and behold, it roared back to life. Quite perplexing, indeed.

Undeterred by this glitch, we embarked on our journey to Anacortes the following day. Upon launching at Twin Bridges on the Swinomish Channel, the motor graced us with its smooth-running presence just long enough to steer us away from the dock and set a course for Padilla Bay before surrendering once more.

 Still undeterred, we continued our voyage under sail, finally anchoring at Pelican Beach on Cypress Island. 

There, we reveled in the joys of a magnificent beach fire before retiring for the night. Throughout the evening, my mind couldn't help but wonder if the motor would start the next morning and if the capricious currents and winds would carry us to our next destination at Matia or Sucia.

But enough of my ramblings. We spent a glorious week in the San Juan Islands, and to our relief, the motor never faltered again. It proved to be a reliable workhorse that faithfully served us on several more boating expeditions in the years to come. The initial mystery of its temporary failure remained unresolved. As soon as we returned home, with plenty of summer still ahead, I wasted no time in placing a Craigslist ad to sell the boat. I recouped my entire investment, and as a bonus, I held onto the now trusty Honda outboard for many years afterward.

Reflecting upon this adventure, it became evident to me that setting a firm departure date was the catalyst that made the trip possible. 

Of course, we took a gamble with an unknown boat, motor, and rigging. However, I had the foresight to equip ourselves with basic essential gear: PFD’s, a bucket, a portable GPS, a handheld radio, a cell phone, and a paper chart. I had done my homework and discovered that the boat ramp offered long-term parking for a modest fee of $8 per day. With all the pieces falling into place, we made our dream of a San Juan vacation cruise a reality.

So, my advice to all you dreamers longing for a San Juan vacation cruise is simple yet crucial: 

#1 Mark your calendar this instant with your departure date. #2 Purchase a San Juan paper chart or just a map and proudly display it on a wall where you will see it every day. Trust me, with these two actions as your guiding stars, everything else will naturally fall into place. You'll see your dream materialize before your eyes.

Easy Itinerary for a spur of the moment cruise 

Fast track to the San Juans

Friday Harbor Marina

Click below for a satellite view of Friday Harbor

How to Plan an Unforgettable San Juan Islands Vacation Cruise

Embarking on any adventure begins with making a firm decision to go and setting the date. Follow these easy steps for the boat trip of a lifetime.

Washington Park ramp

1.   Setting the Perfect Date: 

       Choosing the right time for your trip requires careful consideration. We have traveled throughout the San Juans from early spring to late fall, and each month offers a unique experience. July and August offer the best weather and blooming flowers but also attract the most visitors. May and June may bring cooler and wetter days, but they also offer excellent sailing winds and the chance to see newborn fawns. September and October may bring foggy days, especially near Deception Pass and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, but you might be rewarded with fewer crowds and wonderful weather. Keep in mind that early spring and late fall may find some businesses and parks closed or partially operational. It's essential to make inquiries to ensure it doesn't affect your plans.

2.     Where to Start: 

      The answer to this question varies for each boater, but there are a few common options. If you're coming by boat from Seattle or the Puget Sound area, you'll need to go around Whidbey Island through either Admiralty Inlet and Port Townsend or Deception Pass. Many skippers prefer Deception Pass due to calmer waters and no commercial shipping. The Deception Pass route also allows for a visit to Cornet Bay or a detour through Swinomish Channel to explore La Conner and Anacortes. Although Port Townsend is an option. Personally, I recommend choosing La Conner or Cornet Bay.

3.      Trailering Boat Arrival Options: 

       Most boaters arrive with their boats on trailers. To find suitable ramps for launching, you can refer to this comprehensive list: (http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/taking-your-boat-for-camping-vacation.html). However, only three ramps are typically preferred: Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, Cornet Bay at Deception Pass Park, and Washington Park in Anacortes. Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes offers a travel lift hoist but no ramp. Washington Park is the closest to the San Juans and allows for a quick start, but parking may be limited during peak times. Parking at Cornet Bay and Squalicum Harbor is always readily available. We have utilized all three ramps multiple times, and our choice depends on our destination and who accompanies us. Sometimes, dropping off children at Washington Park is convenient if they need to return home early. Personally, I enjoy the Deception Pass area, so if our agenda is clear, Cornet Bay is our preferred choice. Note: I do not recommend taking a ferry to the islands with plans to launch at any of the county ramps. The ramps are inferior, and most don't allow overnight parking. An exception may be small skiffs or kayakers.

