The Pacific Northwest might get short shrift for all the rain that falls in winter, but there truly are few places with such beautiful summers — and in green, lush environments, to boot. That’s why we LOVE September in the San Juans. September is prime vacation time. The kids are back in school and the peak crowds have returned home, but the weather is as gorgeous as ever. Historical averages in the San Juans are in the low 70s and high 60s throughout the month — warmer than June and … [Read more...]
Two keys for choosing the perfect chartered sailing adventure
How do you improve on a vacation to one of the most gorgeous spots on Earth? By going there with people who know the places that will steal your heart. The best way to visit the San Juan Islands is to go with people who can help you find ― and give you access to ― the islands’ many secret spaces. And believe us, there are many! Captain Ron Fugere and Mate Mari know these islands very well. They have years of experience sailing in and around the many quiet coves and harbors of the 172 … [Read more...]
Sucia Island, the Crown Jewel of the San Juan Islands
Whether we are sharing the San Juan Islands with our guests for three days or a week, our first stop is usually Sucia Island. Because it is not one of the main islands serviced by the ferry system and thereby only accessible by private boat, this “crown jewel of the state's marine park system” often slips under the radar. Sucia Island's name originated with the Spanish Captain Francisco de Eliza, and can be found on maps dating to 1791. He named it "Isla Sucia". (Sucia in Spanish means "dirty" … [Read more...]
Three-day San Juan Island sailing excursions
Washington State schools and universities will let out soon; warm weather and summer breezes are just around the corner! While you’re planning your summer vacation, think about this: Northwest Sailing Adventures’ excursions are all-inclusive, fully customizable and tailored specifically to you. And since there’s nowhere on earth more beautiful than the Pacific Northwest in summer, why not book a unique vacation here in your backyard? It’s simple. First, you just need to pick the length of … [Read more...]
The best time of year for the savvy vacationer is the spring ‘shoulder season’
The savviest of travelers have a simple strategy for making the most of their precious vacation time: Use the shoulder season. They know that the best holidays are found in the magical time when crowds are thin, prices are lower and temperatures are less than sweltering. In the Pacific Northwest, the spring shoulder season occurs during May and June, after winter has receded and before the schools release their wandering herds. Note: Gray whales migrate through the area during spring … [Read more...]