Sail In The San Juan Islands!

Our Day Sail w. Cpt. Dave was incredible.The boat is clean and comfy, his skills seasoned and demeanor calm, and we got to fully enjoy all that a sailing day should be-beautiful PNW summer weather, other beautiful boats and seaplanes, gorgeous views of the smaller San Juan islands (only seen via A private boat), and delicious snacks and drinks provided. We learned a bit about sailing, and helped our w.raising the sails and steering the boat . I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat For peace, beauty and adventure, treat yourself to a great sailing trip!

Sailing the San Juan’s was a bucket item list for us—the natural beauty of the islands attracted our nature-lover inner senses. What we did not anticipate was the amazing knowledge of the area from Captain Dave. Listening to him share the history of the islands and his pointing out those areas on our hikes/sails, was something way beyond our expectations. And the food? Wow! Chef Faith blew us away with her presentation and the taste of the food—all healthy!! The six days flew by but we are forever changed by the bonding of this group of five people who shared this time together—our memories will last a lifetime.

I just returned from an exceptional 6-day San Juans excursion with Captain Dave. I signed up for the sailing, hiking, kayaking, and great scenery…and the trip certainly delivered in those areas. But the real magic of this vacation is in Dave’s expansive knowledge (seamanship, the natural world, local history), the wonderful cuisine that our chef Faith thoughtfully prepared, the easygoing and serene coves we stayed in each night, and the great conversations with new friends. You can lose yourself in the scenery, solitude, and sailing…and emerge recharged from a truly unique experience!

Truly an amazing experience and highly recommended. Captain Dave was exceptional! His knowledge of the area, history and wildlife were always insightful and not too intrusive to a relaxing day on the water. The boat is in amazing shape and very comfortable. We did 6 hours with 8 people including Dave and his helper. Plenty of space to move around, chill out and enjoy the stellar views. I would use this place again in a heartbeat!

Exceptional experience!!!! Capitán Dave really goes out of his way to make you feel at home and provide a memorable experience. His knowledge, caring, and expertise are awesome. He talked about the different islands, provided specific information about them, explained some of the history and made the tour extremely interesting and enjoyable. We had a wonderful time, relaxed, have fun, laughed, and throughly enjoyed. Along the way we saw Porpoises, a Gigantic jellyfish (Fried Egg Jellyfish), Bold eagles, Seals, Sea lions, Harbor Seals, Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemot, and ORCAS!!!! Yes, Orcas, 4 of them!!! So close, that we felt as we were swimming with them. Dave knew that 2 of them were males and 2 females. It was absolutely wonderful and Awesome. Will definitely do it again, probably even a 6 day family trip 😋🤩👍🏼 Very appreciative of the time we spent together!!!!

My wife and I just got back from an incredible trip in the San Juan Islands with Captain Dave Lutz and Chef Kenzie aboard the boat Nawalak. Dave is a kind, gentle soul and a most capable captain. His knowledge of the San Juan Islands is remarkable. He's been sailing that area and beyond for many years and was a joy to talk to about the islands' history, vegetation, birds, and marine life. We ran into a pretty significant storm on one of our days but kept completely safe and dry inside his 54' monster sailboat. What a blast that day was!! It really was a fantastic charter, and we can't wait to sail with him again. Kenzie was Dave's chef for our trip and she spent the entire trip making beautiful and tasty meals every day...all from scratch. Can't say enough about her chef skills. Like I said, we can't wait to go back and sail with them again.

Captain Dave, Chef Jada and the beautiful vessel Nawalak provided an unforgettable Cruising Season opener in the San Juans for my buddy and me. It was a pleasure to surf the waves towards Stuart Island then reach effortless towards Patos in 15-20kn and sunshine. We enjoyed delicious cuisine, beautiful coves and learned so much about this amazing world we call the Salish Sea. We will be back this summer!Boris and Kevin

Captain Dave is such a relaxed and gracious host. This trip was everything I hoped for - a beautiful and serene setting, excellent food, exploring new trails on some of the outer islands, and wonderful information about the flora and fauna there. This trip was one of the meditation sails and the instruction was inspiring. It was a true adventure with rewards that will last a life time.

We had perfect weather while sailing. The cheese and crackers were superb. Must try to find the delicious cheese at home. Dave was so good at telling us the history of every island and his sailing adventures due to currents, winds, etc. Of the three couples on board, one person had never been on a sail boat and was thrilled with the day. Another person who had much sailing experience totally enjoyed the day. He liked helping with pulling some ropes.

Our family had been looking forward to some time on the water during our visit to Orcas Island, and our day sail with Captain Dave was the highlight of the week! The weather was absolutely perfect. We had a great mix of quiet moments gliding across the water, snacking on fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers, and an exhilarating return to Deer Harbor under much stronger winds. Dave’s knowledge of the San Juan Islands was seemingly endless. I’d highly recommend this for anyone looking to create the same kind of lasting memories my family has now. Thank you!

