Four & Three Day Sailing Charters in the San Juan Islands
If you don’t have a full week to devote to a San Juan Island cruise, a three or four day cruise may be your ideal choice. Our flexible multi-day cruises can be designed to fit your schedule and your suit your interests.
Are you a history buff who prefers museums, shopping and dining? Quaint, historic Roche Harbor and lively Friday Harbor may be just your cup of tea! More into hiking and nature? Then you are sure to enjoy exploring hiking trails and scenic vistas in the nature preserves found on Sucia and Cypress Island. Or satisfy your wanderlust with a little bit of both!
Four Day Charters
Over the years, we have discovered that our four-day charters are proving to be the most popular! A four-day charter is the perfect length for families or groups of friends who want to schedule time together but might not have an entire week to plan around. Our usual four-day route takes you to Sucia and Stewart Island – two islands only accessible by private boat, and Friday Harbor, the county seat of the Islands.
Suggested Four Day Sailing Adventure Itinerary
Day One: Your San Juan Islands crewed boat vacation starts late morning from Bellingham. Leaving Bellingham Bay, you’ll head up Hale Passage to make Sucia Island the first night’s destination. Along the way you’ll see Lummi Island to the west and the Lummi reservation to the east. Crossing Rosario Strait you’ll sail past Matia Island before reaching our destination. Sucia Island is a beautiful marine park featuring hiking and beachcombing. You can spend the afternoon exploring the marine life and natural sandstone formations. We will set anchor in either Fossil Bay or Echo Bay, and prepare a delicious dinner onboard.
Day Two: We weigh anchor and set sail past Patos Island, offering spectacular views of the lighthouse and Mount Baker beyond. Weather and current permitting, we’ll circle Stuart Island via Boundary Pass. Keep an eye out for traveling pods of Orca whales. This is a popular spot for them to congregate! Prevost Harbor will be our overnight anchor destination. Visiting Stewart Island is like travelling back in time. There are great sights to see on Stuart Island, including the one room schoolhouse and the Turn Point Lighthouse. It is fun to explore the history of this wonderful island.
Day three: We weigh anchor and set sail past Spieden Island where you are likely to see herds of exotic animals that roam the savanna-like west side of the island. You’ll continue down San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor, the largest tourist attraction in the San Juan’s. Here Diminuendo will tie up dockside overnight. This is your chance to take advantage of any of the visitor related activities and to enjoy dinner at your leisure at one of the many fine restaurants available in Friday Harbor.
Day Four: Relax and enjoy your cruise back to the dock in Bellingham, WA. We’ll pass through the heart of the islands, and some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll see on your cruise.
Three Day Charters
Option One: “Town and Country”
We’ll spend our first day traveling to and exploring Sucia Island, only accessible by boat and which has been entirely designated a Marine State Park. Explore the island’s many bays and beaches, hike various trails and enjoy scenic views of Mount Baker and the Canadian Gulf Islands.
The following day, we’ll travel down San Juan Chanel to San Juan Island. Once there, we’ll secure a slip in the snug Friday harbor marina. This will give you a chance to explore the town, visit museums, shop, and dine out at any one of the towns excellent restaurants.
Option Two: “Off the Beaten Path”
We’ll spend our first day traveling through the heart of the San Juan Islands our first destination, Stuart Island. Completely off the grid, this pastoral island evokes the feeling less of being on an island and more of provincial farmland. Hike to the historic one-room school house and teacherage museum and/or the Turn Point Light Station, where you can take in the scenic beauty of Boundary Pass and maybe even spot a whale or two!
The next day we’ll travel to Sucia Island, a designated Marine State Park accessible only by boat and featuring beachcombing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and natural photography opportunities aplenty!
Whatever suits your fancy, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much you can see and do on a three or four day San Juan Island cruise! Because all of our cruises are private, we will work with you to design a sailboat adventure itinerary that allows you to get the most out of your days. Ask about our special rates for parties of four or more!
Please refer to our Islands page for more information and details about things to do and see in the San Juan Islands.
