10 days in the San Juan Islands

[DRS]

So we have been to Friday, Roche, Fisherman, Sucia, Prevost, Roserio, Anacortes. Not that we would not go back to any of them again but we are looking for some different spots to try. Achoring or Marinas are ok. We are considering Garrison Bay, Deer Harbor, Blind Bay. Your thoughts on James Island and Spencer Spit as well as any other suggestions are welcome.
38 foot lagoon cat if it matters

[engele]

Originally Posted by DRS

So we have been to Friday, Roche, Fisherman, Sucia, Prevost, Roserio, Anacortes. Not that we would not go back to any of them again but we are looking for some different spots to try. Achoring or Marinas are ok. We are considering Garrison Bay, Deer Harbor, Blind Bay. Your thoughts on James Island and Spencer Spit as well as any other suggestions are welcome.
38 foot lagoon cat if it matters

Take a look at Cypress and hike to the top. It's beautiful. Also check out Reed Harbor on Stuart. Deer harbor is a fun little marina in the summer and not to be missed on the 3rd of July.

[jackdale]

Matia has some nice walking trails, although you can get a strong current going through Rolfe Cove.

Hunter Bay is good.

[Catpainzmcspice]

Yeah, Matia is incredible. One of my favorites.

The current can be strong through that cove, so anchoring is a bad idea (I know that from experience). But there are 3 or 4 mooring buoys. It's also fairly small and secluded. You're likely to only see a few other boats there in the summer.

Sucia Island (next door to Matia) is larger. Lots of mooring buoys. I think it might also have fresh water.

For the ultimate trip, visit all three islands - Matia, Sucia and Patos.

[wristwister]

Eagle Bay on Cypress is very nice, also Watmaough Bay on Lopez. How about a run over to Victoria? And I know you said you've already done Sucia, but THAT island is most definitely worth repeating, especially Shallow Bay.

[senormechanico]

If it's quiet and not crowded you crave, the SE corner of Blind Bay on Shaw Is. is a good place.
Tuck way back close to shore and you won't even have any ferry wakes.

[Pyxis156]

Some of our favorites that haven't been mentioned yet:

Parks Bay on Shaw Island across San Juan Channel from Friday Harbor
The cove on the north side of Jones Island
The south end of Griffin Bay anchoring to the southwest of the Coast Guard buoy
Active Cove on Patos Island

Hope this helps...

Steve

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by DRS

So we have been to Friday, Roche, Fisherman, Sucia, Prevost, Roserio, Anacortes. Not that we would not go back to any of them again but we are looking for some different spots to try. Achoring or Marinas are ok. We are considering Garrison Bay, Deer Harbor, Blind Bay. Your thoughts on James Island and Spencer Spit as well as any other suggestions are welcome.
38 foot lagoon cat if it matters

Doe bay
MacKay Harbor
Reid Harbor
Patos Island
Fish Bay
Jone Island
Decator Head

Spencer Spit was nice, pay attention to the forecast so you are on the correct side for the anticipated winds. Away from the ferry wakes is preferable.

[JayCall]

Many good places mentioned. Doe Bay Resort has a mooring ball now, great food in the cafe.

[DRS]

Sorry for the late reply. I've been out of town. Business unfortunately not sailing

Thanks to all for the replies. Looks like I have some research & choices to make.
time to pull out the charts.