San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands in Washington’s northern boundary waters top almost every tourist’s wish list, drawing more than a million visitors a year from around the world. For residents of San Juan Passage, these pretty green islands punctuating the western horizon are part of everyday life, framed in spectacular views from windows and porches, and accessible by a quick walk to the nearby Washington State Ferry landing.

The ferries serve four main islands in the San Juan archipelago -- Shaw, Orcas, San Juan and Lopez islands.

Boaters often call Anacortes, the San Juans and the neighboring Canadian Gulf Islands the “cruising capital of the world.” By private boat or chartered yacht, the islands offer endless hidden coves, weather-sculpted sandstone cliffs, kayak water trails and quaint seaside towns.