The San Juan Islands Cruising Guide: Best Tips, Marinas, and Attractions for Boaters

Post by - Published on 08/27/24 4:00 AM

Welcome to the San Juan Islands, Washington's premier boating destination! This stunning archipelago, featuring San Juan Island and Orcas Island, offers the ultimate cruising experience for boaters. Whether you're planning a quick stop or an extended stay, our comprehensive cruising guide will help you navigate top marinas, anchorages, and local attractions, ensuring you make the most of your time on and off the water.

Quick Facts
For the Vessel (Dockage/Mooring Options)
Provisioning
For the crew 
Essential Services 
Insider's Tips
Community Connections

Quick Facts

Details

location_on 

Coordinates

48°31'N, 123°02'W

explore 

Charts

NOAA Chart 18421 (San Juan Islands)

calendar_month 

Best time to visit

  • Late Spring through Early Fall

water 

Mean tidal range

~8.5'

local_gas_station 

Gas and diesel fuel

Yes

Contacts
US Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound 

Ch. 16, (206) 217-6002

TowboatUS - Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Ch. 9, 16, (360) 378-1111

Pump-out 

Rosario Resort and Roche Harbor Marina and Resort. More pump-out locations in the San Juan Islands can be found here.  

For the Vessel - Dockages & Moorings

Roche Harbor Resort

Roche Harbor Resort

Location

Northern San Juan Island

Facilities

Dockage, gas, diesel, water, pump-out, water, dockage, pet friendly, onsite dining

Best protected from

All wind directions

Electric Options

30 AMP, 50 AMP, 100 AMP, 200 AMP

Max LOA

1,000'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Deer Harbor Marina

Deer Harbor Marina

Location

Orcas Island, West Sound

Facilities

 Dockage, gas, diesel, water, swimming pool, onsite restaurant

Best protected from

SE, E, NE 

Electric Options

30 AMP, 50 AMP

Max LOA

110'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Rosario Resort Marina

Rosario Resort Marina

Location

Orcas Island, East Sound

Facilities

Dockage, moorings, gas, diesel, water, pet friendly, pump out, onsite restaurant and lodging

Best protected from

SW, W, NW, N, NE, E, SE

Electric Options

N/A

Max LOA

1,000'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Provisioning

Marine Supplies
  • Friday Harbor Marine: Located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, this yard is a Mercury dealer and offers a variety of services.
  • Roche Harbor Marine Services: Roche Harbor Marine Services is conveniently located just 400 yards South of the Roche Harbor General Store at Roche Harbor Resort & Marina. 
Grocery Stores
Local Markets
  • San Juan Island Farmers Market: 150 Nichols St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (Saturdays) – about 30 minutes by car from Roche Harbor.
  • Orcas Island Farmers Market: Village Green, Eastsound, WA 98245 (Saturdays) – accessible from both Deer Harbor and Rosario Resort Marinas by a short drive or shuttle.

For The Crew

Historical Sites
  • Orcas Island Historical Museum: Near Deer Harbor Marina, this museum offers insights into the history of the San Juan Islands.
  • Moran Mansion Museum: Located at Rosario Resort Marina, this historic mansion now serves as a museum, featuring exhibits on local history and the mansion's original owner, Robert Moran.
Galleries
  • Roche Harbor Lime Kilns: Right at Roche Harbor Resort, these historic lime kilns are a fascinating glimpse into the island's industrial past.
  • Roche Harbor Sculpture Park: Located near Roche Harbor Resort & Marina, this outdoor art exhibit is a great spot to explore and enjoy local artwork.
  • Orcas Island Artworks Gallery: The Orcas Island Artworks Gallery is a favorite Orcas destination housed in a historic building on the island's East side. Built in 1938 as a strawberry barreling plant, the lovingly restored landmark now showcases the best of our island's crafts and fine art.
Parks & Trails
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park: About 20 minutes from Roche Harbor Resort & Marina, this park is famous for its whale-watching opportunities and scenic trails.
  • Moran State Park: Located near Rosario Resort Marina, this park features extensive hiking trails, including the climb up Mount Constitution.
  • Turtleback Mountain Preserve: Close to Deer Harbor Marina, this preserve offers a variety of trails with stunning views of the San Juan Islands.

Lime Kiln LighthouseLime Kiln Lighthouse

Beaches
  • Reuben Tarte County Park: Near Roche Harbor Resort, this small beach is a hidden gem for a quiet afternoon by the water.
  • Crescent Beach Preserve: Close to Rosario Resort Marina, this beach offers stunning views and is a great spot for a beach walk.
  • Deer Harbor Beach: Just a short walk from Deer Harbor Marina, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
Entertainment & Events

San Juan Island Forth of July Parade and Fireworks

Dining & Nightlife
Waterfront Restaurants
  • McMillin’s Dining Room: Located at Roche Harbor Resort & Marina, offering fine dining with views of the marina.
  • The Mansion Restaurant: At Rosario Resort Marina, offering a refined dining experience with stunning waterfront views.
  • Deer Harbor Inn Restaurant: Near Deer Harbor Marina, this cozy spot offers a relaxed dining experience with fresh, local seafood.
  • Island Pie: A family-friendly spot near Deer Harbor Marina, serving up wood-fired pizzas with local ingredients and a casual, lively vibe.

