san juan boat day trip

Sail Old San Juan  |  San Juan, Puerto Rico  |  939.905.7044

All sails are with a u.s. coast guard licensed captain., private day charters – $390/boat.

Daytime charters for private groups of up to 6 passengers, price is for boat.  Day sails from San Juan for 2 hours, additional hours on request ($95/hr).  An exciting group adventure on a performance racing boat.  Day Charters can be booked at 10 am and 2pm (other times may be requested).

Spinnaker Adventure Sail – $490

The adventure sail is for couples or private groups that want a thrilling sailing experience.  Captain and deckhand unfurl the asymmetrical spinnaker in the trade winds of San Juan. This is when the boat reaches top speeds and guests experience sailing at its best.  Groups are limited to 4 passengers.  Adventure Sails can be booked at 10 am (other times may be requested) and are approximately 2.5 hours. Be prepared to get wet and hold on.

Private Sunset Charters – $490/Boat

Sunset charters for private groups of up to 6 passengers.  For those who want the privacy of chartering their own boat at sunset.  Complimentary beverages are included.  Sunet sails depart at 5pm (other times may be requested).

Sunset Sail – $99 per person

An evening sailing cruise around Old San Juan.  Captain sails under El Morro of Old San Juan in the early evening.  This can be the most pleasant time to sail, with gentle breeze and cooler temperature.   Complimentary beverages included, trips last approximately 2 hours.  Sunset Sails depart at 5pm (other times may be requested).

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Question : “What do we bring?”  Answer:  Hat and sunglasses for day sails, camera, comfortable clothes.  Boat shoes if you have them (no street shoes please).

Q: “Are drinks included?” A: Yes; water, beer, rum, and soft drinks. Spanish Cava or Rose for sunset sails.  Please make special requests if you have any.  Ask about the key to the Captains Cabinet for select offerings.

Q: “Are you licensed and insured?” A: Yes, all sails are with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and the vessel has commercial insurance.

Q: “Will I get seasick?” A: No, you shouldn’t.

Q: “Do you sail on the ocean?” A: Only if you request and the conditions permit.  Over 90% of our sails are on San Juan Bay where it is calm with minimal motion.

Q:”Are there age restrictions?” A: Toddlers are allowed but not recommended. Children under 12 must wear a lifejacket at all times.  There is a certain level of physical exertion necessary, so frail persons should consider.

Q:”Do I need to help?” A: No, unless you desire.  Guests are invited to help trim or steer the boat, but it is not required, and are invited to simply sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.

Q:”Can I bring music?”  A: Yes, please do, our stereo is bluetooth enabled and guests are invited to play their own tunes.

Q:”What if it rains?” A: Showers are common but generally last just a few minutes.  Sails are cancelled and fully refunded with no processing fee if severe weather exists or the captain determines that conditions are unsafe.

Q:”Do I need to reserve?” A: Yes, all of our sails are booked in advance.  Refunds are issued with 48 hour cancellation notice, subject to 5% processing fee.

Q:”Can I book a private sunset sail?” Yes. Occasionally couples are grouped together on a trip.  If you would like a private trip, please book a Private Sunset Sail.

Q:”How many passengers are allowed?” A:  A maximum number of six passengers. Standard occupancy is between two and four.

Q:”Do I need to book in advance?” A: Yes; if you already have a date in mind, the sooner the better. But last minute sails happen all the time, just call and ask.

Q:”How do I reserve the day and time?” A: On our online booking system. Please call or email if you have any questions, concerns, or special requests.

Q:”Are payments secure?” A: Yes, everything is booked through Stripe.

Getting here...

Location: San Juan Bay Marina The San Juan Bay Marina is located behind the Sizzler restaurant at the San Antonio Bridge.  It is a short walk from Condado and the Hilton Caribe. Taxi service is available from Old San Juan, a short ride, as is public transportation (the bus). The easiest way to get here is to ask the taxi service to go to the Sizzler restaurant. Often times the San Juan Bay Marina is confused with Club Nautico de San Juan, which is on the opposite side of the bridge. Please bring our cell number – 787.340.7567  Call if you have any questions or get lost.  We can arrange for taxi service.

What to expect

Expect a fast and fun sail through San Juan Bay.  During the daytime expect great wind and a lively adventure.  Sunset sails are generally calmer and more relaxed.  Dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees have all been seen on trips.  The impressive El Morro and beautiful Old San Juan, cruise ships, fishing boats, and more are to be expected.

“Sensational Sailing in San Juan” Sailing on the Chili Pepper is a great way to see San Juan from the water. My wife and I had been wanting to do something unique on our most recent visit. We spent 2 hours on Saturday afternoon sailing in San Juan Bay. The Chili Pepper is a fast, responsive, and stable boat. Because we expressed an interest in learning to sail, Captain Sebastian gave a good overview and then let me take the helm. For those people simply wanting to be out on the water without doing any of the work, I believe he would have been happy with that, too. Overall the experience was memorable and very reasonably priced.

Winning Team 2023 - First Place CSA 2 Round the Rocks Race. Great job by all. ... See More See Less

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Sail Old San Juan  939.905.7044

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Boating, Sailing Tours, & Rentals

As a world-renowned boating destination, the San Juan Islands have an adventure for everyone. From day and overnight charters and rentals, to fuel and long-term moorage, you'll likely find what you're looking for. The San Juans are equally renowned for wildlife, especially whales. While out on the water, please follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines and help protect our spectacular marine wildlife. 

Tips & Resources for Boaters: If you want to maximize your enjoyment and boating safety in visiting the islands, you can find nearly 20 live-recorded educational webinars from the non-profit, America’s Boating Club of the San Juans . Review the  Green Boating Guide  from Friends of the San Juan Islands and explore the Maritime National Heritage Areas throughout the Islands!

Let us acknowledge that we reside on the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who have called this place home since time immemorial and let us honor inherent, aboriginal, and treaty rights that have been passed down from generation to generation.  

Charters, Rentals & Tours

The shorter your stay in the islands the more important it is to plan ahead. Booking activities in advance will make your trip run smoothly and you'll be more likely to get your first picks! Most tour operators have generous cancellation policies in case you need to make changes. (Check with individual companies to be sure of their policies.)

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Boat Tours & Charters in Puerto Rico

Enjoy the beautiful sun and surf in Puerto Rico with one of our amazing water sport activities! Whether you want to SCUBA, snorkel, go deep sea fishing, or take in a sunset aboard our safe and fun boats, we have the tour for you!

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Catamaran Day Trip (Icacos Island)

Book our most popular adventure and enjoy a half-day charter full of leisure and white sand beaches as you sail on our catamaran and enjoy world-class snorkeling!

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Catamaran Afternoon Trip (Icacos Island)

Rate Private Afternoon Charter- $3,100 plus taxes and fees (Up to 44 participants) Duration Up to 3.5 hours of sailing and leisure time at Icacos Island About Afternoon Catamaran Sail (Icacos Island)

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San Juan Harbor Sunset Cruise

Come aboard our 48-foot powerboat and enjoy a relaxing tour of beautiful Old San Juan Harbor! Bring along the whole family for this unforgettable experience!

Come Experience The Cruising Lifestyle

NW Sailing Adventures is your ticket to fully crewed, fully customized, all inclusive sailing charters of the beautiful San Juan Islands. Your sailing adventure awaits.

Cruise Options

Check out our different charter options and let us customize the cruise of your dreams.  From anchorages to meals, we strive to provide the most premium products.  Give Captain Scott a call, text, or email, and we can start designing your personal San Juan Island sailing charter.

San Juan Islands Sailing Vacations

Set sail on your ultimate fully crewed, all-inclusive San Juan sailing vacation.

Private Sailing Yacht Charter

You want a break. You deserve a break. But your busy schedule won’t allow you to take a much-deserved longer vacation.

Overnight & Day Sailing Adventures

Not enough time for an extended sailing adventure? Want to try a shorter cruise to see if it’s your cup of tea? 

Special Occasions, Weddings, & Holiday Cruises

Make your upcoming event something to remember forever with a specialty cruise package from NW Sailing Adventures.

A Few Words​

NW Sailing Adventures is a Crewed Sailing Charter and Tour Company based out of Bellingham Washington, currently offering sightseeing sails of the San Juan Islands. We are happy to accommodate your group on your customized cruise of our majestic Pacific Northwest waterways for a duration of 3hr up to six plus days.  Let Captain Scott and First Mate/Chef Todd create a customized adventure living up to (and hopefully exceeding) your culinary and cruising dreams.  We hope to welcome you aboard S/V Diminuendo soon.

Our Guests Love Us​

Latest reviews​.

"The camaraderie between these two sailors was so palpable and fun to be around, and both Scott and Todd are so mellow and easy going— we just laughed and smiled and talked about a million things and loved the time. The freedom to go where we wanted, to kayak, to sail!, to hang out on the boat, whatever we chose, made the adventure so unstructured and open.

It is hard also to find sufficient praise for the food. Todd’s food is the stuff of legends. It was beyond delicious, and so carefully crafted to our tastes!

I think anyone who likes adventure, loves sailing, and wants to be happy for six days should join Captain Scott and Todd, soon - this season when it’s all available and happening! - and call themselves blessed. A once in a lifetime experience, except I hope not, as we plan to return!"

Donelle Morgan

"Wonderful hosts. Great sailing. The food was excellent and so personalized. The boat is very comfortable. Exceeded our expectations."

Susan J. Smith

"After scheduling a five day sailing cruise with North West Sailing Adventures, I anticipated beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, and incredible waterways. What I did not anticipate is the incredible professionalism, kindness and dedication of our amazing crew, Captain Scott and First Mate/Chef Todd. They were so knowledgeable of the area, and made every effort to accommodate our every wish or request. The meals were delicious, beautifully plated, as well as healthy, and the humorous banter between the crew members only added to the fun and memories of an amazing adventure!

I can say, without a doubt, that this sailing trip to the San Juan Islands with NW Sailing Adventures was, without question, one of the best vacations ever!  Thank you, Captain Scott and First Mate Todd for providing us with such a memorable adventure.  And please save us a slot next season, we will be back!”

Mae Pierini - Nipomo, CA

Our trip was a great success. We are sailors and Scott is the most knowledgeable sailor we have met. Moreover the navigation and radar equipment is top grade enabling motoring in a morning of deep fog with ease. We sailed for 4 nights (5 days) and winds enabled us to sail without motor assistance for many hours a day. The islands are lovely and a big surprise was the looming, snow capped Mt Baker in the background on several occasions. Seals were abundant and on one occasion we saw half a dozen sea lions sunning themselves on a nearby rock. Tod the mate was also the cook who trained for 2 years in a cooking school. The food was excellent and every effort was made--successfully--to meet the requests we had submitted prior to the cruise. We enthusiastically recommend this cruise company.

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Sail Away with Us!

Experience the scenic beauty of Washington’s San Juan Islands in safety and comfort aboard the charter sailing yacht Diminuendo . Your fully crewed, all-inclusive sailing vacation allows you to relax and enjoy the ever-changing panorama while we cater to your every need. Want to take a turn at the helm?  Great.  We encourage all guests to participate in sailing as much or as little as they please.  

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Sail the San Juans

Make a Reservation (800) 729-3207

Relaxing 6 and 12 day sailing adventures aboard Northwind!

Humpback whale encounter...

Afternoon nap...

Northwind's elegant salon.

Sailing with a pod of resident orcas.

Gourmet cuisine by Chef Jette.

San Juan Islands Sailing Charters and Cruises

We provide yacht and crew. you relax and enjoy., the art of slow travel.

Something special happens when we cast off the dock lines and head out into the San Juan Islands on a sailing charter. We become aware of the rhythm of the tides, the wind filling the sails, the salty sea air, and the porpoise following in our wake. The hidden coves and diverse marine life of the San Juans beckon us to make discoveries and submerge ourselves in its delightfully relaxed pace.

So much of the world passes by without our being able to see, touch, or feel it. A sailing charter through the San Juan islands allows us to take a moment to slow down and experience it for ourselves.

