Pacific Northwest Marina Guide
A comprehensive guide to marinas across Washington and Oregon — covering Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, the Columbia River, and the Oregon coast with amenities, nearby accommodations, supply stores, and cruising tips.
Cruising the Pacific Northwest by Boat
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most spectacular cruising waters in North America. Washington’s Puget Sound, a vast inland sea stretching 100 miles from Olympia to the San Juan Islands, offers thousands of miles of protected shoreline, dramatic mountain scenery, and a thriving maritime culture. The San Juan Islands — 172 named islands between the Washington mainland and Vancouver Island — are a world-class cruising destination with pristine anchorages, resident orca pods, and easy access to British Columbia’s Gulf Islands.
This guide covers 11 marinas across 2 states, selected for their quality of facilities, transient-friendliness, and relevance to recreational cruisers. For each marina, we provide key details including slip counts, amenities, nearby hotels, and marine supply stores. The guide is organized by state, starting with Washington and moving south to Oregon.
Oregon’s cruising is split between the mighty Columbia River — which connects Portland to the Pacific through 300 miles of navigable waterway — and the rugged outer coast with its handful of well-protected harbors. The Columbia River Bar, where the river meets the Pacific, is one of the most treacherous bar crossings in the world, earning the name “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Coastal cruisers should plan carefully and check bar conditions before every crossing.
Inside Passage tip: Many Pacific Northwest cruisers dream of heading north to Alaska via the Inside Passage. The journey from Seattle to Juneau is approximately 900 nautical miles and typically takes 3–4 weeks. Anacortes and Bellingham are popular staging points. The Waggoner Cruising Guide is considered the definitive reference for Inside Passage navigation.
Washington
WA · 3,026 mi coastlineWashington offers some of the most spectacular cruising in North America, from the protected waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the rugged Strait of Juan de Fuca. The rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains keeps the San Juan Islands surprisingly dry in summer, and the region’s strong tidal currents, abundant marine life, and easy access to British Columbia’s Gulf Islands make it a world-class boating destination.
Bell Harbor Marina
Seattle, WA
The only marina in downtown Seattle, located at Pier 66 on the central waterfront. Bell Harbor is steps from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Operated by the Port of Seattle, the marina is open year-round for guest moorage and is a founding member of Superyacht Northwest. Coordinates: 47.614°N, 122.354°W.
70 slips (all transient) • Max LOA 150 ft
150 ft
The Edgewater Hotel (0.3 mi)
Fisheries Supply (3 mi)
Shilshole Bay Marina
Seattle, WA
The largest saltwater marina in the Pacific Northwest, protected by a 4,000-foot breakwater in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Operated by the Port of Seattle, Shilshole completed an $80 million modernization and features a one-mile public promenade with views of the Olympic Mountains. Walking distance to Golden Gardens Park and Ballard’s dining and brewery scene. Coordinates: 47.678°N, 122.411°W.
1,400 slips • 2,700 linear ft guest moorage
250 ft
Hotel Ballard (1.5 mi)
West Marine Seattle (0.5 mi)
Port of Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor, WA
The largest public marina in the San Juan Islands, located in the heart of downtown Friday Harbor with walking access to restaurants, galleries, and provisioning. The marina is a US Customs port of entry, making it ideal for boaters crossing to and from Canada’s Gulf Islands. Summer visitors enjoy free outdoor concerts on Friday evenings and a Saturday Farmer’s Market. Coordinates: 48.535°N, 123.014°W.
500 slips (150 visitor) • Max LOA 150 ft
150 ft
Friday Harbor House (0.2 mi)
San Juan Island Hardware & Marine (0.3 mi)
Squalicum Harbor
Bellingham, WA
A 5-star EnviroStars Certified Clean Marina on the northern shores of Bellingham Bay, home to over 1,400 commercial and recreational vessels. Squalicum Harbor is the primary departure point for cruises to the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and lies just 25 miles south of the Canadian border. The surrounding waterfront includes Zuanich Point Park, restaurants, and a full range of marine services. Coordinates: 48.752°N, 122.503°W.
1,386 slips • Visitor moorage at Gates 3, 9 & 12
100 ft
Hotel Bellwether (0.3 mi)
LFS Marine & Outdoor (0.5 mi)
Cap Sante Marina
Anacortes, WA
The Port of Anacortes marina, a US Customs port of entry set in a picturesque location beneath Cap Sante Head with views of Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains. Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands via the Washington State Ferry system and a natural staging point for cruises north to the Gulf Islands. Walking distance to downtown restaurants, galleries, and a Safeway for provisioning. Coordinates: 48.516°N, 122.612°W.
