San Juan Sailing
Bellingham, Washington, United States
About
San Juan Sailing is a well-established sailing school located in Bellingham, Washington, with over 35 years of experience in providing quality sailing instruction. Their courses take place in the scenic San Juan Islands, offering students the chance to learn on fully equipped cruising sailboats while experiencing the cruising lifestyle firsthand. The school’s instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, guiding students through a range of ASA certifications from basic sailing to advanced coastal cruising, including specialized courses for women and catamaran sailing. With small class sizes and a focus on hands-on learning, San Juan Sailing provides a relaxed environment for both beginners and experienced sailors to build skills and confidence in a stunning maritime setting.
Courses (3)
Bareboat Cruising
Contact for pricing
Coastal Cruising
Contact for pricing
Basic Keelboat Sailing
Contact for pricing
The Area
Situated in Bellingham, Washington, our sailing school offers easy access to the stunning San Juan Islands, a premier destination for sailors of all levels. Starting from Bellingham Bay, students can quickly transition to open water and experience the diverse sailing conditions that make this area ideal for learning and honing your skills. Our courses utilize well-equipped cruising sailboats, providing a comfortable and practical environment to develop your sailing confidence. The region’s scenic surroundings, abundant wildlife, and variety of anchorages create a welcoming setting where students can immerse themselves in both the technical and experiential aspects of sailing.
Getting There
San Juan Sailing is easily accessible from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is the nearest major airport. After arriving, you can rent a car or arrange for a ride-hailing service such as Uber or Lyft to Bellingham. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours via Interstate 5 North. Once in Bellingham, head south on S. Harbor Loop, where you'll find our school at 2615 S. Harbor Loop, Suite 1. For added convenience, some visitors opt to book a shuttle service or private transportation directly to our location. We recommend planning your arrival to arrive at least a day before your course begins to allow for travel time and any potential delays.
Best Time to Go
The best time to sail in the San Juan Islands is from late spring through early fall, with July and August offering the warmest weather and calmest seas. This period provides ideal conditions for exploring the many anchorages and enjoying wildlife sightings like orcas and bald eagles.
Reviews (0)
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Have you sailed with San Juan Sailing?
Log in to leave a reviewSee something wrong or have a question? Message us at hello@sailingtree.com
More Schools in United States
Koru Expeditions
Gig Harbor, Washington, United States
Koru Expeditions offers sailing courses and expedition experiences aboard a 50′ performance catamaran throughout the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and into British Columbia. Entry-level instruction is also available on a modern Jeanneau 349. With an inclusive and adaptive teaching style, Koru supports a wide range of learners, ensuring a practical, hands-on experience for every participant. As a small, nimble operation, Koru Expeditions is able to provide customized programs and frequently accommodate last-minute class requests. Whether certification is needed for an upcoming charter or a more casual experience is desired, the team is committed to meeting individual goals. Additional offerings include docking workshops, sunset cruises, introductory sailing courses (2- and 4-hour options), and hosted corporate or community events. Every experience with Koru Expeditions is designed to inspire adventure, foster learning, and create meaningful connections on the water.
Northwest Sailing Center - Seattle
Seattle, Washington, United States
Northwest Sailing Centers in Seattle offers a welcoming environment with highly experienced instructors, all of whom hold full USCG Captains Licenses and bring many years of sailing expertise. The school provides access to the largest fleet in the Pacific Northwest, including performance boats like J/80s and Beneteau First 36.7s, allowing students to learn and enjoy sailing in a variety of settings. From the peaceful waters of Lake Union to the expansive views of Elliott Bay, the location offers diverse sailing experiences for both beginners and seasoned sailors alike.
Chariot Adventures
Bellingham, Washington, United States
Chariot Adventures is based in Bellingham, Washington, offering a unique sailing experience in the beautiful San Juan Islands. Their ASA Cruise n Learn class is a six-day, live-aboard mini-cruise that provides hands-on sailing practice, covering skills like docking, anchoring, navigation, and safety, based on the ASA 101, 103, and 104 curriculum. The school specializes in working with couples, offering private cruises where partners can learn together and gain confidence sailing their own boat. Participants may explore iconic spots such as Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Rosario Resort, and smaller islands like Sucia and Lummi, with opportunities to see wildlife like orca whales and bald eagles along the way.