4.      Rest After Travel: 

        If you've traveled a long distance and then rigged and splashed the boat, chances are you are exhausted, and it is getting late. It's advisable to spend the first night at a nearby dock or location. Both Cornet Bay and Squalicum Harbor offer transient docks next to the launch ramps. Note that Washington Park only offers a launch dock and is not suitable for overnight stays. Anchoring out front in exposed Guemes Channel, while very doable, will not be much fun due to the many wakes. Nearby welcoming places like James's Island, Cypress Head, or Saddlebag Island, located about four miles away, offer great options depending on your route. Keep in mind that anchoring requires a dinghy to reach the shore. Alternatively, last summer, we tried inflatable paddleboards instead of a dinghy, 
but their usefulness as a full-time dinghy substitute is still uncertain.

5.      Planning Your Itinerary:

      Your itinerary doesn't have to be rigid, with specific stops for each minute or day. It's more enjoyable to have a rough idea and a list of preferred stops. For example, you might want to have a late lunch and buy ice and groceries at Friday Harbor, but you can do the same at Lopez Village, Roche Harbor, or Eastsound. Consider visiting stores when your ice melts on day two or three and take the opportunity to enjoy a hot shower. Most villages and marinas offer groceries, fuel, and shower facilities. Don't worry about being turned away as ample anchorage is available throughout the islands. Consider saving fuel and time by following a great circle route and avoiding backtracking. Visit the outer points early while you still have ice and snacks, and then recharge in the villages. Allowing seven days for your trip is ideal, as anything less might feel rushed, while more time will be well spent.

6.      Additional Excursions: 

       Don't miss out on Butchart Gardens and Victoria; both can be day-only or overnight additions to your 
San Juan Islands trip. While reservations aren't necessary, make sure to carry your passports 
for re-entry into the US.

7.      Easy Five Island - Ten Stopover Itinerary:

Day 1: Launch at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park, spend the night at the transient dock.

Day 2: Run to Jones Island, spend the night at anchor or dock.

Day 3: Run to English Camp, hike up Young Hill, have lunch at Roche Harbor, and return to Jones.

Day 4: Run to Friday Harbor, have lunch and showers, buy groceries, and return to Jones.

Day 5: Run to Stuart, hike to the lighthouse, and dock or anchor for the night.

Day 6: Run to Sucia, anchor or dock for the night in Fossil Bay, and hike to China Caves and Ewing Cove.

Day 7: Swing by Pelican Beach On Cypress and/or Saddlebag Island for a short hike, run through Swinomish Channel, have lunch at La Conner, and arrive in time for a beautiful Sunset back at Deception Pass, spend the last night at the Cornet Bay dock.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to embark on an unforgettable boat trip through the stunning San Juan Islands. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty and create lasting memories. Most of all, you will have fun.

If you really want to take advantage of tides and currents, consider this guide

San Juan Islands area current atlas

Click below to see satellite view of  Cornet Bay moorage and ramp

First Timers Guide to the San Juan's

Matia Island

This post is written to help new cruisers headed to the San Juan's needing the same simple answers 

we needed.

From time to time I refresh my thinking and remember our first visit nearly thirty years ago. Specifically what a pain it was not knowing the simplest answers to questions many of us take for granted today. 

     I define the San Juan cruising area not by county or even country, but rather by places we want to visit and spend some time. But that also means, places we have the capability to get to without too much effort or time.  So that being stated, I think of Port Townsend and Deception Pass Park (Cornet Bay), and Swinomish Channel as our loosely defined southern boundary.  I think of Vancouver BC and Nanaimo as our northern most point, and everything in between Vancouver Island and the mainland completing the east west box. Keep in mind, with a day or two extra, you can run down to Olympia or up to 

Princess Louisa Inlet.

 For this discussion, we are sticking to the 

core San Juan Island area and what you need to get there.

Obvious (to some) Cruising Basics

You need a boat, but you can rent a sail or powerboat in Anacortes or Bellingham if you prefer, and it doesn't take much experience to qualify.

