San Juan Islands |
Back
The San Juan Islands are made
up of many islands of which 172 have names. There are
17 state parks within the islands. All of the islands
are within two to three hours of cruising. The four main
islands are Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw. It is a day's
cruise from the Seattle area to the San Juans. From Bellingham
it is two to three hours. There are so many bays, harbors
and anchorages that you could spend several summers cruising
the entire area.
A typical ten-day charter
in the San Juan Islands would be:
Day 1 - Leave Bellingham
Harbor and cruise to Sucia Islands. Drop anchor in Echo
Bay. Sucia Islands are a cluster of 11 islands and inlets.
Fossils can be found in one of the bays as well as oysters,
clams & crabs. Hiking trails are abundant throughout
the Islands. Sucia was known in the early days as the
base for smuggling and rum running.
Day 2 - Cruise to
Stuart Island. There are two main anchorages on this island:
Reid and Prevost Harbors. Anchor in one of these areas
to explore the island on one of the hiking trails. There
are picnic sites, docks and floats. A typical hike would
be to Turn Point lighthouse, which has a sweeping view
of the Canadian Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. Both
harbors are good places to practice your kayaking.
Day 3 - Cruise to
San Juan Island and Roche Harbor Resort, which is the
famous home of the Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Company.
This historical island provides many fun and interesting
places to explore. The formal garden in front of the Hotel
de Haro is quite beautiful. Besides a restaurant, bar,
and shops, there is also an Olympic size swimming pool
and tennis courts. The hike to the mausoleum is not to
be missed. At sunset each night, we enjoy the traditional
flag ceremony.
Day 4 - Cruise to
Westcott and Garrison Bays. Here we will crab, tour an
oyster farm and visit the British Camp, which was established
in the 1860s and remained active until 1872 after the
Pig War. The blockhouse, commissary and barracks are still
standing.
Day 5 - Cruise to
the town of Friday Harbor, the largest in the islands,
which also serves as the county seat. There are all types
of shopping available only a short walk from where the
boat is anchored. Visit the Whale Museum or the University
of Washington Marine Laboratories, located right in the
harbor.
Day 6 - Cruise to
Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island. This beautiful
sandy finger of land is perfect for picnics and hiking.
Also, it is a great place to catch crab.
Day 7 - Cruise the
islands, looking for pods of Orca Whales (also known as
killer whales) and do some exciting whale watching. Spend
the evening in one of the dozens of lovely bays. Day 7
is not shown on the map because its location can vary.
Day 8 - Cruise to
the beautiful and charming city of Victoria, British Columbia.
Clear customs, sightsee, shop, enjoy high tea at the Empress
Hotel and visit the Maritime Museum. Victoria is not to
be missed.
Day 9 - Cruise to
Sidney Harbor and visit the famed and internationally
known Butchart Gardens. Cruise to Sidney Spit Marine Park
and enjoy a barbeque picnic on the beach. Hike around
the island and see wild sheep, deer, pheasants and peacocks.
Day 10 - Return
to Bellingham.