We had a fantastic day cruise around the San Juan Islands aboard the Na"walak, a beautiful and comfortable 54 foot boat. This was the first sailing trip we've been on where we actually sailed, rather than motoring. We really appreciated Captain Dave's sailing expertise and knowledgeability of the the area--its history, geography, flora and fauna. HIs assistant Daniella was delightful, Add to all of this Dave's laid-back and personable demeanor, and we can only dream of spending several days exploring the Salish Sea, and beyond, with him.

My wife and I had a fantastic day sail with Emerald Isle. Captain Dave was very friendly and knowledgeable, and his deck hand Gabriella was fantastic too. The boat was beautiful and comfortable. We really lucked out with the weather, it was sunny with good winds that allowed us to sail with the motor off almost all day. We saw seals, bald eagles, and picturesque islands. We even got a chance to help with some of the lines and to raise the mainsail, which we were happy to do as we are hoping to do more sailing ourselves. Highly recommended!

We embarked on a 4 hour day sail around the San Juan's during our honeymoon. I chose Emerald Isle because of their reasonable prices and proximity to where we were staying. We also really wanted to go sailing (neither of us had been before) and not on a whale watching charter. We're glad we went with Dave as he is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about sailing, and willing to teach. He involved us in helping run the boat during our adventure, which was fun. He has a beautiful boat, and he was open to us poking around to see all the sleeping quarters. His favorite sails are actually his multi-day trips. He was telling us all about the trips they take up to the rainforest in Canada and Alaska. We checked out photos online on his website, and wow! Those trips look like phenomenal, once in a lifetime experiences! During our trip, we saw seals, sea lions, porpoises, and exotic varieties of sheep and deer on Spieden Island (former hunting retreat). The weather was beautiful, although a little cold when the boat was moving. He provided blankets and seating pads, and we were welcome to sit anywhere on the boat - inside or outside. He also provided a snack of cheese and crackers, and we brought along sandwiches to eat, too. In the cooler, we had the option of a couple different sparkling waters, which I appreciated over soda. We had a lot of fun and would love to return for a multi day trip one day!

Yes, yes. Yes. We would reccommend this trip. My husband and I spent our 35 anniversary with Captain Dave and Kady as his crew mate. This was a perfect experience and we've already booked a return sailing trip for next year. Dave is extremely knowledgable and provided excellent information as we sailed. He also has eagle eyes and spotted all types of wildlife. He is easy to be with and the trip was a delight. The fact that the boat is a pilot house is a huge bonus because if you get chilly or if iit rains. you can go in side and still have an amazing view from ALL the windows. There are 2 bathrooms. Everything was pleasantly decorated and very, very clean Lots of bedrooms so if you need to rest you have plenty of choics. They graciously served cheese, crackers and fruit. Thank you Dave and Kady for being so wonderful to sail with, we'll see you next April 26th!

My wife and I had a great trip with Dave, Christina (Chef) and the other guests. Big boat with roomy accomadations, great scenery, delicatble food, and very enjoyable comapny. Secluded coves, fascinating hiking and breathtaking views are standard. A trip with Dave is very highly reccomended.

My week with Dave Lutz and Jada Nye sailing the San Juan Islands was extraordinary. Complete relaxation coupled with breathtaking views created a perfect experience. Chef Jada produced multiple masterpieces while suiting everyone’s dietary needs simultaneously. The vessel is a dream. Pack light - I ignored that warning. Space is limited but there’s very little you need. The stars of the show were Mother Nature and Captain Dave. Dave’s naturalist knowledge of the land is incomparable. The hikes he led, spoil you for any future hikes. Not to mention his competence as a captain and well, he’s just a good guy. This is the trip of a lifetime...so I’m going to sail with them again next summer. ♥️⛵️

My partner and I sailed on the Nawalak with Dave 11 years ago and just returned this past week. We rarely repeat trips but this one kept pulling us back. While excited we were afraid "it wouldn't be the same". And it wasn't. It was even better. We feel into a comfortable groove with 4 of our friends, Dave and Chef Jada. Over the week visited some places we have been and some new secret coves. Dave was as easy going, funny and knowledgable as we remembered and the food was off the charts. We have already booked our next trip for next summer!!