• Size matters? yes and no.  Bigger is more comfy, costly and feels imminently safer in a storm. As size goes up, so do your skill requirements. Once past about thirty five feet you will find you don't fit at some docks and fuel burns at over twenty five gallons an hour. Smaller is  better at times. Eighteen foot ski and fishing boats or day sailors are very easy to get in and out at virtually all places but with all your food and gear, you could be crowded on board. When packing and provisioning, be honest and admit you don't really need all that stuff you take car camping. Above all, don't let your lack of a perfect boat cause you not to go. Take what you have, you can make it work.

• Bring a dinghy, even a two person inflatable kayak is okay.  You need a way to get to shore where there are no docks. You don't have to carry the dinghy on board, you can tow it everywhere you go. Yes you can beach your runabout and let the tide leave you dry on a beach but bringing a dinghy is so much easier. (update 2025) Lately we have seen inflatable paddle boards used as dinghys and we have done it ourselves so we know they work. 

• Sleep on board, at anchor, at the dock, or in the many park campgrounds. (there are about twenty marine campgrounds, you can camp at a different park every night) If preferred, you can spend every night at a marina or resort and sleep on shore.

• The best weather will be in July and August, but the shoulder seasons have less people and okay weather too.

• I suggest you plan a week, but you can make a weekend work.  If you have a comfortable all weather boat, spend the summer.

• If you rent, don't forget you have to park your car(s) If you trailer, plan on a daily parking fee of around $12.  (Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is free, even long term) Call harbormaster for current rules.

• See this posting for launch ramps. ---launch ramps with long term parking  This is probably the only real planning decision you need to make before you go, but we have changed our planned take off point as we drove up the highway.  Do not start your San Juan cruise down south in Olympia, Seattle or Everett or Port Townsend or Port Angeles. If you do you will spend much of your time motoring long distances (both ways) My advice is to start in Bellingham or Anacortes using one of the ramps from the list above.

• You need with you on the boat, a chart, or you will get lost, count on it. You should have a list of parks, marinas and resources preferably marked on your navigation chart. Get this chart. Noaa # 18421  -  We use noaa chart # 18421 you can see it by clicking here or anywhere charts are sold.  Navigation charts do not show what's on shore, (roads, city's, marinas, parks, etc) so we carry a highway map as well.

• Don't run out and buy an expensive chart plotter. At minimum, you need a paper chart, a  portable GPS and a compass, your smart phone will probably do.  All boats need a depth sounder or you are risking an expensive grounding.

Sample itinerary: #1. Begin at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham (open 24/7).

2. Head for Friday Harbor and get a slip for your first night or every night (they take reservations).  

3. Use Friday Harbor as your base, returning every night to your own slip with power, water, restrooms, on shore restaurants and entertainment. 

This plan will work for virtually all boaters regardless of  gear, experience or creature comfort requirements. None of the Marine State Parks have reserve-able docks or anchor buoys, everything is first come first gets it. This means you should plan on anchoring and using your dinghy,  it also means when someone pulls out you may grab the spot at the dock. Rafting is the term  used when several boats tie together at anchor or the dock.

Sample itinerary: #2. Begin at Squalicum again but this time head for Matia or Sucia. 

• Tie up to the dock at Fossil Bay (Sucia) or anchor.  Sleep on the boat or camp on shore.

• Next, Jump over to Stuart, repeat and then Roche Harbor or Jones, then to Friday Harbor, then Fisherman Bay. This itinerary will make sure you have a shower and food store available (Roche and Friday) when you really need and want both.  

• Fuel is readily available but you should try to have a minimum range of seventy five miles just to be sure should you encounter adverse conditions.

• How many days you spend at each park is up to you, your car and trailer will be waiting in the free parking lot when you circle back to Bellingham.

• You can do exactly the same cruise, but begin at Washington Park or Deception Pass  (Cornet Bay) and perhaps change the order.

• Search this website for other suggested itineraries.  The possibilities are endless.
• 
  

Get my San Juan Islands Cruise Guide, it  has all the parks, marinas, fuel, resources,

 phone numbers.

 The guide is written specifically for visitors coming by boat. My companion book, the San Juan Islands Travel Guide is written for visitors coming by car.