We have been perfecting the art of “slow travel” for over 25 years. Our new 55′ sailboat Northwind , offers a luxury yacht charter experience for up to six guests in private staterooms with ensuite baths. Each one of our San Juan Sailing Charters and Inside Passage cruises are one of a kind, designed for your group from the ground up. From your preferences on food and drink , to where we go and what we see and do, the result is a perfect blending of islands, yacht, crew, and cuisine. It’s your perfect vacation, Sailing the San Juan Islands in style.

 This is what a carefree sailing vacation is all about

Sailing the san juan islands.

Captains Jette & Jon Baker, with TailR

A fully crewed sailing charter with Sail the San Juans is a world away from any vacation experience you probably have ever had. A sailboat charter aboard Northwind  will open a door to see and experience the more remote islands and coves that are not easily accessible to most people.

At the same time, sailing yachts are in a unique position to be less intrusive to marine mammals which helps encourage encounters with Orca, seals and porpoise.

A sailboat charter with Sail the San Juans is a first class experience, from our impeccable yacht and crew to your private chef’s menu built around your preferences.

Join us to explore over 200 forested islands, help trim the sails on Northwind, or just relax while you savor gourmet fare , and great hiking and kayaking through protected bays and inlets.

This is the art of slow travel.

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Two booking options

Private Charters: Groups of up to six people receive exclusive use of the sailboat for their group.

Join A Cruise: Reserve a stateroom for two, and let us take care of filling the other cabins.

Learn more about Booking Options and Rates

Two unique island cruises

San Juan Islands:  These six day sailing trips cruise through the San Juan Islands, an enchanting archipelago of hidden coves, abundant wildlife, and forested islands located in the sheltered inland waters of Washington State.

Learn more about San Juan Islands Sailing Charters

The Inside Passage: These twelve day wilderness sailing trips cruise through the southern portion of the Inside Passage, an area rich with native culture, mountain vistas, fjords and waterfalls located in British Columbia.

Learn more about Inside Passage Sailing Charters

3-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Trip Highlights

Spectacular Wildlife Viewing

Gourmet meals prepared by our private chef!

Tranquil sunset sailing

Remote Anchorages

Kayaks on board!

Stand up Paddleboards!

Bring the Family!

Description.

Join us for an all-inclusive multi day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

Prices start at $1999 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 3-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.

May: 5/10-5/12 June: 6/7-6/9 September: 9/7-9/9, 9/13-9/15, 9/18-9/20

If the dates you want are not listed above, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

Our chef specializes in bringing your culinary whims to fruition with rich, distinctive cuisine and the freshest local ingredients.

Our heated pilot house allows dining for up to 8 guests while enjoying panoramic views. Our staterooms are heated and comfortable with fresh linens, towels and toiletries provided.

Our home port is Deer Harbor Marina on beautiful Orcas Island. Private trips can start and end anywhere in the San Juan Islands or Puget Sound!

Our USCG licensed, lifelong sailor captain and crew will handle all the sail hoisting and navigating, but if you want to join in, or want to learn how to harness the wind, we love teaching.

Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Electric-powered dinghy, all available for guests to use.

Itineraries

Each trip is a unique experience. We stay in rhythm with the tides, currents and wind to bring you the best experience on the water possible. As locals, we know the "out of the way" places where the wildlife is, the best sailing routes and the calmest waters. If you have a special destination you want to see, just let us know.

5164 Deer Harbor Rd Deer Harbor WA

Why take this tour?

Our 3-day tours offer you a longer chance to experience some of the most scenic and intriguing places along the NW Coast.

The unique beauty and sunny weather of Washington’s San Juan Islands have been famous for generations. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the nearly 200 unique islands get about half the rainfall of Seattle. The alluring charm of this archipelago is expressed both in its natural landscapes, and its diverse wildlife – above and below the water. Grass and moss carpeted hillsides give way to graceful madronas and sculpted firs. Wildflowers fill the meadows in spring and early summer. The occasional sand or gravel beach is punctuated by whimsically shaped sandstone, beckoning the kids to explore. Rich emerald waters yield fish for the grill, crab and prawns for a shore-side feast. Three groups of orca whales call the islands home during the year, chasing the salmon that migrate through. Eagles perch in shore-side trees, and a variety of seabirds cruise the bays and channels, diving for fish. Protected park land abounds with several islands devoted entirely to the marine explorer. A large variety of trails provide great opportunities for discovery. A sunny overlook, a hidden cove, a quaint one-room school house, or an abandoned lighthouse are among the myriad treasures to be found. Local artist’s galleries, restaurants, and elegant resorts with spas lend variety on the bigger islands.

Gourmet meals prepared daily by our on-board chef

Kayaks, sups, electric inflatable dinghy, experienced naturalist uscg captain, convenient pick up and drop off locations any where in the san juan islands, gratuities not included in cost of tour, but are welcome, frequently asked questions, what kinds of wildlife might i see, what sort of clothes should i bring, what is the weather like, what time of year should i sail with you, what if i get seasick, are children welcome on your charters, what is a “crewed” charter, do i need to be in good shape, what do your trips include, how often do we get off the boat, what can i expect to learn, what areas do you charter in, what if i'm a solo traveler who prefers my own stateroom, can you take more than six passengers, do i need to know how to sail, things to know.

Nawalak (Kwakwaka'wakw word meaning spirit of nature) is a 55' Pilothouse Ketch Sailboat. Our heated and dry pilothouse means if we encounter a rain shower (it is the PNW!) guests and the captain can sit cozily warm and dry while having panoramic views. The interior is created almost entirely of teak and mahogany having five private staterooms, plus two heads with enclosed, private showers. There is also a well equipped, commercial quality galley and on deck bbq grill allowing our chef to create sumptuous meals each day.

What should I bring?

Included in your tour is all food and non-alcoholic beverages. A bottle of wine is served with each dinner, and if you would like to bring your own wine, beer or spirits, feel free to do so. A warm cozy stateroom with fresh linens and blankets awaits you after a day sailing and exploring. All towels and toiletries are provided also. Feel free to bring any books, cameras, sketchbooks, journals etc.

Cancellation Policy

The 30% deposit is fully refundable minus a $200 admin fee if cancellation occurs 90 days or more before scheduled departure. Cancellation after 90 days prior to departure may result in forfeiture of the charter fee. A refund of your total charter fee will be made if your reservation(s) are filled by another party, minus a $200 admin fee and any fee decreases incurred by EISC.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at any time – we very much look forward to sailing with you!

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San Juan Islands Travel Guide and Ultimate 10-Day Sailing Itinerary

After over a year of imposed lockdowns and staring at tedious, four-walled rooms, setting sail into the unknown and feeling the wind embrace you like an old friend is a comforting freedom. Our San Juan Islands travel guide focuses on the best things to do in the San Juan Islands and its stunning state marine parks and populated islands. There are 172 islands in the region, ranging from small rocky reefs to lands reaching approximately 2,500 feet. 

Famous as one of the best places to spot Killer Whales (Orcas) in the wild, the San Juan Islands are a truly unique destination. The area is a hot spot during the migratory whale season for Humpbacks traveling from Alaska south. Each island offers something unique for endless exploring opportunities.

Our 10-day San Juan Islands travel guide and sailing itinerary comprises rolling terrain interspersed with lush, sinuously-forested ridges, leafy glens, and vivacious villages with restaurants serving local cuisine. Beyond land, sailors can spot seals sunbathing and orcas or humpback whales patrolling the waves, while rare bald eagles soar in circular motions above. To reach the more remote islands, kayaking or canoeing to shingle or sand beaches and unspoiled coves is a great way to get the blood pumping before hiking the dramatic surroundings. 

The Ultimate 10-Day San Juan Islands Travel Guide and Sailing Itinerary

Day one: bellingham .

Sailing in the San Juan Islands typically starts in Bellingham or Anacortes. We suggest Bellingham for its delicious restaurants and thriving brewery scene. With seaside admission to the San Juan Islands and its spectacular views of the 172 isles, Bellingham also offers some of the best outdoor recreational activities. Within its borders are numerous local shops and museums, boasting even the Western Washington University, which adds a college vibe to the town. 

Whether you’re walking the vibrant streets or searching for unique wildlife on one of its many trails, Bellingham will keep you occupied until the sun goes down. Then, it’s imperative to try one of the many Bellingham restaurants in the bay. The Chuckanut Cracked Crab Dinner Cruise (running Friday to Sunday between June to September) and Bellingham’s Bay BREWERS Cruise , which takes travellers to the best local breweries, are the most unusual on offer.

Best things to do in Bellingham

Bellingham is an eclectic city with a thriving brewery scene. In fact, they even have a brewery map! Beyond drinking beer, there are many great things to do in Bellingham, Washington.

• Whale- or bird-watching excursions have naturalists helping travellers locate rhinoceros auklets, Caspian terns, great blue herons, and bald eagles
• Tour Chuckanut Distillery and enjoy a taste of local spirits
• Visit the Whatcom Falls Park, which has maintained hiking trails, waterfalls, Whatcom Creek and the Stone Bridge that has the best viewpoint in the park
• Alternatively, pop to Boulevard Park, which has a performance stage for local concerts
• Walk around Lake Padden Park, which has an adjacent golf course 
• Visit Mt. Baker and North Cascades National Park
• Marvel at Lake Whatcom, which is a hotspot for many recreational activities, including boating, fishing and swimming
• Explore the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention 
• Visit the 19 th -century architecture of the Fairhaven Historic District
• In Fairhaven, there are many artisan shops to splash your cash
• Alternatively, head to Bellingham Farmers Market in Depot Market Square

Anchorage Options in Bellingham, Washington

• Bellingham Port provides dock space for commercial and recreational vessels
• There are no overnight moorage options in the Fairhaven area, but there are mooring buoys and plenty of space for anchorage

Day Two: Matia & Sucia Islands

Day Two of our San Juan Islands sailing travel guide and itinerary should be split between visiting Matia and Sucia Islands, spending the evening in the latter. Matia is one of the smaller state park islands, offering 145 acres of protected land safeguarded by the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This means you’ll see various wildlife, including puffins and eagles, and its interesting geological features include rock formations and pristine beaches. However, most of the island is a natural reserve and is off-limits to visitors. 

Sucia Islands is considered the number one park in all the San Juan Islands with a whopping 77,700 feet of shoreline. Once on land, the hiking trails will take you along the Fossil Bay beach before heading to the southwest woodland. A longer route goes to Ev Henry Point, but the pebbly beaches lined with spectacular sandstone formations are exquisite for those looking for an easier excursion. This outer San Juan Island offers the best camping experience in the Pacific Northwest but has no ferry service, meaning while boating there you can be sure to have more privacy compared to some of the places that ferries go to.

Best things to do on Matia Island

• A lot of the island is not open to visitors, but there is an incredible walking trail starting at the dock, featuring ferns and coves taking you into the magical forest filled with big trees.
• Explore Rolfe Cove 
• Camp under the stars (although campfires and wood collecting are not allowed)

Best things to do on Sucia Island

• There are several camping areas with firepits and picnic tables
• Hike some (or all) 10 miles of this state park, featuring unique rock formations, coves and beaches 
• If you have your own kayak, bring it to Sucia and kayak around the island’s many bays and extensive shoreline 
• Marvel at the wildlife including seals often found lounging on the floating docks
• Explore the many beaches on Sucia Island, the most popular being Fox Cove or Snoring Bay
• Fish or shellfish on Sucia Island (but you need a fishing licence before you do this)

Anchorage Options on Matia Island and Sucia Island

Matia Anchorages

• Matia Island has Rolfe Cove, which has a small dock with a capacity for four boats. There are also a couple of mooring balls if the docks are full. Be advised this is a very small anchorage so during busy times you should plan to arrive early to get a spot.

Sucia Anchorages

• Fossil Bay has two extensive docks with a huge anchoring area and buoys 
• If the mooring buoys are full, you’ll find anchorage between the westernmost dock and western end of buoys 

Day Three: Stuart Island

On day three of our San Juan Sailing Guide, you will visit Stuart island. This sparsely populated island has 433 acres of terrain and water channels on and around the isle, offering two parks with rocky shores and dense woodlands. The Reid and Prevost Harbors (north and south sides of the island, respectively) are connected by a narrow strip of state park land, and at Reid Harbor, if you want a break from boat living, you can stay at the campground.

