How to Book a Charter with San Juan Yachting

Chartering with us is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5!

  1. Select your boat and dates. Select the powerboat or sailboat you desire and the dates you prefer. Our standard charter week is Saturday (open Saturdays March - October), 9AM through Friday noon (during the summer season it is unlikely we could accommodate an off-standard week request because charters will be scheduled "back to back"). Call us Monday through Saturday 9AM to 5PM PST, 360-671-4300 , or e-mail to confirm the dates are available and reserve your charter. You are also welcome to check availability and place a 48-hour "first right of refusal" hold on your chosen boat/dates on our website. You may link to an availability calendar for each boat from it's listing page or click here to view an availability calendar for the entire fleet.

  2. Submit a resumé: If this your first charter with San Juan Yachting, please complete either the Cruising Resumé (if you are chartering a power boat) or the Sailing Resumé (if you are chartering a sailboat).

  3. Sign and return Charter Agreement and General Terms and Conditions page. Our staff will e-mail your charter agreement and general terms and conditions documents. Review the charter agreement for the correct contact information, towels, linens, preboard and safety briefing time before sending a signed copy back to us. If you have chosen to send your reservation deposit (30% of charter rate) in by check, and if you have not already sent the check, you should include it with your signed documents.

  4. Getting Ready. Along with your charter documents we will also e-mail you a Skippers Handbook to help with your charter planning. It includes detailed arrival day information, travel tips, and checkout and preparation tips. Upon request, we can also send you a sample packing list and a sample menu (complete with shopping list) to make your planning easier. In order to get to know your boat and speed your checkout, please read the "Notes From The Owner" for your boat (found on this website at the top of your boat's specification page).

  5. Safety Briefing & Local Orientation. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, and in recognition of social distancing recommendations, we have changed our Safety Briefing and Local Orientation procedures. We will send you a virtual Safety Briefing & Orientation video and worksheet 10-days prior to your departure date. Watch the safety briefing and local orientation video any time in the 10 days before your charter and return the completed worksheet San Juan Yachting to fulfill the safety briefing requirement. (Your crew is welcome to watch the video as well!)

  6. On arrival. When we e-mail you the link for the safety briefing we will also provide your assigned onboard checkout time. Please plan to arrive 60-90 minutes before your onboard checkout time. This will allow you the needed hour onboard your boat to complete your self-orientation checklists before your checkout skipper arrives. Your checkout skipper will then answer questions, point out nuances, and make sure you are comfortable with your understanding of your vessel's systems. After that you are free to load your gear onboard and settle in. For more details please visit our Arrival Day page or refer to the Skippers Handbook.

  7. And if you are planning to go into Canadian waters, there is a #6. Click here for information.

    Note regarding winter charters (between the end of Fall Season and the beginning of Early Spring Season): Winter cruising (at Fall Season rates) is not recommended due to high winds (50+ knots) and wind waves (8+ feet), often unpredicted, that occur in our area. However, charters may be available (minimum of 5 days) to those with significant experience and an established charter history with San Juan Sailing, upon approval by both the owner of the boat and the owners of San Juan Sailing. Please also note that most boats are undergoing extensive preventive maintenance during the winter so the selection of vessels is limited.

Special Opportunities

Courses & Stateroom Bookings Spring & Summer Guided Flotillas Fall Guided Flotillas
Power Learn-n-Cruise 10-Day Sunshine Coast 7-Day Independence Celebration 7-Day San Juans & Saanich
Refresher & Maneuvering 31-Day Broughton Islands 7-Day Women-only San Juan Islands 14-Day Desolation Sound
Private Courses 7-Day Victoria & the Gulf Islands 7-Day San Juan Islands 10-Day End of Season Hoorah