The San Juan Islands are a tourist destination in Washington, located in the inland Salish Sea between Seattle, and Vancouver and Victoria, Canada. According to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, there are more than 700 naturally beautiful islands and reefs to be visited. Lopez Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Island are the largest. The islands are accessible on a variety of sailing tours including multi-day cruises sleeping onboard, day cruises, sunset cruises and customized chartered trips.
The 1948 wooden sloop "Aura" sails from Deer Harbor Marina on Orcas Island. Scenic sailing tours pass through the Wasp Islands, Jones Islands and Pole Pass, with special itineraries available. Classic Day Sailing provides three-hour tours departing in the day and evening. No sailing experience is required and informal instruction is provided on request. Passengers can bring their own food and drink for a picnic on board.
Deer Harbor Marina
Bellingham, WA 98227
360-376-5581
classicdaysails.com
Visitors can join a sailing tour from Orcas Island with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters. This 54 foot yacht journeys round the San Juan Islands with a full crew onboard. Emerald Isle offers three- to 10-day journeys with passengers staying in double-occupancy cabins and a maximum of six guests on each cruise. Custom itineraries are available. 'Cruise & Learn' tours offer instruction in sailing, painting, kayaking, film, photography, local history and culture while on the water. The company runs day charters that begin in Deer Harbor Marina, last for six hours and include snacks and drinks.
Emerald Isle Sailing Charters
202 Blanchard #8
Eastsound, WA 98245
866-714-6611
360-376-3472
emeraldislesailing.com
Sail Away takes passengers on day and sunset sails as well as single-night and multi-night trips. The 50 foot Kettenburg sailboat is made of mahogany wood with 10 large windows and sails from Lummi Island, 20 minutes from Bellingham. Day cruises typically last five to six hours and sunset sails take three to four hours to make their route. There are a variety of multi-night tours available that include meals cooked with locally-caught seafood and fish. The boat sleeps eight in five berths.
Sail Away Custom Sailboat Charters
4050 Sunnyhill Lane
Lummi Island, WA 98262
360-305-0835
sailaway.net
The six-day San Juan Islands trip explores hidden coves and forested islands under the helm of a naturalist guide. The "Northwind" is a 50 foot sailing yacht that provides these chartered trips offering full meals and facilities. The company has offered weekly departures from Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, Washington in small group cruises since 1986.
Sail the San Juans
Bellingham, WA 98227
800-729-3207
360-671-5852
sailthesanjuans.com
San Juan Classic Day Sailing provides a choice of half- and full-day sailing charters aboard classic wooden sailing boats. Sailing charter packages can be fully customized and launch from Spring Street Landing in downtown Friday Harbor, 100 feet from the Washington State Ferry Terminal. No prior knowledge of sailing is required and passengers can participate in the voyage with instruction given. The tours make stops for picnics and whale watching.
Spring Street Landing
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-6700
sanjuanclassicdaysailing.com
Kismet offers a three-day cruise from Fisherman's Bay on Lopez Island, Washington. The 36 foot custom-built sailing yacht accommodates up to six passengers in two double staterooms, a fully-equipped galley plus bath with shower. On a three-day cruise. meals will be designed to passengers' requests. Guests are able to participate in sailing the ship or relax on deck. Longer trips of two to seven days can be chartered on demand.
Kismet Charters
879 Shark Reef Road
Lopez, WA 98261
360-468-2435
home.centurytel.net/kismetcharters/default.htm
