Local Trips

Seattle Fun Cruise - One day trip through the locks, including a visit to downtown Seattle, and waterfront shopping from the Belltown pier. A great gift for out of town friends, relatives, or business associates. Unforgettable views of Seattle, as well as the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

• Evening Barbecue, Hot Tub,  and Swim.
• Visit downtown Seattle from two separate harbors.
• See Seattle's bustling waterfront.
• Watch the ferries, para-sailers, and more.
• See the locks, travel from Lake Washington, to Puget Sound and back again.
• Stop off at Ivar's for Dinner, a Seattle Tradition for years and years.
• See the live aboard and houseboat community of Seattle.
• Visit the historic Pike Place Market and the Maritime Odyssey Center.

Party on the Sound - Take your friends or business associates to the many fine local restaurants and drinking establishments for a night (or day) not soon forgotten. Custom cruises available through the locks, Lake Washington, Lake Union, Kirkland, and more.

• Dinner with friends
• Waterfront Restaurants
• Whale Watching
• Business meetings and team building.

Photographers - PS is an excellent platform for Photography.

• Scenic Photography
• Regattas
• Wildlife
• News Events

San Juan Paradise Cruise

Considered by many to be the jewel of the Pacific Northwest, these American islands offer a stunning array of diversity, from the rolling pastoral hills of San Juan Island to the rugged day hike of Mount Constitution on lovely Orcas Island. Bring your bikes, packs, walking, shoes, kayaks, scuba gear, and appetites. These islands have it all.

• One of the most beautiful locations in the world.
• Relaxing island atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
• Friendly Rosario resort offers swimming for the kids and nightlife for the adults
• Sail for free aboard an authentic schooner, the Morning star from Orcas Island.
• Eagle and bird watchers paradise.
• Whale watching.
• Row a boat and relax.

 
Orcas Island (in the San Juans)

Orcas Island is the favorite destination for vacationers seeking a secluded getaway with great diversity. Although many of the San Juans feature fjord-like inlets and sounds, Orcas boasts the lion's share with generous harbors, fresh water lakes, streams and waterfalls. Orcas is considered the most spectacular of the islands and is often referred to as "The Gem of the San Juans."

Orcas is only one of the 172 San Juan Islands and located approximately 60 miles north of Seattle. This peaceful island lies in the Strait of Georgia between Anacortes and Vancouver Island. To the north, on the mainland, is Vancouver, B.C.

Orcas Island covers 56 square miles and offers 125 miles of remarkable saltwater shoreline. 3500 residents call Orcas home year round and are widely disbursed across the island, keeping the sense of remote privacy easy to find on this island. Gently winding country roads meander through wide valleys and deep forests and coves. Shoppers will enjoy the friendly charm of the island's business and social center, Eastsound village, and the nearby communities of Deer Harbor, Orcas, and Olga.

Perhaps Orcas' greatest asset is Mt. Constitution, which offers panoramic views of the San Juan archipelago. It is surrounded by miles of trails and sparkling lakes.

 
San Juan History

Remote as they are, the San Juan Islands have been trod upon by human beings for hundreds of years. Native Americans favored the islands for their temperate climate, abundance of food, and safe harbors.

Pioneers, sailors, military personnel, and smugglers were the first white men to settle the islands. Various towns have come and gone as time and progress has steadily marched forward in this island county. Though many of the islands' first buildings and settlements have settled back into the soil, many buildings have been rebuilt or kept up over the years. A number of them are on the state and national historic registers.

There are two San Juan buildings on the State Register of Historic Places.

• Oddfellows Hall, in Friday Harbor, built in 1892.
• Valley Church, in San Juan Valley on San Juan, built in 1892.

There are four San Juan buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

• San Juan County Courthouse, the old section, in Friday Harbor, built in 1906.
• Lime Kiln Lighthouse, west side of San Juan, built in 1917.
• Buildings at San Juan Island National Historic Parks, at American Camp and English Camp on San Juan, built in the 1860s.
• Roche Harbor Resort, north end of San Juan, built in 1881.

 
Eagle Watching in the San Juans

Bald eagle watching is fairly easy in the San Juans. With possibly the exception of whales, bald eagles are the most satisfying members of the animal world to watch in the San Juan Islands. The sight of the snow white heads and tails and dark bodies and wings against a pure blue sky takes the breath away.

