Sunday, March 24, 2024

4 Day San Juan Island Cruises

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Day 7 Olympic National Park

Cruise Day 2: Trying PUERTO RICAN FOOD! Exploring San Juan (MSC Cruises on MSC Seaside)

Hike in Olympic National Parka UNESCO World Heritage Sitesurrounded by rainforest, old growth forest, and top of the world 360 degree views. Your trek at Hurricane Ridge takes you across fields of sub-alpine flowers in warmer weather and snow-covered hills in the colder months. On a clear day, you can see Canada across to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This evening, wrap it up with a Farewell Dinner and slide show highlighting your weeks adventures.

Hurricane Ian Cruise Changes

MSC Cruises

The September 24th seven-night sailing of MSC Seashore from PortMiami will now overnight in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, from Wednesday into Thursday afternoon.

Royal Caribbean

The September 24th sailing of from Port Canaveral had originally swapped the order of its two destinations, where instead of calling at Labadee and then Perfect Day at CocoCay, it would call at CocoCay and then Labadee. However, the ship has now skipped its Labadee call entirely. Since Port Canaveral is closed, the voyage has been extended by at least one day, with the current plan to begin debarking guests at noon on Friday.

s scheduled September 29th cruise will be shortened by one day, with guests now scheduled to begin embarking on Friday, September 30th. Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay are still on the itinerary.

Allure of the Seas has dropped Roatán to avoid Hurricane Ian and is picking up another sea day on its current voyage.

Liberty of the Seas is dropping Cozumel, Mexico, and adding another sea day, then hanging in the Gulf of Mexico before scheduled visits to Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Sky switched from a western to an eastern itinerary. Instead of visiting Grand Cayman, Roatán, Harvest Caye, and Cozumel, the ships current sailing will now visit San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Nassau.

Disney Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Take A National Geographic San Juan Island Cruise

The newest ship to offer San Juan cruises, via the 8-day Exploring British Columbia & the San Juan Islands trip, is the 100-guest National Geographic Venture. This purpose-built expedition vessel launched in 2018, in California, and now embarks on regularly scheduled departures. Get on this ship for the excellent expedition staff, high-tech exploration and educational equipment.

National Geographic Venture is state-of-the-art, a vessel made for exploring coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels thanks to her shallow draft that draws only nine feet of water. This allows her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go, and further setting her apart from other San Juan Island cruise ships is a guide complement that includes a historian, a geologist/naturalist, a wellness specialist and a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor.

Her San Juan Island cruises depart from either Vancouver, BC or Seattle. Two days are spent cruising Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands by expedition landing craft, kayak, paddleboard and hike, with a special stop at picturesque Friday Harbor to visit the Whale Museum and local shops. Were thrilled that Vancouver is an embarkation/disembarkation point on this trip, a bonus as travelers can explore this world-class Canadian city before or after exploring the San Juan Islands by boat.

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Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

We never knew that the San Juan Islands could be so beautiful and hold so much adventure for this older couple. Everyone on the Wilderness Discoverer worked hard to make sure we had an exciting and fulfilling time. Their patience and enthusiasm for their jobs made our trip so memorable.

The primary ship operating the mentioned itinerary can change from year to year, so the ship this guest cruised on may no longer be sailing this exact route.

Wow, we thought our UnCruise adventure last year to S.E. Alaska couldn’t be topped, but this adventure came a very close 2nd! We never knew that the San Juan Islands could be so beautiful and hold so much adventure for this older couple. Everyone on the Wilderness Discoverer worked hard to make sure we had an exciting and fulfilling time. Their patience and enthusiasm for their jobs made our trip so memorable. Our needs were met every single day and the crew made us feel so special, like offering and providing a private skiff tour around Cypress and “Mermaid” Island for just Jim and me when we missed the last skiff because of open kayaking. We continue to sing the praises of both UnCruise and Advenuturesmith Explorations! we have enjoyed our two previous Un-Cruises and we have family in the Seattle area, so we naturally look for adventures in the region that are within a short distance in the NW or Alaska. Every meal and adventure was made more fun because of our enthusiastic fellow travelers!