850 slips (150–200 guest) • Max LOA 120 ft
120 ft
Majestic Inn & Spa (0.5 mi)
West Marine Anacortes (1 mi)
Port Townsend Boat Haven
Port Townsend, WA
A historic working waterfront established in 1924, home to over 60 marine trades businesses and some of the finest boat builders and craftspeople in the world. The 300-ton Travelift can handle vessels of virtually any size. Port Townsend sits at the entrance to Puget Sound on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, making it a strategic stopover for boats heading to or from the San Juan Islands, Canada, or the Pacific coast. Coordinates: 48.113°N, 122.760°W.
475 slips (guest moorage available) • 900 ft bulkhead
300 ft (300-ton Travelift)
Bishop Victorian Hotel (1 mi)
Port Townsend Rigging (on-site) (On-site)
Marine Supply & Chandlery — Washington
The largest distributor of marine products in the Pacific Northwest, located next to Gas Works Park in the heart of Seattle’s maritime district. A 36,000-square-foot warehouse with one of the broadest inventories in the industry, serving both recreational and commercial boaters. Coordinates: 47.648°N, 122.335°W.
National marine supply chain with multiple Washington locations. The Seattle store on NW 45th Street features a world-class rigging shop. Carries electronics, safety equipment, maintenance supplies, paint, hardware, and apparel.
A Pacific Northwest institution since 1948, located near Fishermen’s Terminal with over 120,000 square feet of facility space. Major supplier of marine and fishing products for both commercial and recreational use, with subsidiary locations in Kodiak and Naknek, Alaska. Coordinates: 47.657°N, 122.393°W.
Oregon
OR · 363 mi coastlineOregon’s coast is rugged, dramatic, and largely unprotected from the Pacific — but its handful of harbors offer outstanding cruising for experienced boaters. The Columbia River provides 300 miles of navigable waterway connecting Portland to the sea, while coastal harbors like Newport and Coos Bay serve as critical stops along the Pacific coast route. The Portland metro area offers excellent freshwater boating on both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Port of Astoria — West Basin Marina
Astoria, OR
Located 14 miles up the Columbia River from the Pacific, the West Basin is Astoria’s primary recreational marina with dramatic views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Home to both commercial and recreational fleets, it provides an excellent first stop after crossing the Columbia River Bar or a staging point for the journey south along the Oregon coast. Walking distance to the Columbia River Maritime Museum and downtown Astoria’s restaurants. Coordinates: 46.190°N, 123.834°W.
335 slips (transient available) • 88-ton TraveLift
200 ft
Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa (0.5 mi)
Englund Marine Astoria (0.3 mi)
Port of Newport — South Beach Marina
Newport, OR
Oregon’s largest recreational marina, designated a Clean Marina by the Oregon State Marine Board. Newport is home to the NOAA Marine Operations Center — Pacific and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The harbor entrance is well-protected by twin jetties, making Newport one of the safest bar crossings on the Oregon coast. Excellent access to offshore fishing grounds and whale watching. Coordinates: 44.613°N, 124.047°W.
522 slips • Guest dock to 130 ft • Max draft 9 ft
130 ft
Hallmark Resort Newport (1.5 mi)
Englund Marine Newport (2 mi)
Charleston Marina
Coos Bay (Charleston), OR
Home port to one of Oregon’s busiest commercial fishing fleets, with over 25 million pounds of seafood landed annually. Charleston Marina is the third-largest fishing hub in the state and a popular destination for recreational crabbing, clamming, and sport fishing. The adjacent 100-site RV park makes this a favorite for trailerable-boat anglers. Nearby Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago offer spectacular coastal scenery. Coordinates: 43.346°N, 124.327°W.
400+ slips • Six-lane boat launch
100 ft
Best Western Holiday Hotel (3 mi)
Englund Marine Coos Bay (5 mi)
Salpare Bay Marina
Portland (Hayden Island), OR
Portland’s newest and highest-class moorage facility, built in 2007 on Hayden Island with Bellingham Marine floating docks. Salpare Bay is situated in a low-current area with immediate access to the Columbia River, Willamette River, Multnomah Channel, and Government Island. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Portland, it is ideal for cruisers exploring the Columbia River Gorge or transiting between Puget Sound and the Oregon coast. Coordinates: 45.618°N, 122.679°W.