My wife, 3 boys (aged 10, 8, and 5) and I spent 5 nights in June on the Nawalak sailing the San Juan islands. Dave is very knowledgable about the San Juans and each day we stopped at one or two islands for hiking, wild life viewing, agate / fossil hunting, and time for the kids to burn off energy. We encountered very few people on each island and were often the only visitors. The sailing was great when the wind allowed. Each night we anchored in a cove which Dave chose based on the wind / weather and where we enjoyed kayaking. Dave is very knowledgable about the San Juan wildlife -- we saw seals, otters, sea lions, and transient orcas from the sailboat. The food was phenomenal - Poppy was an unbelievable cook - highlights included seafood paella and pavlova. Overall, a very relaxing and informative trip -- highly recommended.

We really enjoyed our 5-day tour with Capt. Dave and chef Christina. Great sailing, gourmet food, interesting hiking and hump back whale sightings.

We had the best time with Captain David on a day sail around the San Juan Islands. He was very patience with us, as our crew can be a little hectic getting started. He took us around to different islands and gave us interesting facts and background of each island. Between islands, we were able to relax on the deck and really enjoy sailing around. It was as much an adventure as it was a relaxing afternoon. It wasn't a particularly windy day but David found enough wind to open her sails. He even let us steer and help set the sails.We had an amazing day and are trying to plan a multi-day sail next year! Thank you David for the great experience.

We had a fantastic day of sailing in a magnificently beautiful area. The day was particularly special because of the good fortune of coming across the orcas in an intimate setting all to ourselves. The trip was made all the better with a captain who's knowledge encompasses any and all things related to sailing, the environment, nature, and on and on...We look forward to spending more time with Dave on one of his longer voyages come the end of the summer. You won't be disappointed!

We had a weekend booked on Orcas Island in the San Juan's islands of Washington and decided to do a day sail. Emerald isle was right at our location in Deer Harbor, it was a perfect day (except little wind). Captain Dave and his first mate were absolutely wonderful. We saw several seals, porpoises,a minke whale and some odd goats (goats were on land). We got great family and friend pictures with their help. It was our daughters first experience at sailing, her and friend helped raise the sail and tack.I can't say more about the experience.

Absolutely wonderful experience! Dave is SO much FUN!! Gorgeous boat! Amazing views!!

OMG we had the best vacation ever. Captain Dave is amazing! Very personable and super knowledgeable about the area. Sailed around the San Juans, got to hike on several islands. Saw 3 humpback whales swimming together. In addition saw otters, seals, porpoise, blue herons and many other birds. Totally relaxing. The meals were gourmet quality with wine pairings at each dinner and fabulous deserts. This was the trip of a lifetime!

Captain David was amazing! He took time to answer any questions we had about anything related to the islands, sailing, marine life, etc etc. He let us raise the main sail and trim the jib! Yah we didn't know what that was either ; ) But David taught us. You will not be disappointed.

Perfect day despite minimal winds. Loved hearing the history and information about the islands and animals. Saw seals, lots of bald eagles, and 2 humpback whales. Dave is experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and funny (appropriately funny :-) ). Just very relaxing and enjoyable.

We took a 6-hour sail with Dave Lutz and Emerald Isle Charters this past Monday, May 22. We sailed gently around much of the San Juan Islands on a gorgeous sunny, calm day. Dave knows much about the history, geology, and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest, and we learned many interesting facts. We kept commenting on how it doesn't get any better than this. If you want a relaxing but informative and visually stunning sail, this is for you.

In middle of April be made a family trip to Washington State. The first 5 days of the trip where in the San Juan Islands. We took a 3 day sailing tour with Dave. We basically opened the sailing season of the Emerald boat. As a family we experience the best of times.. excellent food (Katy 👍🏼) , great knowledge of the surroundings, nature at it's best.

Capt. Dave is an amazing sailor with a gorgeous boat. Roomy with all amenities and tons of deck space. Enough about the boat. Dave knows every beautiful anchorage in th San Juans. Pam and I had the sailing vacation of a life time and you will too. This is the best. Don't you think you deserve it.

We had reservations for a day sail out of Eastsound. Started out in the rain and ended up being a verrrrrry windy rough day. Captain Dave's years of experience were put to the test but we felt safe in his hands. He has a wealth of information about the islands, their inhabitants and history as well as flora and fauna of the area. We returned at the end of the day with regret that we didn't have time for a longer trip.

A 3-day charter in the San Juans......oh so lovely. Just the two of us and Dave and Katie. So beautiful. We really appreciated the perfect mix of "tour" -- Dave taught us so much about the area, and sailing, local plants etc -- and "down time"--just time to be alone together and appreciate the solitude --and "fine cuisine"--Katie's meals were delicious, lovely presentation, and healthy too! Watching whales for a few hours was an unexpected bonus! Thanks, Dave and Katie!!

