SAN JUAN ISLAND BOAT RENTALS & TOURS
Travel & Leisure ranks the San Juan Islands as one of the top 10 island destinations in the U.S., in no small part because of the incredible boating opportunities found in our waters. Whether you are power boating or sailing, cruising in the San Juans offers secluded anchorages, unsurpassed natural beauty, abundant wildlife including Orca whales, and plenty of fun places to dock, quaff a pint of local craft beer, and dine on regional seafood.
Marinas
There are three marinas located on San Juan Island. The Port of Friday Harbor Marina is the largest, providing year-round shelter with 500 slips and 100 slips for overnight visitors. You can make reservations for San Juan Islands boat rentals, tours, and sailing here in the summer months. Within walking distance of the town of Friday Harbor, the marina has easy access to restaurants, food markets, hardware stores, and other services. Fuel, Wi-Fi, potable water, an on-site laundromat, pump-out stations, and restrooms with showers are available at the marina. Boat rentals and tours are also offered at the Friday Harbor Marina. Boat owners and crews can make quick connections with scheduled seaplane service and passenger ferries to the mainland.
The Roche Harbor Marina at the north end of the island offers 377 slips for boats up to 100 feet in length and services such as fuel, power, a general store, pump-out, and showers. Roche is a great place to walk the docks and ogle mega-yachts and sloops, especially on holiday weekends.
The quiet Snug Harbor Resort Marina, on the west side of the island in Mitchell Bay, holds over 50 boats and is close to whale watching, fishing, and crabbing. You’ll need transportation to get from the marina into town and any services. Other resources for boat owners are the San Juan Island Yacht Club, and the Seattle Yacht Club, which has an outstation in Friday Harbor.
Boat Rentals and Tours
If you don’t own a water vehicle, never fear. The San Juan Islands have plenty of options for sailboat and powerboat rentals, as well as boat tour operators who’ll guide you on exciting high seas adventures. Most of the operators and rental outfits we mention are located on San Juan Island. Bellingham is also a popular port to book short and long cruises, and rentals in the islands.
Marine Parks and Trails
Once you’ve set sail in your vessel, or powered off in a boat rental, the Washington State Parks and Recreation System, of which the San Juan Islands are a part, has more than 40 marine parks and 8500 feet of public moorage for your boating enjoyment. As mentioned on their website, there is fishing galore, old forts to explore, clams and crabs to catch, and scenic trails to hike on your Salish Sea adventures.
The Cascadia Marine Trail is an amazingly cool boating option. This water route traces some of the Puget Sound coves and inlets that originally marked a Native American water trade system. The trail is primarily accessed from the water and is suitable for single or multi-day trips by canoe, kayak, motorized boats, or swimming if you’re an exceptionally hardy type. There are 66 campsites and 160 day-use sites.
For other ideas on where to moor your boat in the San Juans, take a peek at our blog post on The Best San Juans Islands Camping Spots for a Family Getaway.
Many thanks for the great photos to Sail the San Juans, San Juan Sailing, All Aboard Sailing (Ken Rea and Valerie Shore) and Friday Harbor Boat Rentals!
SAN JUAN SAILING
Based in Bellingham, San Juan Sailing boasts a large fleet of sailboats and powerboats. They offer instruction, charters, guided flotillas to the San Juans, the Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound, and if you become hooked, they’ll even sell you a boat!
SCHOONERS NORTH
Go back in time and experience the history, adventure, and romance of sailing on a traditionally gaff-rigged wooden sailboat, the Spike Africa. From ½ day sailing charters to multi-day custom sailing excursions around the San Juan Islands, explore the Salish Sea and parts beyond. (Don’t forget your pirate attire).
FRIDAY HARBOR BOAT RENTALS
With a small selection of powerboats, you can easily be your own captain cruising the San Juans. Or if you’re just getting your feet wet, try a half-day (4 hrs) or full-day (7 hrs) charter on a 32′ classic Grand Banks Trawler.
ISLAND BOAT RENTALS
Offering a fleet of 21′ welded aluminum boats with canvas enclosures and touchscreen navigation systems, this company rents out of Roche Harbor. The perfect way to spend a day in the San Juan Islands: fishing for salmon, crabbing, whale-watching, or island hopping.
SAIL THE SAN JUANS
Perfecting the art of “Slow travel” for over 25 years! Northwind is their new 55′ luxury sailboat, allowing you to experience either six- or twelve-day journeys through the San Juans or the Inland Passage in style. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, crabbing, then savor gourmet cuisine, from homemade pasta to seasonal blackberry cobbler. Sounds like the ideal vacation!
ALL ABOARD SAILING
Sail away for the day from Friday Harbor on the beautifully restored 42′ Pilothouse sloop, Peniel. The experienced husband and wife captains are well versed in both the dynamics of sailing in the PNW, local wildlife, and the local Orca whale community. Try a sunset dinner or photography cruise to make your island vacation something exceptional.
MORE ISLAND ACTIVITIES
The Best Board Games to Bring Camping
Tents, bug spray, marshmallows—and board games? Don’t overlook the easiest way to bring everyone together at camp. Here are the best board games to toss in your duffel bag this season.
Storm Watching on San Juan Island
Storm watching on San Juan Island is as unpredictable as it is breathtaking. Read on for our top tips on catching a storm—not to mention the perfect, Instagram-worthy shot.
Braving the Cold in Comfort: Winter Glamping
SJI glamping? In the winter? Yes, it can be done—and we do it better than anyone else! From luxury yurts to spacious log cabins, check out how Lakedale Resort can keep you cold weather cozy in style.
Digging Deeper Into the San Juan Island Art Scene
SJI’s bustling arts scene is an important part of our unique island identity. Learn more about the can’t-miss galleries, festivals, and events that make this place an art-lover’s paradise!
Fishing Charters and Guided Trips in the San Juan Islands
Our archipelago offers exceptional fishing excursions for anglers of all abilities. Learn how you can elevate your experience with a San Juan Islands fishing charter or guided tour!
Our Ultimate Guide to San Juan Island Biking
With over 50 miles of scenic roads and routes for every pace and style, San Juan Island offers cyclists endless ways to explore. Grab your bike, soak up the views, and discover why biking here is a local and visitor favorite.
The Complete Guide To Live Music in the San Juan Islands
Discover the thriving live music scene across the San Juan Islands, from intimate brewery performances and vineyard concerts to can’t-miss summer festivals like OrcasFest and the Lakedale Music Festival. Whether you’re sipping craft beer in Friday Harbor or dancing under the stars on Orcas Island, this insider’s guide reveals where to find the best concerts and festivals all year long.
Add To Your Itinerary: San Juan Island Brewery
San Juan Island Brewery in Friday Harbor serves award-winning craft beers in a warm, community-focused space just minutes from the ferry. Read about the brewery’s island origins, sessionable lagers, and why it’s become a beloved local gathering spot for islanders and visitors alike.
Your Guide to Experiencing Bioluminescence on San Juan Island
The waters surrounding San Juan Island offer visitors a prime experience for viewing unforgettable light shows—courtesy of the bioluminescent microorganisms that call the Salish Sea home. Learn more about planning a visit that’ll have you glowing.
Our Seven Favorite San Juan Island Hikes
With rugged coastlines, misty forests, and can’t-beat panoramic views, San Juan Island hiking serves up scenery that rivals just about anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re waking up at Lakedale or just visiting for the day, these seven San Juan Island...