Orcas Island

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands and a popular destination for boaters. Here are some of the best spots to explore on Orcas Island:

Deer Harbor is a well-equipped marina located on the west side of Orcas Island. The marina offers 100 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. Deer Harbor has some nearby restaurants, shops and galleries but if you intend to do much on land you may need a car or to leverage a local taxi.

Westsound is a picturesque marina located on the southwest side of Orcas Island. It offers 80 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. Westsound is also home to a resort and restaurant, as well as several shops and galleries.

West Beach Resort is a family-owned resort located on the northwest side of Orcas Island, overlooking President Channel and San Juan Island. The resort offers moorage for boats up to 60 feet in length, with amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. West Beach Resort has a variety of accommodations including cabins and camping sites but we recommend booking early. Reserve early as accommodations can fill up almost a year in advance (though moorage is frequently available for small boats on short notice). Boaters can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fishing in the area.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Orcas Island has something to offer every boater. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and abundant marine life, it's no wonder that Orcas Island is one of the top boating destinations in the San Juan Islands.

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San Juan Island

San Juan Island is the second largest island in the archipelago but offers a variety of options for moorage and on island activities. San Juan Island tends to be less touristy and crowded than Orcas Island.

Friday Harbor is the largest town in the San Juan Islands and a popular destination for boaters. It offers 212 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. This marina is right in the heart of the town making it a great option if you intend to stay on your boat. Friday Harbor is also home to the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary works by local and international artists. There are plenty of dining options available in the town, as well as shops and galleries. Friday Harbor is a great jumping off point for the rest of the island with several options for car rentals within walking distance of the marina.

Garrison Bay is a scenic bay located on San Juan Island. It offers 100 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. Garrison Bay is also home to English Camp, a national park that commemorates the peaceful resolution of the San Juan Boundary Dispute between the United States and Great Britain. The park features historic buildings, hiking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding waterways. Boaters can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching in the area.

Roche Harbor is a picturesque marina village located on the northwest corner of San Juan Island. It offers 377 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. Reminiscent of the resort in Dirty Dancing, Roche Harbor is also home to a historic hotel, resort, and restaurant, a sculpture park, and a vibrant art community. There are plenty of activities available at the resort including a pool, spa, trails, sculpture park, dog park and soon to be a 9 hole golf course! Don't miss the color guard activities every night on the dock at Sunset.

Lopez Island

Lopez Island is a quieter and more laid-back island compared to some of the other San Juan Islands. Many restaurants and companies on the island are very seasonal so if you come outside the months of June - September be sure to check the hours of restaurants and activities. It offers several marinas, including both Fisherman Bay Marina and Lopez Islander Resort Marina.

Fisherman Bay is a picturesque marina located on Lopez Island. It offers 145 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, and a grocery store. Fisherman Bay is also home to several restaurants and shops, as well as a park with hiking trails and a beach. Boaters can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and biking in the area.

Lopez Islander Resort Marina, with a total of 162 guest moorage spots available. Amenities at this marina include fuel docks, pump-out, showers, laundry facilities, pool and a great onsite dining option with a tiki bar feel. This is also a great option if you'd like to stay or camp ashore.

Lopez Island is also home to several parks, including Shark Reef Park and Spencer Spit State Park, which feature hiking trails and beaches. Activities in the area include kayaking, fishing, and biking.

Spencer Spit is a state park located on Lopez Island. It offers 24 guest moorage spots, with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. Spencer Spit is also home to a sandy beach and hiking trails. Boaters can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and biking in the area and you'll have great views of the passing ferries.

Sucia Island

Sucia Island is a must-visit spot for boaters looking for pristine natural beauty. This uninhabited island offers 60 mooring buoys on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no amenities on the island, but it features secluded coves, hiking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding waterways. Sucia Island is also a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Echo Bay is a remote anchorage located on Sucia Island. It offers 15 mooring buoys on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no amenities on the island, but it's a must see. Our recommendation is to aim for weekdays or time your landing for when most boaters leave their buoys around 11 AM. Echo Bay is also a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Stuart Island

Stuart Island is a beautiful and remote island in the San Juan archipelago, located north of San Juan Island and accessible only by boat. Stuart Island is a favorite among boaters, thanks to its secluded anchorages, pristine natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. There are several anchorages on the island, including Reed Bay and Prevost Harbor, which offer sheltered spots for overnight stays. The dock at Prevost Harbor has 10 moorage slips available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum stay of 3 nights.

Reed Bay is a small, quiet cove on the west side of the island, with beautiful views of the sunset. Reed Bay has a small public dock available for moorage, as well as a dinghy dock for day use. The dock has a few moorage slips available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is located near the county park and hiking trails

Prevost Harbor, on the east side of the island, is a popular spot for mooring and offers access to several hiking trails and the Turn Point Lighthouse.

The hike to the Turn Point Lighthouse is one of the most popular activities on Stuart Island. The trail starts near both Reed Bay and Prevost Harbor and winds its way through the center of the island, along which you can stop at the school house and darling island museum. The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual uphill climb. The lighthouse itself is a beautiful white structure built in 1893 and is still operational today. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance in the region. Keep your eye out for treasure along this magical hike!

Overall, Stuart Island is a must-visit destination for boaters looking for a peaceful and secluded island getaway. With its beautiful anchorages, hiking trails, and historic lighthouse, it's a perfect spot for exploring the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands.

Jones Island

Jones Island is a small island located between Orcas Island and San Juan Island. It offers 24 mooring buoys on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no amenities on the island, but it's a great spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and picnicking.

Matia Island

Matia Island is a remote island located off the northern coast of Orcas Island. It offers 11 mooring buoys on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no amenities on the island, but it's a great spot for boaters looking for seclusion and tranquility. Matia Island is also a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching.

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