The time spent with Captain Dave and Chef Katie was time we will never forget. The beautiful scenery, and Dave's knowledge of the area made this trip very memorable. Dave and Katie became friends and treated us like family. Great people! We had some great laughs together, and some great conversation about numerous subjects. And Katie's meals were fabulous! I would recommend Captain Dave to anyone considering a trip to the Pacific Northwest. We came all the way from Florida to visit this area. The only way to see this part of the country is with Captain Dave on Emerald Isle Sailing Charters!Derek and Kathy O'Brien and Family

When we all turned 60 we decided to travel to places we thought seren no our Dreams. In the aboriginal Dreamtime this was such a trip. When we woukd arise we would fulfill our dreams - if we dreamed of whales we saw whales that dat, wolves - they emerged in an island. We awoke each day to a plethora of beauty.Captain Dave and chef Lucita woukd surprise us each day with tasty gourmet dishes to delight us- as vegetarians we were given each day a variety of new dishes of whole grains and fresh fruits and Vegies- imagine this in the middle of wilderness.Our dreams came true and we spent one of the most beautiful times of our live seeing bears in hot Springs in a gorgeous Bay!Thank you all soooooo much🎈🎈🎈🎈

I just returned from a 12 day sailing trip aboard the Nawalath to the Great Bear Rain Forest. Captain Dave and Chef Luci were above and beyond my expectations and better than most 5 star trips. Captain Dave is very knowledgeable of the ecology and marine life and always had an adventure around every cove. From the viewing of the humpbacks, orcas, wolves, dolphins, bears to the environmental issues of British Columbia, we were in awe. Along with this, he demonstrated an amazing ability to sail through rapids, tide changes and strong currents with great agility and calmness. From morning to dusk, there was a new adventure around every bend.Not to mention, the aromas and culinary dishes prepared by Chef Lucita. For twelve days straight, the meals were prepared to compare to any Michelin Star Restaurant. The freshness, variety and presentation were superb, considering we were on a sailing vessel. Along with this, she prepared freshly caught salmon in a variety of ways for any taste palate.Highly recommend for any traveler seeking to navigate the great Northwest in a private, comfortable environment and to view up close all that nature has to offer!

We had the most experience of a lifetime with Emerald Isle , Dave -our Captain and Lucy our amazing Chef!!! Dr Dean was turning 70 and instead of the Antartica trip he h Spriad planned after the previous summer sail with Dave he opted to spend our time in the Great Bear RainForest with his wife and sister in law.The sail was smooth, the sights were beyond anything we imagined and we fell in love with this part of the World. Salmon, bears, a lone wolf, field of dolphins, pods of Whales , Kingfishers , hot Springs and so many more beautiful Natural sights were felt by the Senses.Dancing on deck and under waterfalls was amazing and eating by candlelight each night with gourmet food was beyond beyond.We expect to explore this area with Captain Dave -who also became a dear friend as well as a Captain of the Seas!!!

Amazing trip. Dave and Katy planned our trip for the grandchildren (ages 12 and 14) as I requested. The food was fabulous and Dave was so patient with the children. One of my grandsons is a very picky eater but he ate everything placed in front of him. Katy did a great job of preparing comfort food but with her special flair. The most rewarding was receiving thank you notes from my grandsons. Max said, " Thank you for taking me on this unforgettable trip. I know you spent a lot of time putting the trip together. Thank you for giving me these unforgettable memories." Can't beat a thank you note like that.

Captain Dave never disappoints, our request for an instructional trip on sailing was granted and amazing. We learned terms, and were able to fill the sails, gliding through the water of the San Juan Islands. We could be as involved in sailing as we wanted and we absolutely loved every minute. We were sad to have to leave the boat, and hope to be back again to bask in Captain Dave's knowledge and friendship, we have made a friend for life. Chef Katie made us feel at home and kept the fantastic food coming. Brunch on the deck and delightful snacks throughout the day, you rock Katie! We were taken to places we had not seen on our previous trip, awed by the beauty. Captain Dave is sure to provide a trip of a lifetime, we are so fortunate to have had two of them. Emerald Isle Sailing Charters has our seal of approval, so relaxing and educational, we highly recommend sailing on the Na'walak with Captain Dave.

One of the most enjoyable part of our visit to San Juan islands (Orcas). Thank you captain Dave for your trust in letting me and my daughter navigate the sail.

Captain Dave always had something interesting to tell us about local history and culture, the plants and animals on the islands, and sailing in the area. Katy took great care of us with delicious food - from creative dishes to comfort food. The boat is very comfortable ( in our case, 5 people at the table) with good views from inside the pilot house. It's nice to have the option to move inside or out as the weather changes without having to go below deck. We enjoyed conversations and hikes with our fellow passengers. Recommended!