There are more nesting pairs in San Juan County, 89 at last count, than there are in any other county in the state, and  Washington has more bald eagles than any of the other lower 48 states.

Charlie Nash, the county's resident eagle expert, developed some interesting facts during his many years as organizer of the countywide annual bald eagle count. He ran the count from 1963 to 1991.
 

• More bald eagles live on the north and northwest sides of the islands because lighting conditions are best for hunting.
• The eagle population dropped drastically in the 1970s and early 1980s when a plague nearly wiped out the island rabbit population. Eagles rely heavily on rabbits for food.
• Eagle populations also drop every winter when migrating birds head north to mature or to inland rivers to eat spawning salmon. Resident eagles usually live in the islands from October through mid-July, when their young are old enough to fly to salmon spawning rivers.
• Eagles hatch in late spring and begin to fly at 12 weeks old. Young eagles mature at five or six years old, when their mottled brown feathers are replaced with the familiar brilliant white ones.
• Eagles mate for life and produce two to three eggs per year. Couples usually have two nests. When one nest gets uninhabitable because of vermin and bugs, the eagles move to the other until the old nest airs out.
• Female eagles are larger than males. An adult female bald eagle can weigh eight or nine pounds and have a wing span of six or seven feet. A female golden eagle can weigh up to 13 pounds.
• Golden eagles are also popular in the islands. They resemble immature bald eagles. One way to tell the difference is that goldens have feathers all the way to their toes, while baldies have bare ankles.
• Bald eagles generally eat dead or dying fish. Some have been seen stealing fish out of seals' mouths. Goldens favor land animals, such as rabbits, rodents, and cats.
Regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibit human activity within a quarter mile of an active eagle nest. County land use laws prohibit construction within a radius of 300 feet of a nest.
 

Whale Watching in the San Juans

Whale watching is one of the most popular pastimes in the San Juan Islands. Resident killer whales (orcas) play in the waters off the west side of San Juan Island providing a fulfilling experience for visitors watching from the shoreline or a boat.

Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan hosts the only whale watching park in the world. More than 100,000 people visit the site each year in hopes of catching a glimpse of the orcas, made famous by the Free Willy movies. Informational plaques at the park tell visitors about the whales that call the islands home.

Complete information about local whales and whales in general can be found at the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, a nationally recognized research facility. Top-notch researchers throughout the world come to Friday Harbor for its facilities and abundant whales.

There are three families that can be found in the islands each summer. Their families are called pods and range in size from 17 whales in K-pod to more than 50 in L-pod.

Other types of whales occasionally seen in the area are Minke whales and Gray whales. There are approximately 15 resident Minke whales. Gray whales are not a common sight, but sometimes one of the huge cetaceans will travel through the islands on its way to the open ocean.

Researchers have raised some concerns about the numbers of boats that follow and float among the pods as they feed, sleep, and play in Haro Strait. In deference to this concern, PS follows the federally mandated guidelines that protect the whales and always stays at least 100 yards away from the whales.
 

About Lopez Island

Lopez Island is the flattest, most pastoral of the San Juans, boasting more public access to beaches than any other San Juan Island. This, combined with several nationally acclaimed accommodations and restaurants, make Lopez a popular place for cyclists, kayakers and folks looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation.

The rolling pastures, dotted with sheep, and winding roads hugging the shoreline, tantalize Island visitors. Historic farm houses, ancient canneries, and the nearly tame deer are in abundance. The occasional passing car flashes the famous Lopez wave, and after a few nervous attempts to mimic your fellow travelers, you find yourself an enthusiastic participant.

Canadian Island Dream Cruise
These friendly islands are secluded but easy to reach by boat. Imagine you and your party enjoying a relaxing getaway nestled gently at anchor with beaches to explore, and welcome little villages with quaint shops filled with island charm. And if a change is in the breeze, then either the big city beat of Vancouver or the British elegance of Victoria are not far off either.

• Diverse landscapes and locations.
• Friendly Canadian shops and towns.
• Favorable Canadian Exchange rate.
• Secluded and relaxing environment offers great variety of activities for families.

 
Outside Passage and Queen Charlotte Islands

PS has the capabilities to comfortably and safely access the exposed and frequently deserted coves and beaches of the west coast of the islands of Canada and Alaska. There are numerous hot springs and beautifully unspoiled beaches. Not only will you have the beach to yourself, but you may be the only one within 50 miles. A true wilderness experience where people rarely set foot!

