Where are you based? 
Bellingham, Washington is easy to access by car or air; located just 90 miles north of Seattle on Interstate 5 and 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The Bellingham International Airport is served by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air and Delta Airlines. Bellingham is a quaint city, serenely nestled next to Mt. Baker, a 10,775’ snowcapped, glacier-clad peak in the North Cascades. Bellingham Bay is a gateway to the magnificent San Juan, Canadian Gulf Islands and beyond. Whether you want to climb to the stars or cruise to the horizon in Bellingham you can do it all. So be sure to allow some extra time to indulge in our phenomenal outdoors, local artists, unique cuisine and tasty microbrews!

How do I get there? 
Please refer to our Contact Us page for contact information and directions to our office.

Where do I stay?  
We have several fine hotels and motels located near NW Explorations. The Bellwether on the Bay is a premium waterfront hotel here in Squalicum Harbor. The Chrysalis Inn and Spa is a full-service spa with views overlooking the harbor and is a short drive from our offices.

Other recommended hotels are listed below and many of them offer special “marina” rates if you mention that you are a client of NWE, subject to availability. Bellingham books up quickly for the summer months so we encourage you to make your reservations as early as possible.

Hotel Bellwether

Chrysalis Inn & Spa

Fairhaven Village Inn

Hampton Inn

Best Western Heritage Inn

Quality Inn Baron Suites

What is a Grand Banks Yacht? 
Grand Banks yachts have been in production for over 50 years. They are built with the distillation of owner’s input from around the world; feedback from people who cruise in every kind of sea and condition. GB’s are known for their intelligent design, incorporating the balance of size, shape and lines that create both functional efficiency below the water and graceful appearance above the water. They are reputed for their fit and finish, which creates a warm, lustrous interior with matched grains, seamless joinery and thoughtful hand-crafted details. Dependability is another hallmark of a GB. All engines and equipment are chosen for their reliability and ease of maintenance with installations expertly completed to ensure optimum performance.

Cruising on a Grand Banks in aesthetic, intelligent, functional, seaworthy style - and in the beauty of the natural marine environment – well, it just doesn’t get much better!

What should I expect for fuel consumption? 
Grand Banks are semi-displacement hulls designed for efficiency and seaworthiness. Every vessel has a ‘sweet spot’ balancing the specific engine RPM with the vessel hull; giving a quiet ride and the best cruising fuel economy.

Each vessel in our fleet is powered differently and you will find the vessel operating parameters available for your vessel of interest under its boat specifications or in the operating manual on board.

Charter clients are pleasantly surprised at the fuel efficiency of our boats when cruising at displacement speed, and appreciative of the ability to travel faster should they need or want to.

Fuel prices vary in today’s market; we can’t predict what the rate will be for your charter, though we will gladly let you know what the cost per gallon is presently at our local fuel dock.

What qualifications do I need to charter? 
The qualifications we look for to skipper a vessel in our fleet are recent experience in similar size vessel, similar engine (twin or single) and similar waters. The experience resume will come as part of your charter contract. Once reviewed, we will either approve you or recommend boat maneuvering lessons. We might also suggest a skipper for a portion of your cruise.

Many of our charter clients have varied experience boat handling. They are very capable skippers, yet prefer the comfort of boat maneuvering lessons prior to their departure. Our training skippers charge $100 per hour and generally that’s all it takes. Sometimes, for the learning opportunity and sense of security our clients will take a skipper out with them for a day or more. See “Do you have skippers for hire?”

Boat maneuvering lessons are separate from the onboard check-out process. Prior to your departure, our vessel check-outs are included at no charge and take approximately two hours. Our USCG licensed check-out skippers will review the systems and equipment onboard your vessel and answer any questions you might have about cruising in this area.

What does the check-out involve? 
Prior to your departure, our vessel check-outs are included at no charge and take approximately two hours. Our USCG licensed check-out skippers will review the systems and equipment onboard your vessel and answer any questions you might have about cruising in this area.

How can I get qualified to charter? 
We recommend all boaters start with a local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadrons course. There are many cruising schools available, including our Power Boat Training given during the spring and fall. This course is intended to prepare you to be the master of your own vessel for charter.

Do you have skippers for hire? 
Yes, we can recommend skippers for hire. Because of the U.S. maritime law known as the “Jones Act”, NW Explorations as a bareboat charter company is not able to charter you a boat with a skipper. NW Explorations can charter a boat to you, and as the master of the vessel you can then hire and pay one of our recommended skippers directly.

Our recommended skippers have extensive cruising experience in this region and a thorough knowledge of our charter boats. They also hold their USCG Master’s License, or are approved by our insurance company.

Prior to your charter, we recommend you contact a skipper directly to discuss your needs and expectations, and to determine whether your skipper’s qualifications and attributes best match your needs.

Skipper fees are $250 per day plus expenses. Your skipper can give you the opportunity to learn and cruise, or give you the freedom to sit back and enjoy your holiday afloat.

Is there good dining in the cruising area? 
There are fabulous dining opportunities among the islands to satisfy all palates. Here is a list of some possibilities:

Roche Harbor

Butchart Gardens

Brentwood Bay Lodge

Hastings House

Poets Cove

Whether dining out or on board, there are many opportunities to dine and peacefully linger with good food, friends and conversation in a beautiful environment.

How do I provision? 
Bellingham is fortunate to have so many full-service shops and stores. All of the groceries feature excellent wine cellars and in-store bakeries and offer fresh meat, seafood and produce. The local farmers’ market is open every Saturday morning.

There is a local Costco, REI and state liquor stores. Sporting equipment, clothing and pharmaceuticals can be found at Bellis Fair Mall or Lakeway Plaza.

What can I take to Canada? 
Important: Remember to bring your passport or proof of citizenship. Clear at Sidney, Victoria, Bedwell Harbour, Nanaimo or Vancouver. You may not anchor or touch before clearing customs. No firearms, mace, pepper spray or controlled substances (i.e. drugs).

Certain items are allowed duty free into Canada. Declare all excess. Alcohol has high duties, but is reasonably priced in BC liquor stores; plan to buy it there.

• 40 ounces alcoholic beverages (liquor, wine, or liquors in any combination) or 288 ounces (1 case) of beer or ale per person over 19 years of age.

• 200 cigarettes per person or 50 non-Cuban cigars or 2 pounds of tobacco per person over 16 years of age. (Please remember there is no smoking inside our charter boats.)

• No fresh fruits with pits, corn on the cob, potatoes, apples or pears are allowed. Canada may ban other fruits depending upon conditions.

For more information check out:

Canada Border Services Agency

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

What do I bring? 
You are chartering a premium Grand Banks trawler with exceptional operating, safety, galley and cleaning equipment. Everything you need will be on board, including sheets, towels, blankets, pillows and marine t.p. You will need to bring your own clothing, provisions and personal gear.

All of the boats are outfitted with pillows, blankets, sheets and towels for the stated number of berths. The weather varies from cool and wet to hot and sunny; be prepared for both! Rain gear, sun hats and sunscreen are essential; fleece is always appropriate because it dries so quickly. Leave the ties and fancy dresses at home, but something casually smart is appropriate in bigger towns. Don’t over-pack and please bring soft-sided luggage only; hard cases are difficult to stow on a boat.

Please remember to bring along appropriate life jackets for all children onboard.

What is the difference between Daily Damage Coverage and Security Deposit? 
The Daily Damage Coverage is a protection plan that is charged per day, is non-refundable and eliminates the need to place a large damage deposit. The Security Deposit is the deductible amount of the vessel and is fully refundable, less any damage incurred.