We immediately were at home with Captain Dave and Katie- an awesome team who provided us with awesome knowl edge and food. The boat was the perfect size for the 3 of us and we celebrated my husband and sisters birthday with walks, sails and quiet time observing Nature. One of the evenings when we went ashore for a walk was met with the barking and sightings of the Stellar seals which was quite a treat for us.The sharing time was invaluable and many insights about Nature and myself occurred on the 4 days in this beautiful part of the World!

Although we ended up with probably the worst week of weather this summer in the Northwest, we had good wind for sailing and a really fun time, with great people and great food. We were able to sail everyday. We hiked on Stuart, Sucia and Matia Islands, off the normal paths of most tourist since these islands are not served by public ferries, with Captain Dave as a guide with fascinating descriptions of the island history, the trees and plants and the native peoples of the San Juans. And we ate gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by Chef Katie. Everything was made from scratch in the small galley, and it was all amazing. It made coming home to my normal cooking slightly depressing! Even with the "bad" weather (rain and wind), we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the staff and the other passengers, John, Sharon and Renate. Thanks guys for a wonderful time and a great experience. I recommend Emerald Isle to anyone interested in sailing, nature and history of the San Juan Islands.

My wife and two teenage daughters spent five days sailing the northern San Juan's with Dave and Katie the first week of August, 2015. Overall, it was an excellent trip and I would recommend it to other families. Dave and Katie are very relaxed, have excellent knowledge of the area and tell interesting stories about the history, flora and fauna. The trip was a mix of excellent food prepared by Katie, including fresh brewed coffee ready to go before we woke up, freshly made muffins and scones and a creative menu of outstanding meals for lunches and dinners as well as exploring the islands, kayaking and sailing. Dave made an effort to tailor the trip to what we wanted to do for the day and was very flexible. He also selected protected coves for anchorage each night for a calm evening. We jumped in each day (water is quite cold) and Katie always went first, a great incentive! I would definitely do this trip again.

We took a day sail with Captain Dave and another family. No wind that day, so we motored the whole time, which was too bad, but still a gorgeous day. Dave had great knowledge of the islands and the wildlife. A highlight was falling asleep on the deck in the sun, gently rocking. Beautiful and well-appointed boat!

Dave has an amazing boat and provides an excellent, relaxing day of sailing. Dave is knowledgeable of the area and wildlife which just adds to the experience! Definitely recommend!

I celebrated my 40th birthday aboard Dave' ship. We had an amazing time, as we sailed around various islands. My son and his buddy dressed as pirates, and my friends and I were able to relax and take in the beauty. Dave did an excellent job talking with us about the natural history, the various wildlife that we saw, and the local geography. We were able to BBQ on board, and enjoyed a feast. Dave is very kind, patient, calm, competent- the exact kind of person you want sailing you around the San Juans. This was one of the best days of my life, and I can't wait to sail with Dave again.

Our group (adults and two children, ages 6 and 7 1/2) had a wonderful, amazing day sailing around the San Juan Islands! Dave was great- calm, peaceful, extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and islands and passages; he was so patient with the kids and involved them in what he was doing (my son got to raise one of the sails). The boat is gorgeous. Our trip was so relaxing. I knew there were many islands but seeing them up from the water, sailing around and in between them all (there are SO many!) was truly special. Gorgeous weather. Couldn't have asked for a better day.

Our group of 5 adults had a great day of peaceful exploration with Capt. Dave---aboard his beautiful 54' sailing yacht; gorgeous islands/water views, incredible Orcas, delicious meal, food and wines (thanks Chef Katy!). The entire day trip was absolute perfection!! If you are seeking the best of the best in the Pacific Northwest, it is definitely Emerald Isle Sailing Charters! Tip...take a seaplane from downtown Seattle into Deer Harbor to board the yacht.... the views along the way are breathtaking!

4 of us took a 6 hour day sail with Dave and his boat on memorial day weekend. Dave did an amazing job in getting us comfortable rightaway, accomodating for our little delay with a kid in tow, and sprinkling around informations and little stories about the islands along the way. The boat is good for a crowd of 6 or so. It was a very cozy, with enough space both back and front for sprawling around. kitchen and bathrooms are well equipped and clean. Perhaps a little more attention to food will make it even more special, but Im not complaining. definitely the highlight of our 3 day trip . I wouldnt think twice to do it with him again if I happen to come back.

Our family of four sailed in for a day in May through the San Juan Islands! We were blessed with perfect weather and a perfect captain of the ship. Dave does a wonderful narration of the beauty that constantly floats by both in the air and in the water. We saw more eagles than we could count, and Dave told us all about the many seals and island formations we passed. Our kids, 17 and 13 loved every minute of the trip. We sat quietly on the bow as the sea raced by and we sat in the beautiful cabin and talked about our next trip!We look forward to next year and making the voyage again. It was a beautiful and relaxing day. Thank you Dave and Emerald Isle.