The shoreside camp sites have excellent crab and clam fishing opportunities. In addition, there’s a long trail to the Turn Point Lighthouse Museum where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some orca. For something a little easier, there are two short loops around the park between the harbors. However, the rest of the island is private property. 

Best things to do on Stuart Island

• Hike to the Turn Point Lighthouse Museum
• A popular pastime is fishing, crabbing, swimming or diving in the islands two harbors 
• Kayakers or canoeists can set up camp near Prevost Harbor
• Marvel at the cliffs known as “Lover’s Leap’ 
• Visit the Teacherage Museum, which displays the island’s teaching history 
• There are many beaches to explore, and beachcombing is a popular pastime
• Hike some of the shorter trails on the island for incredible views and a fun workout

Anchorage Options on Stuart Island

• The Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island has a large dock and big bays, featuring a good amount of anchoring possibilities and mooring balls 
• Prevost Harbor also has easy dinghy entry to the county dock 
• An alternative is Reid Harbor which has its own dock and bay with mooring balls

San Juan Sailing Itinerary Day Four: Roche Harbor Marina

About four miles from Stuart Island is Roche Harbor Marina , on of San Juan Islands’ top spots to relax the sails. With up to 377 slips, the Roche Harbor Marina is usually where jetsetters spend their summer months as it has an ambience of “old money”, steeped in tradition, with a sunset flag ceremony. It’s a far cry from the other island campsites, and travelers should use Roche Harbor Marina to replenish food supplies, wash clothes, and shower in decent facilities.

Roche Harbor marina is one of the top stops on our San Juan Islands sailing guide to enjoy a sumptuous meal. There’s also a transit bus running during the day that’ll get you around the island. 

Best things to do on San Juan Island and Roche Harbor

• See Orcas on a once in a lifetime whale watching tour.
• Visit the islands’ historic village, which has remains of a lime kiln and Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel
• Explore the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
• Visit Lime Kiln State Park for a chance to spot orca whales from shore
• Discover the McMillin Memorial Mausoleum (the resting place of the family who used to own the lime works)
• Go and see the pioneer cemetery
• Guests can hike the trails around the Roche Harbor quarries, through forest land
• If you’d like to try your hand at water sports; kayaking and paddle boarding are popular activities on the island
• Swim in one of the islands’ outdoor heated pools 

Anchorage Options at Roche Harbor Marina

• Roche Harbor Marina has 377 slips for large and small boats.

San Juan Islands Sailing Guide Day Five: Lopez Island

Lopez Island is situated at the easternmost point of the San Juan Islands, which can also be reached by ferry from Anacortes. It is 15 miles long, featuring 2,500 year-round residents and a staggering 63-mile-long shoreline. The best way to explore the undulating farmlands, forests, beaches with vast mountain ranges, or peaceful bays is by bike. There are several bicycle rental outfitters on the island that can even meet you at the dock to drop off a bike.

The simple life is also a crucial feature on this island, and some of the best things to do on the island involve you slowing down. With many various hiking trails as well as small shops and restaurants, spend the afternoons taking in the incredible views.

Best things to do on Lopez Island

• Hit the canopies of those beautiful trees on a once in a lifetime Tree Canopy Climbing Tour
• Make sure to see Agate Beach on the South End of the island or Otis Perkis beach near Fisherman Bay
• Try clamming or crabbing
• Visit Lopez Village , which has many restaurants, galleries, a bookshop, a historical museum, a library, and many shops to stroll around 
• Visit Point Colville, which has incredible views of the Salish Sea
• Visit Watmough Bay (you can hike here from Point Colville)
• Visit Spencer Spit State Park, which is a popular spot for camping 
• Hike up Lopez Hill
• Try your hand at kayaking (there are a variety of routes according to time and difficulty)  
• There are many campsites in Odlin County Park with waterfront views, beach-access restrooms and picnic tables 
• Tour Lopez Island by bike 

Anchorage Options on Lopez Island

• You can anchor or dock at Fisherman Bay, but this is a relatively shallow area, so sailors need to enter it cautiously and slowly and make sure to follow tide charts.
• Spencer Spit has a large anchoring area with many moorings on both sides of the spit
• Odlin Park has its own dock that allows you to tie up your boat for two hours as well as a number of mooring balls for overnight anchorage.

Day Six: Friday Harbor , San Juan Island

The next stop on our San Juan Islands sailing guide is Friday Harbor Marina , on San Juan Island, a popular tourist destination with many fine dining experiences and ice cream parlors ashore. Friday Harbor is the largest town in the San Juan Islands, with a huge grocery store. There are many shops, including a chandlery on Main Street, and visitors can rent mopeds to get around the island.

On a more practical note, there are also showers, laundry facilities, and places to refuel, and the sea life here (including shrimp, cod, and crab) is extraordinary. If you’re looking for something cultural, the summer months hold events like a jazz festival, adding a musical flair to your San Juan Islands sailing itinerary.

Best things to do in Friday Harbor

• Go Kayaking! This is by far the best way to experience travel to the San Juan Islands area. In fact, we recommend even doing an overnight kayaking tour and camping under the stars.
• Visit the Friday Harbor Laboratories, which is one of the oldest marine research institutions
• Go shopping on Spring Street, exploring a range of galleries, boutiques and bookshops
• Go and see the Whale Museum 
• Explore The San Juan Historical Museum
• Go to one of the charter companies and fly around the island
• Watch local marine life at the Spring St. Landing mini-aquarium 
• Visit the San Juan Islands Museum of Art 
• Visit the islands’ winery
• Explore a lavender farm
• Take a whale watching tour which will give you the chance to see orcas, humpbacks, harbor seals, sea lions and bald eagles. 

Friday Harbor Anchorage Options

• The Friday Harbor Marina has slips for over 150 boats, ranging in size from dinghies to yachts
• For those in town only for a short stop there is a free anchoring option. Tie up at the breakwater for a complimentary 2 hours.

Day Seven: Jones Island

The next stop on our San Juan Islands sailing guide and itinerary is Jones Island which can be easily reached from anywhere in the San Juan area. This island is in the centre of the San Juan Islands. It has a 188-acre park with 25,000 feet of shoreline, forest, an orchard and green clearings.

Coming onshore, you might be welcomed by otters or a rare breed of deer. There are little beaches, tide pools, and several short trails to stretch out your legs and 24 primitive campsites. Deer Harbor is close by, should you need to replenish your supplies.

Best things to do on Jones Island

• Hike trails going through a forest of moss, logs, and towering trees
• Pick fruit from the pear and apple orchard
• If you’re looking to stay overnight, the cliffside campsites are close to the dock and allow evening fires

Anchorage Options on Jones Island

• On the north side of this state park is a protected cove that has a dock and mooring balls 

Day Eight: Orcas Island

The locals refer to this horseshoe-shaped island as “the gem of the San Juans”, as it has 57 miles of green landscape, pristine lakes, underwater treasures, curving roads that are ideal for cyclists, apple barns, art studios, and much more. On the island is the Rosario Resort which has a marina – a historic mansion with a pub, fine dining restaurant, spa with a hot tub and pool, and tennis courts. Otherwise, there are few hotels on the island and many people especially larger groups prefer to stay in one of the various Orcas island vacation rentals .

An alternative to Rosario Resort and Marina is Deer Harbor Marina, situated at Orcas’ westernmost point. There is a little town with a restaurant and quaint cottages, and according to sailing veterans, Deer Harbor is the best spot to refuel and buy provisions. There are also friendly seals swimming around the boats which can regularly be seen lounging at the docks.

While on Orcas, we suggest renting a car to explore the island. The local car rental agency will bring the car right to you making it easy to connect from boat to wheels. Make sure to go to Eastsound, the main town on Orcas island which has some of the most delicious restaurants in all of the San Juan Islands. This hip downtown area also has an amazing cocktail bar and a brewery for those looking for a night cap.

For those into hiking, be sure to visit Moran State Park. You can hike the tallest mountain in the San Juan Islands or if you’re short on time, drive to the top and see views all the way to Canada.

Best things to do on Orcas Island

• Try horse riding or swimming in Moran State Park
• Go chasing waterfalls in the Moran State Park
• Hike to the highest point in the San Juan Islands – Mount Constitution
• Explore the Rosario mansion, which features a museum with the house’s old rooms, a historical slideshow, and a pipe organ concert
• Drive the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway 
• Hike Turtleback Mountain, which is situated on the western end of the island
• Go on a whale-watching tour (the best time to do this is April through October)
• Explore the Eastsound Village, which has many artisan and boutique shops and eateries, and a history museum
• Visit Obstruction Pass State Park and relax on the best public access beach on the island
• Try kayaking or paddleboarding on one of the islands two large lakes

Anchorage Options on Orcas Island

• Westsound Marina has the largest moorage facility on the island, featuring 180 moorage slips and has the most extensive repair facility 
• Rosario Resort (closest to Eastsound) has 30 slips, plenty of safe anchorage and eight mooring buoys 
• There are public docks in Eastsound at Madrona Point
• There’s also Cayou Quay in Eastsound, which has dockage options, while anchorage and moorings are nearby 
• At Orcas’ westernmost point, you can dock at Deer Harbor Marina

Day Nine: James Island

At 113 acres, James Island is one of those with no residents or drinkable water, and it is the foggiest place on our San Juan Islands sailing guide. However, it has over 12,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and multiple beaches, providing excellent views of the Rosario Strait. James Island can be easily accessed from Lopez Island, and there are three Cascadia Marine Trail campsites with a toilet. In addition to this, there’s an additional 10 campsites linked by a loop trail, but one is for kayakers only (usually coming from Anacortes, which is close by). The northern side of the island is closed to visitors as it is a designated a natural forest area. 

Best things to do on James Island

• Go crabbing (but make sure you have a crabbing permit), shellfishing, or fishing 
• Camp under the stars at one of its 13 campsites
• Hike and explore the islands forested trails, coves and two white-sand beaches

James Island Anchorage Options

• In the East Cove, four mooring buoys remain in place all year (all boaters must register and pay required fees upon arrival)
• The West Cove has a dock featuring a 128-foot moorage float

Day Ten: Cypress Island & Back to Bellingham 

The final stop on our San Juan Islands sailing itinerary is Cypress Island which has no ferry service. Its Eagle Harbor or Pelican Beach offer hiking trails left in their natural states, feeling very remote and serene. Beyond the Douglas-fir forests is a 7-acre lake, an excellent photography spot, while the south of the island has a protected bay containing a salmon fish farm. Due to its proximity to the mainland, kayakers tend to day trip here. From Cypress Island, head back to Bellingham, where you can enjoy some local cuisine before heading back home.

Best things to do on Cypress Island

• Hike to the island’s summit along the official DNR trails 
• Kayak the island’s circumference (the island is considered the best kayaking destination in the San Juan Islands)
• Spend the night camping on the island
• Go out looking for the island’s abundant wildlife 
• Try some fishing

Anchorage Options on Cypress Island

• On Cypress Island, you can find mooring buoys throughout various spots of the island. A local favorite is Eagle Harbor where you can spot seals swimming right near your boat.

Final Thoughts on our San Juan Islands Sailing Guide and Itinerary

There are many incredible San Juan Islands. You could spend a lifetime exploring their diverse ecosystems, quaint villages, incredible nature, and remote campsites. But this 10-day San Juan Islands sailing itinerary will give you the best of both worlds – freedom at sea and dreamy, once-in-a-lifetime experiences on remote islands. 

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San Juan Mini Boats

Tour Details

Price per boat.

$165* per boat

*Plus taxes 11.5%

Same price from 1-3 guests.

About this tour

Availability: 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Important Information

Maximum of three (3) people per boat (300 pounds per person and a total boat limit of 600 lbs).

Children under 4 years can’t participate.

No alcohol or smoking is allowed aboard our mini boats. We suggest you don’t drink or take any drugs before the trip since you will be driving.

Driver must be 18 years or older and present a valid driver’s license at check-in.

What's Included

Become the captain of your own powerboat and experience the Old San Juan shore like never before.

This tour includes:

• 90-minute tour
• How-to-drive a mini boat lesson
• Live jackets
• Beverages (water, sodas, and juice pouches)

Transportation

Transportation is not available. We recommend to take a taxi or Uber if you don’t have a rental or own car.

