Explore the San Juan Islands with expert guides, detailed maps, and comprehensive boating itineraries. Learn how to utilize the tides and currents to your advantage. Discover the best parks for camping, anchoring, and hiking. Experience the charm of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, then relax in a tranquil, secluded cove for the perfect getaway.
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This may seem like an almost useless bit of knowledge to visitors on a boat, but there are a few dog parks within walking distance at these ports.
Friday Harbor:
Eddie & Friends Dog Park is located on Mullis Street near the airport. It's about a one-mile walk.
Roche Harbor:
Another option on San Juan Island is Pup Town Dog Park, located at Roche Harbor
Eastsound:
This off-leash area in Buck Park is a one mile walk from the county dock.
Lopez Village:
Unfortunately, Lopez Island does not at this time have a designated dog park or an off leash area, however, there are several suitable leash areas with easy cruiser access.
The Spit preserve is adjacent to the entrance of Fisherman Bay and requires a dinghy.
Lopez Village Park has restrooms and large lawn areas. There is no dock access but you may come ashore by dinghy Dinghy access to the village
Odlin County Park has a dock and large grassy play fields.
There are several other areas where dogs are welcome but not any we want to walk to. Of course, all the parks except Matia Islands (trails) welcome pets on a leash.
Click below to see the Spit Preserve on Fisherman Bay
"Where are the best places to go and 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 pointsAlso, 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.
These are special places to go and great things to do that our years of cruising in the San Juans have rewarded us with.
Friday Harbor - Turtleback Mountain - Jones Island - Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor - Youngs Hill - Turn Point Lighthouse - China Caves - Matia Island Rain Forest Trail - Patos Island Lighthouse Tour - Inati Bay & Lummi Island Campground - Vendovi Island Preserve - Eagle Bluff On Cypress - Fort Whitman On Goat Island - Rosario Beach & The Maiden of Deception Pass - Victoria & Butchart Gardens
Some of the very best places are walks or hikes that are off the beaten path and seldom visited. I have listed them in somewhat of a great circle to help you stay oriented, but you will not be able to visit all of them in one day. I suggest that you mark them on a paper map or chart for later reference.
Check out these places too. Not really must see places but still wonderful exploring and gunkholing places.little coves and back doors
Planning Your San Juan Islands Cruise: Two Simple Steps to an Unforgettable Trip
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 snow. Time was slipping away, and our planned departure
date to the San Juans 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 unstepped 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 another San Juan vacation cruise
a reality.
So, the best advice to all the 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 Islands paper chart or just a map and
proudly display it on a wall where you will see it every day.
Rest assured, with these two actions as your guiding stars, everything else will naturally fall into place. You'll see your San Juan dreams materialize right before your eyes.
Okay, I don't remember exactly what I read but you get the idea. In the San Juan's we are pretty much always near shore (it's not that big an area) so should we worry all the time? No! We should pay attention using our heads and our tools.
All the rocks, reefs and shallows are marked on charts, the especially egregious places have buoys, signs, sticks and posts out in the water.
Of course with storms, high tides, poor maintenance, things go missing, so we are back to paying attention and using the old noggin.
Once not too long ago we were motoring in flat mirror perfect water at about 7 knots in twenty feet of depth. Up ahead I saw a disturbance (some itty bitty ripples) I glanced at my chart plotter and saw nothing alarming, nevertheless as we neared the ripples I braked and prepared to go full astern.
While watching the depth gauge, suddenly -- there it was -- the depth dropped to six and then four -- and we came to a halt. (no we didn't hit) I stopped, turned and went around the shallow spot.
on watch
Here is a list of potential problem spots where you could easily relax your vigilance and get hurt.
Explore hidden coves and discover the best things to do in your boat while cruising the Salish Sea
The difference between a truly wonderful vacation and a ho-hum boat ride is the memorable experiences and special places visited along the way. These are some of our favorite haunts and things to do. Maybe some will become your favorites as well.
