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

Cruising Myths and Misconceptions when visiting the San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands Cruising Truths

Let’s start with a disclaimer—at the helm, you are the captain. No book, guide, app, or article can replace good seamanship and sound judgment. Whether you bring a family cruiser, a daysailer, a kayak, or even a bicycle, the adventure is yours to shape.

Charts, Plotters & Navigation

Conventional wisdom: Buy the biggest, best, and most expensive chart plotter.
Reality: While a high-end multifunction plotter is nice, it’s far from necessary. At minimum, a first-time visitor should have a NOAA navigation chart #18421, a compass, and a basic GPS—or even just a smartphone. At some point, you’ll find yourself staring across miles of open water at an unfamiliar shoreline, only to realize you’ve drifted off course. A simple compass and chart will keep you pointed in the right direction, saving time and frustration.

Extra tip: A colorful road map is handy for identifying landmarks—something navigation charts won’t show.

Currents & Tides

Newcomer’s fear: Treacherous 15-knot currents, whirlpools, and impassable passages.
Reality: While strong currents do exist, they’re entirely manageable with a little planning—just like avoiding rush hour traffic. Most horror stories come from winter storms, poor seamanship, or bad decision-making.

During the summer cruising season, inner-island currents rarely exceed 1.5 knots, and in the straits, 2.5 knots. Understanding the tides makes all the difference.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Currents are always moving. There’s rarely a moment of slack water, except for brief pauses at tide changes every six hours.

• Fast boats can ignore currents, but slower boats must work with them.  A sailboat doing 4.5 knots against a 2.5-knot current is effectively crawling along at 2 knots. But ride with the same current, and you’re cruising at 7 knots. Plan wisely, and a 10-mile passage could take 90 minutes instead of five hours.

• Narrow Passes funnel water, increasing flow speed only within the pass.   Smart sailors time their arrival at passes so the water pushes them in the right direction, rather than fighting the tide.

Current forecasting books and programs are available, but a simple tide forecast and a chart will do the trick.

 As a rule of thumb:

• A flood tide (incoming) generally flows north.
• An ebb tide (outgoing) generally flows south.

With just a tide table, a clock, and a chart, you can plan your day—maybe delaying departure until 11 a.m. for a favorable current or setting out early at 7 a.m. to get ahead of the tide, is all you need to do.

Tip: You don't need an annual book. Simply go online and print a page or two of the tides forecast during your voyage.

Rocks, Reefs & Depth Sounders, 

Common myth: The San Juans are full of hidden rocks waiting to wreck your boat.
Reality: Nearly every rock and reef is well-charted, and most major hazards are marked. Trouble usually comes from misreading depths marked on charts and plotters or ignoring known hazards —what was a safe 10-foot crossing at high tide may be a mere 2 feet at low tide.

A depth sounder is your best friend. You can cruise without fancy electronics, but don’t skip the sounder.

Anchoring, Buoys, Docks & Camping

Expectation: There are plenty of anchorages, docks and campgrounds.
Reality: True! But it pays to be flexible.

Always be prepared to drop anchor, and you will never go away unhappy. Park anchorages are generally easy to set the hook and settle in for the night.  Most of the 20+ marine parks offer campgrounds and are accessible only by boat—an experience far more serene than car camping.

After a few nights on the hook, a marina stop can be a welcome break for hot showers and provisions.

Fuel Availability

Myth: Fuel is hard to find.
Reality: There are multiple fueling stations across the islands. The cruising grounds span about 30 miles, so using the rule of thirds (1/3 fuel out, 1/3 back, 1/3 reserve), a 90-mile range is sufficient. Carrying extra fuel cans is common practice if your tank is small. Prices? About the same as anywhere else.

The “Bridge” to the San Juans

Rumor: There’s a bridge to the islands.
False: The only bridge crosses Deception Pass between Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands—not the San Juans. The only ferry to the islands departs from Anacortes.

Thinking of trailering your boat over? Don’t do it - unless you have ferry reservations and know of a secure place to launch and park.

Killer Whales

Myth: You’ll see orcas everywhere, and they might even attack your boat.
Reality: You may never see an orca, even if you go looking. Whale-watching boats improve your odds, but there are no guarantees.

Experience Required?

Fearmongers say: Only experts should boat here—novices are doomed.
Reality: Nonsense. If your boat is seaworthy, you carry the required safety gear, and you use common sense, you’ll be fine. Washington requires a boater education card (or an equivalent from your home state), but beyond that, no special skills are needed.

Weather: Cold, Fog & Rain

San Juan summers are mild—rarely too hot, but cool at night. The area gets about half the annual rainfall of Seattle or Portland, but you should still be prepared for wind, rain, and the occasional cold snap.

Fog is another consideration. While it’s more common in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, it can roll in unexpectedly anywhere. If visibility drops, the best strategy is often to wait it out or change your plans. Boats with radar can manage, but if you’re new to fog navigation, it’s best to stay put.

Is It Only for the Wealthy?

Cruising is often seen as a rich man’s game. But in reality, you can explore the San Juans on a budget—anchoring out, avoiding expensive stores, and keeping things simple. A small skiff and a spirit of adventure are all you need.

Click below to see Turn Point Lighthouse