              San Juan Islands Cruise Guide     -----   San Juan Islands Travel Guide

         Don't be cheap, the books cost less than a meal and will pay for themselves in saved frustration,  making your cruise a real success.

• Lastly, I can't address everything you may want to know in a single post, so I suggest you search this site and read some more articles. There are several with detailed day by day itineraries. Next, after becoming more knowledgeable about what and where you want to go and do, set aside a week and go. It really is that easy. The central cruising area is small enough that you can completely change your plans on the fly. You don't need reservations, you don't need a plan, you don't even need to bring food, just grab your gear and boat and hit the road. OH - bring some cash or plastic for, fuel and park fees and that food I just said you don't need.

If you happen to see us on Kraken somewhere, please say hello. We hope to be anchored in Fisherman Bay for the Lopez Island 4th of July fireworks show.

John and Linda
              feel free to use the e-mail contact form with your questions

Victoria Cruise Itinerary and Customs at Roche Harbor

Note: this  is a very old post I am re-posting so some prices will be off.

Suggested Cruise to Victoria BC with Whale Watching
 and San Juan Islands Stop Overs
This article is for first timers to the San Juan Island area and has the answers you may be looking for.  Timeless advice to make your first trip a fun success.

• places to launch and stay on your boat
• distances between stops
• customs and immigration
• alternate planning
• what to expect
• basic boating information 

Study this map and familiarize yourself with names and places. 

 (Find Victoria, Roche Harbor, Swinomish Channel, Deception Pass)

Lets start this Cruise at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park
(Your going to Canada and back, did you remember to bring your passports and Children ID's? the rules are changing)

Boat launch at Cornet Bay (Deception Pass)

Day one, you arrive at Deception Pass and its probably late in the day and your tired, so lets plan on spending the night right here  on the boat securely tied to the dock at Cornet Bay.  You will pay a launch fee and $10/day parking, plus 50 cents a foot for spending night at dock. Pay at the self serve kiosk. If your not sure of when your coming back simply estimate, leave a note explaining, the ranger will understand.  The ramp is very good, all tide. The parking is huge, you will not have a problem.

      There is a park store, but you should have done your provisioning in Anacortes.

Heading westward facing an incoming current, (another ten minutes and we wouldn't have the speed to overcome the 7+ mph current)

Day two, leg #1, our destination is Friday Harbor, but first you must time the pass.  You should already be familiar with the tide levels and  times at Deception Pass (download a page from any of of dozens of sites including NOAA) so cast off at high or low tide. You can be  half an hour early or late, this gives you a one hour window. (it takes just ten minutes to reach the pass from the dock)  If you are catching a falling tide (current is going out to sea) you can be very late but standing waves may scare you and the crew as you take a fast sled ride and shoot out into the Strait of Juan De Fuca.  If you are late and  head out on a rising tide, your boat may not have enough speed to overcome the in rushing torrent, and your stuck until the next slack water. The pass is not a problem, it is narrow with the fastest water for only about 250 feet, but slow sailboats can  meet their match every four to six hours.

read more

Cruisers Packing List - don't forget the ?

      If your a beginner to the San Juans as well as a beginner to cruising (boat camping) you may find some useful advice here.  But some people don't like being told what to bring or what not to bring, or ask for directions when they are hopelessly lost.  So stop right here if you recognize yourself, and move on.

        Okay, now that the captain and skipper have quit reading lets see if we can ease the pain somewhat.  I'm not going to try to be all inclusive here, but just some little reminders to get you thinking about your cruise.  Obviously you have a spotless well equipped boat and many things are already on board.

• I'll bet you don't have an underwater flashlight, they are great for teasing sea creatures after dark, and will add hours of entertainment time to answer your children's "I'm bored" comments. (hint, stick a cheap flashlight in a ziplock bag) Now tie it to the end of your boat hook and poke it under water
• How about heavy duty zip lock bags, or the ones they sell at the outdoor outfitter stores for river running, you know for your cell phone, ipod, camera, wallet, etc, etc, etc.....
• speaking of waterproof have you got any good wood matches in a waterproof container?
• here's one you really miss and then its too late  - chap-stick with spf 99 (how high do the #'s go?)
• remember that hat that blew off into the water?  ditto for glasses!  you need a chin strap or leash.
• OK, this is a good one, get a second or third corkscrew, uh huh! (try em at home to make sure they work well)
• Dramamine in all forms for everyone
• cheap little led flashlights, lots of em, they're cheap
• plastic kites for beach fun, don't forget the string
• multi-function tool that you carry in your pocket all the time
• boat cleaning supplies, wax, polish, paint thinner to remove tars you track on board with your shoes. We seem to do our heavy cleaning while on a cruise, I see others doing the same.
• misc. boat repair supplies and tools. (sail tape) get a bottle of soft scrub it's my best friend (paint thinner too)

These are just some starter ideas, feel free to add your favorites.