• Hike on natural game trails to freshwater lakes.
• See wildlife in it's natural habitat.

 
Canada's Inside Passage

The PS will be leaving in early May on a leisurely 15 day cruise up the inside passage traveling to Sitka, Alaska. A return trip to Seattle in August is also available. Additional destinations to Skagway are available, allowing easy connections to Anchorage and all of Alaska.

Explore hot springs in coastal B.C.

Stops for Hikes, Fishing, and Gunkholing.

Cruise at a relaxed 10 Knots.

Sitka Fishing

Currently the hottest fishing spot in South East Alaska for Salmon and Halibut. The PS, with her comfortable overnight accommodations and long range, can follow the fish and does not need to return to her home port. She can comfortably stay out, or find a secluded cove for the night.

• Fishing.
• Exploring Secluded Beaches.

Family Cruising at it's Best

We specialize in family adventures. The PS has all the equipment to make your experience an enjoyable one. There are excellent shrimp traps, snorkeling equipment and an extensive reference library. All the stuff to entertain the most adventurous family or group of friends. PS is designed for this purpose and built to be safe and comfortable in the most challenging conditions. We are equipped to beach comb the more remote and exposed beaches, and access the more difficult to reach places.

Trips vary in length based on the area of exploration. In past years, PS has explored the west coast of Vancouver Island, the west coast of the Queen Charlottes, and all the way to Valdez with a stop in Yakutat bay to view bears in their natural habitat. This season we will be in Southeast Alaska. While we are primarily using the Sitka area as our base to accommodate fishermen, the PS is fast and can move around at the desire of the client. Trips of any length can be made anywhere in Southeast Alaska or Canada, as well as up and down the inside passage.

Family Cruising Aboard PS

Parents take note: PSAdventures is here to make your vacation experience a relaxing, safe, and enjoyable time for the whole family. With little ones on vacation, you always have your hands full, whether it's keeping track of the kids, keeping them entertained, or just taking a moment to stop and enjoy the sites. For the same cost of chartering and operating your own vessel, why not leave the piloting to Captain Adams? PS offers your family lot's of room aboard for kids to enjoy themselves, with rest, relaxation, and play. Her wide decks make her a safe place for kids while underway.

Take a tour of the pilot house where Captain Adams will share his knowledge of the sea with the kids and even teach them to operate some of the equipment.

Parents will love the wide open spaces and diverse places PS can take them to. Children will have a ball swimming in fresh water lakes on Orcas Island, running barefoot on white sandy beaches in the Canadian Gulf Islands, and more.

With your family aboard PSAdventures you'll be able to:

• Concentrate on your family and not worry about operating a boat, car, or RV.
• Stay flexible and change plans according to what the family wants that day.
• Spend quiet time with your spouse and/or exploring ashore.
• Walk the beaches with your kids at sunset.
• Enjoy a campfire ashore at night, with PS welcoming you back for a restful night's sleep.
• Spacious cabins with enough room for kids to get their games and toys out for hours of entertainment while underway.
• Videos if you want them.
• Pilot house tours with Captain Jerry.
• Whale, eagle, and porpoise watching with your kids.

Fun Educational Experience

Whether its yourself, or your kids, just being aboard PS is a memorable and educational time. Whether you are interested in brushing up on your "rules of the road," natural geography, or local history of native indigenous people, Captain Adams is sure to impart some valuable information for you. Kids of all ages love learning about sea life with nets and poles, while the adults enjoy the history and people.

Bicycling Adventure Awaits

From day hikes to overnighters, rain to shine, rolling hills to rugged climbs, PSAdventures goes with the flow. The Canadian and American San Juan Islands are open for you to explore. How about starting off first thing in the morning with a Latte at Roche Harbor, on San Juan. Ride your bike across the gentle rolling hills of San Juan Island to catch the morning ferry at Friday Harbor. Then depart the ferry at Orcas Island and make your way up Mount Constitution. The view from there is utterly spectacular and not soon forgotten. As you race back down the hill to your final destination for an evening at Rosario Resort,  PS welcomes you home.

