Just south of the border in Washington State, the San Juan Islands group of islands offers a sheltered body of water and safe harbours with a wide range of amenities -- resorts, marinas, shopping, craft markets, museums, art galleries and dozens of ocean-view restaurants.
This beautiful archipelago, including Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Lopez Island, Whidbey Island and the Gateway Communities, has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years. The San Juan Islands were recently named one of the top island destinations in the Continental U.S. and Canada by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Close to 450 of the islands are large enough to be named, but most of the action happens in Lopez Village on Lopez Island, Eastsound on Orcas Island and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
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Orcas Island
This accessible island, widely considered to be one of the most picturesque of the San Juans, is popular with outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Boaters can cruise around the island, enjoying the cafes and gift shops in Orcas Village, the marina in West Sound, the resorts in Deer Harbor, the amenities of Eastsound and the beautiful Rosario Resort and Moran State Park.
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San Juan Island
San Juan Island, the site of a historical confrontation between the British and Americans in 1859, offers boaters many opportunities to relax, shop, wander and enjoy island life. Friday Harbor, a popular destination on the east side of the island, is a quaint town with parks, restaurants, shops, galleries and lodging facilities. To the north, scenic and historic Roche Harbor Village has beautiful Victorian gardens and heritage buildings, as well as a marina, lodging, grocery store, restaurants, shopping and activities.
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Lopez Island
Lopez Island, which calls itself the jewel of the San Juans, offers kayaking, cycling, whale watching, hiking, and fishing. Still, most boaters choose Orcas or San Juan for visits because of the extent of amenities available on these two islands.
Port Townsend
One of the Gateway Communities on the mainland, Port Townsend is a common stop for San Juan Islands yacht charters as it is a pleasant, safe harbour offering many services.
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Port Ludlow
Port Ludlow, another Gateway Community on the mainland, is notable for stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, and its resort overlooking lovely Ludlow Bay. Golf, spa services, and recreation and leisure activities are available.
» Click here to book your San Juan Islands Yacht Charter.
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