Thursday, December 14, 2017

Why Crewed Yacht Charters to the San Juan Islands Can Be Good for Your Health and Well-Being



Seeing an unparalleled variety of wildlife, numerous unspoiled isles, and a historical ship at work are great reasons to consider Schooners North for crewed yacht charters around the San Juan Islands. But did you know that making time for such trips can also have substantially positive effects on your well-being?

Here are several ways sailing through the archipelago will benefit your health – and even change your outlook on life.

A “blue mind”

According to Wallace J. Nichols, a noted author and marine biologist, humans have a “blue mind”. This means that we are “hardwired to react positively to water”, and that just being near it rests our brains. That’s because being by the open water – or on it or under it – simplifies the sensory stimuli that tax our brains while we do our daily routines. With fewer sounds, sights, and smells to take in, the mind can clear and cleanse itself, reset, and refocus. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Bf4LkK

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Cruising the San Juan Islands, Washington: Why You Should Book as Early as Now for May-October Trips


Throughout the San Juans, the seasons dramatically change, and as such, visiting during the Summer could be a completely different experience compared to traveling here for the Winter. While all locals agree that the islands are beautiful and inviting all year round, there really is no better time of the year to visit than from May to October. During this period, the archipelago is at its most lively, ensuring that tourists never want for entertainment and exciting things to do.

If cruising the San Juan Islands, Washington is one of the top items to cross off your bucket list for the next year, you better start planning right now. You can expect voyagers to flock to this dream destination, so it’s never really too early to book a trip. Need a little more incentive to make early reservations? Here’s what you can expect from an idyllic cruise during May to October. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2yZNndG

Thursday, December 7, 2017

A Boat Charter North of the Border: Exploring Beyond the San Juan Islands


For many a visitor, the San Juan Islands are paradise enough. The archipelago off the Northwestern United States has plenty to offer anyone wanting to retreat into craggy coves and pebbled beaches, or relish seeing wildlife on open water.

Yet not so far from the famed destinations of San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw is another set of isles that promise wonders. These are Canada’s Gulf Islands, just northwest of the San Juans. They’re near enough to explore if you’re in the area for an extended stay – and you can easily find a boat charter company, like Schooners North, to take you there.

“Gulf” Islands, but not really

Despite their name, the Gulf Islands are not in a gulf; they’re in the Strait of Georgia, which separates Vancouver Island from British Columbia. The strait is still part of the Salish Sea, the home of the San Juans. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2BgoSio

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

San Juan Island Cruises: Opt for a Lengthier Stopover on the Lopez Island to Explore Its Farmlands


With its pristine, blue waters and perpetual sailing weather, the San Juans are often dubbed as a “boater’s paradise”. Despite being given that title, however, the islands offer a lot more than just great on-water experiences. The archipelago is made up of more than 450 islands at high tide, and a different kind of adventure awaits travelers on nearly all of them. From biking or hiking on scenic trails to visiting local galleries and museums, there’s plenty of activities to keep you just as busy on land.

If you are planning on booking private San Juan Island cruises any time soon, there’s one location you should never leave out of your itinerary: Lopez Island. In between the so-called Friendly Isle’s 63 miles of shoreline are miles and miles of farmlands waiting to be explored. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2yZB419

Always Stay Hydrated During Your Day Cruise to the San Juan Islands


Sea sickness could be the least of your worries on a day cruise to the San Juan Islands. Did you know that dehydration is actually one of the most common illnesses you can get on a ship? It’s not the voyage itself that’s making you sick however, but the rapid changes in environment and the activities you engage in over the duration of your trip.  You may be having so much fun, you lose track of your body's basic need for water.

This can happen rather easily.  During summers in the San Juans, the temperatures on land can run higher than when you’re cruising on the water. Increased heat can cause your body to sweat more, rapidly depleting your reserves of electrolytes and moisture. It’s also entirely possible to get dehydrated even during the colder months because the lower temperature diminishes the body’s thirst response by up to 40 percent. While you may not feel like drinking some fluids, your body could be in dire need of a refreshing drink. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2yYh4fg

Friday, December 1, 2017

Hiring a Sailboat Charter and Other Tips for the Ultimate Fishing Trip


Many people love to engage in outdoor activities as a way to relax after a long week at work. While camping and hiking are very popular outdoor activities for most people, fishing is also a fantastic option. For the sport fishing inclined, what could be better than the feeling of conquering the challenge of hauling in a prized fish after an intense struggle?

If you have been fishing for a while now, however, you may find that freshwater fish are beginning to put up less of a challenge for you. In such cases, you may want to increase your ambitions and experience a new way of fishing. For example, offshore fishing in the San Juan Islands is a fantastic experience. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2BfG1sF

Great Advice for Taking Your Family Pet to His First Yacht Charter Around the San Juan Islands


If your family is the adventurous and dog-loving sort, you’d be very reluctant to leave poor Rover or Spike behind when you go on a holiday sailing expedition. After all, as much as it’s more convenient to drop your canine friend off at a pet boarding place, a vacation is not as enjoyable without the whole family present. If you want to take your dog to his first yacht charter in the San Juan Islands, there are a few things you can do to make the voyage more comfortable for him. Take note of these tips before you book a trip with your charter company of choice.

Make it a Private Affair

For your furry pal’s first trip to the sea, it’s best to have the whole boat to yourselves. Going on a public cruise with a lot of strangers on board could prove to be unsettling for your pet, so going on a private voyage is the best option. Familiar faces and more room for running around will also be better for everyone else who comes along. You might want to take time introducing your dog to the crew, though. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Bg2Nka