Our favorite San Juan Islands Destinations
Explore one of the best sailing destinations in the world
About the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands is an archipelago in Northwest Washington State. There are four primary islands: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. There are also numerous smaller islands - many of which are only accessible by private boat or plane. All four primary islands have drive-on ferry service. They are also accessible by sea planes operated by Kenmore Air.
On the other side of the Canadian maritime border is Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands. Further north you can access Vancouver city, Desolation Sound and Princess Louisa Inlet.
From our home port of Bellingham, WA it's quick and easy to access the San Juan Islands within a day's sail.
Towns and Marinas
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Friday Harbor is a town on the east side of San Juan Island. It has a large marina and sea plane service. Friday Harbor is our favorite spot to pick up friends who are arriving or leaving via sea plane. In Friday Harbor you'll find many restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and other shops within an easy walk from the marina.
Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
Roche Harbor is a town on the west side of San Juan Island. It has a large marina and plenty of options for anchoring or picking up a mooring ball. It also has sea plane service. You'll find many restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and other shops within an easy walk from the marina.
Eastsound, Orcas Island
Eastsound is a cute, walkable town on the isthmus of Orcas Island that connects the east and west side of the island. The town stretches shore to shore, so you can anchor on either the north side of the island (weather permitting) or the south side of town (more sheltered).
Anacortes, Fidalgo Island
Anacortes is a large, busy town and is home to the main ferry terminal for all ferries going to the San Juan Islands and Victoria. Anacortes features numerous marinas and places to anchor. Be sure to keep an eye out for ferry traffic and other commercial shipping traffic.
Favorite Scenic Anchorages
Active Cove, Patos Island
Patos Island is the northernmost island in the San Juans. It's home to a historic lighthouse that is maintained by volunteers from a preservation organization. Anchor in Active Cove, dingy to the small beach, and then hike around the small island. You'll find blackberry brambles and wonderful views! If volunteers are working at the light house, you can go inside and even climb to the top.
Eagle Harbor, Cyprus Island
Eagle Harbor is a peaceful mooring ball field on the east side of Cyprus Island and is close to our home port of Bellingham. Eagle Harbor is appropriately named, because you'll see many bald eagles flying around and hunting for fish. You'll also spot otters playing along the shore line.
Echo Bay, Sucia Island
Sucia Island is a rocky, picturesque island on the north end of the San Juans. Anchor in Echo Bay and go ashore to the many hiking trails.
Watmaugh Bay, Lopez Island
After a few days at sea you begin to want to stretch your legs a bit and this hike at Watmaugh Bay is perfect for that. Bring water and tennis shoes and expect a steady incline for 30 minutes. The view and tire swing at the top are well worth it.
Seafood and More!
Washington state is famous for salmon, oysters, crab, clams, and more! If you're a seafood lover, you'll enjoy the numerous restaurants and shellfish farms you can sail to.
Taylor Shellfish Farms, Samish Bay (Bow, WA)
Just down the coast from the Bellingham Marina, Taylor Shellfish Farms is one of our all time favorites. Taylor Shellfish Farms is located in Bow, Washington, and is accessible by boat. You can anchor nearby in Samish Bay, and then dinghy to explore the surrounding waters and get a closer look at the oyster operations. Check to see if they have geoduck (pronounced like 'gooey-duck') on hand - it's a Puget Sound delicacy!
Westcott Bay Shellfish Company, San Juan Island
Westcott Bay Shellfish Company is near Roche Harbor. Anchor in either Westcott Bay or Garrison Bay and dingy up to the dock at the restaurant. You can dine in or get oysters to go. Ask if they have Olympia oysters in stock – they sell out fast and aren't available for takeaway, so try to get them early!
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm, Orcas Island
Buck Bay is an easy spot to anchor and walk to the shellfish farm. We recommend ordering family style so you try as much as possible. Buck Bay sources fresh seafood and even knows their fishermen by name.
