Frequently Asked Questions - Why start your cruise in Bellingham?
We are only 5 minutes drive from I-5, ninety minutes from Seattle, sixty minutes from Vancouver, B.C. Bellingham Airport, ten minutes away and drop off for rental cars, we will pick you up. New, fully serviced marina facilities with secure parking; 24-hour grocery store and liquor store nearby. Better winds, less currents, fewer ferries and tankers to avoid on your departure and return than Anacortes. We are only six miles from the Islands, you are immediately on vacation. What about the weather?
One of the great things about cruising the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Canadian Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands is the varied weather conditions throughout the year. It offers something different for everyone, depending upon the time of year you choose. Spring and Early Summer - May offers some of the best sailing opportunities of the year. While the winds can be exhilarating in April, we often think of May as our first summer. Temperatures can get into the 70's, the winds are more reliable and any precipitation is usually short lived. May also offers less crowded anchorages and 25% off summer rates.
Summer - Late June, July and August are the most popular times, mainly since school is out. While the winds can be lighter during these two months, little rain falls in the islands and temperatures are usually in the 80's or even 90's.
Late Summer and Fall - September and early to mid October are great for cruising, preferred by many local sailors due to the reappearance of more consistent winds, less crowds and the still warm temperatures, often in the 70's or even 80's. Precipitation is still infrequent or short lived. By November the winds have strengthened substantially via quick moving fronts which are accompanied by increased precipitation. The staff of BELLHAVEN try to go boating during May, June and September or early October. It's a little hard to disclose this little known secret, but believe it or not, the temperature can be very pleasant, the winds are definitely better and the islands less crowded. And don't forget, our charter rates offer even greater value during these times of the year. April 3 - May 21
| Spring Season | Save 25% off prime rates | | May 22 - June 11 | Early summer season
| Save 15% off prime rates | June 12 - Sept 10
| Prime Summer season | Compare and save | | Sept 11 - Sept 24 | Late summer season | Save 15% off prime rates | Sept 25 - Oct 30
| Autumn season
| Save 25% off prime rates |
Can we see whales on our cruise?
Lime Kiln Point on San Juan Island is the only National Whale Watching Park in the United States. Since the majority of Orca Whales are seen here during May and June, taking your cruise during this time provides the best chances seeing these incredibly beautiful and graceful mammals. Plan on arriving about a half hour before the incoming tide reaches the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, which is when these champions of the Puget Sound will often feed. Please remember that you must not approach these whales within 500 yards, although they will often come nearer to quietly drifting boats. Taking a cruise during the different times of the year can offer some really exciting new possibilities and allow for a varied and pleasing new experience of our great Pacific Northwest. Come see for yourself. Security Deposit/Personal Liability: Charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable daily damage deposit which covers major hull damage and third party liability. In addition a one time small fully refundable fee will be charged against minor loss or damage (limited to the refundable fee), to prevent careless docking, loss of fenders, equipment and varied preventable boating mishaps. Fees vary as shown on the rate schedule and are based on the value of the vessel and insurance deductible. The Charterer is then jointly covered with the boat owner and Bellhaven under a minimum of $1,000,000 personal liability coverage in the event of loss or damage to the vessel, her equipment and appurtenances. An insurance option offered to multiweek charterers is a fully refundable damage deposit with the addition of a non-refundable $70/week liability insurance coverage. This refundable deposit will vary to the vessel's value and insurance deductible, if interested please inquire at time of booking. Please note if this insurance is paid for by credit card a 3%processing fee will be deducted on return of the deposit. Is it possible to board early?
Yes, you may board the evening before you cruise for $50, but advance notice is required to confirm. If circumstances allow, your checkout can possibly be arranged that evening, allowing an early morning start. What kind of instruction or boat orientation do you do?
At Bellhaven we call them skippers meetings and they are held generally twice Saturday, 10am and 1pm. These briefings orientate you to the local do's and don'ts, Northwest weather patterns, as well as 'happy' and 'unhappy' waters. Also your appointed boat check out person will go through the boat systems with you and do a check ride. Is smoking allowed on the charter boats?
Our fleet is designated "No Smoking Please". Should a smoker be aboard, they must smoke only above deck. Our owners and Bellhaven thank you for your cooperation. What should I do if I want to purchase a boat and charter it through Bellhaven?
Please be sure to read our Charter Ownership FAQ for information on purchasing and chartering a boat through Bellhaven for use in the San Juan Islands. Are pets allowed on the boat?
Pets are not allowed onboard our charters due to the various allergies of customers and owners. Cancellations
In the unfortunate event your charter boat reservation is cancelled more than 60 days before your charter is to begin, your deposit is returned in full less a $100 service fee. If your reservation is cancelled within 60 days of the beginning date of your charter your deposit will be returned only if the cancelled dates are re-booked, less $100 service fee. Do you offer any charter boat discounts?
Yes, our discount policies are as follows: 5% repeat customer discounts 5% off 2nd and additional consecutive week to a maximum of 25%, ask for quotes for extended charters 5% off week long flotilla charters of 3 boats or more (These discounts can not be combined with other discounts)
Is it possible to charter a boat for less than a full week?
Charters of 4 days/3 nights or more are available outside prime summer season, depending on vessel availability but not starting or returning on a Sunday. Call us for pricing specific to your needs. Do you offer any options for provisioning?
Charters generally prefer to do their own provisioning and there is an extremely well stocked 24-hour market within minutes of our dock. Provisioning packages can be provided for cost of provisions plus $100, please call for details. - Are bedding and towels available for rent?
- 2 sheets, 2 blankets, two pillows for a double berth $35
- 2 sheets, 1 blanket, I pillow for a single berth $25
- Sleeping bag and sheet, $35
- Towel sets: 2 face, 2 hand and 2 bath $20
What About Outboards?
If not standard with boat, as available (3-4 hp), $15/day, $90/week
Do you provide any fishing gear?
Licenses and gear are available locally from fishing experts. Crab rings are standard onboard. DownRiggers may be rented for some vessels at $15.00 per day. Fishing poles may be rented for $5.00 per day.
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SAILBOATS