NW Sailing Adventures
NW Sailing Adventures
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About
Experience the scenic wonders of the San Juan Islands with NW Sailing Adventures. Our fully crewed yacht charters allow you to enjoy the ever changing panorama while your crew caters to your every need. We offer all-inclusive 3 to 6-day sailing charters. No sailing experience necessary; you provide the sense of adventure!
Bellingham, Washington
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
37 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
seatrump
Providenciales1,003 contributions
Jul 2020
We just spent a fantastic week with Ron and Mari on board the Dimuendo. If you are considering a sailing trip in the San Juan's, look no further. Our trip started in Bellingham and we overnighted (at anchor) in Sucia Island, Garrison Bay, Stewart Island, Lopez island and at the dock in Friday Harbor for July 4th. We had a mix of cool windy weather good for sailing and calm sunny weather good for sightseeing.
We were a bit nervous about spending a week on the water with people we didn't know but Ron and Mari were absolutely fantastic to spend time with. They make an excellent team. Ron primarily sails the boat while Mari handles the food. Ron has tons of experience, knows the islands well and we enjoyed seeing him work the boat in the windy conditions of the first few days. When it came time to anchor he knew all the good spots! He has even able to secure a slip at the dock for July 4th - no easy task.
Mari served up one excellent meal after another. I'm vegan but that didn't phase her at all and she very gamely tried out some suggestions I made (Beyond Burgers) and came up all the other meals herself. The food was excellent and we were constantly surprised with what she could accomplish in the relatively small confines of the boat galley.
The boat itself is great. It rode moderately rough water very comfortably and has comfortable spaces inside and out. The beds are amazingly comfortable and we ate the meals a mix of inside and out depending on the weather. They also have a sturdy dingy that's easy to get into and out of for transport from anchorage to the shore and back. Two kayaks round out the options for exploring the water.
Ron and Mari also know the islands well so can fill in you in on the history and current goings on. We are pretty active and they were happy to accompany us on hikes or let us off to explore depending on what we felt like.
Overall this was a magical week for our family in the islands. Highly recommended.
We were a bit nervous about spending a week on the water with people we didn't know but Ron and Mari were absolutely fantastic to spend time with. They make an excellent team. Ron primarily sails the boat while Mari handles the food. Ron has tons of experience, knows the islands well and we enjoyed seeing him work the boat in the windy conditions of the first few days. When it came time to anchor he knew all the good spots! He has even able to secure a slip at the dock for July 4th - no easy task.
Mari served up one excellent meal after another. I'm vegan but that didn't phase her at all and she very gamely tried out some suggestions I made (Beyond Burgers) and came up all the other meals herself. The food was excellent and we were constantly surprised with what she could accomplish in the relatively small confines of the boat galley.
The boat itself is great. It rode moderately rough water very comfortably and has comfortable spaces inside and out. The beds are amazingly comfortable and we ate the meals a mix of inside and out depending on the weather. They also have a sturdy dingy that's easy to get into and out of for transport from anchorage to the shore and back. Two kayaks round out the options for exploring the water.
Ron and Mari also know the islands well so can fill in you in on the history and current goings on. We are pretty active and they were happy to accompany us on hikes or let us off to explore depending on what we felt like.
Overall this was a magical week for our family in the islands. Highly recommended.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tambam83
Winston Salem, NC10 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Due to COVID-19, all our family travel plans got cancelled, so after some brainstorming, we decided a chartered San Juan sailing Cruise fit our criteria for being able to do something fun without compromising our health. Early conversations with Ron were very reassuring, and we were booked. We completed a two week drive cross country in a RV to meet up with our PNW family (including a 20 month old grandson) and we all boarded the Diminuendo. Thanks to Ron and Mari, our 4 night, 5 day sailing adventure will be the highlight of 2020. Beautiful scenery, great food, and wonderful conversation capped off our time on the Diminuendo. And my grandson has a new friend....Capt. Ron, and “big sailboat” is a part of his daily vocabulary!
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was great having your family aboard, especially the wee one! He is a real trooper. We would love to welcome you aboard again as he gets older. We're glad you're home safe and sound. We'd love to hear about the rest of your travels.