Since some folks really benefit from in depth detailed instructions and are lost without to-do lists, I have added below a list created for a general travel article.
Click here and read more >>>>>

Step by Step guide and Itinerary for making that Dream Boat Trip to the San Juan Islands

     This cruise itinerary is for the first timer with the boat on a trailer. The novice skipper with family for crew will find this article contains just what's needed to get going on that long talked about trip to the San Juans. While this is a step by step action plan to follow, some skippers do not need all the steps and prodding and so they should skip ahead to      Day #1.  for the daily itinerary  

For the rest of us, these steps are important, so I've numbered them.
  Before you go

1. Right now, go put two marks on the calendar. Mark the day of departure from home and one week or so later mark the day your returning. Do it now or forever hold your peace and admit your not really going boat camping in the San Juans.
2. Go to your local chandlery or go online and purchase a big color map or chart of the San Juans. I'm not telling you which one, it doesn't matter, just big and one you like to look at.
3. Got the map? Good now nail it to the wall where you can see it all the time. Do it now!  OK, the hardest part is over, you have now made a commitment to yourself and crew. Your really going.  Kick back a little, relax, do some day dreaming.  Your trip (cruise, vacation, what ever you want to call it) is already well underway. By now you should be  getting into the  excitement that comes with planning and preparations.    Note:   Don't let worry and stress build up, your really going to enjoy this outing and it will be easy, trust me  (heh, heh, heh)  Relaxing good times should be part of the  process that started when you made the X on the calendar. Remember, on this cruise there are no deadlines to meet, no times to beat, no "sorry no vacancy's" to worry about. You are on your own schedule to do as you please. What could be better besides a gourmet chef and staff.  Study the map with your crew, locate Friday Harbor, Jones Island, and Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. Do some internet searches, read peoples reviews.
4. Start compiling a list of supply's and provisions that you think you need. Click here for help with that list >>  Cruisers Packing List this list may be a little too much, so pick and choose.
5. Start making a list of boat and trailer, must do's (like greasing the wheel bearings) I mention wheel bearings because there are a few "must do's" that will potentially ruin your plans, having a bearing go out from your neglect is avoidable, so are boat motor issues. We once went with an untested, worrisome diesel motor, and sure enough it quit, but because of suspected problems I had mounted an outboard bracket and brought my trusty 7.5 hp Honda along which not only saved the trip, but allowed us to extend it a few days.  Another time with a different boat I towed a dinghy which sole purpose was to carry a spare outboard just in case.   Another mistake not to make is inadequate packing for inclement weather, (hope for warm sunny days, but plan for cold windy rain).  Don't forget seasickness pills (Dramamine)  or other medication, one persons needs could ruin the trip. There must some other must do's that are particular to your family??? Spare tire for trailer! Hmm!
6.  #5 was a downer, lets lighten up.  You need to bring an ice chest if your boat has none, maybe two, plan on ice lasting 3-4 days and then resupply time.  For a food menu, you should plan to eat well, especially if you have bad weather when hot food hits the spot and improves spirits. Sandwiches are easy to prepare and bring lots of trail mix and snacks.  You will need lots of water, don't plan on any being available once you shove off. We bring our water in 5 gallon jugs and pour it into smaller bottles
7. You will need a propane cook stove and fuel bottles to last entire trip (propane is $7+ in the islands)
8. Garbage:  I need to mention it now after suggesting you bring all the junk food.  Your little boat will quickly become overrun with trash, bring bags, the outside islands have no garbage service. Think about all that convenience food packaging material I just told you to bring.  Some of the packaging may be left at home. Prepare things in advance and freeze meals ready to go as they thaw (2-4 days in ice chest)
9. Under boat equipment, the list is very subjective so lets just list a few must haves.  PFD's all around and all coastie required equipment (whistle, type 4, fire ext., registration, lights, etc) Plus I think you need a minimum of two anchors and extra rode, extra fuel if your tank is small.  Your boat should have a range of 75 miles. The rule is 1/3 outbound, 1/3 to get back, 1/3 for reserve. It could be 25 miles between fuel stops, so a 75 mile range gives a good cushion. Many boaters simply tie 5 gallon jugs on deck.  If your boat is open and it really rains hard, bring a tarp and ropes to lash it down. You may sleep on shore so a tent is needed. You need a hand bilge pump and a bucket (they look like a big suction tube and flex hose.
10. Bring a GPS,  You can get by without one but they are fun and really are useful. Some phones have apps available. Bring your cell phone (they work good almost everywhere) Bring the map or chart nailed on the wall or better yet go buy a real navigation chart with depths and rocks all located.  Bring a compass (hand held is OK) Bring a vhf marine radio (you can buy a portable battery one for about $100.   
11. The boats loaded your ready to go. Don't forget to tell someone where your going, and when to call for help if you don't check in as planned. That person could be a friend or relative that doesn't panic over  icky weather reports.  They should call the San Juan County Sheriff or Coast Guard if needed, or someone you have prearranged to call, 911 works too. Remember, your plans may change as the week progresses, but you can check in with a cell phone call most of the time.