Cancellation Policy

Reservations require cancellation 48 hours prior to the tour time. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice and ‘No Shows’ will not be refunded.

“NO SHOW” if you don’t arrive on time, the ticket is NOT REFUNDABLE and NOT REUSABLE unless (and only if) we have space available to reschedule on a future date. Reschedule must be made on the day of the original trip, base on availability and a rescheduling fee of $25 + tax per person will be applied.

*All marine activities are subject to water conditions please call the prior day for an update, cancellations or change of destination due to water conditions is at the Captain’s discretion. These decisions can be informed at check-in.

Recommendations | What to bring

• Bathing suit ON and light beach clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunblock, sunglasses, and hat
• Phone with waterproof case
• Any personal items you may need

If you get seasick, take an over-the-counter remedy with food at least one hour before departure.

Departure Site Information

Check-in: Please be on site 45 minutes prior to your departure time for check-in process.

Free parking available.

See what our guests are saying about this tour!

My first time operating a motor boat it was such a fun experience.

10 stars! 👏⭐👍 Captain Chase, June & Fiona were excellent this was such an awesome excurision to be your own captain. My first time operating a motor boat it was such a fun experience! I highly recommend not only was it fun it was a tour and I was able to learn alot of history on Puerto Rico

🇵🇷 this 1.5 hour tour is a must! What a nice way to celebrate my 4th Wedding Anniversary

Very professional and knowledgeable of the area.

The guides do a great job allowing freedom of driving your own boat while helping maintain safety. Would do this tour all over again in a heartbeat..also if you don’t have you on speaker for music it’s worth the 25 bucks to stream your favorite tunes on the water.

It’s a must if you're in San Juan

I’ve had the pleasure of coming here for Christmas with my son and it was great! Second time was in May 2023. Fiona and Francisco were great! Please don’t forget cash to tip them! I highly recommend this experience its a must if you’re in San Juan.

So much fun.

The lead boat and guide boat captains did a great job of explaining how to stay safe, making the experience more enjoyable, thank you so much for making this trip awesome.

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Boat Tours from San Juan, Puerto Rico

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If you’d like a peak at the beauty that awaits at Flamenco Beach, visit this guide , then book one of the tours below, which offers transportation from San Juan, so you don’t have to worry about a car rental or logistics. 

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Travel Guides , Washington · August 26, 2020

The Ultimate San Juan Island Day Trip from Seattle

A San Juan Island day trip from Seattle is an idyllic way to explore the beauty of the Washington coastline. San Juan County has more marine shoreline than any other county in the US, clocking in at a whopping 408 miles. Paired with its mild temperature, San Juan Island is a hot bed of wildlife, particularly the infamous orca whales.

If you want to explore one of the best areas in Washington for water views, nature, and food, San Juan Island is your place. Here is everything you need to know to plan a successful day trip to San Juan Island from Seattle.

Save this to Pinterest for later when you’re ready to start planning your trip! Or delegate the trip planning to me and let me create you a custom itinerary.

About San Juan Island

San Juan Island is one of the islands off Seattle about 3.5 hours north of the city. It’s part of the “San Juan Islands” a chain of more than 170 islands in the Salish Sea between Washington state and Vancouver Island. However, only about 20 islands are inhabited and visitors only really frequent three of them: San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. The rest are privately owned, including the large Shaw Island you may see on the map or ferry route schedule.

Orcas Island is technically the biggest island, but San Juan Island is busier because the local government and more people reside there. The islands are in a rain shadow, which means they’re protected from getting as much rain as Seattle thanks to the mountains to their east and west. The moderate temperature makes it a popular destination year round, particularly for whales and other marine wildlife. You often don’t see it go over the mid 70s in the summer and it rarely snows in winter.

The San Juan Islands have a pretty interesting history .

They became part of the US in 1872 thanks to the infamous “Pig War” dispute with Great Britain. But before that, the land was owned by the Coast Salish community for more than 9,000 years. It wasn’t until Spanish explorers arrived in the area in 1791 that white settlers began taking over the land.

The most ballsy of the claims to ownership came from Great Britain when The Hudson Bay declared they owned San Juan Island around 1850. Americans who gave no effs settled on the island anyway in 1859. That year, American Lyman Cutlar shot one of the British settlers’ pigs that was in his garden.

All hell broke loose and both American and British soldiers set up military camps on San Juan Island. The Americans were along the southern coast at Cattle Point and the British were to the north at Garrison Bay. They mostly gave each other the stink eye for over a decade, as there wasn’t any fighting or casualties.

Finally in 1872, the Americans and British came to an agreement. The result of the “Pig War” was that America got San Juan Island, but maps showing boundary line proposals show that they considered giving San Juan Island to the British. If that would have happened, this island would be Canada today!

How to get to San Juan Island

Since San Juan Island takes about 3.5 hours to get to from Seattle, a day trip requires a commitment to getting up early and coming home late. However, I’ve done a day trip to Portland , which is about the same distance, so it’s definitely doable!

A trip to the San Juan Islands is only possible by boat or plane. Most people make the ~1.5 hour drive from Seattle to Anacortes. From there, they drive right onto a Washington State ferry toward Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The Anacortes-Friday Harbor route takes about an hour and leaves multiple times throughout the day. You can see which ones via the ferry schedule online.

Reserve your vehicle reservation and buy ferry tickets in advance.

You can reserve your vehicle reservation online , which I highly recommend doing, particularly in summer. You don’t have to pay for a vehicle reservation, but there is a $10 fee for no shows. Make sure to reserve both legs to and from Friday Harbor.

What’s confusing is you have to purchase ferry tickets separately. So after you make your vehicle reservation, purchase your vehicle and passenger tickets online.

Ferry rides cost about $75 per regular-sized vehicle and $15 per adult. The driver is included in the vehicle price, so you only need tickets for other passengers. Kids 18 and under ride free.

You can avoid the vehicle fee by taking your bike for about $20, but San Juan Island is quite large so you have to be a really strong biker or have an electric bike to be able to survive the day.

If you don’t have a car, unfortunately there isn’t any convenient public transportation from Seattle to Anacortes. If you don’t mind multiple transfers between trains and buses, Visit San Juan plots out some routes . However, it’d probably be easier to take a ride share or look into Bellair Charters from SeaTac Airport or downtown Seattle.

Once you get to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, you can either walk or bike onto the ferry. There is public transportation on the island, but I recommend you rent a car if you don’t have one. It may be worth renting a car on San Juan Island so you can avoid the car fee on the ferry, but rental car rates tend to be more expensive on the island. However, we saw everyone riding in these fun mopeds and convertibles and we were hella jealous!

Another transportation option is taking a plane.

You can book flights directly through Kenmore Air for about $190 each way. The flight is approximately 55 minutes and can be taken on their seaplane from Lake Union or from a regular plane at Boeing Airfield.

Regardless of which route you take, you’ll want to arrive at San Juan Island no later than 10 AM to take advantage of a full day. If you’re driving, you’ll have to leave at around 6 AM from Seattle to make the ferry! If that sounds like torture, you can stay at one of these most unique hotels in Washington that are nearby.

What to do on San Juan Island

From outdoor adventures to eating and shopping, there is so much to do in during your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle!

Whale watching

The San Juan Islands are best known for whale watching. There are ~72 resident Orca whales and even more transient whales year round. This means you are able to see whales anytime of year!

However, summer is the best time to spend a day on San Juan Island for a few reasons. First, the whales are more active because that’s when their food source, salmon, is most active. But it’s also a good idea to go in summer because you can see more types of wildlife that don’t stay in the area year round. For example, the humpback whales migrate to Hawaii in the winter. I see them every year when I go on my 5 day Maui itinerary and they’re absolutely magical.

There are a few different ways to see whales. Taking a boat tour will be your best bet for seeing them, since all the boats talk to each other and move at high speeds to where the whales can be found.

You can also kayak with orcas , which is a fun way to get exercise and enjoy the beautiful island with less people. You can rent kayaks and explore on your own or go on a tour.

However, you’re less likely to see whales this way since all the kayak tours go on a set path and you’re at the expense of the whales happening to be on that path. When I spoke to a whale watching tour operator, they said you’re more than 90% likely to see whales on a boat tour versus about 10% on a kayak tour. However, you have more opportunities for magical, up-close experiences on a kayak.

Your last option for whale watching during your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle is from land.

You can join the San Juan Island Whale Sightings group on Facebook, where locals keep tabs of where the pods can be seen from land. Or visit the place they tend to hang the most: Lime Kiln State Park . It’s known as “Whale Watch Park” and is said to be one of the best places in the world to view whales from the shore.

If you don’t have time to go on a whale watching tour during your trip to the San Juan Islands, you can also visit the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor.

You don’t have to go on a whale watching tour to kayak. You can easily rent them and explore the water on your own during your one day in San Juan Island. If you go out of Roche Harbor on the northern part of the island, make sure to visit Half Moon Bay on Henry Island. It’s the only public park on this privately-owned island and it has beautiful sea glass and rocks ripe for the taking. If you are a jewelry maker or crafty, you will love this stop!

Easy hiking

San Juan Island is perfect for those who like casual day hikes. Most of them are more like walks, offering gorgeous views on mostly flat trails weaving along the coastline. It’s also where you’ll hear the crickets — somehow San Juan Island has the sound of crickets at all times of day!

South Beach

South Beach is my absolutely favorite and is a must do during your day on San Juan Island. It’s on the southern coast of the island about 10 minutes away from Friday Harbor in the San Juan Island National Historical Park at American Camp .

This national historic park actually has two areas: American Camp in the south and English Camp in the north. It was created in 1966 based on the idea that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully without resorting to violence. It’s a nod to 1859, when, if you remember, the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a pig shot by an American farmer on the island.

The landscape at South Beach is super interesting. It has a lot of dry grass and rusty orange colors most of the year, which you may find red foxes hiding in as they hunt. You’ll find a lot of easy walking trails along the beach and dunes. It’s also the perfect spot for a picnic or bonfire.

Fourth of July Beach

Fourth of July Beach is another option in American Camp for beach lovers. But it’s not as big as South Beach. From here you can take the Old Town Lagoon Beach Walk along the shoreline to the site of the San Juan Village, the island’s first civilian community. Unfortunately it burned down in the 1890s, so no trace remains.

Jakle’s Lagoon

Jakle’s Lagoon is also within American Camp a short drive from South Beach or accessible along the shoreline from Fourth of July Beach. It was named after the Cattle Point lighthouse keeper, George Jakle, and offers a few different short hikes to choose from.

You can take the trail to the left from the parking lot to go through the meadows toward the beach, or take the forest walk to the right that takes you to Mt. Finlayson. Here you’ll get a beautiful view of Cattle Point Lighthouse and expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Cattle Point Lighthouse

Cattle Point Lighthouse is a short drive from both Jakle’s Lagoon and South Beach on the very southernmost tip of the island. It was built in 1935 and sits among a grassy meadow with easy trails filled with birds. It’s not very big, so you can easily walk the trails within a half hour.

Young Hill in English Camp is where you’ll want to go if you like a little bit more exertion. It’s a relatively steep hike that has two different viewpoints offering beautiful views of the Puget Sound and Vancouver Island, Canada. There’s also a cemetery where British soldiers died, though not due to warfare.

This hike is typically 2.2 miles round trip if you park in the main parking lot. However, you can shorten the hike by parking where the trail crosses San Juan Valley Road to shorten it to just 1.2 miles round trip. This is great if you have kids, or if you’re like me and a wee bit out of shape. There’s limited parking, but if you find a spot I highly recommend doing the hike this way so you can maximize your one day on San Juan Island.

Garrison Bay

Garrison Bay is your best bet for a flatter option exploring English Camp. The Bell Point Trail takes you on a 2-mile-long flat loop trail along Westcott Bay. You can even harvest your own shellfish! Visit the park ranger at the visitors center to learn about the locations, daily limits, and red tide warnings. Or visit the WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife or WA State Dept of Health for updates.

There’s also an opportunity to take a self-guided history tour along the trail. Guides are available next to the bulletin board at the main entrance. On it you’ll find English Formal Garden, which was built by the camp’s second commanding officer for his family to remind them of home.