Our family sailed with skipper Dave and Katie, the master chef, for 3 days and 2 nights in mid June. It was the perfect combination of sailing, hiking, and taking in the beauty of the San Juans. My husband and I and our 3 kids ages 28, 25, 18 LOVED all of it! Our family likes to be active and it was a great balance for all of us. Katie's meals were exceptional, and Dave's knowledge kept us all captivated. I was a little unsure if the beds would accommodate our tallest who is 6'3", but the beds were perfect. We all slept like babies! It was a trip of a lifetime in an unbelievable location. Thank you Dave!

I'll be back again and again and again! !!!!! Eagles, killer whales, gorgeous boat, great food, Captain Dave is great. Sleeping quarters very comfortable. Multi day trip is the way to go. Thank you Captain Dave!

Captain Dave is a wonderful man, and very knowledgeable in many areas!! The boat is beautiful, and I was very happy with my experience. I have come to the San Juan Islands and Orcas many times over the years. The next sailing trip I go on will definitely be with Dave and Emerald Isle Sailing, and this time, I'm bringing my friends! Thank Dave!

My husband and I celebrated his 40th birthday on a day sail with Captain Dave! Not only did he give us an amazing price, he gave us a day we will never forget! The boat was really nice and well kept, the lunch that was served was amazing! We also saw a pod of Orca that stayed with us for about half and hour! We saw so much wildlife from orcas to harbor seals to a cool island with sheep grazing on a hill! We will never forget this day as long as we live. Or family comes up every summer and will be incorporating a day sail with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters!

My husband and I went on a five day 4 night trip in June. Dave is a wonderful captain and so nice to be around. He knows the San Juan's like the back of his hand, his knowledge of the nature and history seemed never ending. he guided us on wonderful hikes daily, we foraged for edibles and brought them back to the boat for his wonderful chef Katie to cook! Now praise for Katie, she is a terrific chef and like Dave so pleasant to have around! The boat was very comfortable and was equipped with everything we could possibly need. Being in small quarters could have been challenging but with the Dave and Katie team it was delightful! The San Juan Islands are beautiful so picturesque, we saw lots of bald eagles, otters, seal sea lions and orcas! If you like nature,wildlife and wonderful food this is the trip for you!

What a great day!!!! Dave is an amazing captain! He has an easy, relaxed and fun apporach to guiding his guests and I felt very welcome to make myself at home on the beautiful Na'walak. He holds deep knowledge about the islands- the cultural history, flora and fauna - I felt I could go any direction with questions and have rich conversations that made what I was seeing and experiencing all the more profound. I feel such a pull to go for a longer trip! My best sailing experience ever!!!

We had an awesome time, and a spectacular day sail! The trip around Spieden Island was excellent with 3 Daves, Tracy and Yogi. Captain Dave Lutz is great, and very knowledgeable of the pristine islands of the Pacific Northwest, including providing us with glimpses of fascinating flora and fauna. Not only did we see whales, we saw seals, eagles, and several huge eagle's nest. We were out with another couple, Tracy and Dave. My Dave and I look forward to a 3-day cruise next.

We went for a 7 day cruise all through out the San Juan Islands. There were 2 couples and a single person and 2 crew, one of which was an excellent Chef. We set sail onboard a 54' sail boat which was beautiful! As we set sail we met each other and learned a bit about each other. Once we cleared the harbor we raised the sails, the Main and the Jib. We didn't raise the 3rd sail as it was not needed. As soon as we got going I smelled something Delicious being cooked below by our personal Chef. As we soon learned, the meals were themselves a work of art. And we were served 3 of these a day!! Dave, the Captain, was very knowledgeable about the entire area, which was an excellent thing, of course.We sailed into a different bay every afternoon and set anchor. We were taken to the beach in a zodiac to explore the island. We always offered a choice of where we wanted to hike on each of the 6 islands we visited. After a wonderful hike we went back to "Our" boat. We then had a Fantastic dinner, including a bottle of wine. The Chef had been supplied with our basic food preference as part of the planning process which was done prior to arriving at the Island. Because of this all of us were served food which was to our liking.My wife and I had the Vacation of a lifetime! We saw a huge amount of wild life, beautiful sun rises, sun sets, and picture perfect days. I must say that Emerald Isle Sailing Charters provided us with one of the BEST Vacations we EVER have been on. The Boat was Fantastic, the Food was Excellent, and the sailing Out of this World. You have to go with Dave, the Captain and Owner of Emerald Isle Sailing Charters, to appreciate how PERFECT this vacation can be. We would come back for another Charter at the drop of a hat. I give this Charter a 5 star rating without a doubt. You will too when you go with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters for a vacation of a lifetime!