210 slips • Max LOA 70 ft
70 ft
Red Lion Hotel on the River — Jantzen Beach (0.5 mi)
West Marine Portland (5 mi)
Depoe Bay Harbor
Depoe Bay, OR
The world’s smallest natural navigable harbor, spanning just six acres with a 50-foot-wide, dog-legged channel to the Pacific. Voted "Best Harbor in the US" in 2020 and recognized as an Oregon Clean Marina. Depoe Bay is the whale-watching capital of the Oregon coast, with resident gray whales visible year-round. The narrow entrance should not be attempted at night or in rough weather without local knowledge. Coordinates: 44.810°N, 124.063°W.
Limited moorage • Max LOA 50 ft (waiver required for larger)
50 ft
Whale Cove Inn (0.3 mi)
Englund Marine Newport (13 mi)
Marine Supply & Chandlery — Oregon
Oregon’s premier marine chandlery, founded in Astoria in 1944, with seven retail locations along the West Coast from Westport, WA, to Eureka, CA. Extensive inventory of boating, commercial fishing, and industrial supplies including wire rope shops, hydraulic hose fabrication, and custom rigging. Coordinates: 46.189°N, 123.832°W (Astoria).
National marine supply chain with Oregon locations. Carries electronics, safety equipment, maintenance supplies, charts, and apparel. Convenient for Portland-area boaters on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Pacific Northwest Cruising Tips
Weather & Conditions
Summer weather in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands is remarkably pleasant, with July and August averaging less than 1 inch of rain in Seattle. The San Juan Islands sit in the Olympic rain shadow and are drier still. Fog is most common in June and early July when warm air meets cold water, especially in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Afternoon thermal winds of 10–20 knots can develop in the Strait. The Oregon coast is more exposed, with summer fog, afternoon northwest winds of 15–25 knots, and significant ocean swell. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio continuously and check marine forecasts before each passage. Winter brings persistent rain, strong southerly gales, and limited daylight — experienced liveaboards embrace it, but most cruisers haul or head south.
Navigation & Currents
Strong tidal currents are the defining navigation challenge of the Pacific Northwest. Deception Pass can run 8+ knots, making it impassable except near slack water. Cattle Pass, Rosario Strait, and Admiralty Inlet all have significant current. Current tables, GPS chartplotters, and the Waggoner Cruising Guide are essential tools. AIS and radar are strongly recommended, as commercial ship traffic is heavy in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound shipping lanes. The Ballard Locks connect saltwater Puget Sound to freshwater Lake Washington and are free for pleasure craft. On the Columbia River, Bonneville and The Dalles locks are operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and are free for recreational boats.
Provisioning
Seattle and Portland offer world-class provisioning with every major grocery chain and specialty food shop. Anacortes has a Safeway within walking distance of Cap Sante Marina, and Bellingham offers a summer shuttle service from Squalicum Harbor to nearby grocery stores. Friday Harbor has Kings Market for essentials. On the Oregon coast, Newport and Astoria have full-service supermarkets. Stock up before heading to remote anchorages in the San Juan Islands (Sucia, Stuart, Jones) or crossing to Canada, as provisioning options become limited. Fisheries Supply and West Marine in Seattle are the best stops for marine-specific parts and gear.
Popular Cruising Routes
San Juan Islands Loop (1–2 weeks): Anacortes → Lopez Island → Friday Harbor → Roche Harbor → Stuart Island → Sucia Island → Orcas Island → Anacortes. The classic Pacific Northwest cruise, with whale watching, hiking, kayaking, and charming harbor towns.
Puget Sound Explorer (1–2 weeks): Seattle → Poulsbo → Port Townsend → Deception Pass → Anacortes → La Conner → Seattle. Urban marinas, historic towns, and protected passages through the heart of Puget Sound.
San Juans to Gulf Islands (2–3 weeks): Anacortes → Friday Harbor → Bedwell Harbour (clear Canadian customs) → Sidney → Ganges → Gulf Islands → Victoria → Friday Harbor (clear US customs) → Anacortes. An international cruise combining the best of both island archipelagos.
Columbia River & Oregon Coast (1–2 weeks): Portland → Columbia River Gorge → Astoria → Newport → Coos Bay. A mix of river and coastal cruising for experienced boaters, with bar crossings and open-ocean passages requiring careful weather planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to cruise the Pacific Northwest?
How do Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands compare for cruising?
What are the tidal ranges and currents like in the Pacific Northwest?
What weather should I expect — does it always rain?
How do I cross the border to Canada’s Gulf Islands or British Columbia?
Do I need to worry about locks in the Pacific Northwest?
Can I see whales while cruising the Pacific Northwest?
How does the exposed Pacific coast compare to the inside waters?
Where can I provision along the way?
Are there winter liveaboard options in the Pacific Northwest?
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