What makes a good dinghy beach? Scroll to the bottom for my number one and number two choices when sailing the San Juan Islands
When planning a trip to the San Juan Islands, choosing the right dinghy beach can make or break your experience. At first, I was simply going to list key features of good dinghy beaches, but then I realized that newcomers might need a heads-up—not all "good" dinghy beaches are worth visiting, and some "bad" ones might still be worth a stop.
Why the Right Dinghy Beach Matters
Even if you plan to stay at a dock, remember that dock space in the San Juans is not reservable. More often than not, you’ll need to anchor and go ashore by dinghy—and if the beach isn’t dinghy-friendly, it could seriously impact or even ruin your visit.
Considerations for Different Activities
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Camping – A poor landing spot could make unloading gear difficult or even dangerous.
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Hiking – If you're leaving your dinghy for the entire day, you'll need to ensure it's safe from rising tides, strong currents, or theft.
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Precautions – Some beaches require extra planning, such as a long rope, transport wheels, or even a chain and padlock to secure your dinghy properly.
Being prepared can make all the difference. A little foresight ensures that an inconvenient beach doesn’t turn into a major headache. Forewarned is forearmed!
In my opinion, a good dinghy beach simply allows you to get to shore and back to the boat with a minimum of fuss and bother, but there is a lot to consider
In no particular order, lets make a list of likes and dislikes.
