San Juan Cruising Questions

blubeast · 02-03-2003, 04:11 PM

Since another post brought it up... had some other questions. Was thinking about a trip up this summer to cruise around the San Juans. Where do you recommend launching? Did you tow your boat over to the islands and launch there? What areas did you recommend to visit? Favorite placed to anchor/stay?

Took a car trip there several years ago, but now with the empty nest and larger boat wanted to try it from the water.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Fishaholic2 · 02-03-2003, 04:29 PM

Used to live there and still take the boat back ofetn your gonna have a blast.

Launch at the public launch just past the ferry dock in Ancortes. No need to spend all the extra funds to go on the ferry.

From there it is an easy shot to the Islands. Nice palce to stay at Island marine on Lopez, you must make the Roche Harbor stop on San Juan. Deer Harbor on Oricas is also good. If your wanting remote camping, go to Stuart Iland or Masia/ Susia (spelling on both of those is way wrong, cause my brain is not working right now). It is also just a quick shot across to Victoria or Sydney which i would recommend as a must do. I have 22' now, down from my 28 but still love the trips.

Good crusing.

[ 02-03-2003, 05:30 PM: Message edited by: Fishaholic2 ]

Pitch Pocket · 02-03-2003, 04:42 PM

I put in at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes (sling launch, no salt on trailer). Fishaholic has it right on Sucia and the outer islands for camping. I have a house at Friday Harbor and get a guest moorage at the marina there. I'm going up July 19 (check the tides, they are good). Can't wait.

Terry H · 02-06-2003, 12:16 PM

Blubeast--My wife and I have been to the San Juans several times,[I've been going there since 1962].
As for launch,the ramp mentioned is good,but some reports of vandelism of trailers etc.There is a great sling launch at Flounder Bay,I can't remember the name of the marina just off hand,but it's Sun-something[sunset?],anyway it's the only one there.They also have secure storage for the trailer etc.
Before you go get a copy of Gonkholing The San Juans by Jo Baily,I think.[check Powells,may find one used]
You didn't mention the size of your boat.If it's large enough to stay on,you greatly increase the # of really cool spots to stay.We have a 25 ft.Bayliner and have stayed on it as long as 6 weeks.
Be sure to take a crab pot and fish rods.We pretty much live off the water when up there.
If you would like to talk about about things to see and do,call me[I live in Scappoose],I've e-mailed my Ph# to you already.
Terry

Fshklr · 02-13-2003, 06:46 AM

Cap sante in Anancotes as well as Sunset park ( it was $3 launch 7 yrs back ) and its widely patroled, located at the end of town. You can also continue up I-5 and launch out of Bellingham Bay.