A Week in the


The San Juan Islands are a rare


mixture of secluded, picturesque anchorages, services geared to boaters, and an abundance of wildlife both above and below the protected, pristine waters.


1 This month I’m deviating from our 3 2 5 4 6 By Mike Huston 48° NORTH, APRIL 2011 PAGE 58


usual technical discussion on “how- to-sail” for a taste of “the sailing life.” Summertime in the San Juan Islands provides some of the best boating in the world. The islands have a unique mixture of natural elements not found anywhere else, all within a day sail of each other. Let me share some of my local knowledge and take you on a sample “first cruise” to some of my favorite places. The San Juan’s are easy to get to,


they are a day’s travel by boat from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., and only a few hours from Bellingham and


Park buoy at Jones Island


Anacortes – the two main chartering centers in the area. The islands are close to each other, generally a mile or two apart. This last fact has not been lost on kayakers who are frequent visitors. The waters are protected, yet


pristine, due to tidal washing. And these same set of facts are an attraction to marine life - both above and below the water. Above the water, eagles, herons, vultures, sea gulls, ducks and many other birds are common. In the water, Orcas, porpoises and seals feed on salmon transiting the area on their way to spawn. All of this wildlife makes the San Juan Islands a great area


San Juan Islands


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