Lime Kiln State Park

Lastly, Lime Kiln State Park is about 20 minutes west of Friday Harbor and includes 36 acres of park lining the coastline. You’ll find easy trails, a historic lighthouse, a restored lime kiln, and uninterrupted views of the Haro Straight overlooking Victoria, BC . A $10 parking fee or Discover Pass is required.

San Juan Island attracts a ton of artists and creatives. You’ll find sculptures and art galleries all over the island, so if you’re an art lover, you’re going to love it here!

San Juan Island Sculpture Park at the north of the island is a beautiful option for easy strolls among impressive sculptures and installations from local artists. It’s one of the largest sculpture parks in the world, with 20 acres and five trails meandering through the nature reserve and sculpture-lined pond.

You can also take a self-guided art tour to visit more than 20 artist studios throughout the island. Or if you only have time for one stop, head to the San Juan Island Art Museum . You’ll find 8-10 exhibits that rotate throughout the year. Or you can take a virtual tour that is a pretty impressive immersive experience!

San Juan Island is the perfect day trip for foodies who love visiting farms. The San Juan Island Farmers Market is every Saturday 9:30 AM to 1 PM, or you can take a self-guided tour of the different San Juan Island farms.

Visit San Juan has a good list , or you can stalk the vendors at the farmers market to see which ones offer visits. There’s also the annual Savor San Juans festival late September through November, where farms open up for tours and the islands host various foodie activities .

There are quite a few places to buy unique souvenirs during your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle. Most of the shops are congregated in Friday Harbor, which you’ll be smack in the middle of as soon as you disembark from the ferry.

The downtown area isn’t very big so you should be able to cover it in about an hour. I encourage you to comb the streets and pop into whatever stores interest you, but don’t miss Fern for modern jewelry or Arctic Craven Gallery for Pacific Northwest art.

King’s Market is also a good stop for local wines made on the San Juans Islands. Make sure to grab a bottle from Archipelago a teeny tiny winery making sparkling wines that doesn’t have a tasting room (though they do private wine tasting picnics for ~$200 for 2 people around the San Juans).

Further afield, I recommend visiting Paula West Pottery . Paula offers studio tours where she shares her process, or you can just pop in to look at her gorgeous artwork. Her pieces would make a great memory of your one day in San Juan Island!

If there are alcoholic beverages to be had, you know I’ll find them. People on the hunt for the best Washington state wines will want to stop at San Juan Vineyard . They make beautiful estate grown wines and have great ambiance for sipping. Make sure to try their Afterglow rosé.

Another option is Madrone Cellars & Ciders in downtown Friday Harbor. Their tasting room is tiny, but they’re making small batch wines and ciders with minimum intervention using fruit grown in eastern Washington. Since it’s right by the ferry terminal, it’s an easy stop during your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle.

If you prefer beer, head to San Juan Island Brewery for a tasting flight. It’s located right in downtown Friday Harbor and makes really yummy beers. If available, get the black boar porter!

Lastly, if spirits or more your thing, check out San Juan Island Distillery . It’s run by business partners Rich Anderson and Suzy and Hawk Pingree, who make 14 different types of gins, brandies, and liqueurs. Their brandies use cider from their sister business, Westcott Bay Cider , which is also open for tastings by appointment.

Where to Eat on San Juan Island

Whether you prefer to grab a quick bite to take to the beach or fancier dining, San Juan Island has some great options.

Bakery San Juan

website | 775 Mullis St | Mon – Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM

This tiny bakery next to the Kenmore Air Field is frequented by locals picking up bread or one of their lovely baked goods. I find this place best for pizzas, which you can get by the slice or whole pie.

They also have take-and-bake options if you want to bring some home as a souvenir! If available, get the island pepperoni pizza featuring their sweet homemade pepperoni.

Market Chef

website | 225 A St | Tues – Fri, 10 AM – 4 PM

This little cafe in downtown Friday Harbor has a deli case filled with pre-made salads and lunch goodies or sandwiches. You’ll also find a little shop with items sourced from around the Pacific Northwest. If available, get the roast pork sandwich.

Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

website | 904 Westcott Dr | Thurs – Mon, 11 AM – 4 PM from Memorial to Labor Day | requires reservations

This working shellfish farm is an awesome place to visit during your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle if you’re a foodie. They offer shellfish to take home and even offer oyster shucking lessons.

They also accept reservations for lunch at their Tide Table restaurant, open seasonally. It’s one of the best places to eat if you want to experience local seafood, so book ahead!

Friday Harbor House

website | 130 West St | Sat & Sun 8 – 12 AM, Fri – Tues 5 – 8:30 PM | requires reservations

You can technically stay at the Friday Harbor House, but their main draw is the gorgeous outdoor patio overlooking Friday Harbor. They have a raw bar or simple menu featuring American-style cuisine. It’s on the pricier side, but isn’t unbearably expensive. Don’t miss their duck fat fries!

Coho Restaurant

website | 120 Nichols St | Tues – Sat, 5 – 9 PM during the high season, Wed or Thur – Sat otherwise | requires reservations

Coho Restaurant is one of the finer dining establishments on San Juan Island. It’s owned by couple Anna Maria de Freitas and David Pass, who always traveled the world staying at different inns, dreaming of owning their own inns someday.

They are now living their dream as innkeepers of the Tucker Harrison Inn & Harrison House Suites , owners of Coho Restaurant, and locals deeply entrenched in San Juan Island (Anna Maria teaches pilates and is a town council member!).

The restaurant has a farm-to-table menu sourcing mostly local ingredients. Guests can choose from a set tasting menu with wine pairing or a la carte. They have limited seating outside in their side alley, which has quaint ambiance since it’s covered by lush foliage.

The menu changes seasonally, but if it’s on the menu get their roast carrots with tahini! Otherwise, you’ll most likely find a homemade pasta on the menu. They’re known for this, so definitely get a pasta dish! They gifted me a meal while I visited and thoroughly enjoyed both of these.

You’ll also notice they don’t have salmon on the menu. That’s because they no longer serve salmon in the restaurant as a way to help protect the local resident whale’s whose food supply is dwindling due to overfishing.

website | 50 Duck Soup Ln | Tues – Sun, 5 – 9 PM during the high season, Wed or Thurs – Sat otherwise | requires reservations

Duck Soup is another place to go for a fancier dinner on San Juan Island. They serve a rotating menu of farm-to-table cuisine on their gorgeous outdoor patio with a lush forest surrounding it. We saw multiple deer grazing nearby while we ate!

San Juan Island day trip itinerary

As you can see, there’s so much fun to be had on your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle. To maximize how much you can visit, I organized all my favorite stops into the ultimate itinerary for visiting San Juan Island in one day.

Note, this itinerary assumes you take your San Juan Island day trip from Seattle with your car in the summer between May and September and plan for a very long day. If you go outside these times, you’ll need to adjust your schedule based on the ferry and sunset timing. I also recommend visiting on a Friday if you can, as that’s when the majority of restaurants are open and there are less crowds.

Let me plan you a custom itinerary if this one doesn’t work for you!

6 AM: Leave Seattle for the ferry

It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the Anacortes ferry terminal from Seattle. WSDOT recommends you arrive at the ferry line 45-60 minutes ahead of departure. It sucks having to wait in your car, but during the summer season you’ll want to follow this guidance to ensure you get on the boat.

The ferry times change slightly throughout the year, but in the summer there is usually one around 8:55 AM. This is the one you’re shooting for to follow this itinerary so that you get to San Juan Island at around 10 AM

10 AM: Grab breakfast

If you’re visiting on a weekday, head to Bakery San Juan to grab pastries and coffee for a light breakfast. If you’re visiting on a weekend, I’ve heard great things about Salty Fox Coffee in Friday Harbor.

10:30 AM: Grab lunch to-go

If you’re taking your day trip on a weekday, grab lunch at Market Chef . I love their sandwiches both because of their flavor and the fact that they pack easily. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, I’ve heard good things about The Sweet Retreat .

Alternatively you can skip this if you’d prefer to not picnic on the beach or if you’re visiting on the weekend when Market Chef is closed. If you skip this, get lunch after your next stop.

11 AM: Explore South Beach

Head to the southern coast to discover the warmer, more arid area of the island. This is my absolute favorite part of San Juan Island, so I prioritized visiting South Beach first. Walk along the sand dunes and keep an eye out for those wild foxes between the grass.

If you have time, you can take a peak at Jakle’s Lagoon , Fourth of July Beach , or Cattle Point Lighthouse , all of which are nearby in American Camp. I thought Cattle Point Lighthouse was the least interesting, if you don’t have time to visit all of them. But it’s still a quick stop for pretty views among tall grass waving in the wind.

12:30 PM: Walk around shops in Friday Harbor

Note, if you skipped grabbing a lunch to eat at South Beach, now is the time to grab your lunch! If Bakery San Juan or Market Chef aren’t open, you can still stay in Friday Harbor and grab lunch and a beer tasting flight at San Juan Island Brewery . If you do that, you should still have time for some shopping before heading to your next stop.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to eat at the brewery or if your next stop’s whale watching tour leaves out of Roche Harbor to the north, get lunch at Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. instead and skip shopping in Friday Harbor.

Now, if you do stay in Friday Harbor, spend time combing the shops for ones that interest you, making sure to visit Fern for modern jewelry and Arctic Craven Gallery for Pacific Northwest art.

I also encourage you to stroll the Port of Friday Harbor’s waterfront park where you’ll find Coast Salish Native artist Susan A. Point’s house post sculpture called “Interaction” that symbolizes the marine and terrestrial ecosystems and humankind’s place in it. You’ll also spot local sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer’s sculpture of Popeye, a celebrity seal that often hangs out in the marina.

2 PM: Go on a whale watching tour

This is likely the number one reason you decided to take a day trip to San Juan Island from Seattle! There are quite a few whale watching tours, but I recommend Spirit of Orca  or Maya’s Legacy . Both of them have 3-hour tours that leave around 2 PM, Maya’s Legacy even later if you’d prefer to do a tour around 4 or 5 PM instead.

Which whale watching tour you go with will depend on a few factors besides the timing. All of them offer boat tours, which if you remember is your best chance of seeing orcas. Spirit of Orca offers photography tours, which is a version photo enthusiasts may be attracted to.

If you’d prefer kayaking, San Juan Island Outfitters is the better option for you. It’s unlikely you’ll see whales, but you’ll definitely see a lot of other wildlife like birds and maybe even seals.

Their tours leave out of Roche Harbor, so you’ll need to make your way up there from South Beach. If you go there, poke your head in the 1886 Hotel de Haro at Roche Harbor Resort . This historic hotel is Washington State’s oldest continuously-running lodging. Teddy Roosevelt is said to have stayed there!

After your kayak tour if you have time, visit the San Juan Island Sculpture Park to see beautiful sculptures and art installations scattered throughout a nature preserve. All of it is available for sale if you’re looking to fill your home with work from Pacific Northwest artists !

5:30 PM: Grab dinner

This is your time to enjoy a nicer sit-down meal at one of the fancier restaurants on San Juan Island. If I had to choose, I’d try to get a reservation at Duck Soup , Friday Harbor House , or Coho Restaurant . Duck Soup is probably the most famous among foodies, but Friday Harbor House and Coho are located right in Friday Harbor and more convenient to the ferry. Whichever you choose, you’ll eat well!

7:30 PM: Head to Lime Kiln Park

If you didn’t see whales on tour whale watching tour, a visit to Lime Kiln State Park is your last chance to see them. And wouldn’t it be magical if you got a photo of a breeching orca at sunset with a lighthouse in the background?!

I encourage you to get here about 30 minutes before sunset if you have time. Find a spot along the rocks before getting to the lighthouse for the best photos.

9 PM: Head to the ferry to go back to Seattle

The last ferry is usually around 10 PM, which will get you back to Anacortes around 12 AM since the last ferry stops at every island. If this is too late for you, there’s also typically a 9:15 PM ferry out of Friday Harbor. But you’ll need to decide what you’re cutting from your stay.

Map of San Juan Island

Whew, and that’s it! As you can see there’s a lot to do on this tiny island. While aggressive, you can definitely do a San Juan Island day trip from Seattle.