Johnstone Strait / Alert Bay

Sea Kayaking San Juan Islands Washington

Sail through Johnstone Strait, a waterway cut through a magnificently wild and scenic area of mountains and islands. These ocean waters are also home to extraordinary marine mammals and bird watching. Today we visit one of the oldest First Nations village sites in British Columbia. Alert Bay on Cormorant Island has been and continues to be the home of the Kwakwakawakw people and a center for the living culture found throughout the Northwest Coast.

We will visit the UMista Cultural Centre, which houses one of the northwest coasts finest collections of elaborately carved potlatch masks, regalia and coppers. Well then make a stop to visit the Big House a short distance away where the Tsasala Cultural Group continues the sharing of culture, educating the world about their songs, dances, teachings and values.

Day 7

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San Juan Islands Cruises From Seattle

There are cruises from Seattle to the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. The round-trip overnight cruises are on modern small ships. See the details below.

The four main San Juan Islands are San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. The town of Friday Harbor is on San Juan Island. Favorite activities on the islands include bike rides, kayaking, touring art galleries, shopping in boutiques, and sampling local food.

Here’s a video tour of the San Juan Islands and area.

Other destinations on the same cruises include Port Townsend, Poulsbo, and Victoria. Victoria is the home of the famous Butchart Gardens.

Day 6 Captain’s Choice

Make it an ideal morn by kicking it off with an early soak in the on-deck hot tub, a paddle along the shores of the Olympic Peninsula, or both! Your Captain sets the course today for explorations in the rain shadow of the Salish Sea. You may find yourself hiking deep into the mossy, towering old growth of the Olympic Peninsula or beachcombing for anemone and hermit crabs along the shores of Puget Sound. Or perhaps, a chance to kayak and paddle board, investigate bird rookeries, or search for whales in the Seas rich emerald waters.

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Discover The San Juan Islands On A Small Ship Cruise Out Of Bellingham

Bellingham is the perfect place to board a small-ship cruise through the evergreen San Juan Islands.

Within view of downtown Bellingham, the San Juan archipelago encompasses 172 islands and rocks in the Salish Sea, including 75 sites officially designated the San Juan Islands National Monument.

Three local cruise companies out of Bellingham offer a variety of one-day and overnight options for sailing, whale watching, and exploring the San Juan Islands from May through October:

Add San Juanto Your Bucket List

Killer Whale Kayaking Tours – San Juan Islands – Kayak with Orcas!

Centuries of history. Rich culture. Stunning landscapes, and famously friendly people. There are so many things to see and do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, youd never guess it had to bounce back from a hurricane. Not only is it a must-visit destination all on its own, its central location also makes it the best jumping off point for you to explore the exotic shores of the Southern Caribbean. From Arubas pastel colonial promenades and Curaçaos ancient rugged caves, to Antiguas colorful reefs and Barbadoss golden-sand beaches Cruises from San Juan unlock the most beautiful shores on the south side.

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Hurricane Ian Changes Multiple Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Hurricane Ian is the next storm wreaking havoc on residents and cruisers sailing this week. The new storm formed just as Hurricane Fiona was making its way northward past Bermuda and into Canada.

As Eastern Caribbean islands like Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, Hurricane Ian is building strength with Florida as its target.

The hurricane produced severe weather in Grand Cayman and western Cuba, and has now arrived to the west coast of Florida. The Port of Key West, Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral, and Jacksonvilles JAXPORT have closed to marine traffic.

Southern Floridas PortMiami and Port Everglades are in port condition Yankee.

Directed by fleet operations and meteorologists shoreside, the cruise lines are taking no chances with Hurricane Ian and are already starting to divert cruise ships to different regions and ports of call to avoid the storm.

Heres what we are seeing so far.

Private Sailing Yacht Charters In The San Juan Islands

NW Sailing Adventures offers private boat charters at rates comparable to most shared charters.

Diminuendo is exclusively yours when you book a multi-day private yacht charter. This allows you the flexibility of creating your own customized charter schedule, itinerary, and menu.

