The home of the No-plan Plan.
Cruising the Pacific Northwest, on a luxury motor yacht provides a perfect way to enjoy the magical blend of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring wildlife, outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, making it a truly unique and unforgettable destination. The area stretches from Washington in the US to British Columbia in Canada, providing thousands of areas to explore, from coastal cities to more remote areas. This is an ideal location to use your Maritimo for either a short trip or an extended stay.
The region has a rich diversity of wildlife on offer including, orcas, humpback whales, seals, bald eagles, bears and a wide variety of other marine and terrestrial animals. The dramatic coastline is characterised by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, temperate forests and iconic sea stacks. The majestic Cascade Mountains, including Mount Rainier and Mount Hood, dominate the background with their snow-capped peaks.
The region’s temperate climate is characterised by mild, wet winters and cool dry summers which fosters the areas lush vegetation. The best time to cruise this area is between April and October when the temperatures are milder and are between 18-24 degrees Celsius. The days are longer, and the rainfall is reduced.
If you are wanting to see the beautiful humpback whales, then the best time is during the summer months, between June and August. If you are more interested in seeing the wildflowers and the tulip festival then you would want to plan your trip for the spring, between April and May.
The weather in this region can be quite varied with a potential for rain, fog and strong winds even in summer. Microclimates are common, resulting in conditions changing rapidly within a short time and distances. It is important to have a good understanding of local weather patterns and currents. Currents are especially strong in San Juan Islands, Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia.
Under way, rounding Schwartz Bay on route to Findlaysons’s Arm ,Vancouver Island BC
Dick Jansen and his wife Joanie have been exploring this region for over 25 years in his motor yacht. Dick loves to share their knowledge with others “The area is one of my favourite things in the world to talk about. It is such a beautiful location to spend time with family and friends”. Jansen went on to say, “there are two types of trips for people who live in Seattle to choose from. You’re either going for a short weekend, two to three days, which means you’re going as fast as you can away from Seattle to get into some small private areas.”
Areas like Bainbridge Island, Blake Island Marine State Park, and Poulsbo, known as ‘Little Norway”, with its charming waterfront Scandinavian themed shops and restaurants. If you are looking for something a little more remote and isolated consider visiting Case Inlet, Pickering Passage, or Anderson Island. Areas known for their wildlife and natural beauty.
The second type of trip, said Jansen, “is to go North, where you can spend a month or more exploring.” His favourite areas include “San Juan Islands, which is the combination of US and Gulf Canadian islands, there is about 20 islands in that little passage. Then on the Canadian side there is Vancouver Island. There are many beautiful locations, marinas, and anchorages. There are tons of places to go in your motor yacht.”
Jansen has what he calls the “No-plan Plan” for these longer trips of between 14 – 30 days. “There are a thousand options, and we will vary out trip to fit the weather, sea conditions and other whims.”
Leaving Seattle and heading north toward Deception Pass, you will need to pass through the Chittenden/Ballard Lock. It separates the fresh water of Lake Washington and Lake Union from the salt water. It is one of the busiest locks in America.
“If you have not been through a lock before it can be a daunting experience. Don’t be tempted to sit in the middle, away from all the hard bits, thinking you are safe. As when the gates open the water can be quite strong and you will end up being pushed around like a pinball. Make sure you have plenty of fenders out on both sides and tie up on one of the many cleats available. You will more than likely be directed by the lock master where to go. During busy times it can take over an hour to pass through these locks.”
Travelling between 9 to 10 knots in your Maritimo, it will take you about 8 hours to reach Deception Pass from Seattle. This pass can be quite challenging if you don’t arrive at slack tide. If you arrive at the wrong time, there is good fishing and crabbing to be found near the bridge while you wait.
“If don’t want to stop you can go up the Swinomish Channel which is generally very safe, but you do need to pay attention to the depth, stay in the centre of the channel. It goes through some picturesque towns and then a long run through some mud flats. You pop out and exit out of the deep water on the far side in Padilla Bay.” said Jansen.
Sidney Harbour at sunrise
From here you can go across to San Juan Island, which is often considered the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest, offering a diverse range of activities and experiences including whale watching, kayaking, bushwalking, art galleries, historical sites, a variety of dining options and relaxing in one of the many coves enjoying nature on your luxury motor yacht.
There are two main full-service marinas on the island. Friday Harbour known for its charming waterfront, shops, restaurants and art galleries. The second, Roach Harbour, with picturesque, luxury resort and historic Hotel De Haro. Both are “gorgeous” said Jansen. There are also several smaller harbours and little bays and inlets around the island providing safe anchorages. Jansen adds, “there are plenty of facilities, we have never in 25 years of cruising up in the San Juan area, been turned away.”
Across the border is the Canadian Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island providing many more wonderful locations to explore in your Maritimo. Sidney is a charming town located on Vancouver Island, just north of Victoria. Sidney often known as Book Town, due to the high concentration of bookshops. It is a beautiful waterfront area with marinas, parks and scenic views of the surrounding islands.
Sidney BC Marina
Salt Spring Island, the largest island of the Canadian Gulf Island, known as a vibrant hub of activity, offering unique crafts, fresh produce, music festivals, wineries and delicious food. “We love it at Ganges, a region on the island. The Saturday market is great, It’s a step back in time to a slower kind of era. Good food, crafts and art. The local are fabulous. The marinas are great, or you can anchor out in a secure bay,” said Jansen.
The Pender Islands are also worth considering as a place to visit, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and a relaxed pace of life. Like many of the Gulf Islands, North Pender has a thriving arts scene, with local artists and craftspeople showcasing their work. Jansen says the “best burgers on the planet at available at the Port Browning Marina Grill”.
There are many safe and beautiful places to anchor at Pender Islands group including Otter Bay, Princess Bay and Bedwell Harbour. Like many of the Gulf islands currents can be significant, so plan accordingly.
Montague Harbour on Galiano Island is a popular destination for boaters, with its protected and beautiful anchorage. The sand beaches are perfect for swimming and picnicking. There is also a small restaurant and a grocery store offering fresh produce and supplies at the marina.
For those who are looking for a more remote locations Desolation Sound, located at the northern end of the Salish Sea. It is a favourite amongst many Northwest boaters, with its spectacular vistas and calm waters. The Sound is the largest Marine Park in BC with over 50nm of shoreline, several islands, numerous bays, and coves to explore.
If you are looking for an even longer trip, it is possible to travel from Seattle all the way to Alaska in protected waters using the Inside Passage. The Inside Passage has many stunning features including, fjords, coves, islands and coastal towns, many of which are only accessible by boat or plane.
Cruising the Pacific Northwest coast is the ideal location to adventure in your Maritimo, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the awe-inspiring wildlife, the dramatic landscapes, or the charming coastal towns, this region promises an unforgettable experience. From the secluded anchorages of the San Juan Islands to the vibrant cultural hubs along the coast, each destination reveals a unique facet of this captivating area. While the weather can be unpredictable, the rewards of exploring this pristine wilderness are immeasurable. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you can discover the magic of the Pacific Northwest, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
To get in contact with our Maritimo sales team in the Pacific Northwest click here.