We went out for a 6-hour day sail in April, 2013 and had a wonderful time. Na'walak is beautiful, and her captain is very welcoming and knowledgeable. Our family was thrilled to see so much wildlife, and we were fascinated by the in-depth natural and cultural history Dave shared. This day was the absolute highlight of our week in the San Juans... even our frequently-sullen teenager raved about his experience!

We sailed on a sunset sail with Captain Dave in July of 2012, based on the recommendation of the owner of the hotel we stayed at (they advised us to go with nobody else - that Emerald is the best). Captain Dave is totally customer focused. He went out of his way to make sure we had a great sail. There was a glitch with the time/date of our sail but Captain Dave made sure we were accommodated. He knows his boat, he knows the islands, he knows the history, the wildlife and he shares all of that with the passengers. Plus the boat is awesome and he takes great care of it! We will go again with Captain Dave next time we get to the San Juans.

We've been on two day-sails with Dave now. Entering his boat was like entering his home. He treated us graciously, like we were his special guests, serving us his amazing teas, and sharing his precious stories and rich knowledge of the San Juans with us. Being in the energy of the open waters and surrounding islands was truly calming; it allowed us to leave our daily lives for the day, relax in good company, and take in the peaceful and soul-quenching area. We even brought our baby with us and it was no problem. Dave was kind and flexible to accommodate her and our needs with her. While we were on the day sail, we saw an Eagle catching a fish in the water, many eagles and their nests, porpoises, rams and deer, and Dave even showed us some amazing footage from his Alaskan trip of salmon and bears. Such a beautiful time it was. We even got to steer the boat and help with the sails. If you are coming to the San Juans, I highly recommend Emerald Isle. It's worth a trip from afar for sure too. Thank you Dave for your loving presence and sharing this amazing experience of the San Juans with us in such a rich dynamic way. Thank you also for all of the love and light you bring to so many people and this amazing world around and inside of us.

Just finished a 7-day sail in the San Juans with Captain Dave and awesome chef/crew Katy and I can't sing enough praises about this experience. His boat is great and Captain Dave is so knowledgable, skilled and fun to be with. Plus Katy, his chef, is a master at turning out gourmet meals in all kinds of conditions, and, at the same time, running up sails and pulling the anchor whenever needed. She's a marvel! Dave will do everything he can to accommodate the individual interests of his passengers. He knows the San Juans so well and will find lovely coves, encourage you to enjoy the beautiful trails on some of the smaller islands, entertain you with all kinds of lore, and give you a turn at the wheel if you wish. The boat, the Nawalak, accommodated six of us, three couples, very well. And the weather at the end of September was fantastic! Thank you, Dave and Katy!

Great boat, great environment. Captain Dave will always do whatever it takes to make your experience amazing! And the food! Marvellous! Chef Kate makes truly gourmet meals And grabs the anchor while she's doing it!

My boyfriend an I went sailing around the San Juan Islands with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters. We had the best time. Captain Dave is very good at what he does. He showed us some spectacular views and he knows a lot about the wildlife around the area. We will definitely sail with him again!!!

I took my Dad on an incredible sail through the San Juan Islands with Emerald Isle for his 75th birthday. We had such an amazing time on our 3 day sail. Captain Dave is so knowledgeable about native flora and fauna and was happy to share his information. The sailing was wonderful; my Dad who was an avid sailor in his early days was able to help out. The cuisine was delicious, Katey is a talented chef who creates delicious yet healthy food aboard. Our quarters were most comfortable. I went kayaking with Dave and saw 3 young bald eagles in a tree just above us and 4 adults arrived as well and the all started "chattering"--incredible. We watched a family of river otters playing in the water. Seal mothers with their babies watched us as we paddled along. Later, a young seal swam around the boat for an hour, so young it's umbilical cord was still attached.Highly recommended, an unforgettable adventure.

We Texans ( formerly from Washington State ) cannot say enough about the trip we took with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters ! The views were breathtaking, hikes on deserted islands were awesome, beautiful and pristine beaches, amazing sunsets and incredible wildlife and sea life ( we even sailed through a pod of Orca whales .. WOW! ) Captain Dave is a wealth of knowledge about the San Juans and so much more ... A man of many talents ! The food was unbelieveable and we still cannot believe that Katy whipped up those gormet meals in the galley ... dinners complete with candles. And she was a great first mate too! What Fun! A trip of a lifetime ... Thanks Y'all, Dave, Katy, Zanetha and Kimaya for a fantastic sailing experience we'll never forget ! Patty and Gary

We Texans ( formerly from Washington State ) cannot say enough about the trip we took with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters ! The views were breathtaking, hikes on deserted islands were awesome, beautiful and pristine beaches, amazing sunsets and incredible wildlife and sea life ( we even sailed through a pod of Orca whales .. WOW! ) Captain Dave is a wealth of knowledge about the San Juans and so much more ... A man of many talents ! The food was unbelieveable and we still cannot believe that Katy whipped up those gormet meals in the galley ... dinners complete with candles. What Fun! A trip of a lifetime ... Thank all of you Dave, Katy, Zanetha and Kimaya for a fantastic sailing experience we'll never forget ! Gary and Patty

We splurged this summer and took our family of 5 on an unforgettable sailing trip around the San Juan Islands. It was the best trip of our lives. Dave and Katy were so accommodating and patient and are just plain good people. Thank you Dave for a great summer trip - we are hoping to book another summer trip with you soon!

