NW Explorations

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.

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.

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!

05/14/2026

The docks are open. The Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show officially begins today at Cap Sante Marina.

If you’re attending the show, stop by slip C36 to tour: 2022 Ranger Tugs R-43 CB “Qualia” The R-43 CB is a remarkably versatile yacht, especially for cruising here in the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re exploring ownership, charter opportunities, flotillas, or future cruising plans, we’d love to connect. Come swing by and say hello.

Show Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
May 14–16 | Anacortes, WA

05/12/2026

We’re excited to be in Anacortes this week for the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show at Cap Sante Marina.

Today, NW Explorations owner Ross Tennant will be presenting:

“Journey to Alaska – Favorite Routes and Anchorages”
2:45–4:00 PM

If Alaska cruising has ever been on your mind, this is the kind of seminar that turns “someday” into a real plan. Ross will share favorite routes, anchorages, flotilla experiences, and hard-earned insights from more than a decade cruising the Inside Passage.

If you’re attending Trawlerfest this week, come say hello.

The event takes place from May 12-16, 2026.

05/12/2026

Grateful for beautiful weather, calm waters, and the opportunity to connect with fellow Grand Banks owners during last week’s Puget Sound Grand Banks Owners Association annual rendezvous.

Events like these are a reminder of what makes the boating community so special — shared stories, lasting friendships, and a mutual appreciation for life on the water.

Here’s to a vibrant cruising season ahead in one of the most spectacular boating destinations in the world. We’re incredibly fortunate to call the Pacific Northwest home.

05/08/2026

Confidence at the helm is built through experience, practice, and great instruction.

This week at the Puget Sound Grand Banks Owners Association (PSGBOA) annual rendezvous in Roche Harbor, Ross Tennant of NW Explorations is leading five different Women on the Water training sessions — with two classes on Thursday, two more on Friday, and a final session tomorrow on Saturday.

These hands-on courses are designed to help women build practical boat handling skills, increase confidence at the helm, and spend real time learning in a supportive environment.

One of the best parts of boating is watching people grow more capable and comfortable on the water.

A huge thank you to everyone participating and helping make this year’s Rendezvous such a special event.

04/30/2026

Final Hours: $2,500 Off Bonum Vitae

Your last chance to secure $2,500 off Bonum Vitae for the
2026 Vancouver Island 360 “Mother Goose” Flotilla ends today.

This isn’t just a promotion; it’s your window into one of the most unique cruising experiences in the Pacific Northwest:

• 21 days
• 728 nautical miles
• A full circumnavigation of Vancouver Island

And space is nearly gone.

⸻

Still Deciding? Two Exceptional Options Remain:

Starweather (Nordhavn 57)
For those who want true long-range capability with comfort and confidence.

Penalty Box III (Nordhavn 55)
A proven balance of performance, efficiency, and livability.

(These vessels are not part of the $2,500 promotion—but they are rare openings.)

⸻

This flotilla isn’t part of our regular rotation and may not come around again for years. When the boats are booked, the opportunity is gone.

📩 Email us or call today to secure your place.
[email protected]
1-800-826-1430

04/02/2026

There are two ways to travel.

You can visit a place…
Or you can experience it.

One checks boxes.
The other changes your pace.

One is built around reservations.
The other is built around freedom.

Out here in the Pacific Northwest, the difference becomes obvious.

The best moments aren’t scheduled:
• A pod of orcas crossing your path
• A quiet anchorage you didn’t plan to stay in
• A small harbor that turns into your favorite stop

There are trips.
And then there are journeys.

Which one are you choosing this season?
We can take you there!
nwexplorations.com

Image credit: Jason Hummel / Courtesy of State of Washington Tourism

03/30/2026

Rare August Opening – Just Released

A prime summer week just opened up aboard Sea Stock, our beautifully maintained 47’ Grand Banks Classic.

August 8–14 (pre-board August 7)

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get out on the water—this is it.

✔️ Spacious layout perfect for couples or small groups
✔️ Smooth, efficient cruising ideal for island hopping
✔️ Peak wildlife & warmest water of the season

August availability like this rarely comes back on the calendar.

Contact us. We’ll help you get underway.

[email protected]
1-800-826-1430

https://www.nwexplorations.com/charter-boats/sea-stock-47′-grand-banks-classic/