To give you a sense of space, here is my map of San Juan Island with all the stops recommended in this guide. Make sure to save it so you can access it from your phone during your trip!

More to explore around San Juan Island

This area is perfect for exploring more of my favorite parts of Washington, so after your San Juan Island day trip, check out these nearby spots.

• Explore Cool Things to Do on Lopez Island
• Take a Day Trip to Orcas Island
• Why You Should Visit Skagit Valley
• Everything You Must Do on Whidbey Island
• Visit the Camano Island, a Hidden Gem
• The Ultimate Bellingham Guide
• Lummi Island, Washington’s Quaintest Getaway
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do on Vashon Island
• Must-Try Restaurants on Vashon Island
• 21 Epic Road Trips from Seattle
• 14 Best Scenic Day Trips from Seattle

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September 2, 2020 at 9:00 pm

It’s been a while since I’ve been to San Juan Island, this is a great guide!

14 Scenic Day Trips From Seattle

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A Perfect Vieques Itinerary: Full Day Trip from San Juan to Vieques Puerto Rico

DISCLOSURE: I may link to relevant products, companies or helpful info which may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate & other affiliates, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra charge to you. The views & opinions are my own. Please see the disclaimer and privacy policy .

Last Updated on February 25, 2024

Introducing Vieques Puerto Rico! 

Why you should visit Vieques.

Chances are that if you are visiting this blog post, you have Vieques on your radar and are looking for things to do in Vieques and what to put on your Vieques Itinerary !  

I most likely don’t need to convince you to take a day trip to Vieques, but just in case you are still on the fence a bit…..

Vieques is a tropical island and lush paradise in Puerto Rico. It is well known for its beautiful beaches, wild horses, largest natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean, and the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.  There were many centuries of Spanish influence on the island, so it still retains a lot of that heritage, and, like Puerto Rico, it is often considered a part of the Spanish Virgin Islands.

It is easily visited on a day trip from San Juan to Vieques. We did it on our trip and I’ll explain how you can do it too!

PRO TIP : If you are from the USA, you don’t need a passport to visit this heavenly wonderland!

Internationally, Vieques has been known for many protests against the US when they were using it as a testing ground for bombs.  Can you imagine using such a beautiful place as a bomb site???? 

Due to all the protests, the US Navy left Vieques in 2003 and the land is now occupied by a national wildlife refuge.  Some of the refuge is still closed to the public due to contamination and the potential for unexploded devices.  Seems like there needs to be a lot more cleanup from the US military!

Interested in all the Things to do in Vieques? Use the Table of Contents to skip ahead to fill up your Vieques Itinerary.

Thank you to @Discover Puerto Rico and Women in Travel for showcasing Vieques to us. I traveled there with my daughter and we had a wonderful mother-daughter Day Trip to Vieques with some other fellow travel bloggers.

Where is Vieques?

Vieques, Isla de Vieques, is one of the offshore islands of Puerto Rico.  It is a small island located just 7 miles to the east of the main island in Puerto Rico in the northeast part of the Caribbean.  It is only about 60 square miles in area.

Vieques vs Culebra Islands

Is Vieques or Culebra better?

The other main island of Puerto Rico is Culebra.  We also took a day trip to Culebra .  If you have extra time in your itinerary, you can plan a trip to both islands, but if not, you will have to choose.

Pick Culebra for the small island atmosphere and quaint beaches.  Choose Vieques if you prefer a larger selection of beaches and ESPECIALLY if you are interested in the Biobay –(discussed in the Things to do on Vieques Section below!).

Should you take a day trip to Vieques?

A weekend trip to Vieques is the best way to vacation on this beautiful island, but if you only have a limited time to spare in your Puerto Rico itinerary , see if you can squeeze in at least a day trip to Vieques.  If you plan out your Vieques itinerary right, you can still see some of the main sites and make it back to the mainland feeling fulfilled.

How to get to Vieques Puerto Rico

If you are wondering how you get to Vieques Puerto Rico, there are two answers. You can reach Vieques by small plane or ferry.

Flying to Vieques

Getting a flight is probably the best way to get to Vieques in order to manage your time efficiently.  The flight is quick and easy (versus the ferry –see below). If you are only spending a day in Vieques, you won’t have to waste a lot of time getting to the island, so flying there is your best option.

There are many flights to Vieques from San Juan or Ceiba. Ceiba is on the eastern side of Puerto Rico, closer to Vieques, and a good option for SOME travelers –but we will discuss that option second.

@moyermemoirs We flew from the main island Puerto Rico to the smaller island Vieques for a day with a group of 8 people and it was cheaper than getting a ferry!!!! It was only an 8 minute flight! DM me if you would like more information. ✈️ #witspuertorico #discoverpuertorico #liveboricua #travel #plane #traveltiktok #travelblogger #moyermemoirs #puertorico #privateplane #vieques ♬ Sunset Lover – Petit Biscuit

Flight from San Juan to Vieques

Flights from San Juan are the most convenient way to get to Vieques.  There is ample transportation to get you to the San Juan airport, where you can hop on a 30-minute flight to Vieques that is offered many times throughout the day.  The typical cost for this ticket tends to be around $100.

Check out these small airlines for domestic airline tickets to Vieques:  Air Flamenco ,  Cape Air ,  Vieques Airlink or   Seaborne Airlines .

Flight from Ceiba to Vieques

The Ceiba to Vieques flight is only 10-minutes and is the faster way to get to Vieques. However, these flights are a lot more difficult and expensive since you will also need transportation to get to Ceiba (and back). Ceiba is an hour away from San Juan which will be quite pricey for such a long ride in a taxi (like another $100 each way in addition to your air ticket!)!.  However, if you have a rental car in Puerto Rico , then this might be an option for you.

Ferry to Vieques

Taking the ferry to from Ceiba to Vieques is definitely the cheapest way to get to Vieques. However, it is also the slowest! It can take 45 – 60 minutes for the ferry transfer, however, there are also other considerations to take into account that add into the travel time.

Remember that you will need to get to Ceiba first for this option –which is a good hour away from San Juan. In addition to the travel time to Ceiba, you will need to arrive at the dock at least an hour before departure time.   So you see if you add up the 1 transfer time to Ceiba, the 1 pre-boarding time, and the 45 minutes of ferry travel time, you get close to 3 hours of just traveling to Veiques which eats into the free time you will have for your Veiques itinerary.

If you have a rental car in Puerto Rico , driving to Ceiba is an option.  Arriving the night before your day trip to Vieques and getting an overnight room in Ceiba will definitely maximize the time you will have to explore the island.

  PRO TIP:  You can’t take your rental car with you to Vieques.  The cargo ferries are reserved for residents of Vieques only.  You will need to pay for parking at the ferry dock, which is around $15.

Still want to travel by ferry to Vieques?  Here is the scoop!

Tickets are around $3 each way for adults.

Tickets often sell out, so the best way to plan a ferry trip to Vieques is to book online ahead of time. 

Only 20% of ferry tickets are sold online. The remaining 80% is sold at the ferry terminal.  Schedules and ticket sales usually open the previous month, though there is not an exact date to release the schedule for the next month. Check the ferry website frequently to see when tickets are released for purchase so that you secure one of the 20% sold online.   Don’t panic if ticket sales aren’t opened until the last day or two of the month — they will open!

If online tickets are sold out for your desired departure time but there is a later ferry ticket available for online purchase, purchase the later ticket. Monitor the ferry website for the number of tickets available for sale at the box office for your desired time, and you can decide if it is worth traveling to the ferry dock to exchange your ticket for an earlier ferry. ⁠

If you can’t get tickets online in advance, you can take a chance and try to get them at the ferry office on your travel date.  There are often last-minute tickets available and sold at the ferry office in Ceiba.

If you don’t want to arrange your own transportation to Vieques

Arrange a day trip from san juan to vieques.

Here are some great tour options for you to take a day trip to Vieques Puerto Rico:

• Day Trips from San Juan to Vieques

• Day Trips from Ceiba to Vieques

There are a lot of choices for a Vieques day trip tour. Choose the Vieques day tour that fits best into your itinerary!

THINGS TO DO IN VIEQUES

Explore vieques, wild horses in vieques.

Vieques is known for all the horses that are running wild throughout the island.  Are they wild horses?  That depends on your definition.  They do have owners, but they are not kept on a specific spot of land.  The horses are allowed to roam free and ‘wild.’

The wild horses add to the blissful atmosphere of the island.  You will spot them everywhere as they seem to be minding their own business while they graze in the grass or wander along the white sandy shore.  These magnificent creatures enhance the tranquility of the peaceful nature scene throughout Vieques.

Horseback Riding

With the abundance of horses on Vieques, are you surprised that horseback riding is a popular activity on Vieques?  Several tour operators offer horseback riding tours like riding on the beach into the sunset,  walking a scenic hilltop loop, or traveling through the quaint, little village of Esperanza

PRO TIP:  Most horseback riding tours in Vieques have weight limits so make sure to check out ALL the restrictions that are put in place for your safety and the safety of the horses.

Oldest Ceiba Tree in Vieques

Ceiba trees are the national tree of Puerto Rico.  There are a few around the island of Vieques.  The oldest Ceiba tree in Vieques is a tourist attraction for good reason.  It is estimated to be over 400 years old and is HUGE. It is worth a stop to get an idea of the grand size of this old tree.

Relax on a Beach in Vieques

There are tons of beautiful beaches in Vieques Puerto Rico.  After all, it is a paradise to add to your Caribbean island Bucket List !

Enjoying the beaches in Vieques is a captivating experience, with pristine shores offering breathtaking views and tranquil waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Whether lounging under the sun or exploring hidden coves, the beauty of Vieques’ coastline never fails to enchant visitors.

Put some of the beaches in Vieques on the top of your list on your Vieques Vacation!

Playa Caracas

On our Vieques day trip, we stopped at Playa Caracas first.  It was not very crowded early in the morning.  We were able to enjoy the soft white sand and clear turquoise water in peace and quiet.  This Vieques beach is in a protected cove, so it makes the water calm and gentle.

When I had enough of the Caribbean sun, there were gazebos to take refuge in or palm trees to relax under

Playa Caracas is located on the southern coast of Vieques in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (see entry below).  The beach is easy to find since you can just follow abundant signs to the Refuge. 

Sun Bay Beach

Sun Bay Beach is another popular beach on Vieques Island.  It has smooth waves with lifeguards on duty during the daytime.  It has showers, bathrooms, and even a Caribbean food kiosk –everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach in Puerto Rico!

There are also plenty of palm trees to go around!

Sun Bay Beach is on the southern coast of Vieques and really close to Esperanza.  We stopped there after our lunch (see my lunch recommendations below).

Best Vieques Beaches

Some other beaches in Vieques are Media Luna, Playa La Chiva, Playa Negra, Coconut Beach, El Gallito, Playa Esperanza, and Secret Beach.

Use the Vieques Beach map to find the perfect beach to put on your Vieques Itinerary!

Vieques National Wildlife Refuge

The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, created by Congress with lands formerly managed by the Navy in 2001 and 2003, spans over 18,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. Its habitats include beaches, wetlands, and dry forests, providing sanctuary for various wildlife species of the Caribbean islands like the Antillean manatee, the brown pelican, and four species of sea turtles. The refuge is renowned for its efforts in protecting endangered sea turtles, such as the hawksbill and leatherback turtles, during nesting season.

Visitors to the refuge can enjoy activities like birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography amidst the tranquil natural surroundings.

PRO TIP:   The Refuge is the largest in the Caribbean and is open year-round with no entrance fee.

Snorkeling and Scuba in Vieques

Vieques offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, while its scuba diving sites boast stunning underwater landscapes and the chance to encounter rare species such as sea turtles and eagle rays. Adventurers can explore Vieques’ pristine waters and discover an underwater world teeming with beauty and wonder.

Snorkeling and Scuba Tours

Try one of the snorkel tours for the best underwater experiences in Vieques

Bioluminescent Bay

Mosquito Bay is a natural bioluminescent bay .