Family or school reunion in the works? Your party will have the entire yacht at your disposal. Diminuendos three guest cabins can accommodate a maximum of six guests. We find that a party of four is ideal. Although a party of six can feel a bit close, they will be your friends and family! And unlike many charter companies, we gladly welcome kids aboard.

Planning a getaway for you and your special someone? Celebrate your special anniversary, honeymoon, or propose on bent knee in the most romantic of settings. Your Captain will gladly officiate your nuptials or renew your vows aboard your yacht or on a beautiful beach.

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Ways To Cruise The San Juan Islands

With 408 miles of shoreline and 172 named islands, Washingtons San Juan Islands are best explored by small ship. Below we detail four San Juan Island cruises that allow you to access this close-to-home archipelago in style and ease.

Expect to meet pods of orcas feasting on salmon, playful seals and sea lions lounging on rocky islets, black bear and deer flourishing in deep evergreen forests, as well as royalty atop the trees since the region hosts the highest concentration of bald eagles in the Lower 48. The San Juans are also dubbed the Gourmet Archipelago with culinary festivals, shellfish farms, vineyards, breweries, distilleries and tasting rooms. Lets go!

IN THIS POST 5 WAYS TO CRUISE THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS:

Six Day Itinerary For San Juan Islands Crewed Sailing Tour

Schooner Zodiac San Juan Islands Seafood and Wine Cruise  Day 4 ...

Be sure to click images at right for enlarged views of each photo View a Map of this Tours Itinerary

Using Northwindas your base you will explore both quiet coves on secluded islands, to quaint towns and historic sites. There are four major islands which include Orcas, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez. But in reality there are over 200 islands in the archipelago to see. Each island is unique with its own story to tell and most are only accessible by small boat.

There are many variations to this itinerary below. If you book the entire boat we can plan a custom itinerary for your group. If youre not sure where to go, we will take you to some of our favorite spots. Sit back and relax and lets take a short cruise through the islands.

Day One Sunday 2:00 pm Welcome Aboard Northwind, your home for the next 6 days. You are going to love your cruise with us! After you arrive we will show you to your cabin and have a brief orientation to familiarize you with being aboard the yacht.

Shortly we will leave our slip in Bellingham and take a casual sail across the bay towards Lummi Island. You will want to be up on deck, or in the covered cockpit for the best view of 10,778 ft Mt. Baker. If anyone wants to take the helm, we will show you what to do.

There are several different coves to choose from when spending the night. Two of our favorites, Echo Bay on the east side has lovely views of Mt. Baker, and Shallow Bay on the west side is known for its sunsets. Which do you prefer?

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Grand Turk Port Still Closed

Aside from Hurricane Ian diversions, the Grand Turk Cruise Center still remains closed after the pier sustained damage when the category three Hurricane Fiona hit on Tuesday. Carnival Cruise Lines , Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Sunrise will all skip the port this upcoming week in exchange for a day in either Nassau or Bimini, Bahamas.

As always, monitor your emails and text alerts from your cruise line for the most up-to-date information.

You can keep up with the latest track of Hurricane Ian on the National Hurricane Center website.

Are you currently sailing? Submit any itinerary changes to

This article was originally published on Monday, September 26th. It was republished on Wednesday, September 28th.

Day Cruise Through The San Juan Islands

There is just something about being on a sailboat in the San Juans that works. Maybe its the wind in the sails, the salty sea air, or the porpoise following in our wake. Part of the allure of the San Juan islands is about being in touch with the rhythm of the tides. It is about whales and eagles, and emerald islands that await your discovery.

So much of the world passes before us without our being able to see, touch, or feel it. Our San Juan island trips provide a way to experience what is so often missed. Sheltered from the Pacific Ocean and nestled dry and warm in a rain shadow formed by the Olympic mountains, the San Juan islands receive less than half of Seattles rainfall.

