Oh, the places you’ll go! “I want to emphasize that that the following itineraries are only suggested recommendations. This is your cruise vacation. By communicating together, at least a month before your start date, I pledge to customize the cruise to meet your wants and desires. For example, you may want to visit more rustic marinas or explore less populated bays and inlets. Perhaps visit a marine park or spend another day at a certain destination. Or, you may simply want to be at anchor by late afternoon and enjoy the views as you relax over a sunset dinner with soothing music and fine wine.” Captain Tom Five Days- Vancouver, Gulf and San Juan Islands Three days in Vancouver and Gulf islands and two days in the US San Juan islands, you’ll see some of the best of both cruising areas. Captain Tom says this is a cruise vacation that’s a must! NOTE: you must have a valid passport or NEXUS card to travel into Canadian waters. < > Day One- Friday Harbor Marina Departing at 9AM after an onboard breakfast, you’ll proceed out Cap Sante Marina, then west through Guemes Channel, across Rosario Strait (keep an eye out for Dall’s porpoises) and enjoy watching Washington State ferries as you all go through Thatcher Pass. Another 10 nautical miles and you enter Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. It is the largest and most active harbor and marina in the San Juan Islands. The town of Friday Harbor, just a couple of blocks from the marina, is a shoppers’ paradise with numerous restaurants offering a large variety of fine dining, particularly if you love fresh seafood entrees! Enjoy a visit to the tasting room at San Juan Vineyards, schedule a massage at Lavendera Massage, or rent a moped from Susie’s Mopeds and see the surrounding area around San Juan Island. Enjoy “happy hour” and Capt. Tom’s appetizers aboard your motor-yacht while making reservations for dinner. < > Day Two - Chemainus, BC After breakfast you’ll depart Friday Harbor and proceed northwest along Haro Strait to the Canadian customs dock in Bedwell Harbor, on South Pender Island. Then, after a short lunch, you’ll proceed Northwest to the town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island and pull into their marina. When the lands' natural resources failed to provide all the necessities of life, a new vision for the future evolved with the inventive people of Chemainus. That vision was to encompass the idea of giant outdoor wall murals in a revitalization strategy. This vision has earned Chemainus worldwide fame as a memorable tourist venue. This is one of Capt. Tom’s favorite destinations because this beautiful town with all its outdoor murals, shops and tremendous ice cream parlors, it a must see. < > Day Three- Port Sidney Marina Departing by 9AM after an onboard breakfast. You’ll enjoy the views as you leave Victoria Harbor and then pass along the south side of the striking Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard lighthouse. Turning north you’ll travel about 16 nautical miles enjoying the small islands and coastline along the way. Keep looking for Dall’s porpoises and perhaps an Orca or two. Once at the marina walk south along the waterfront paved walkway into town. There are bookstores, museums, art galleries and great bakeries along Beacon Avenue (Sidney’s main street). It will be hard deciding which restaurant to pick that night. (Bistro Suisse, Beacon Landing and Haro’s are local favorites). < > Day Four- Brentwood Bay Resort and Marina 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. You have many options while here. Take the 5-minute water shuttle to the back entrance to the world renowned Buchart Gardens. You can enjoy everything the resort offers including canoe and paddle board excursions into Todd Inlet. Relax at their outdoor heated pool and spa. There’s always “happy hour” right on your motor-yacht. < > Day Five- Cap Sante Marine A full day of cruising lies ahead, so Capt. Tom will shove off at 8:00AM while having breakfast underway. Crossing Haro Strait, you’ll travel 20 nautical miles to our first destination, Roche Harbor to clear US customs. While in transit, if you wish to “man the helm”, learn to use its equipment and instruments, as well as learn basic navigation and piloting skills, Capt. Tom will be glad to teach you. Once cleared customs, you’ll tie up to the guest dock for a short lunch onboard (or at the Lime Kiln Grill). By noon, you’ll get underway for our return trip to Cap Sante Marina, estimating a 4:30 to 5:30PM arrival. |
Pacific NW Vacation Yacht Charters Captain / Owner / Instructor: Tom Griffin PO Box 1538 Anacortes WA 98221 tom@pnvyachtcharters.com |
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Do You Have Any Questions ?
Ask Capt. Tom |