Time to go 

The blue line indicates general route, red dots are overnight stops. 80 miles

Squalicum Harbor Marina - red dots = boat ramp, restaurant, showers, parking, guest docks

1.   Day #1  Your destination is Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. (not Anacortes) Squalicum has the best boat ramp around, and free long term parking for your trailer and tow rig. Cap Sante in Anacortes has a sling and pay to park.  You can arrive and take right off but I would plan to spend the first night at the guest dock or in your parked rig. Do not cast off unless you are sure you will have enough light to make it to your anchorage or marina. Navigating in the dark is risky business and requires more of you than you bargain for, and may easily become a really stressed vacation.  Its still daylight until around 9pm, so if you arrive around  6pm there is plenty of time to get the boat launched, go shopping, eat in a restaurant, hang out.  The marina has bathrooms, showers, lots and lots of parking.  If your the worrier on this trip and need to talk to people, you can call them during regular business hours.  The launch fee and guest dock payments are made at a self serve kiosk, you could arrive at midnight, its a 24 hour deal.  No stress, just show with your boat.
2.   Day #2   In the morning, you can eat at the restaurant overlooking the marina next to the bathrooms, (the food is good and priced right) jump in the car and run to Walmart or just cast off at sun up. I like to walk around and talk to other boaters coffee cup in hand.
3. Your destination is Echo Bay at Sucia Island, its about 20 miles so you will have plenty of time even if you hang around Squalacum until early afternoon.   If you get there a little earlier you will have time to hike and explore, or maybe first go to Fossil bay where you may get a spot at the dock.  Of course tying up to an anchor buoy or the dock requires a fee whereas                                                                                   anchoring is free.

4. 

   Sucia Island with Echo Bay and Fossil Bay marked with red dots

5.   Day #3   On this day you may want to stick around Sucia for some exploring, fishing, or kayaking if it suits you. You could easily spend several days just hiking.  
6. Lets up anchor at noon, our destination is Jones Island, a distance of only 12 miles.  On the way to Jones you may want or need to stop at West Beach resort/marina on Orcas.  West beach is right on the way and wont add much time or distance to this leg.  At West Beach you can get fuel, waffle ice cream cones, ice and groceries. West Beach is just past Point Doughty on Orcas (check your chart/map and find pt Doughty) Did you bring binoculars, they will be helpful in spotting some far off places across the water and West Beach is one of those places? Once again, like Sucia, if you get to Jones early you may get a space at the dock, but you can always snag a buoy or anchor for free. Jones is pretty small but about perfect, you can beach comb, explore, kayak or hike trails, circling the island in about an hour.
7. Jones Island
   

   

