San Juan Islands 6-hour Day Sail

★★★★★
★★★★★
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Trip Highlights

Description

Climb aboard and immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the San Juan Islands.

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.

Food & Beverages
Food & Beverages

Each Day-Sail includes a charcuterie board, local wine and plenty of snacks and soft drinks!

Boarding
Boarding

Our 55' Sailboat Na'walak, is moored right on the main dock in Deer Harbor, Orcas Island.

No sailing experience necessary!
No sailing experience necessary!

Relax on deck, or if you would like, our experiences USCG licensed captain can give you an introduction to sailing basics!

Itinerary

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Each trip is a unique experience. We stay in rhythm with the tides, currents and wind to bring you the best day sailing possible. As locals, we know the "out of the way" places, the best sailing routes and the calmest waters. If you have a special destination you want to see, just let us know.

 

Tour info

Duration
6 hours
Group Size
2 to 6
Price starts at
$160
Meeting Point

Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island, WA

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Our Home Port

Why take this tour?

The unique beauty and sunny weather of Washington’s San Juan Islands have been famous for generations. 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.

Included

  • Cheese & Fruit Board, soft drinks, snacks

  • Binoculars

  • Kayaks

  • Stand-Up Paddleboards

  • Quiet, eco-friendly electric dinghy for exploring

Excluded

  • Gratuities not included in fee, but are welcome!

