
"What can I say? Another perfect vacation! Rocked to sleep on the water amidst beautiful scenery. Total relaxation, total escape from the cares of the every day world...best of all--fine company. They say laughter is good for the soul. So surely my soul has been well tended this trip. "
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Six Day Itinerary for San Juan Islands Sailing Tour
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Using Northwind as your base you will explore both quiet coves on secluded islands, to quaint towns and historic sites. There are four major islands which include Orcas, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez. But in reality there are over 200 islands in the archipelago to see! Each island is unique with its own story to tell and most are only accessible by small boat.
There are many variations to this itinerary below. If you book the entire boat we can plan a custom itinerary for your group. If you're not sure where to go, we will take you to some of our favorite spots. Sit back and relax and lets take a short cruise through the islands!
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Day One - Sunday 2:00 pm - Welcome Aboard Northwind, your home for the next 6 days. You are going to love your cruise with us! After you arrive we will show you to your cabin and have a brief orientation to familiarize you with being aboard the yacht. Shortly we will leave our slip in Bellingham and take a casual sail across the bay towards Lummi Island. You will want to be up on deck or in the covered cockpit for the best view of 10,778 ft Mt. Baker!
If anyone wants to take the helm, we will show you what to do! We head up Hales Passage and then pass isolated Clark Island, a favorite of kayakers. Off to our port side is Matia Island. Matia is a small Washington State Marine Park and much of the island is part of the San Juan Island National Wildlife Refuge. It's getting late so we better sail on to beautiful Sucia island, our destination.
We will put some appetizers out to hold you over until dinner. Sucia is one of our favorite islands, translated from the Spanish the name means "foul" and refers to the rocks and reefs that surround the island. Sucia is perhaps one of the most interesting islands in the area for geology and wildlife. It is the largest of the Marine Parks and is actually composed of several little islands surrounding one main island.
There are several different coves to choose from when spending the night. Two of our favorites, Echo Bay on the east side has lovely views of Mt. Baker and Shallow Bay on the west side is known for its sunsets. Which do you prefer?
OK, lets drop anchor and get dinner going...
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Day Two - Monday: After exploring Sucia we set course for Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. On our way to Roche we will sail up the west side of Orcas Island. (we often see porpoise in this area) You may even catch a glimpse of abandoned lime kilns hidden in the forest along the shore. We will serve lunch underway today. Arriving in Roche the beautiful Hotel De Haro (once the home of Limestone king, John McMillan) will greet you along with a cute little white church, a beautiful garden and an unusual monument.
There is also the remains of the 13 lime kilns that helped pave the streets of Seattle in the late 1800's. After a short stay we motor up Mosquito pass to Garrison Bay where British Camp is located, the quaint museum/monument for the "Pig War" that took place between the Americans and British on San Juan Island. Need more exercise? There is a great hike nearby to a viewpoint at the top of Mt. Young where British soldiers once stood watch.
We often spot Orca whales nearby off the west side of San Juan Island and the salmon fishing can be good near here in the Fall. If you want to try some of the best oysters you'll ever taste-we will hop in the zodiac and pay a visit to Westcott Bay Sea Farms and pick up a few dozen for an appetizer.
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We will tie up to the dock to reprovision and spend the night. You will enjoy looking at the shops, renting a bike or moped, or visiting the Whale Museum or art galleries. Tonight you will eat out ashore to give the crew a break...we have some great recommendations we will share with you!
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Day Five - Thursday: Today we depart Friday Harbor for Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island. For those of you seeking more solitude you will enjoy the forested hills of Cypress Island where you can hike for hours on beautiful trails or enjoy a quiet paddle in the kayak. Cypress is another of our favorite islands as it has a remote, wild and rugged feel. There are at least four choices for hiking trails that vary from easy to difficult based on grade.
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Click here to view our 12 day Inside Passage Tour Itinerary
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Sail The San Juans
PO Box 5186
Bellingham, WA 98227-5186
(800) 729-3207
info@sailthesanjuans.com
Copyright 2012
Sail The San Juans
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