Bellingham (and Beyond) by Boat

IN WHATCOM COUNTY, the Port of Bellingham manages three main public boat launches: Squalicum Harbor (in Bellingham, accessible year-round), Blaine Harbor (just south of Canada, accessible year-round), and Fairhaven (Bellingham, available April-October and best suited for smaller vessels). There’s also a boat ramp in Larrabee State Park, plus freshwater launches at popular spots like Baker Lake, Lake Whatcom, and Lake Samish.

Top marinas and boat launches to know in Skagit County include La Conner Marina (open year-round), Mount Vernon’s Twin Bridges Marina (which, according to its website, is “the first full-service indoor heated dry stack marina in the state of Washington”), Anacortes Marina (which is within walking distance of Downtown Anacortes), and the Swinomish Channel Boat Launch

For those hoping to connect with fellow boat enthusiasts, the Port of Bellingham (portofbellingham.com) has a comprehensive list of local boating organizations on its website. These include the Bellingham Yacht Club (byc. org), Squalicum Yacht Club (squalicumyc.org), and Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron (boatingisfun.org). Outside of Bellingham, check out the Swinomish Yacht Club in La Conner (swinomishyachtclub.org), plus Anacortes Yacht Club and Freedom Boat Club in Anacortes (anacortesyachtclub.com, freedomboatclub.com).

Charter or Buy: A Quick Boating Guide

If you’re looking to explore our waterways by boat, the North Sound is home to several charter companies worth considering. (For a comprehensive list, check out portofbellingham.com!).

We love San Juan Cruises because they offer far more than just charters. Customers can join a sunset crab dinner cruise, island sightseeing voyages, and of course whale watching excursions (you can read even more about them on p. 29).

History buffs can take a ride on the historic MV Plover Ferry, which is Washington’s oldest foot passenger ferry. It even offers kids the opportunity to steer the ship and become “captain for a day.” Speaking of history, there are more than a few reasons to take a ride on the classic, 160-foot Schooner Zodiac: You can rent a private charter for weddings or events, or join in on public excursions including brunch events, afternoon adventure sails, and even occasions like Mother’s Day or July 4.

Want to explore the San Juan Islands by sail? Sail the San Juans bills itself as “the premier crewed sailing charters in the San Juan Islands,” and they offer two options for excursions: a private charter (in which groups of up to six receive the exclusive treatment) or a cruise (in which customers reserve a stateroom for two, and the other cabins are filled by the company).

If you want to go the totally retro route, Schooners North specializes in day, overnight, and multi-day charters aboard traditionally gaff-rigged vessels (and yes, they totally look like pirate ships). Additionally, you can get up close and personal with orcas by taking a whale watching tour through Outer Island Excursions (departing from both Anacortes and Orcas Island).

Gato Verde Adventure Sailing is unique in that their customized small-group charters (from 1.5 hours to seven days, limited to up to six people) also include hands-on sailing instruction, natural and social history, and environmental stewardship. They also have options for whale watching tours. Fun fact: The Gato Verde catamaran is also the first wind electric hybrid charter boat on the West Coast!

If you’re looking to make a more permanent investment, would-be boat owners have more than a few options in the area. In addition to charters, NW Explorations and Bellhaven Yacht Sales and Charters offer brokerage services for those who are looking to own, not rent.

Bellingham Yachts has more than 39 years of experience, and their lineup includes high-end brands like Sabre, Back Cove, and Cutwater yachts. Cardinal Yacht Sales in Bellingham also specializes in buying, selling, and repairing boats. Anacortes residents have options including Pacific Marine Sales and West Yachts, whereas La Connerites can look to La Conner Yacht Sales (they’ve been providing the community with yacht brokerage services since 1971!).

Five Tips for Staying Safe on the Bay

Wear a wetsuit.

According to Bryan Rust, the Community Boating Center’s executive director, the bay doesn’t get above 55 degrees, even during the hottest days of summer meaning that hypothermia is always a risk. Humans can suffer severe health consequences after just 20–30 minutes of immersion in cold water, which is why it’s important to take precautions (like wearing a wetsuit).

Make a pre-departure checklist. If you’re going out on the water, you’re going to want to make sure that you have all the right tools. Make a predeparture checklist that encompasses everything from food and water to flotation devices, and check it twice before heading out.

Check the weather before you go. Part of being water-savvy means being weather-aware, so you should always check conditions before heading out on the bay. (Hint: boatingcenter.org/ weather has a great list of resources for monitoring wind, current, and weather conditions.)

Make your location and plans known. Don’t go out on the water without making a check-in plan with friends and family and moreover, don’t go out alone unless you are confident in your skills.

If you’re not feeling 100% certain of your skills, take a course!

The Community Boating Center offers courses and skill tests for a variety of water crafts, so if your sailing knowhow isn’t up to scratch just yet, you can (and should) learn from the pros.