Local Breweries & Wineries
  • Island Hoppin’ Brewery: Just a short drive from Deer Harbor Marina, this local brewery offers a variety of craft beers in a laid-back setting.
  • San Juan Vineyards: Located about 15 minutes from Roche Harbor Resort, this vineyard offers wine tasting in a picturesque setting.
  • Orcas Island Winery: Near Rosario Resort Marina, this winery offers tastings of locally produced wines in a scenic setting.

Nightlife

  • Madrona Bar & Grill: A lively spot at Roche Harbor Resort & Marina, perfect for an evening drink with a view.
  • The Barnacle: Near Rosario Resort Marina, this cozy bar offers craft cocktails and a nautical atmosphere.

The San Juan Islands are known for their local whales and abundance of sealife

Essential Services


Boat Repair & Maintenance

  • Roche Harbor Marine Services: Located near Roche Harbor Resort & Marina, offering boat repair and maintenance services.
  • West Sound Marina Services: Situated at Deer Harbor Marina, providing a full range of boat repair and maintenance services.
  • Orcas Island Marine Center: Close to Rosario Resort Marina, offering boat repair, maintenance, and supplies
Roche Harbor Resort offers top tier service to their boaters

The Dock crew at Roche Harbor Resort and Marina

Travel Options
  • Kenmore Air Seaplane Service: Offering flights to and from Roche Harbor, connecting the islands to Seattle.
  • Orcas Island Shuttle: Providing convenient transportation from Rosario Resort Marina and Deer Harbor Marina to various locations on Orcas Island.
  • Deer Harbor Charters: Offering ferry services, wildlife tours, and private charters directly from Deer Harbor Marina.
  • Washington State Ferries: The Ferry stops at Friday Harbor and Orcas Island, and travels back to Seattle and other destinations. View the ferry route map here. 

 

Insider's Tips

Hidden Gems

  • Jones Island State Park (San Juan Islands): A secluded oasis nestled between Orcas and San Juan Islands, Jones Island State Park offers quiet anchorages, picturesque hiking trails, and picnic areas. This lesser-known gem is perfect for those looking to escape the more crowded spots and enjoy the serene beauty of the San Juan Islands.

  • Matia Island Marine State Park (Near Orcas Island): Accessible only by boat, Matia Island offers pristine, untouched wilderness with hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests and along rocky shorelines. It's a hidden paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with views that make the effort to get there worthwhile.
Local Legends

  • The Haunting of Roche Harbor (San Juan Island): Legend has it that the spirit of John McMillin, the founder of Roche Harbor, still roams the grounds of his former estate. Visitors and staff at Roche Harbor Resort have reported seeing unexplained shadows and hearing mysterious footsteps near the McMillin family mausoleum, especially on misty mornings.

  • The Lost Treasure of Captain Cook (Orcas Island): Folklore suggests that the famous British explorer Captain Cook may have buried treasure somewhere on Orcas Island during his voyages. Although no treasure has ever been found, the story continues to intrigue treasure hunters and adds an air of mystery to the island's history.

Roche Harbor Resort from above

Photography Spots

  • Lime Kiln Point State Park (San Juan Island): Often called "Whale Watch Park," this is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. The iconic lighthouse and the rugged coastline make it a prime location for capturing dramatic seascapes and potentially even a passing orca pod!

  • Mount Constitution (Orcas Island): The highest point in the San Juan Islands, Mount Constitution offers panoramic views that are unmatched in the region. Whether you're capturing the sunrise, sunset, or a clear day, the vistas from the summit stretch across the islands to the mainland and beyond.
  • Rosario Resort (Orcas Island): The historic resort’s waterfront and manicured gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for photography, especially during the golden hour. The juxtaposition of the elegant mansion against the backdrop of East Sound creates a scene that's both timeless and picturesque.

View of San Juan Island from Mount ConstitutionView of San Juan Island from Mount Constitution

Local Knowledge
  • Currents and Tides: The San Juan Islands are known for strong tidal currents, especially around narrow passes like Cattle Pass, Spieden Channel, and Wasp Pass. It's crucial to time your passages through these areas to avoid fighting the current. Local boaters often recommend planning your navigation around slack tide for safer passage.
  • Whale Watching Etiquette: When observing the resident orcas, it's important to maintain a distance of at least 1,000 feet and to reduce your speed to under 7 knots. A favorite spot for viewing is off the west side of San Juan Island, near Lime Kiln Point, but be respectful of the whales and other wildlife.
  • Weather Patterns: The islands experience microclimates, with some areas being much drier than others. For example, Roche Harbor often enjoys sunnier weather compared to the eastern side of San Juan Island. Always check the local weather forecasts before setting out, as conditions can change rapidly, especially in the fall.
  • Navigating Through Narrow Channels: The narrow channels between the islands, such as Pole Pass near Deer Harbor and Obstruction Pass near Rosario, require careful navigation. Use up-to-date charts and keep a sharp lookout for submerged rocks and other hazards. Local boaters often recommend passing through these areas during daylight hours for better visibility.

Community Connections

Local Social Media Accounts and Forums
  • Sailing Puget Sound and San Juan Islands (Facebook Group): A vibrant online community where local and visiting boaters share tips, updates on local conditions, and recommendations for things to do in the islands. It’s a great place to ask questions and connect with other boaters.
  • Things to do in the San Juan Islands (Facebook Group): This group is a hub for sharing experiences, planning adventures, and discussing the best things to do in the San Juan Islands! Members also post about local events and conditions.
  • Roche Harbor Resort - Follow on Instagram to see the latest happenings at Roche Harbor Resort and Marina!

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