Matia Island one-mile loop trail
This easy one-mile loop immerses you deeply into the shaded forest the minute you take your first steps. Towering trees, oversized ferns, and thick mosses line the trail. Our first walk many years ago was so serene and calming that even our young kids were quiet and talked in whispers. Matia Island pictorial
Pygmy deer on Jones Island
The northwest is full of wildlife and deer are everywhere, or so it seems sometimes. However, apparently, the many deer on Jones Island have developed to a much smaller size. Even the older bucks with big racks are only about waist-high. Many of the deer are tame, and some are downright annoying. One time a deer met me at the water's edge as I came ashore in the dinghy. Several times deer have joined us around our campfires looking for handouts and letting the kids rub their heads and pet them. I remember once a spike kept crowding too close to the fire, he was intent on getting at a bag of corn curls. It is against park rules to feed the animals so I don't know how they learned to expect treats from boaters. Jones Island deer
Deception Pass State Park
While Deception Pass isn't located within San Juan County, any boating enthusiast would be remiss not to include it in their cruising itinerary. In fact, Cornet Bay, with its well-facilitated ramp, serves as a prime launch point for those embarking on their nautical adventures. But, here's a piece of advice – don't just launch and rush through; take the time to savor the breathtaking scenery.
Consider planning part of your voyage around the four daily occurrences of slack tide. At slack tide, the turbulent waters temporarily calm, providing an excellent opportunity for exploration. A mere quarter-mile beyond the pass, still within the park's boundaries, you'll discover Sharpe Cove. Here, you can moor your vessel at the floating dock, and at the head of the ramp stands the remarkable Maiden of Deception Pass.
Dinghy's, tenders, shore boats come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes, and the on going "best dinghy" argument is far from complete in my limited mind.
But right now now I'm wondering if the pointy end of a dinghy is really needed. I mean the part that is normally above water.
So here's the question, when comparing a 8' pointed dinghy to a 8' blunt nosed dinghy (some call them prams, others punts) do they both have the same load capacity? rowing, sailing ability? I think if you take a 8' flat nosed dinghy and add back what it would take to make a decent pointed end you would in essence then have a 9.5' (give or take some inches) pointed dinghy. Am I missing something here?
If I'm correct, it means a flat nosed dinghy of a given length may actually be a bigger boat (other issues and factors being equal) than a pointy dinghy of the same length overall. Right!
I think carried to extremes this line of thinking means a rectangle boat is bigger, followed by a square boat as being the best shape for big loads. So a barge may be the shape it is for good reason.
So this brings me full circle back to my earlier thought, is the pointy end of a dinghy really needed, or does it just make it a smaller boat?
This picture was taken of my son by his sister. Notice the oars reach his head. Sunset at Rolfe Cove on Matia
Where to Find Essential Resources for Travelers and Boaters
All the places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle too.
Almost every park has easy to lengthy hikes so follow this link to all the parks All the parks. Below are San Juan area hikes that are not found in parks
Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island (my all-time favorite)
Start this 2-3 hr round trip hike at Pelican Beach. The trail to the bluff is beyond the Smugglers Cove, Duck Lake turn off and is closed until July 15th to protect baby chicks. Keep the pets and children on a leash and back from the cliff edge at the very top.
Afterglow Mausoleum at Roche Harbor
This is a short walk to the mausoleum known for a missing pillar. Begin by walking up the resort road past the chapel. Turn left on the county road and then in a block or so, left again on Afterglow Dr. Watch for signs and trail in woods on the right side.
Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island
Begin this roughly two and a half mile (one way) hike at the dock at either the Prevost or Reid Harbor docks since they share the same isthmus and trailhead. Proceed on trail past sign and lots of stairs up and then down to the cove at the head of Reid Harbor. Wind your way through the kayaker campground and follow the service road, up, up and past the one room school to the intersection with Lighthouse road. Turn left and keep going, you can't get lost now.
To save about two miles of walking, consider starting this hike at the head of Prevost Harbor from the county dock where Lighthouse rd begins. As a bonus, you can ride your bikes from the county dock but be careful walking or riding because the last quarter mile going down the hill to the lighthouse is steep and littered with round rocks. We leave our bikes at the top and walk the last downhill stretch.
Picking the best of anything is asking for an argument but I thought folks planning a visit would benefit from the discussion.
