The San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands
Nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the nearly 200 unique islands get about half the rainfall of Seattle. The alluring charm of this archipelago is expressed both in its natural landscapes, and its diverse wildlife – above and below the water. Grass and moss-carpeted hillsides give way to graceful madronas and sculpted firs. Wildflowers fill the meadows in spring and early summer. The occasional sand or gravel beach is punctuated by whimsically shaped sandstone, beckoning the kids to explore. Rich emerald waters yield fish for the grill, crab, and prawns for a shore-side feast.
Three groups of orca whales call the islands home during the year, chasing the salmon that migrate through. Eagles perch in shore-side trees, and a variety of seabirds cruise the bays and channels, diving for fish. Protected parkland abounds with several islands devoted entirely to the marine explorer. A large variety of trails provide great opportunities for discovery. A sunny overlook, a hidden cove, a quaint one-room schoolhouse, or an abandoned lighthouse are among the myriad treasures to be found. Local artist galleries, restaurants, and elegant resorts with spas lend variety to the bigger islands.
Myriad peaceful coves, madrona-clad sandstone bluffs, and mossy woodland trails invite adventurers. As in the San Juans, many sandy beaches lay thickly fringed with white shells; the telltale evidence of ancient village sites of the seafood-eating Coast Salish people. Relax with us in a protected anchorage while one of the famous sunsets caps another memorable day.
Tours
3-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands
4-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands
5-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands
6-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands
Sail & Paddle Tour
New this year! Hey there, avid kayaker! Think you've seen and conquered it all? We invite you to paddle the mystical waters of the San Juan Islands without making long, often dangerous, open-water crossings, while you return each evening to the safe, warm and cozy confines of our luxury 55' sailboat. Aboard Sailing vessel Nawalak, you'll be treated to 3 luxury meals per day by our on-board chef to fuel your kayaking journeys, as well as a warm, dry berth aboard. No need to traverse dangerous open water, pitch a tent, or haul heavy gear - keep it all on the boat! Our captain is an experienced sea kayaker, having trained with the British Canoe Union, and guided many trips in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. This tour blends the elegant simplicity of sailing with the intimacy of near shore kayaking, utilizing our vessel as a mother ship for your San Juan Islands kayaking adventures. Guests can bring your own kayak, or choose one of our sea kayaks which are perfect for late beginner to advanced paddlers. Your kayaking adventure will start in Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, WA, where we board, our luxury 55' sail boat and sail deep into the majestic waters of the San Juan Islands. By sailing to these highly sought after kayaking destinations, we eliminate the hassle, and danger of paddling across large bodies of open sea to get to our coveted kayaking waters. Tour durations are from 3-6 days, and are fully customizable for duration, skill levels and dates. Give us a call to learn more. Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago. Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power. Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our many years of sailing these amazing waterways.
San Juan Islands 6-hour Day Sail
Climb aboard and immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the San Juan Islands. All inclusive prices start at $229 USD per person, check dates on the right. Please note: If the dates you want are not listed, or another tour is designated, please contact us. We can often adjust the sailing schedule. Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power. Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.
Wildlife Watching
The San Juan Islands, located off the coast of Washington state in the Pacific Northwest, is a haven for wildlife watchers. Humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, and far too many seabirds to mention abound. Eagles perch in shore-side trees waiting for the moment to dive into the water for their next meal. F...
Excellent Sailing
The waters around the San Juan Islands are of worldwide renown and offer a range of sailing conditions, from calm and sheltered to more challenging open water. Some popular areas for finding wind include Haro Strait, the San Juan Channel, Boundary Pass, and The Strait of Georgia. As we head further...
Hiking
Hiking in the San Juan Islands is a great way to explore the islands' natural beauty and history. With a range of trails and landscapes to choose from, visitors can enjoy everything from easy walks to challenging hikes and experience the best that the islands have to offer. It is a popular activity...
Visiting Remote Seaside Villages
Visiting remote seaside villages in the San Juan Islands is a great way to immerse oneself in the islands' rich history and culture. With a range of charming villages and unique experiences to choose from, visitors can explore the islands at their own pace and discover the hidden gems that make the...
Sail the San Juan Islands with an Experienced Crew!
Looking for an exciting and unique vacation? Come sailing with us in the San Juan Islands! Our experienced crew will show you the best of the islands, and you'll have a vacation you'll never forget!