The San Juan Islands are a cruising paradise. Navigating to Roche Harbor by boat offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, immersing mariners in the scenic beauty of the San Juan Islands. Whether you’re charting a course from nearby ports or embarking on a longer voyage, the journey to Roche Harbor is accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Please note that this guide is intended for skippers navigating private vessels to Roche Harbor. For non-boating travelers seeking an alternative to the Washington State Ferry, Paraclete Charter Service offers private charters from Anacortes direct to Roche Harbor.
Location:
Roche Harbor Marina is located on the protected northwest corner of San Juan Island, tucked into a sheltered bay just a few miles south of the Canadian border. This prime location offers picturesque and well-protected moorage. Surrounded by San Juan Island to the south and east, Pearl Island to the north, and Henry Island to the west, the marina provides a serene and accessible gateway to the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands.
Approaches to Roche Harbor:
- Southern Approach: Enter via the Haro Strait through Mosquito Pass.
- Northern Approach: Navigate between Henry and Pearl Islands.
It’s advisable to avoid the passage between San Juan Island and Pearl Island due to hazardous shallows that can be challenging for larger vessels.
Upon Arrival:
As you enter the harbor, the marina docks will be visible to the east. Contact the marina on VHF channel 78A to receive a slip assignment WHEN YOU ARE IN THE HARBOR AND HAVE THE MARINA IN SIGHT.
The marina features two main dock sections:
- Main Guest Dock: An “L” shaped dock along the eastern shore, accommodating slips 1–46.
- Permanent Moorage Dock: Located to the west, comprising docks labeled A–J.
The fuel dock is situated at the end of the channel between these two sections, providing both diesel and unleaded fuel options.
