You’ve secured your vacation time. Chatted with friends and family. And now, at long last you’ve decided on a private yachting experience, so you can cruise the spectacular Pacific Northwest coastline.

Known for its mild weather, remote anchorages, abundant marine life and waterfront villages, this region of the world draws adventurous mariners from all over the world. It’s no wonder the demand for yacht charters from Bellingham is ceaseless. The easiest place to access the waters of the San Juans and further afield is from Bellingham (rather than Seattle), substantially reducing the travel time to reach the region.

Finding the ideal yacht and company can be an arduous process if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for.
So here are the top five considerations you should start with when deciding upon your luxury charter:

Decide if you would prefer an independent sojourn or if you wish to join a group voyage. A flotilla-style experience can be one of the single most rewarding journeys you’ve ever taken afloat. The camaraderie and shared adventure never fail to please. Many clients become “regulars”, cruising with the same group of people year after year, making new discoveries together. Here at NW Explorations, we provide group flotilla excursions through the San Juan Islands, north to Alaska and other remote locations like Desolation Sound. You’ll cruise in a group of like-minded nautical adventurers to spell-binding locales along the Pacific Northwest, with the support of the lead flotilla vessel that includes a USCG licensed captain, marine technician and a naturalist.

Decide on a length for your yacht Charter. Naturally, it will depend on where you’re going. Consider travel time to and from the Bellingham area, how long it will take to voyage to your furthest point and factor in leisure time or extra nights to witness something beyond the planned route. If you book a group flotilla, they are typically 1 – 3 weeks in length, and you can choose from any leg of the journey, making your way to the departure point to meet the flotilla.

Decide who will be captain. Consider the level of knowledge, experience, comfort and cruising style. Those factors will help you ascertain what type of yacht you wish to charter. We offer workshops and training to advance your boating skills including women-only or 3-day powerboating courses that can add a whole new realm of possibilities to the framework of your voyage.

Consider how large your party will be and what type of vessel you’ll need as a result. Will it be a 46’ Grand Banks Classic? The 38’ Sabre Salon Express? Or perhaps the 58’ Kadey-Krogen? Even with up to 6 people in 3 cabins, our yacht charters are spacious, open and immaculate. Our customers never feel crowded, but rather decidedly languid and indulged with a beautiful open space.

Decide on a locale. Have you long dreamed of watching a pod of whales breaching and swimming off the bow? Or has it always been in your mind’s eye to witness a calving glacier in all its massive ancient white glory, come crashing to the sea in front of you? Perhaps remote beaches and visits with indigenous peoples of the Northwest lure you. Selecting what type of voyage you desire is perhaps the most difficult part. There are no bad choices! If you choose to join a flotilla for 2019, ensure you book very soon as the 2018 flotilla excursions are already fully sold out. However, some local bare-boat charters are still available until October.

Ready to charter your yacht or flotilla from Bellingham?

Visit our charter page or call (360) 676-1248 to make a booking with our team.