From quaint seaside villages to remote cedar lined coves, the verdant islands beckon sailors to explore. Discover a deserted lighthouse on an early morning hike, the joy of setting sail in the warm afternoon sun, or the freedom of paddling a kayak over eel grass shallows to reveal a myriad of colorful sea stars. Our sailing adventures will leave you refreshed and renewed.

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San Juan Islands And Olympic National Wilderness

Hike Among Nature’s Giants

Discover the secret places along Washington’s wild coastline on a San Juan Islands cruise. Kayak among rocky outcroppings, spotting sea life. Explore dramatic Deception Pass by skiff. Hike mossy island forests frequented by red fox, deer, and woodpeckers.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Transit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or cruise the Seattle waterfront
  • Olympic National ParkUNESCO World Heritage Site, San Juan archipelago, and Deception Pass
  • Kayak, paddle board, and skiff in glacial fjords and winding island channels
  • Hike in temperate rainforest, old growth forest, state parks, and Mt. Constitution
  • Watch for whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, and sea birds
  • Birding opportunities

Day 3 Lopez Island & San Juan Island

Jewel of the Seas Day 1 San Juan Puerto Rico Southern Caribbean Cruise

Youve landed in one of the most scenic areas of the Salish Sea. The rocky outcroppings of Lopez Island play host to harbor sealsand its also orca territory. When kayaking, keep your eyes peeled above and below the surface. Join your expedition team on deck searching for whales, seals, and sea lions as you cruise through the myriad San Juansno two islands are the same. Drop anchor near San Juan Islandthe second largest landmass in the archipelagoto explore tide pools and skiff or kayak into hidden coves, as conditions permit.

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An Escape To The San Juan Islands Is Closer Than You Think

The San Juan Islands of NW Washington are among the most beautiful places in the Lower 48 States, and one of the least discovered. Few people know that the San Juans average 247 days a year of beautiful sunshine! Other surprises to visitors are the pristine beaches and abundant wildlife of the San Juan Islands.

On the David B, we know where to find the most beautiful spots and the best wildlife. We know where the crowds are and especially where they arent.

Come with us on a trip to the San Juans and let the islands amaze you. We offer three different types of trip in the San Juan Islands.

Each of these cruises offers you a chance to unwind in one of the most beautiful archipelagos anywhere.

3-day Weekend Getaway Cruises to the San Juan Islands

These trips leave Friday morning and return on Sunday evening. We leave Bellingham around 9am and can be in the San Juan Islands in time for a beach walk or short kayak paddle before dinner. We anchor in a different location each night. Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and kayaking, as well as a good nights rest in one of our cabins with comfortable queen-sized beds and private heads. You will be treated to gourmet meals prepared on board, while you explore the San Juan Islands. Visit our schedule page for dates and prices or Email Reservations for more information.

4-day San Juan Island Escapes

Guided Kayak Mothership Cruises

Ok Lets Drop Anchor And Get Dinner Going

Day Two Monday: After exploring Sucia we set course for Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. On our way to Roche we will sail up the west side of Orcas Island. You may even catch a glimpse of abandoned lime kilns hidden in the forest along the shore.

We will serve lunch underway today. Arriving in Roche the beautiful Hotel De Haro will greet you along with a cute little white church, a beautiful garden and an unusual monument.

There are also the remains of the 13 lime kilns that helped pave the streets of Seattle in the late 1800s. After a short stay we motor up Mosquito Pass to Garrison Bay where British Camp is located, the quaint museum/monument for the Pig War that took place between the Americans and British on San Juan Island.

Need more exercise? There is a great hike nearby to a viewpoint at the top of Mt. Young where British soldiers once stood watch. We often spot Orca whales nearby off the west side of San Juan Island and the salmon fishing can be good near here in the fall. If you want to try some of the best oysters youll ever taste-we will hop in the zodiac and pay a visit to Westcott Bay Sea Farms and pick up a few dozen for an appetizer.

Day Three Tuesday: Keep an eye out for Orca whales, this is where we usually spot them. If theyre around youre in for a real treat! Often we have over 20 whales swimming near our boat and its a mad dash for your camera!

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