The Mosquito Bay on Vieques holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the brightest biobay in the world . The large 160-acre area off the coast of Vieques in the Caribbean Sea is known worldwide for its magical sparkles in the water from the dinoflagellate that inhabit it and glow bright as the sun sets.

The best time to experience the bio bay is during a dark sky, so try to book your tour during a new moon.  The darker the night, the better your view of the sparkles.

The best way to experience the mesmerizing glow of the biobay is to book a kayak tour of the shallow waters of Mosquito Bay.

PRO TIP:  Book a tour with a company that has a clear bottom kayak for the ultimate best view of the spectacular display of light. That way you will be able to see the sparkling glow all around you and underneath your kayak as you paddle through the biobay

How can I see the Biobay on Vieques?

Best Vieques bio bay tour: Book one of these tours of Mosquito Bay on Vieques in Puerto Rico

What makes this biobay glow?

There are 700,000 dinoflagellates per gallon of water in Mosquito Bay.  They are a single-cell microorganism that converts internal chemical energy into light whenever they are disturbed –like by a kayak paddle!  This is their defense mechanism that wards off their predators. 

Is it harmful to see the biobay phenomenon? 

Scientists say the bioluminescent reaction does not harm the dinoflagellates at all.

Where is Mosquito Bay? 

How to get around Vieques Island

Golf Cart Rental

Although Vieques is a small island, it’s not THAT small and you will still need transportation to get around. 

I recommend renting a golf cart or jeep.  The main roads are paved, but there are still a lot of bumpy dirt roads (some with potholes!) that will be tricky to safely navigate in a rental car (and keep the rental car in decent shape!).

PRO TIP:  Secure your rental ahead of time.  Many rental companies sell out.

Where to eat in Vieques

Duffy’s was our lunch spot in Esperanza. The fish bites and waffle fries were delicious and really hit the spot after a long morning at the beach soaking up the sun. We sat on the patio and were able to enjoy the view of the calm blue water while we sipped our tropical drinks and nibbled on our lunch.

Duffy’s is located in Esperanza.

Where to stay in Vieques

Vieques guest house.

Other Places to Stay in Vieques

Need more info & things to do in puerto rico.

• Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico
• Guide to San Juan
• Where to stay in San Juan
• Guide to the Island of Culebra
• Guide to the Island of Vieques
• Guide to El Yunque National Forest
• Tours in El Yunque
• Finding the Las Paylas Natural Water Slide
• Pinones Kiosks
• Best Instagram Spots in Puerto Rico
• Adventure Guide to Puerto Rico
• Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico

Getting around Puerto Rico

• Renting a Car in Puerto Rico

Is Vieques worth visiting?

In conclusion, YES. Everyone that went on this Vieques Island Day Trip had a great time!!!

Vieques is not a typical mega-touristy Caribbean island with cruise ports teeming with tourists or all-inclusive high-rise condos lining the beaches. It doesn’t have golf courses or casinos.

It is laid-back and relaxing, filled with beautiful sandy beaches so that you can drift away under a palm tree listening to the sound of the surf. You can spend a day in Vieques or a week in Vieques, depending on how much you want to put on your Vieques Itinerary. One thing is for sure though, make sure you at least plan to take a day trip from San Juan to Vieques Puerto Rico to see all that this beautiful island has to offer!

Like this post? Pin it for Later!

Related posts:.

I didn’t know about the bioluminescent bay in Vieques–thanks for writing such an informative post!

Just enjoying a day at the beach and maybe a little snorkeling sounds pretty ideal on a snowy day like today.

What a great itinerary! I’d love to visit, especially the wildlife refuge.

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Culebra Snorkeling + Flamenco Beach Ferry Day Trip from San Juan

Experience  culebra island.

The Culebra Ferry Day Trip is the Best Alternative to Experience a Full Day in Culebra Island from San Juan!

Discover the true secrets of Puerto Rico! Snorkeling in Culebra is one of the Top experiences of your visit to Puerto Rico due to the clearest waters, white sand b eaches, and a great variety of sea life.

Forget about the hard planning to get to Culebra Island, we make it simple for you. We offer the only Full Day Trip to Culebra Island with Round Trip Transportation from San Juan and Land Transfers in Culebra.

Experience a great Beach Hopping Tour w ith Guided Snorkeling & and visiting World-Famous Flamenco Beach.

Get Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Day Trip  Highlights

Spend a full day at Culebra Island.

Snorkeling Experience

Chance to Swim with turtles and marine wildlife.

Boat Trip in Culebra Island

Complimentary Pictures.

All Transfers Included.

Visit the world-famous Flamenco Beach.

We encourage customers to book at least 3-4 weeks far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Last-minute booking requests can be hard to fulfill.

 ferry full- day package from san juan.

Snorkeling + Flamenco Beach

Monday to Friday!

This is a 12-hour Trip

Round Trip Ground Transportation from San Juan to Ceiba Ferry Terminal, 7:15  am Departure from San Juan.

Ferry Round Trip from Ceiba to Culebra Island

Ferry Tickets

Monday - Friday: 9:30 am Ferry Departure & 5:3 0 pm Return

Land Transfers in Culebra

Beach Chairs

Premium Quality Snorkeling Gear

*The Snorkeling Destination will depend on Rip current conditions .

Complimentary  Pictures.

Visit World-Famous Flamenco Beach

Visit Playa Tortuga Culebrita Island

Boat Trip to Culebrita

Lunch options at Flam enco Beach   (Lunch not in cluded)

We arrive back in San Juan around 8 :30 pm approximately

Snorkeling Age Requirement: 6+ ​

Requires a minimum of 6 guests.

Please Note: This ferry trip takes a minimum of 6 people to operate. If the tour does not reach this minimum by the date of your trip, then it can be rescheduled or canceled! Refund provided.

From San Juan: $182.50 pp.

(Click the Book now Button)

Ceiba Package does not include Ground  Transportation to Ferry Terminal & Morning Light Snacks. d

Day Trip Details

1. pick-up at hotel, departure from san juan.

Our agent will contact you  by text message and notify your Hotel pick-up time one day prior to the trip. Departure from San Juan to Ceiba Ferry Terminal is at 7:15  am.

Travel time from San Juan to Ceiba Ferry Terminal is 1-hr. and 10 minutes

We provide light snacks and beverages once we arrive at Ceiba Ferry Terminal. 

2. FERRY RIDE TO CULEBRA ISLAND

Ferry check-in is 1 hour prior to the scheduled ferry departure time.

Th e Ferry travel time to Culebra Island from Ceiba is around 45-60 minutes approximately, depending on the sea weather conditions.

Monday-Friday:

The ferry departs at 9:30 am (Check-in at 8:30 am)

The ferry returns at 5:30 pm (Check-in at 4;30 am)

3. EXPERIENCE FLAMENCO BEACH! 

Flamenco Beach. Ranked as the second most beautiful beach in the world, no one should ever leave Culebra without visiting Flamenco!

You will be free to enjoy this unique place, beach chairs provided. Have lunch at one of the local food kiosks at the beach. Later, we will take you back to the ferry terminal. There, you will take the trip back to Ceiba Ferry Terminal, while enjoying the views of Puerto Rico’s eastern coast at sunset.

4. BOAT RIDE + SNO RKELING IN PARADISE

Destination for snorkeling will depend on Sea current  conditions. We will take a boat ride to Playa Tortuga, Culebrita Island, and have a magical; beach time, and snorkeling experience.

Enjoy the breathtaking views along the way: inside and outside of the water!

 Chance to swim with nurse sharks, sea turtles, sting rays, and vibrant marine life.

5. FERRY RIDE BACK TO CEIBA

After a full day on Culebra Island, we will take a ferry ride back to Ceiba.

The travel time for the ferry ride back to Ceiba is 1 hour and 30 minute s.

The ferry arrives at Ceiba at 7:00 pm.

6. TRANSFER BACK TO SAN JUAN

1-hr and 10-minute ride back to San Juan, we will arrive in San Juan around 8:3 0 pm. 

Planning & Restrictions

What to bring.

One comfortable bag or backpack

Water shoes

Sun Protection (i.e. biodegradable sunblock, hat, sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, rashguard, etc.)

Set of dry clothes

Snacks & drinks, alcoholic beverages allowed.

Your medicines, if you have a particular condition only

Cash for restaurants, souvenirs, tips, etc.

Camera (waterproof or protected)

DO NOT BRING

Expensive or non-waterproof cameras

Any valuable that cannot get wet

MINIMUM PARTICIPATION RESTRICTIONS

The Ferry Culebra Day Trip requires a minimum of 6 guests . We will call you to discuss your options if the minimum is not met.

HEALTH & AGE RESTRICTIONS

Not recommended guests with:

Pregnant women cannot participate.

Heart conditions

Recent surgery.

Ferry & Schedule Notice

We do not provide private maritime transportation to culebra. the tickets included in our culebra ferry package are for the public ferry. the puerto rico maritime transportation authority (prmta) operates this ferry. we are not affiliated with the prmta. therefore, we are not responsible nor can control the ferry schedule in any way., our company promotes a 9:30 am departure to culebra from ceiba, in the event we receive tickets for a later departure you will be notified in advance and/or on-site. your group will be offered the option to confirm an excursion with a later departure, reschedule to another day, reschedule to another excursion, or cancel with a full refund..

For this reason, we must be at the Ceiba Ferry Terminal at check-in time. Otherwise, you may miss the ferry. In that case, you will not be able to get to Culebra on time for the tour. Finally, the excursion start time is subject to the arrival time of the ferry to Culebra.

I VENTURES does not sell ferry tickets.

Ceiba Ferry Location

La Concha Renaissance Resort

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Princess Cruises to Launch Voyages Out of This Caribbean Destination for the First Time in 10 Years

Starting October 2025, the cruise line will sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico on seven-day voyages on board the Grand Princess.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises will return to San Juan, Puerto Rico, next year for the first time in more than 10 years, sailing week-long voyages from the U.S. territory.

Starting October 2025, the cruise line will sail from the capital of Puerto Rico on seven-day voyages on board the Grand Princess . Princess will plan to sail these southern Caribbean voyages through March 2026, the company shared with Travel + Leisure.

The Grand Princess will sail two alternating itineraries, both roundtrip from San Juan. The first will include stops in Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados, while the second will include stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Vincent, and Barbados. Each will include a day at sea.

“Our return to San Juan after more than a decade not only reconnects our guests with a port rich in history and charm, but further expands the variety of departure points across North America that our guests can sail from,” Terry Thornton, the chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Puerto Rico remains one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean and continues to attract new airlift from source markets across the U.S. as well as markets in Europe and South America, which makes it a great fit for Princess. Plus, there are many outstanding options to choose from for a great pre- or post-cruise stay.”

While on board the 2,600-guest Grand Princess ship, passengers can enjoy a mini golf putting course, indulge in afternoon tea, relax in the adults-only The Sanctuary, and more. The Grand Princess is the oldest in the company’s fleet , but underwent a major renovation in 2019.

Cruises from San Juan will go on sale on May 16, according to the company.

While Princess is making plans to return to San Juan next year, the company was forced to delay another 2025 debut when it pushed back the delivery of its newest ship , the Star Princess , by about two months. That ship is now expected to sail in the fall of 2025.

Related Articles

Best Beach Towns in the U.S.

Updated : May 09, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims

Table of contents, how to pick a beach vacation.

• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Bay St. Louis, Mississippi:
• Block Island, Rhode Island
• Boothbay Harbor, Maine:
• Camden, Maine:
• Cannon Beach and Seaside, Oregon:
• Capitola, California:
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, California:
• Chincoteague, Virginia, and Assateague Island, Maryland:
• Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands:
• Culebra, Puerto Rico:
• Edisto, South Carolina:
• Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington:

Gloucester, Massachusetts:

• Grand Isle, Louisiana:
• Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii:
• Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine:
• Ocracoke on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina:
• Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida
• Port Aransas, Texas:
• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:
• Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan:
• Eastpoint/St. George Island, Florida:
• Tumon, Guam:
• Two Harbors on Catalina Island, California:

For many of us, just the idea of beach towns in the U.S. brings to mind lounging, running or playing in the surf or listening to upbeat music. It's not hard to guess it collectively influences popular culture and bucket list getaways and with good reason; there are scenic views and affordable things to do — sunbathing and swimming — for starters. That’s not to discount the rich experiences available either, as a coastal vacation can be had at any price or destination. The United States is so broad you’ll find an assortment of scenic small beach towns as well as traditional coastal villages and high-energy hot spots.

