Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island

Deer Harbor Marina, a top cruising destination on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, is beloved by boaters for good reason. Originally inhabited by the Lummi people, Deer Harbor was settled by European-Americans in the 1880s, who established a thriving community with a school, post office, orchards, and industries in fishing and timber. Today, Deer Harbor is best known for its marina and charming amenities.

Accessible from the southwest via North Pass and from the southeast via Pole Pass, which is a 50-yard-wide channel between Crane and Orcas Islands, Deer Harbor is a manageable destination for boaters. While Pole Pass appears narrow, it’s deep, well-marked, and frequently traveled. Boaters should note it’s a designated No-Wake Zone.

As a popular summer spot, reservations are highly recommended. Upon approach, visitors should hail the harbormaster on VHF Channel 78A for a moorage assignment. Deer Harbor Marina offers 110 slips, with 55 available for guests, and accommodates vessels up to 120 feet. The facilities include a fuel dock with gas and diesel, a pump-out station, and a helpful, knowledgeable staff. Boaters will find all essential amenities: 30- and 50-amp power, fresh water, picnic tables in the guest area, showers, restrooms, a laundromat, reliable Wi-Fi, garbage disposal, and recycling.

Conveniently located on the pier, the Marina Store and Grill provides a selection of groceries, snacks, beer and wine, and doubles as a café with outdoor seating. The grill serves breakfast and lunch options, and their hand-dipped ice cream cones from Lopez Island Ice Cream are a favorite treat. Kids can enjoy the sandy beach by the marina, while adults relax at the nearby pool, which is shared with time-share guests.

Another highlight for group gatherings is the 16 x 40-foot party barge, decked out with flower boxes, picnic tables, a barbecue, and even its own restroom.

There’s no shortage of activities to entertain your crew. Paddleboards and kayaks are available for a peaceful paddle in the harbor, and Deer Harbor Charters offers whale-watching excursions. In the summer, live music often livens up the marina dock.

For a bit of island exploration, Marina Bike Rentals offer bikes, or you can take the shuttle to Eastsound, the island’s business hub, for a taste of local shops, galleries, and restaurants.

If you’re dining out, Island Pie, just across the road, serves delicious, unique pizzas along with local beer and wine. Dine on the patio overlooking marina activities, and be sure to make a reservation for this popular summer spot, especially if you’d like a deck table for sunset views.

Another favorite, Matthew’s Smokehouse & Deli, is a scenic 15-minute walk up a country road. Halfway along, follow the “Deer Harbor Public Foot Path,” leading to the Deer Harbor Inn property. Owned by local chef Matthew Carpenter, the smokehouse specializes in barbecue, offering smoked meats, fish, and oysters. Guests order at the bar, and the friendly staff delivers to tables on the deck or in the cozy dining room, with stunning harbor views.

Whether for a summer cruise or an off-season escape, Deer Harbor should be on every boater’s itinerary.