Two days in the Canadian Gulf Islands and two days in the US San Juan islands, you’ll see some of the best of both cruising areas. Captain Tom will share with you some of his favorite destinations. NOTE: you must have a valid passport or NEXUS card to travel into Canadian waters.

Departing Cap Sante Marina after an onboard breakfast, you’ll cruise north observing the northeast coasts of Guemes, Sinclair and Orcas Islands as you cross the international boarder, arriving at the Canadian Customs dock at Poets Cove Marina in Bedwell Harbor. Capt. Tom will handle clearing customs at the dock and then on to your slip at the marina. Poets Cove Resort and Spa is first class and offers plenty of activities: biking, kayaking, golf (including a disk golf course) or simply pilot the dingy exploring the harbor. After “happy hour” on your motor yacht make reservations for dinner at the Aurora restaurant or Syrens Bistro and Lounge. 

The next morning, after an onboard breakfast, you’ll depart for a morning cruise over to Brentwood Bay Resort and Marina on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Heading south down Saanich Inlet you’ll arrive at the marina in time for an onboard lunch. You have many options while here. Take the 5-minute water shuttle to the back entrance to the world renowned Buchart Gardens. Or catch a cab for a 20-minute ride to downtown Victoria. Or simply enjoy everything the resort offers including canoe and paddle board excursions into Todd Inlet. You can also enjoy the outdoor heated pool and spa right near the marina dock. There’s always “happy hour” right on your motor-yacht.

Time to visit the San Juan Islands. After an onboard breakfast you’ll begin a morning cruise east through Colburn and Prevost Passage, across Haro Strait, crossing into US waters midway and arriving at Roche Harbor to clear US customs. Capt. Tom will handle the process with the customs agent. It’s not unusual for the customs agent to ask each passenger a question or two. This is routine due to heightened security. Once at your slip at Roche Harbor Marina you can spend the rest of the day enjoying everything from historic Hotel de Haro, the heated outdoor pool, Westcott Bay Sculpture Park and Afterglow Spa or a short hike to the unforgettable McMillen family vista mausoleum. Enjoy “happy hour” aboard your motor-yacht while making a dinner reservation at either McMillen’s Restaurant or the Madrona Grill. Don’t miss the formal “Retirement of the Colors” at sunset.

After an onboard breakfast, or breakfast at the Lime Kiln Grill if you desire, you’ll depart Roche Harbor and start heading southeast for a planned lunch “on the hook” in Indian Cove on Shaw Island. Shaw is the smallest of the four islands serviced by the Washington State Ferries. After lunch you’ll “up anchor” and begin heading back to Anacortes. There’s still ample time to keep an eye out for seals, porpoise and whales, not to mention a memorable view of Mt. Beaker on the mainland. Crossing through Thatcher Pass and across Rosario Strait you may be lucky enough to see Mt Baker, the Cascade Range, Mr. Rainier and the Olympic Range all at the same time! Entering Guemes Channel and Padilla Bay you’ll arrive back in Cap Sante Marina by 4:30PM.