The options are vast, so consider using a travel agent to save you time and money . Scroll through our list below to get travel ideas, or create your own itinerary on Trip Canvas. Think Siesta Key is beautiful but on too many popular lists? Read about less-crowded beaches in Florida , or design your own perfect trip by browsing below. You’ll find a list of the best beach towns in the U.S. and its territories, from quaint Block Island in America’s smallest state (Rhode Island) to the stunning shores of U.S. Territories like Guam and Puerto Rico. These coastal gems offer a unique blend of relaxation and warm community spirit, making them sought after by many seeking the best beach towns.

From the pristine beauty of Puerto Rico's Culebra to the artistic haven of Capitola, California, and the charms of Camden, Maine, these beach towns invite you to enjoy a slice of coastal life. And there’s a place at the table for you whether you’re hunting the best lobster roll in Maine or picnicking on the beach.

But no matter where you go, the rhythm of the waves sets the pace of life. Each place to go has its own character and activity level, meaning there might be a long list of things to do or simply low-key fun. The good news, though: Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, cultural enrichment or all of the above, these 25 beach destinations promise unforgettable coastal escapes that you'll want to revisit.

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Surrounded by scenic national lands, Bar Harbor is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Take a whale-watching tour, savor lobster at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy all the things to do in Acadia National Park like hiking and tidepooling.

Things to Do:

• 2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine
• Acadia National Park
• Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour

2. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi:

Small-town warmth meets the allure of coastal living in this destination, which has earned kudos from national and local media as not only a top beach town but also one of the best coastal towns to live in. Stroll along the sandy shoreline or dip your toes into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But it's not just the beach and coastal location that captivates; Bay St. Louis transforms during Mardi Gras, a celebration marking the beginning of Lent. There are parades, king cakes and colorful festivities, spicing up your coastal trip with the excitement of one of the South's most famous traditions.

3. Block Island, Rhode Island

Offering miles of public beaches and hiking trails, Block Island is a haven for nature lovers and can be reached by ferry; among the options is a 1-hour journey from downtown Newport or transport from Point Judith, R.I., where you can reserve ferry service to bring your car. Once on Block Island, take a stroll from the ferry landing to explore Mohegan Bluffs or Block Island Southeast Lighthouse. One spectacular beach to see is Crescent Beach, a 5-mile stretch of the island's east side; in summer, expect concessions and beach rentals near its Frederick J. Benson Pavilion, a spot locals call "Town Beach."

• Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat
• Vacation Photography in Rhode Island

4. Boothbay Harbor, Maine:

Boothbay beaches include Barrett’s Park, a short walk away from downtown, as well as a freshwater beach at Knickerbocker Lake, near the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Grimes Cove, on Ocean Point, offers a boat launch, an example of how this bustling coastal town is also a boater's paradise. Don't miss excursions to nearby islands, whale-watching tours and sailing adventures.

• Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour
• Schooner Applejack Sunset Sail Tour in Boothbay Harbor

5. Camden, Maine:

Often referred to as the Jewel of the Coast, Camden will capture your attention as it has with creatives like Edna St. Vincent Millay. Her career began at nearby Whitehall, an inn where she recited the poem she wrote atop Mount Battie called, "Renascence," which mentions, "three islands in a bay." It's a fitting tribute to the destination, which blends mountain and sea beautifully. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for your own panoramic views, stroll through the town's public gardens or enjoy a day at the beach. Laite Memorial Beach Park, a saltwater harbor beach with a playground and picnic tables, overlooks Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Meanwhile, Barrett's Cove Beach, a freshwater beach on Megunticook Lake, offers views of Camden Hills State Park, named one of AAA's 7 Spectacular State Parks You Shouldn't Miss .

• Crazy Camden, ME Scavenger Hunt
• Sunset Sail from Camden, Maine

6. Cannon Beach and Seaside, Oregon:

With stunning coastal scenery, Cannon Beach and nearby Seaside appeal to those seeking beauty and recreation, especially in summer. In Cannon Beach, walk the beautiful beaches, explore a tidal pool or view iconic Haystack Rock — an enjoyable pit stop noted on AAA’s EV road trip down Oregon’s Coast . Nearby Seaside, Oregon, featuring a 1.5-mile Promenade and local attractions, is where to go for not only scenery but also high-energy, family-friendly activities.

• Camp 18 Logging Museum
• Full Day Exploring Astoria through Seaside
• Private Astoria Coast Tour through Cannon Beach

7. Capitola, California:

Capitola is a picturesque seaside village, which is reputedly the state's oldest beach resort. Along Monterey Bay, Capitola is known for its indigenous history, colorfully painted houses and laid-back vibe. Stroll along Capitola Beach, taste local wines or participate in the Begonia Festival — a charmingly unusual festival featuring a begonia-lined boat parade each Labor Day weekend — for a colorful sample of coastal living.

• Capitola Private 2-hour Walking Tour
• Capitola Watercolor Journaling Experience

8. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California:

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a retreat for artists and writers since 1904, maintains its character through strict zoning laws, preserving charming cottages, art galleries and scenic views. Don't miss the aptly-named Scenic Road to witness the exceptional beauty of Carmel's Monterey pines, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Carmel is conveniently off beautiful SR 1 (from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo). North of town lies the southern entrance to 17-Mile Drive , a route between Carmel and Pacific Grove that's also iconic.

• Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
• Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
• Carmel Mission

9. Chincoteague, Virginia, and Assateague Island, Maryland:

Famous for its wild ponies, Chincoteague Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife and small-town charm. Visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, experience the annual pony swim or spend time at the nearby Assateague Island beaches. These are on the Maryland side of the island and great for beach camping.

• Assateague Island National Seashore

10. Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands:

Plan to experience the serenity of Cruz Bay, where the beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands truly shines. With its pristine national lands, stunning snorkeling spots and picturesque trails, Cruz Bay serves as the perfect gateway to outdoor adventure in the Caribbean . The attractive atmosphere and friendly locals provide a warm welcome, making this a destination you'll want to revisit.

• Virgin Islands National Park

11. Culebra, Puerto Rico:

Escape to the tranquility of Culebra Island , a paradise known for its spectacular beaches and snorkeling. Flamenco Beach , often said to be among the world's best beaches, offers crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. In addition to sunbathing, explore the island's wildlife refuge, go diving or kayak around its serene coves.

• Culebra Island Snorkeling Tour
• Puerto Rico: Culebra Snorkeling and Flamenco Beach Tour by Ferry

12. Edisto, South Carolina:

Experience Edisto Beach, where one of North America's longest free-flowing blackwater rivers disperses into the Atlantic Ocean. You can expect natural beauty, a family-friendly ambience, and peaceful beaches and marshlands. For fun, ride a bike along the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway or tour South Carolina's first serpentarium, a place that preserves and studies reptiles.

• Edisto Island National Scenic Byway

13. Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington:

A gateway to the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor offers an exciting mix of arts, culture and nature. Visit the Whale Museum, enjoy sea kayaking or take a scenic biplane tour for breathtaking views.

• Friday Harbor Frenzy Scavenger Hunt
• Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island
• Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

Gloucester, Cape Ann's crown jewel, offers unmatched coastal views, nightlife and an abundance of historic landmarks and beaches. It's just a 30-40-minute trip from Boston, making it an easy day trip to enjoy live music venues and quaint boutiques as well as Eastern Point Lighthouse. Wingaersheek Beach also is a must-do, but plan beach parking 10 days in advance for the best experience.

15. Grand Isle, Louisiana:

This barrier island serves as a paradise for anglers, nature lovers and anyone seeking a tranquil beach getaway. Grand Isle is renowned for beautiful beach scenery as well as its excellent fishing, and birdwatching opportunities in Grand Isle State Park and nearby Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge (with a permit).

16. Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii:

Located on the Oahu North Shore , this fun place to go embodies the essence of a laid-back surf town with its historic charm, stunning beaches and art scene. Browse local art galleries, try Hawaiian cuisine at a waterfront restaurant or catch world-class waves for an epic adventure vacation .

• Haleiwa River Paddle Board Rental with Blue Planet Adventure Co.
• Roundtrip Shuttle From Waikiki to Dole Plantation & Haleiwa Town

17. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine:

Famous for its classic New England charm, this area captivates with its coastal views, historic architecture and lively Dock Square. Plus, Kennebunk beaches offer something for everyone: Mother's Beach, a kid-friendly and accessible area with an ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat and beach wheelchair rentals ; Middle Beach, a rocky shore also known as Rocky Beach; and popular Gooch's Beach, aka Big Beach. As you enter Kennebunkport, try an authentic lobster roll from The Clam Shack . For an alternative, the lovely Colony Hotel , whether you're a guest or not, allows poolside dining with stunning views.

• 3 Hour Kayak/SUP Rental in Cape Porpoise Harbor
• Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charters in Maine
• A Walk Through Time in Kennebunkport

18. Ocracoke on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina:

Ocracoke Island, a serene part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, is a treasure accessible solely by ferry. You'll find an unspoiled beach landscape, a village with unique shops and galleries, and the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse.

• Outrageous Ocracoke Scavenger Hunt

19. Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida

Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea have golden sands with reddish-orange crushed coquina shells, unlike nearby Daytona Beach, aka the World's Most Famous Beach 5 miles to the north. Ormond-by-the-Sea, a quiet residential region with no large hotels and a traffic-free beach, is reached by driving north on A1A. For something different, cross the Granada Bridge in Ormond Beach to reach Tomoka State Park, a sanctuary on the Halifax River with kayaking, canoeing and sightseeing in the remnants of a historic Timucuan Indian settlement.

• Ormond Loop & Trail Scenic Byway

20. Port Aransas, Texas:

This laid-back island community on the tip of Mustang Island is renowned for its sandy beaches as well as excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also among AAA’s beautiful beach camping recommendations. Spend your days sunbathing, swimming, kiteboarding or surfing for an exciting escape at this Central Texas Coast destination.

• Glowing Kayak Tour Port Aransas - Lighthouse Lakes
• Party Cruise in Port Aransas
• Port Aransas Prowl Scavenger Hunt

21. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:

Known as the nation's summer capital, Rehoboth Beach is famous for its vibrant boardwalk, tax-free shopping and family-friendly vibe. Enjoy serene beach life, explore the art scene or indulge in gourmet treats along the avenue.

• Guided Kayak Excursion Rehoboth Back Bay
• Jet Ski Rentals in Dewey Beach

22. Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan:

An LGBTQ-friendly destination nestled along Michigan’s Art Coast, Saugatuck and Douglas are twin towns known for their beaches, sand dunes, arts community and inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Relax on Oval Beach, browse art galleries or paddle down the Kalamazoo River for an outdoor adventure.

23. Eastpoint/St. George Island, Florida:

Looking for a hidden gem in Florida? Experience the beauty of St. George Island off the Florida Panhandle, near Apalachicola , which is known for its unspoiled beaches, oysters and outdoor activities on the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy fishing off St. George Fishing Pier, exploring miles of powdery sand or visiting the beautifully reconstructed St. George Island Lighthouse. This quiet beach retreat is ideal for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

24. Tumon, Guam:

Located on the northern coast of Guam, a U.S. Territory, Tumon combines the serene beauty of tropical paradise with rich cultural experiences and entertainment. Soft, sandy beaches promote relaxation, while clear, turquoise waters invite water sports and play. Beyond the beach, explore the local community, with shopping, dining and merrymaking options that reflect a fusion of Chamorro culture and modern entertainment.

• Karera Show at Sand Castle Guam

25. Two Harbors on Catalina Island, California:

On Catalina Island, expect plenty of things to do and see, including crystal-clear waters and quiet coves. For those eager to discover hidden gems, the nearby coves provide the perfect opportunity for exploration. Don't miss quaint Two Harbors , a secluded coastal town that invites you to paddleboard or otherwise immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Catalina Island. Venture to its upper beach to engage in an energetic game of sand volleyball.

• Catalina Adventure Tours
• Catalina Express

Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.

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