• Plenty of room for bikes and gear.
• Spend the night ashore.
• Island hop on the ferries and have PS pick you up on another island.
• Visit remote and deserted locations accessible only by boat.
• Easy loading of bikes and gear.
• Comfortable lodgings for groups, dining, and relaxing.
• Flexible planning and scheduling for spur of the moment itinerary changes and on the fly exploration.

 
Lopez Island Bike Trek

Start at Lopez Village first, and enjoy a latte, cinnamon roll, or stock up on essentials.

From the Village, head south on Fisherman Bay Rd. past the marinas, and up Legion Hall Hill. Continue on Fisherman Bay Rd. for 1/2 mile to Airport Rd, and turn right (West). At Shark Reef Rd. take a left (South) and follow to the end of the road. Here you can park your bike, and walk the short distance to what many consider to be the most spectacular view in all the San Juans.

Just up from Shark Reef, turn on Burt Rd. (East), and continue through to Richardson Rd. Turn right (South) for 1/2 mile and take another left (East) onto Vista Rd. As the name implies this road has a lovely view of the water and the Olympic Mountains. Continue on Vista Rd. to Mud Bay Rd. and make a decision. Left (North) will head you back toward town making this the half way point. Right will take you further south. If you do head south you will need to come back this same way.

Turning right (South) on Mud Bay Rd, follow to the Hamlet at Islandale, the only store south of Lopez Village. Just before the store take a right (South) on MacKaye Harbor Rd. Follow along this pretty bay to the end of the road at Agate Beach. This popular destination has a lovely pebble beach and gorgeous view across the Straights of Juan de Fuca.

You are now ready to back track to the intersection with Vista Rd, and continue north on Mud Bay Rd. which eventually turns into Center Rd. Continue up the middle of the Island, past working farms, to Hummel Lake. At the intersection with Hummel Lake Rd. you can take a left (West) and head straight into Lopez Village, or right (East) will take you up the island toward the Ferry landing.

Turn right (East) on Hummel Lake Rd, and follow around the Lake to Port Stanley Rd. Turn left (North) for 1/2 mile to Spencer Spit Rd. Here you can continue north, or take a short (which may turn into long) side trip (East) to Spencer Spit State Park. Lopez Island's largest campground, Spencer Spit also has a lovely walking beach. There are lots of information displays about island ecology here and a popular playground for restless youngsters.

Back on Port Stanley Rd, continue north along Swifts Bay and Shoal Bay to the intersection with Ferry Rd. From here you are just 1/2 mile from the Ferry landing to your right (North), three miles to your left (South) takes you back to Lopez Village, or go straight ahead into Odlin Park. This county run park is the island's second campground, and has the nicest sandy beach on the island.

Kayaking Explorations

3 day local cruises, as well as 5 day (and longer!) adventure outings in the American and Canadian San Juans. PS can accommodate an enormous amount of gear including tents, kayaks, and food. Equipped with sonar and water making equipment, PS is not bashful about seeking out idyllic remote northwest locations for the kayak trip of a lifetime.

Take several kayaks for different conditions.

Plenty of room for lots of equipment including packs, supplies, cameras, and more.

Easy boarding on and off the boat, especially for newcomers.

PS is sonar equipped and can access remote coves and inlets other boats can't reach.

Large bunk house accommodations welcome kayakers when the weather turns for the worse. Modern navigation and weather equipment keep you one step ahead of the conditions and extend your kayaking pleasure.

A large low swim step allows easy access to the water for divers and kayakers.

Scuba Diving Discoveries

Scuba divers will love the comfort of PS during a diving exploration. Equipped with plenty of room for dive gear, as well as inflatable craft, PS is the perfect diving platform. Her roomy interior also offers comfortable after dive surroundings for warm-up drinks and sumptuous meals. Find out why Jacques Cousteau called the Pacific Northwest one of the greatest diving spots in the world.

PS is equipped with a complete sonar system which can be helpful in locating underwater wrecks and other areas of interest to Scuba divers.

• Easy boarding on and off the boat.
• Sonar equipment facilitates locating wrecks and other interesting diving areas.
• Warm and roomy interior invites divers back from the dive for a welcome drink and meal.

By E-mail  psadventures@earthlink.net
 

By Phone	206-362-9339
Cell Phone	800-807-5982 206-235-9339

 webmaster      Web site Created By:  Fred Mill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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