NW Explorations

NW Explorations Helping you explore the Pacific Northwest and Inside Passage, one unforgettable voyage at a time.

Charters, flotillas, yacht sales, training, and full-service marine support, all in one trusted team.

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 4: Prideaux Haven to Forward HarbourDay four demanded precision. Five rapids ti...
07/21/2026

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 4: Prideaux Haven to Forward Harbour

Day four demanded precision. Five rapids timed to the currents, a 5am departure, coffee pots brewing in the pre-dawn dark. The flotilla's well-oiled machine delivered: John timed them perfectly, and they entered a gauntlet where humpbacks hunted alongside them, sea lions played in their wakes, and Dahl's porpoises launched themselves through the water like they owned it. By Forward Harbour, the goslings were confident enough to scatter; exploring beaches, searching for crabs (and getting skunked), and finding hidden trails through the forest. Quinn and Olivia kept their daily swim pact alive, though the water was already teaching them that Desolation Sound's welcome was fading north.

https://www.nwexplorations.com/2026-vancouver-island-360-flotilla-day-4-prideaux-haven-to-forward-harbour/

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 3: Pender Harbour to Prideaux HavenDesolation Sound took everyone's collective ...
07/20/2026

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 3: Pender Harbour to Prideaux Haven

Desolation Sound took everyone's collective breath away. After three days of passage and challenge, the flotilla rafted-up in Prideaux Haven where guests jumped into water so clear and calm it felt surreal. The first potluck came together that evening; famous beans, homemade lasagna, and cheesy pizza. While some retired early, others chased sunset cruises and late evening hikes.

https://www.nwexplorations.com/2026-vancouver-island-360-flotilla-day-3-pender-harbour-to-prideaux-haven/

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 2: Ganges to Pender HarbourDay two brought bluebird skies across the Strait of ...
07/20/2026

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 2: Ganges to Pender Harbour

Day two brought bluebird skies across the Strait of Georgia, two humpback whales, a pod of harbour porpoises, and a quiet lesson in what it means when an ocean that "doesn't look like much" is actually teeming with life. The goslings navigated Active Pass in a row, slowed their engines to watch nursing mothers migrate north to feed, and anchored in Garden Bay knowing the rebound of these species is no accident.

https://www.nwexplorations.com/2026-vancouver-island-360-flotilla-day-2-ganges-to-pender-harbour/

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 1: Bellingham to GangesMother Goose and her Goslings set out from Bellingham in...
07/20/2026

2026 Vancouver Island 360 Flotilla – Day 1: Bellingham to Ganges

Mother Goose and her Goslings set out from Bellingham into Canadian waters, where difficult docking maneuvers tested everyone's skills, orcas cruised past Pender Island, and the whole fleet discovered that marinas are where the ocean's tiniest residents come to hunt. Read on for what we spotted, and why paying attention to the water around you always pays back.

https://www.nwexplorations.com/2026-vancouver-island-360-flotilla-day-1-bellingham-to-ganges/

07/20/2026

The 2026 Vancouver Island 360 “Mother Goose” Flotilla got off the docks this past Friday! It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many boaters. Follow us as we spend the next 21 days on this ~728nm circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.

We hope each of you had a wonderful day today, celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Happy Birthday America.
07/05/2026

We hope each of you had a wonderful day today, celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Happy Birthday America.

August in the Pacific Northwest means long days, calm anchorages, and some of the best cruising conditions of the year. ...
06/26/2026

August in the Pacific Northwest means long days, calm anchorages, and some of the best cruising conditions of the year. We still have availability across our 2026 fleet — trawlers and cruising yachts ranging from 42 to 70 feet, departing from Bellingham into the San Juans, Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound.

If you've been thinking about getting out on the water this summer, now is a good time to reach out. Link in bio or visit nwexplorations.com to browse the fleet.

Where would you go if you had 7 days to explore the Pacific Northwest by boat?One of the questions we hear most often is...
05/29/2026

Where would you go if you had 7 days to explore the Pacific Northwest by boat?

One of the questions we hear most often is: "What itinerary would you recommend for a one-week charter?"

To help answer that, our team put together this 7-day cruising itinerary starting and ending in Bellingham.

Inside the guide you'll find:

⚓ Suggested daily cruising segments
⚓ Marina and anchorage recommendations
⚓ Local highlights throughout the San Juan and Gulf Islands
⚓ A practical itinerary designed for a relaxed and rewarding week on the water

Whether you're actively planning a charter or simply dreaming about your next adventure, we hope this guide helps inspire your next cruise.

Download the free itinerary here:
https://mailchi.mp/nwexplorations.com/7-day-itin-quiet-coves-and-harbor-towns-in-the-san-juans

Have a favorite stop in the San Juan or Gulf Islands? Share it in the comments below.

Last chance to visit us at the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show.If you’ve been considering:• Joining a Mother Goose flotilla•...
05/16/2026

Last chance to visit us at the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show.

If you’ve been considering:

• Joining a Mother Goose flotilla
• Placing your boat in a Charter ownership program
• Learning about our Yacht Management Program
• Or buying and/or selling your next yacht

…this is a great opportunity to step aboard, ask questions, and meet some of our crew.

Come tour our 2022 Ranger Tugs R-43 CB “Qualia” in Slip C36

See you in Anacortes.

It’s always surprising the number of Alaska cruising stories we hear at the show. Stories from previous Mother Goose Flo...
05/15/2026

It’s always surprising the number of Alaska cruising stories we hear at the show. Stories from previous Mother Goose Flotilla guests, inspired “future” guests, and even those who’ve traveled from Alaska just for the boat show.

This week at the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show, we’ll be aboard “Qualia”, a 2022 Ranger Tugs R-43 CB. If the above sounds like you, come visit us aboard at Slip C36

We’d love to hear your stories or answer any questions you have about cruising to Alaska. See you on the docks!

Address

2623 S. Harbor Loop
Bellingham, WA
98225

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18008261430

Website

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