Let's start by listing my choices in order of best first, first because they have overnight docks, followed by some pros and cons and a few real world comments. (hopefully I haven't omitted your favorite) Keep in mind, we go to all the parks and don't dislike any but there is no doubt some parks are five star and some are not depending on what we are doing or the weather during that particular cruise.
For a more detailed review of the San Juan area marine parks including maps try this post. marine parks
parks with docks
Jones Island
Matia
Sucia - Fossil Bay
James Island
Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
Sharpe Cove and Cornet Bay at Deception Pass
parks without docks
Saddlebag Island
Pelican Beach
Turn Island
Eagle Harbor
Cypress Head
Patos
Sucia (Echo and Shallow bays)
Spencer Spit
Odlin County Park (has 2 hr dock)
Clark Island
Doe Island
Obstruction Pass
Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada) (has overnight dock)
Washington Park (launching ramp only dock)
San Juan County Park
Shaw Island Park
1 - Jones Island is my number one choice and here's why
Pros:
bigger but not biggest dock
protected bay
great dinghy beach with a couple tidepools
anchor buoys and lots of room to anchor
running water and four nice nearby composters
hiking the many loop trails at Jones never gets boring
tiny deer, many tame, are unique to Jones
dock is very close to camp sites for evening fires
Beach camping is alive and well in the San Juan island area but let's be clear, it is not the same as camping in the
dunes along the Oregon or Washington coast.
It's much better. Except if you want to hear the surf lolling you to sleep or be mesmerized by endless rows of breaking waves or have your entire body sandblasted from nonstop winds. Instead, in the islands you will find gentle winds or none at all, still and flat water unless the wind pipes up against the tide. Of course it is always warmer (not) with less clouds and no crowds in the San Juan's.
There are no approved places that you may pull up your boat or park your car, or ride your bicycle to and then pitch a tent.
That leaves parks and resorts and there are plenty to choose from including those with waterfront or beach camping sites.
County, City and State Parks:
These are the parks that are accessible by vehicle, bicycle or hiking, reservations are a good idea.
Washington Park in Anacortes
San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
Shaw Island County Park on Shaw Island
Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
Moran State Park on Orcas Island
Deception Pass State Park near Anacortes
Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas island, (requires short hike)
Moran Park entrance on Orcas Island
Cornet Bay transient dock and launch ramp at Deception Pass park
Washington State Marine Parks:
These parks are only accessible by boat or kayak, most are entire island. All have campgrounds with beachfront sites. None may be reserved or provide garbage service.
James Island
Jones Island
Clark Island
Doe Island (possibly still closed)
Pelican Beach on Cypress Island
Cypress Head on Cypress Island
Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island (anchor buoy field only)
Matia
Patos
Sucia (campground reservations are availalbe)
Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
Saddlebag Island
Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)
Jones Island State Park
For detailed descriptions, maps and charts and pictures for all the parks in the San Juan Island area, click here.
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. The companion book, the San Juan Islands Travel Guide is written for visitors coming by car.
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 or need 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.
feel free to use the e-mail contact form with your questions
Places to go, and places to travel are easy to find in the San Juans. For me, cheap travel is part of the deal. What can be less expensive than going on a cruise with your own boat, it's like having your own condo rental or vacation house with you all the time. Okay maybe boat camping is a little squeezed, but the big problem is, where do you launch, and where do you leave your car for a week or more? Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is a resounding first choice and parking is free, (Update: better check with harbormaster) no others come close for time, distance, convenience, or facilities, none in my opinion.!
Marked on the chart above with red dots is a four lane two float, all tide modern 24/7 ramp, parking, and overnight visitor docks. The parking lot is huge and they have an overflow lot too. Freshwater wash-down hoses are free for you to use. The ramp fee is $5 and there is no parking fee, that's right it's free, even long-term is free. (call about free) How cheap can you travel, ( I mean less expensive) Next to the parking area is a restaurant, 24-hour bathrooms, and showers. Across the street is a marine store. Out on the floats, they have transient boater dock space. Payment is self-serve at the automated kiosks.
You may think by looking at maps that Bellingham is far from the Islands, but it is actually the closest jump-off point for travel to Sucia, Matia, Patos and Stuart. For those camping and traveling on a budget it's your only choice.link to really great map with parks marked, click here
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 very minimal 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.