   Jones Island

8. Plan to stay a day or two at Jones it could easily be your favorite stop, it is mine.
9.   Day #4   But it could be day 5 or 6 if your getting into the boat traveling thing.
10. Once again there is no need to take off early, but by now you may have noticed that currents play a big roll in passage times, and fuel used. I check my current charts and then ignore them mostly, but at least I know what to expect. Leave Jones Island in your wake and set course for Friday Harbor, no need to rush, its only 5 miles and they never turn boaters away. You can make a reservation for a slip in advance but there really is no need and its nice to not have a rigid schedule.  You can also just stop by for a few hours for free and walk around town, buy souvenirs and provisions and then move on.  I recommend on your first trip that you spend the night at Friday Harbor, visit the Whale Museum, hang around town and waterfront goings on, eat at the many places, and above all by now you will be wanting a shower, which is available right on the docks.  When you arrive near the breakwater, you can call the Harbormaster on the radio or use your cell phone, or simply tie up at the outer dock, sometimes they have a little harbormaster shed office out on the end and you can talk across the water.  It's all very simple and low key, even after hours  when the security people will take care of you. One visit we rented a slip for two nights while we bicycled around San Juan Island.
11. Friday harbor 

    

    Friday Harbor 

12.   Day #5    Check out time is after lunch sometime so again, no rush. Set course for Rosario in East Sound on Orcas Island.  The distance is about 11 miles and you may end up with a modest current either for or against your plans, you may want to arrange your transit according to favorable currents.  See current guide info right here  >> Current Atlas  <<    Around Friday Harbor is a lot of boat traffic and you will see more than one ferry for sure, don't worry, just use your common sense.  On your way to Rosario you may want to take a little side trip over to Olga for a short stop over at the public dock, (Olga is also on Orcas just south of Rosario) when you get to Rosario you will be able rent a slip, hang on a buoy or anchor out. Rosario resort has some nice grounds, restaurants, provision store, fuel, and tours of the Mansion turned museum. Because you will probably have time to kill I would seriously consider showing up later in the day or making your visit a two hour stop over and then move on to another stop for the night.
13. Rosario picture 

    

    Rosario (Mansion/Museum is in lower left, marina restaurant at top

14. An alternate stop would be past Rosario at Eastsound where they have a public dock.
15. Another alternate stop just a little further, but heading more toward your car at Squalicum would be Pelican Beach on Cypress Island.  Pictorial  >> Pelican Beach pictorial  << Pelican Beach has about 4 or 5 buoys and we have always been able to squeeze in and anchor.  In a pinch you can run half a mile down to Eagle Harbor where they have 18 or so buoys. BTW Cypress is DNR land so everything is free (no buoy or camping fees) If you are into hiking, this is probably the best around. The beach is a favorite for kayakers from Bellingham and Anacortes, expect to enjoy good conversation around the many campfires lining the beach.
16. Pelican Beach map here  

    

    Pelican Beach on northeast end of Cypress Island

    
    
17.   Day #6   : Today's destination is Squalicum Harbor and head for home. It's about 15 miles so it will take a some time.  By now you should have a pretty good idea of your boat's ability to get around and deal with wind and currents. Bellingham Bay seems to go on forever, especially when the elements are lined up against you. 
18. If you have time for a quick lunch stop on the way, you should really consider dropping hook in Inati Bay on Lummi Island
19. Inati bay map 

    

    Inati Bay on the southeast side of Lummi Island

20.   Plan your departure from Cypress so you arrive back at Squalicum with time to load up and head for home, or I recommend you plan one more night on the boat at the visitor/guest docks at Squalicum Harbor.  This way, you will be showered, fed, and refreshed in the morning and have the whole day to load up and drive towards home. In my opinion, driving home in the dark after a long last day of boating is no way to wind up a relaxing vacation.

That's it

• I hope I was able to give you the incentive, motivation, and pertinent information to get going on that first trip to the San Juan Islands.  My recommendations are by no means all that there is to see and do. Please do some research and modify my suggestions to suit your situation, for instance it is entirely possible to stay at resorts and eat in restaurants every night. The more budget-minded may choose to anchor out everywhere.  (Yes you can anchor next to the docks at Friday Harbor and then paddle over to their dinghy dock, no charge) You may also start and end at Cap Sante, La Conner, Deception Pass, or even start out far, far south in Olympia like we did once.

Click below for a look at the marina and ramp in Bellingham