Escape the ordinary with a San Juan Islands yacht charter vacation.

Adventure awaits

The San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands are some of the most popular cruising areas in the world.

What is it that draws people to these islands? A big reason is because the islands are both remote and accessible at the same time. A short drive from Seattle or Vancouver puts you in Anacortes, Washington, the “Gateway to the San Juan Islands.” From there, the San Juan Islands start a mere 15 miles away.

Your Cruise. Your Choice.

Once in the islands, you’ll find both quaint communities and hidden hideaways, all surrounded by a calm inland sea. Seemingly endless miles of coastline and over 100 islands give you plenty of options for exploring and relaxing. Drop anchor in a quiet cove, or tie up at one of the island marinas – it’s your choice when you charter!

Anacortes Yacht Charters has provided San Juan Islands yacht charters for 45 years. We have an outstanding selection of motor yachts and sailboats for exploring the Northwest. Our experience and fleet mean we can match you with the perfect boat for a trip of lifetime.

To book a bareboat or skippered San Juan Islands yacht charter contact us at:

800-233-3004 or info@ayc.com

Have you always wanted to charter a yacht?

There has never been a better time to learn how.

And we’ve made it even easier with our new class and private instruction options.

1-day Private
Cruise-N-Learn
3-day Liveaboard
Powerboating Classes
4-day Liveaboard
Sailing Classes
7-day Private
Power or Sail Class
7-DAY LIVEABOARD

Class and Charter Bundle

Combine 3 days of private instruction with a 4‑day private charter to

Save $2,714

See How >

Yacht Charter

A private yacht charter is your ticket to a Pacific Northwest vacation of a lifetime. Choose to bareboat charter a powerboat or sailboat for a hands-on adventure. Or, hire a skipper for a more guided experience. A few of our larger boats require a crew and are shown on the crewed yacht page.

See Charter Fleet

Yacht Ownership

If you own a boat, or are pondering a purchase, consider placing your boat into charter service. This a great option to help offset the cost of ownership and earn real tax advantages, Use our in-house service department for year-round care of your boat. Arrange time on your boat for yourself as desired.

See Yacht Ownership

Cruise Guarantee

Should you have a breakdown during your charter, we will complete repairs within four hours of notification for any vessel within 20 miles of our charter base.

See Details

News and Announcements

Anacortes Yacht Charters Featured on KING 5 Evening!

| News | No Comments
Discover the beauty and adventure of cruising the San Juan Islands! KING 5's popular Evening magazine recently visited Anacortes Yacht…

Jeannette Added to Fleet

| News | No Comments
Classic styling, timeless comfort, and a perfect pace for exploring the Pacific Northwest! Jeannette joins the Anacortes Yacht Charters fleet…

Cavu Added to Fleet

| News | No Comments
Discover big possibilities in a surprisingly spacious yacht! Cavu joins the Anacortes Yacht Charters fleet for the 2027 charter season.…

Tide Me Over Added to Fleet

| News | No Comments
Meet Tide Me Over, the newest addition to the Anacortes Yacht Charters fleet. Compact, capable, and surprisingly comfortable, this Ranger…
“

"AYC is a very professional service and the area is beautiful. We had an amazing vacation. Thank you so much."

J. MorseSerendipity, Ranger Tug 29
“

"Everyone in the office was so nice and helpful. Thank you to all."

N. MorrisLady Georgia, Queenship 66
“

"Thanks again for a fabulous charter/cruising experience."

T. MeesOld Soul, CHB 42
“

"We had a most enjoyable time and felt safe and well cared for. You made it easy to do."

R. BourdeauMeg Ann III, Bayliner 57
“

"It was a delightful experience! Both the chartering and the islands. Thank you."

A. LombardoKairos, Selene 36
“

In the words of Jimmy Buffet, ‘we had a lovely cruise’. The San Juans are absolutely stunning. Thank you so much.

J. CollinsLebanon, OH
“

Kind, patient and supportive staff sets AYC apart from its competition, especially the big ones.

C. Van EckA Lil R&R, Catalina 42

Weekly Featured Boat

West Wind

46′ Westcoast

Designed for comfort, efficiency, and adventure, West Wind offers a perfect blend of performance and relaxation. Its bright, open interior features panoramic salon windows, generous headroom, two inviting staterooms, two ensuite heads, a fully equipped galley, and an elegant salon. Outside, a spacious aft deck and premium flybridge seating provide ideal spaces for entertaining, whale watching, or taking in Pacific Northwest views. With a stable, seaworthy design, Starlink internet, and a Novurania RIB with a 25hp Yamaha, West Wind delivers a smooth, confident ride for couples, families, or small groups exploring hidden coves, seaside towns, and pristine anchorages in style.

See more >

Experience

We are proud to be celebrating our 45th Anniversary in 2024. Over the years providing San Juan Islands yacht charters, our crew has pioneered mini-fleet management. Along the way we have provided over 15,000 charter trips – illustrating our commitment to quality and customer service.

Service

All of our charter vessels are clean, well-maintained, and include a breakdown guarantee. We take the risk out of chartering to better ensure the quality of your charter experience.

Fleet

Our yacht charter fleet includes a variety of power yachts, sailing yachts and skippered yachts from 27’ to 70’.  Make your choice to host nearly any group of friends and family for a magical San Juan Islands yacht charter.