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 just about the same as July. And with the late-summer breezes cruising through the passages and around the many islands… It’s magical.
There’s a lot to do in the San Juan Islands during September: Stop by the farmers’ markets on Orcas and San Juan islands; take a lovely, hilly hike through Cypress Island’s miles of trails; visit the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and learn all about the 19th-century Pig War.
And if you get a little warm from sunbathing on the Diminuendo’s spacious decks, simply slip into the water for a refreshing swim in the sparkling blue-green waters of the PNW. One recent group of guests enjoyed stargazing on the open seas; with no electric lights around, the view of the sky can be truly incredible.
Book Diminuendo — a charming 2001 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43DS — for a multi-day cruise through the islands and set your own itinerary, or trust Captain Ron and the mercurial winds of the Salish Sea to guide you. All you have to do is kick back, enjoy home-cooked meals (that’s right; meals are provided on-board!) and let your worries drift away.
Trips can be anywhere from 6 hours (perfect for business meetings or afternoon visit with friends) to 6 days. The longer the trip, the less you’ll pay per person per night. Click here for current rates. To secure an all-inclusive sailing adventure in September, it’s recommended to book at least two months in advance.
Contact Northwest Sailing Adventures today for the perfect September vacation. Captain Ron and First Mate Mari are committed to ensuring that every single person 
who books with Northwest Sailing has a vacation to remember.
See you in September!
How do you improve on a vacation to one of the most gorgeous spots on Earth?
.
We’ve created well-loved typical itineraries
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” or in a nautical sense “foul”, in this case referencing the dangerous reefs and hidden rocks that dot the entrance to its bays).
From an aerial view, Sucia has the form of a hand with fingers. This unusual shape is a result of the unique way in which the island was formed, may millions of years ago. Geologically, it’s a very different place than the rest of the islands in the San Juan archipelago. Most of the San Juans are comprised of a submerged mountain range – dense, black granite characterized by cliff faces, steep hills, and craggy outcroppings. Sucia is an ancient, uplifted seafloor and riverbed. There are areas where you can observe where the rock patterns have “folded” over the eons. A bit of trivia: Washington State’s very first dinosaur bone, dated to 80 million years ago, was discovered on the shores of Sucia Island in 2012!
Sucia Island State Park is a 564-acre marine park with nearly 15 miles of shoreline and features 10 miles of well-maintained hiking trails. Because of the unique shape of the island, most of these trails hug the coast and offer breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline and odds are good that you will see seals, sea lions, and a wide variety of birds. Be sure to wander around the shorelines, where you will find unique honeycomb formations in the sandstone. The island shape also creates the many natural harbors popular with boaters. These include Echo Bay, Shallow Bay, Snoring Bay, Fossil Bay, Fox Cove, & Ewing Cove on the east end of the island.
The cluster of Sucia Islands was purchased in 1960 by the Puget Sound Interclub Association and later donated to the State of Washington for protection as a Marine State Park. With the exception of a rangers’ cabin and a couple of vehicles for park service use, there is no residents or facilities on the island. With camp sites at various spots across the island, Sucia is popular for camping during the summer months. But even on popular weekends you can still feel you have the island mostly to yourself!
It’s simple. First, you just need to pick the length of time you want to spend in heaven. After that, Captain Ron and First Mate Mari at Northwest Sailing will work with you to plan the perfect itinerary.
Not to mention, of course, that sailing through these islands is an adventure that you just can’t experience any other way.
The savviest of travelers have a simple strategy for making the most of their precious vacation time:
We’ve been sailing 
Verdant, lush scenery abounds. Spring in the Pacific Northwest is incredible. And on the Salish Sea, among the many islands ― some say say it’s the most beautiful place on earth. From the comfort of our chartered sailboat, you see the bright greens of plant life basking in newly discovered sunlight. And the wildflowers, in every color and shape imaginable … they’re simply incredible!
