THE BOAT

We partnered with Jacobsen’s Marine for our first trip and they provided the use of a Defiance Boats 220 San Juan (*in-stock, for sale). Having a “go-fast” boat was essential, we had some miles to cover! We departed the Edmonds Marina around 8:45 am and headed up the outside of Whidbey Island, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and into the islands. BRP- Evinrude Outboards supplied the propulsion, the 200 – G1 outboard pushed us along at 37 kts until we hit the Strait of Juan de Fuca (and a rougher patch of water) when we throttled down to 26-27 kts. We were impressed with the boat and motor!

There is a v-berth upfront, a settee to port, helm to starboard with a sink and fridge aft of the helm. Outside there is an ample cockpit area and plently of options to mount downriggers and/or pot pullers. The official CruisingNW classification:  Fisher/Cruiser.

We kept an eye out for our local Orca friends to no avail but we did get to visit with numerous harbor seals and several porpoise/blackfish/dolphins. Up the west side of San Juan we cruised, taking in the scenery including Lime Kiln Point light house. The we arrived, the first stop, Snug Harbor Marina in Mitchell Bay.

Stop 1: SNUG HARBOR MARINA

Our first stop on the Scouting report was Snug Harbor Marina. The new on-shore construction and updates are very evident upon
arrival, and simply beautiful! The docks are next up on the list. Current slips are limited to 28′ and under.

This is a great spot, location wise, for fishing and whale watching. The sunsets are amazing, we recommend a dinghy ride to the mouth of the bay. Sit, watch, enjoy.

Quote from Snug Harbor…
“Bring in your catch and clean it at the cleaning tables provided for our guests. Want to cook your day’s catch? Feel free to use one of our two crab cookers or barbecues.”

Snug Harbor Marina

Contact info:

360-378-4762
sneakaway@snugresport.com
www.snugresort.com

Roche Harbor Marina

Contact Info:

(800) 586-3590
marina@rocheharbor.com
www.rocheharbor.com

Stop 2: ROCHE HARBOR MARINA

We departed Snug Harbor and made the long journey to Roche Harbor. Simply put, you can’t have a report on the San Juan Islands without including Roche on the itinerary. Updates: Hmmm. The fuel dock was upgraded last year, how about that. Roche Harbor is still the #1 destination in the San Juans. It still has everything you need. If you haven’t been, make sure to get reservations and plan dinner around the Colors Ceremony, you won’t regret it. 

You can learn more about Roche Harbor on our Destination: Roche Harbor page.

Stop 3: DEER HARBOR MARINA

From one paradise to another. Deer Harbor has been evolving in front of our eyes over the last fews years. The current ownership, since November 2011, have added something each year. A couple years back it was the party dock,  this year the marina has re-acquired the old Buck and Dough Restaurant building right across the street from the head of the pier. It is currently undergoing remodeling and permitting, the hope is that sometime this summer you’ll be able to get beer and pizza there! If not this year, then in years to come, the new restaurant piece will add to Deer Harbor Marina as a perennial favorite destination in the San Juans. Again, you can find more info on the Deer Harbor Destination page, here on CruisingNW.com .

Orcas Island and Blakely Island

Rosario Resort

Photo: Courtesy Rosario Resort

One of the legendary architectural feats in the San Juan Islands. The mansion Robert Moran built is now the the main building for this resort. The iconic hotel building is over-engineered like the ships of its era and here it still stands.

2016 Summer Nightly Rates
•26’ Slip – $49.00
•32’ Slip – $59.00
•40’ Slip – $69.00
•58’ Slip – $79.00
•59′-190′ -$2.00 per foot

Contact info:
360-376-2152
harbormaster@rosarioresort.com
VHF 78A
www.rosarioresort.com/marina

Lopez Island

The video of the trip will be posted here soon!

The CruisingNW.com scouting report series will become an annual presentation. They are designed to shine a light on what is real and accurate “now” to assist you in your cruise planning. We will create a report for all of our regional sections:

Washington State

• South Puget Sound, Central Puget Sound, North Puget Sound and Hood Canal
• San Juan Islands, North Mainland, Strait of Juan de Fuca

Canada

• Victoria, Sidney and Saanich Inlet, The Gulf Islands
• Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound
• Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Islands