My wife and I spent Father's Day on board with Captain Dave sailing around the beautiful San Juan Islands. The day started out overcast with light rain. Shortly after we left Deer Harbor Marina the weather cleared up and it turned out to be a gorgeous day. Dave was extremely knowledgeable of the area and its rich history. He was a great host and this was an incredible sailing and sightseeing adventure. Thank you for continuing to make our week on Orcas Island an unforgetable vacation very enjoyable experience.

My husband and I joined Captain Dave for a day trip recently and had a wonderful time. We spent six hours on the water, enjoying the company of Dave and his assistant as we encountered wildlife, various sailing conditions, and beautiful scenery. Dave is very knowledgable about the history of the area and its inhabitants--human and animal. It was so fun to learn about our surroundings and hear some great stories while cruising along. We hope to return to the San Juans soon and will definitely try to get on the water again with Emerald Isle Sailing!

My wife and I have owned several sailboats, have lived aboard two of them, so we know a fair amount about sailing and cruising. Alas, for medical reasons we no longer own a boat. Our experience with Dave and his wonderful boat sailing the San Juans was simply one of the highlights of our life on the water. The cook (sorry I have forgotten her name) was awesome, the scenary magnificent, and Dave's knowledge of every aspect of his surroundings was incredible. My time at the helm was made special because he is so calm. Wish we could do it again, for even a longer trip.

We sailed with Emerald Isle Sailing Charter during July with our teenage son. The 54 foot yacht is magnificent and accomodates 6 passengers plus the crew. We could not fault any aspect of the yacht, the crew or the facilities. It was all wonderful. Dave, the captain, is a delight. He is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. He is also a great naturalist, and historian. The chef (much more than a cook) was an absolute highlight. She was trained at a renowned culinary school in New York State and had extensive restaurant experience. She prepared superb gourmet food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as appetizers. And coped with the fact that 3 of the passengers were vegetarian.The first day was unexpectedly windy but a great thrill. At no time did we feel in any danger or at any risk. Dave's professionalism was remarkable. The entire trip was at the right pace. Daily sail or motoring from one small cove to another interspersed with hikes and / or kayaking around some of the most majestic islands. The places we stopped to anchor in each night were all different but equally superb. We highly recommend Emerald Isle Sailing Charter. Nothing was too much trouble and they made a very special effort to ensure that our teenage son had the time of his life. He enjoyed it so much, he threatened to stow away on the boat. We are now planning when we can do the north passage trips. Thanks Dave, Katie and Kimaya!!!

I went on Emerald Isle's 2010 sailing cruise from Orcas Island to Bella Bella, B.C. The scenery and animals we saw on the 10-day cruise provided the experience of a lifetime. Because I am gluten intolerant, I was worried about being dependent on an unknown chef working within the limitations of a small boat galley. I need not have worried. The chef prepared sumptuous meals that were safe for me to eat and that the others also enjoyed. The other 5 passengers were good company, and I will never forget the experience of sailing among, and playing with, hundreds of dolphins. Then there were the humpback whales doing bubble-net feeding, and the fjords, and the waterfalls, and.....

My wife and I went to the San Juans for our honeymoon and went on a day sail with Emerald Isle. Dave is a great guide and is quite knowledgeable about the islands and the wildlife you come across. We were there right before the busy summer season so we got a tour all to ourselves- we even got to help crew the boat. I highly recommend their trips for anyone visiting Orcas Island.

We sailed with Emerald Isle Sailing Charter during the last week of June. The 54 foot yacht is magnificent and accomodates 6 passengers plus the crew. The crew gave us wonderful service. Dave, the captain, is low key, easy-going, an experienced sailor, naturalist, and historian. The cook was a culinary school graduate who fed us gourmet food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as appetizers. We loved the peace and tranquility of the sailing and anchoring at small coves overnight. We didn't want to stay at busy marinas, so this was perfect. After anchoring we would go ashore and take a short hike.I've sailed quite a bit and overall this was definitely a great sailing experience. My husband really enjoyed it and he's not a sailor! We will definitely sail again with Emerald Isle Sailing Charter.