Your crew
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angela B
3 contributions
Jun 2021
We had a wonderful time! Captain Ron and Mari were so helpful and made our trip great. The food was great and so was the company. We sailed for a 5 night/ 6 day adventure and we didn't want to go home. We would definitely recommend NW Sailing Adventures to anyone who wants an out of the ordinary vacation. We would absolutely do it again.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley H
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Friends
As a first time “sailor“, I didn’t know what to expect despite a good friend’s valiant attempts to inform me. I remain blown away by the beauty and wonderful experience! Ron and Mari are great captain and mate, and traveling partners. During our five day outing, we saw amazing wildlife including playful river otters, orcas, porpoises, starfish, a Stellar sea lion and many seals while motoring/sailing and kayaking amongst the beautiful islands. Hikes to Turn Point Light And Young Hill resulted in gorgeous panoramic views. Also noteworthy are the technicolor sunsets and Mari’s delicious meals. This is a trip worth repeating as conditions will vary each outing, creating unique, wonderful memories!
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailBlazer483368
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Ron and Mari are such a delight to travel with, expert sailors and very knowledgable on the San Juans. The boat was in great shape, food excellent, itinerary just right and the experience is totally unique. They made the trip 5 star!
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words. We hope you'll sail with us again soon!
Written September 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robin M
5 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We had a great and memorable 6 day/ 5 night cruise of the San Juan Islands. Captain Ron and Marie were so fun! They were very accommodating as well as knowledgeable of not only the sailing but the islands. We’re definitely going back!
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debikyle2009@yahoo.com
Valrico, FL4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This has been the experience of a lifetime. Our accommodations have been wonderful. Mari’s a chef & the food has been wonderful! Captain Ron is a great captain & quick with a great story. We have seen the San Juan’s as only boaters can. We sit on this gorgeous yacht & watch the sun go down. Our little piece of heaven. Thank you Ron & Mari for making this time unforgettable. We consider you friends.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard W
1 contribution
Jun 2021
Excellent in every way. Ron and Mari where welcoming and concerned about our comfort. The sailing and the route provided a real exposure to the San Juan Islands. The food was excellent. We have travelled on crewed charters in Croatia, Turkey and the British Virgin Islands and this trip was excellent by comparison.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisa n
Snohomish6 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
My husband and I just had an awesome sailing adventure aboard the beautiful sailboat aptly named 'Diminuendo' which is a musical term for a slow and melodic de- crescendo...a perfect name for the experience NW Sailing Adventures provides. Captain Ron and his lovely co-pilot Mari create quite the vacation experience. We sailed out to one of the more remote San Juan islands called Sucia Island and hiked around then back aboard Diminuendo for a delicious sunset dinner prepared by Mari. Accommodations were comfortable and the overall experience is one I would highly recommend to anyone looking to 'de-crescendo' their way out to sea!!
Written August 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbright90
Seattle, WA1 contribution
Apr 2016 • Couples
I cannot say enough great things about Ron, Mari and NW Sailing Adventures! My husband and I were married BY RON on his Sailboat! It was a surreal experience that we will never forget. We were given the ultimate VIP treatment as soon as we arrived at the Marina. Ron and Mari were there to greet us, eagerly awaiting our arrival. They brought us onto the beautiful Sailboat, which began with a tour of the spacious accommodations. After we were all settled in...we set sail! This was my first experience on a Sailboat, and besides it being such a special occasion, the trip itself will be something that I will never forget. It was a beautiful day to sail on the water and the sights were breathtaking. Along the way, Ron and Mari provided our party with Champagne and delicious hors d'oeuvres to munch on while they gave a fun and informative lesson on sailing! They knew of a very special place to stop on the water in a secluded beautiful area to perform the ceremony, right on the bow of the boat!!! Our party gathered around us as Ron officiated, and we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful and special ceremony. We had a champagne toast and photos after the ceremony to celebrate our new love. After toasting and chatting for a bit, we set out again, this time sailing with the wind and no motor, on our way back to the Marina. We took so many great pictures, it was difficult to pick the best ones, because they were all amazing! We are beyond grateful to Ron, Mari and NW Sailing Adventures for making such a special day, an incredible and unforgettable experience.
Written April 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cosmopolitan684569
2 contributions
What is the cost of a 6 day sail?
Our 6 day private charters are $500 per person per day ($3000/person, $6000/couple).
Parties of 4 to 6 receive a discount of $100 per person per day. Your charter is all-inclusive and fully crewed. All you need provide are your clothing, toiletries, alcoholic beverages, and a sense of adventure!