Frequently asked questions

The coastlines we sail are rich with life. Depending on the time of year, sea mammals you might see include Orca, Humpback and Minke Whales, Harbor Porpoise, Dahl’s Porpoise, White-sided Dolphins, Sea Otters, River Otters, Harbor Seals, and Sea Lions. On land you have the opportunity to see Minks, Otters, Black-tailed Deer, Raccoons, and imported exotic wildlife. As we journey northward it becomes increasingly likely to find coastal Wolves, Mountain Goats, Black Bears, Grizzlies, and the White Kermode, or “Spirit” Bear. There are too many feathered friends to list. The Bald Eagle is a daily visitor. Other favorites of ours include Oyster Catchers, Marbled Murrelettes, Scoters, and Great Blue Herons. For a truly world class natural experience the old-growth forests of northern B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest house an especially rich and diverse community of creatures. Our unobtrusive electric powered dingy allows us the unique advantage of near silence while viewing and photographing wildlife.
It’s best to be prepared for a temperature range of 55° to 80° F. When sailing, even on a warm summer day, the breeze experienced on deck when heading up wind can elicit the need for cozier clothing. The best dress for sailing is layers. For northern tours, close to the skin, wear a moisture wicking layer, then an insulative layer (fleece, wool...), and an outer wind/water resistant layer. Waterproof shoes or rubber boots are an advantage on deck and for getting to and exploring shorelines and estuaries. Shorts and a bathing suit are great for a summer swim or hot spring soak. For life below decks bring casual and comfortable clothing. Don’t forget your favorite pair of slippers! We’ll send you a detailed list of what to bring when you submit your reservation.
The San Juan and Gulf Islands are known for their sunny summer days. We receive about half the rain of Seattle due to the rainshadow of the Olympics and Vancouver Island mountain ranges. Temperatures range from 55°-80° F in the spring, summer, and fall, and average 40°-50° F in the winter months. The Great Bear Rainforest of northern B.C. produces more variable weather. It’s not called a rain forest for nothing! Temperatures are usually in the 60s throughout our sailing season there. You will likely encounter a mix of sunshine with occasional rain during your trip, but you will stay warm and dry in our roomy pilothouse.
It depends on what you are looking for. April and May display an incredible abundance of spring flowers. Some areas are particularly spectacular with color at this time. The sunniest and warmest months of the year are July, August, and September. This is the best time of year to see the Great Bear Rainforest. October through mid-June offers the best sailing wind and the most quiet privacy in anchorages. We have had incredible trips in January! With our heating systems and all-weather pilothouse this time of year can be a magically peaceful and comfortable experience.
Nearly all of the waters we sail in are well protected. Most people who are concerned about seasickness are pleasantly surprised that its not an issue for them on our trips. However, some of our trips involve making brief passages that can occasionally get rough enough to elicit this unfortunate gastronomic state. We recommend you speak with your doctor or pharmacist regarding appropriate motion sickness medication. In our experience for mild queasiness, the acupressure wrist bands, ginger tea or crystallized ginger (which we have on board), and staying above decks can be of great help. The good news is that after we’ve finished a rough passage, the seasickness disappears!
Absolutely! We love having children on board. It can be a hugely educational experience for them. There are many activities to keep them occupied, and enough new and exiting experiences to keep them talking about their trip for a long time. We do, however, prefer that if your child is younger that 10 that the guest list is filled by your party alone.
It’s a cruise that includes a captain and crew/chef who take care of all shipboard duties including safe navigation, local knowledge of choice attractions, and meals and cleaning. You can do as much or as little as you like. We are at your service!
No. The level of activity varies depending on the trip. However, anyone who can get in and out of the dingy and go for short walks will do fine. We have had mobility-impaired guests having wonderful cruises with us without ever leaving the boat! There are many beautiful things to see right from the cabin and deck!
Day Trips: Charcuterie board, Local wine, soft drinks, snacks, use of onboard kayaks, SUPs, and Electric Dinghy. Overnight Trips: All onboard meals, including select wines with most dinners. On some trips you will cover one dinner ashore. Your heated cabin includes a bed made with sheets, pillows, comforters, and blankets. Towels, cloths, shampoo, and soap are also complimentary. You are welcome to use the electric dinghy, kayak, SUPs, and all fishing, crabbing, and shrimping gear. If you prefer to overnight at a place with moorage fees, you are responsible for them, as well as any fishing licenses, and most off boat tours.
On multi-day trips we try to have at least one shoreside exploration per day. In the Great Bear Rainforest we typically take the dinghy up a pristine river and go for a short walk, or explore a remote beach, or abandoned native village. In the San Juans and Gulf Islands many forest trails, beaches, and country roads await the happy wanderer.
Opportunities for education abound. Your skipper is a trained naturalist, and enjoys pointing out a special plant, and its traditional uses, or identifying an animal and explaining its habits. Local history and native culture are other subjects you'll learn about. The captain also enjoys teaching sailing to anyone interested. Our trips in the Great Bear and the Inside Passage incorporate Native guides who will lead you through abandoned village sites, and enthrall with tales of battles, ancient customs, and the history of the once mighty Kwakwak’wakw. Or take part in a traditional open fire salmon bake and learn of the rich past of the Heiltsuk. The boat makes a great platform for seminars and workshops. We also offer instructor-led cruises in subjects such as meditation, photography, and whale observation. Please see charter options. If you are an instructor interested in leading an art cruise feel free to contact us.
In general our scheduled tours focus in the San Juans, with one trip up the Inside Passage/Southern Great Bear Rainforest in early August, mid August to mid September in the Northern Great Bear Rainforest of the northern B.C. coast, and one trip down the Inside Passage/Southern Great Bear Rainforest in mid September. Please see our schedule. Any time you don’t see a scheduled trip booked the boat is open and available, so don’t hesitate to inquire.
All of our rooms are double occupancy (View ship schematic), and allow for a maximum of six guests. If you prefer a private stateroom we will try to accommodate you. There will be an additional 50% fee if the tour is otherwise full.
By Coast Guard regulation, we can take up to six guests. On our instructional cruises, and with workshops and seminars, we can bring an instructor in addition to the six guests. If you have a larger group, we can arrange a buddy-boat with captain & chef!
No. The captain and crew are perfectly capable of taking care of all sailing. However, you are welcome to participate at any time for your own enjoyment. The captain is a lifetime sailor, and would love to help you with your sailing skills. By the end of the trip you may just be ready for the America’s Cup!

Things to know

What to Bring:

* We provide snacks, wine, soft drinks and a cheese and fruit board. If you would like, many guests bring their own packed lunch.
* The temperature out on the water can be a little cooler than on land, so bring layers, comfortable shoes with non-marking soles, and rain gear - it is the Pacific NorthWest!

* We provide snacks, wine, soft drinks and a cheese and fruit board. If you would like, many guests bring their own packed lunch.
* The temperature out on the water can be a little cooler than on land, so bring layers, comfortable shoes with non-marking soles, and rain gear - it is the Pacific NorthWest!

Secure Online Booking

Use the calendar to book your trip

Use the calendar to book your trip

Cancellation Policy

The trip cost is refundable if cancellation occurs 90 days or more before scheduled departure. Cancellation after 90 days prior to departure may result in forfeiture of the charter fee.

The trip cost is refundable if cancellation occurs 90 days or more before scheduled departure. Cancellation after 90 days prior to departure may result in forfeiture of the charter fee.

Customer Reviews

tripadvisor reviews

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!

tripadvisor reviews

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!

tripadvisor reviews

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.

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