The history of the San Juan Islands begins with the Coast Salish peoples, who have been inhabiting the region for thousands of years. After a long history of exploration, culminating in the infamous Pig War of 1859, arbitration by Kaiser Wilhelm I in 1872 awarded the islands to the United States. Since then, the San Juan Islands have become known for their marine ecosystems—home to orcas, seals, and sea lions—as well as their sweeping vistas. Cruising Puget Sound & San Juan Islands lets you reconnect with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Where are the San Juan Islands?
Located in the northwestern corner of Washington State, near the Canadian border, these islands lie in the Salish Sea, positioned between mainland Washington to the east and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to the west. This picturesque archipelago consists of over 170 islands and rocky outlets, though only a few—such as San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island—are regularly inhabited and accessible by ferry. Visitors typically reach the islands via ferry from Anacortes, WA, or by private boat or plane. We’ll dock right in the bustling marina of Friday Harbor, placing you in the heart of San Juan Island.
Exploring San Juan Islands’ Key Landmarks
There’s so much to do when you cruise, and we want to make sure you are exploring San Juan Islands the way you want to. Whether you’re looking to reach new heights on a hiking adventure or take it easy on the Jolly Trolley through Friday Harbor, our excursions on San Juan Island immerse you in the area’s wonders.
We’ll dock in Friday Harbor, the island’s bustling hub since the 1890s. The harbor played a vital role in supporting agriculture, with early settlers shipping fruits, fish, and timber to domestic and international markets. Today, this history lives on in the incredible food and culinary traditions of the Pacific Northwest.
See all the wildlife that floats, flies, and frolics near the shores on a kayaking trip through the serene waters of Griffin Bay. In 1859, this bay saw American Captain George Pickett and soldiers as they sailed in after being dispatched due to a dispute over a pig, sparking the Pig War. Though the “war” was a mere peaceful standstill, these waters played an important part for how troops entered and ultimately served as a retreat route for British troops, making Griffin Bay both scenic and historically significant.
Prefer staying on land? Head to the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, where you can explore the natural history of the Salish Sea’s marine mammals. Learn how to safely view these incredible creatures and understand how we impact their habitats.
For a new perspective, take to the skies on a San Juan seaplane excursion. From above, enjoy views of cascading coastlines, tall forests, and the sun shimmering on the water. Fly over San Juan Islands National Historical Park and marvel at the preserved grounds where history unfolds.
Historic People of the Islands and their Stories
Those indigenous to the Pacific Northwest coast are the Coast Salish. This group of people have inhabited the land for thousands of years, foraging and hunting along the coasts. Ancestral lands and waters are still utilized today and are protected under inherent, ancestral, and tribal treaty rights. The communities within the Coast Salish peoples still thrive and The San Juan Islands celebrate the first people of the island. You can find artistic tributes around Friday Harbor, including carved house posts by noted Musqueam First Nation artist Susan Point installed in 2004. These posts are carved with images that symbolize the way humans and nature coexist. They tell a story of the natural world and the one we build around it. Historically these carved poles were placed outside homes to tell the story of the owner.
In 1791, Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza led an expedition to chart the waters of the Pacific Northwest, including the San Juan Islands. As part of Spain’s effort to strengthen its territorial claims in the region, Eliza and his crew meticulously mapped the archipelago, naming it after Saint John the Baptist. The expedition was based out of Nootka Sound in what would soon become Vancouver Island, where Spain had established a settlement. Eliza's charts and reports significantly improved European understanding of the region's geography, influencing subsequent exploration and navigation. His work laid the foundation for future disputes between Spain, Britain, and the United States over control of the area. Today, his expedition is remembered as an early step in the documented history of the islands, highlighting the global interest in the Pacific Northwest during the late 18th century.
British explorer George Vancouver played a foundational role in the history of the San Juan Islands through his detailed mapping during his 1792 expedition aboard the HMS Discovery. As a British naval officer, Vancouver's precise charts of the islands and surrounding waterways became critical for navigation and understanding of the Pacific Northwest. These maps and claims were integral evidence in the Pig War of 1859. The British relied on Vancouver’s documentation to strengthen their position during the conflict, which saw both nations temporarily station troops on the islands. Vancouver never knew the impact of his maps as he died just six years after his expedition to the San Juan Islands and still, his early exploration significantly influenced Britain’s involvement in the San Juan Islands’ history and the eventual resolution of the Pig War.
Cruise to the San Juan Islands
We love cruising the San Juan Islands for their incredible views and fascinating wildlife. But beneath those sweeping landscapes lies the layered history that makes these islands unique. These shores tell stories of people, nature, and America’s past. When you’re ready to cruise, join us on a voyage to the San Juan Islands as part of our Puget Sound & San Juan Islands cruise.
