Building sand castles at low tide on Deer Harbor Marina beach. Photos by Migael Scherer

Well-protected from north and south, V-shaped Deer Harbor is one of the finest anchorages on Orcas Island. A marina on the east shore provides facilities for recreational boaters, with a sandy beach and swimming pool access in summer.

Moorings and Anchorage
Deer Harbor Marina is easy to spot on the north east shore, beneath the brown buildings of Deer Harbor Resort. Slips are attached to two main floats that branch off a central pier. Slips on the south float are for guest moorage; those on the north are for permanent patrons. Report to the fuel dock on the end of the central pier for a moorage assignment. In summer the marina takes reservations by phone (360.376.3037) and monitors VHF Channel 78A. Depths are good on the south float, and all slips have power and water. If you arrive after hours, check in with the harbormaster in the morning. Dogs should note the sign on the ramp, reminding them to keep their owners leashed.

All other floats in Deer Harbor, including those in the marina north of the resort, are private and have no guest moorage.

Anchorage is good anywhere in the harbor, in 3 to 10 fathoms with a mud bottom. The islands to the south give reasonable protection from southwesterly winds.

The marina slips are visible from the Deer Harbor Resort. Use of the resort’s swimming pool is included in the marina’s moorage fee.

Getting Ashore
Most dinghies tie north of the main pier, but it’s OK to tie your skiff elsewhere, as long as it’s out of the way of boat traffic. Short-term tie-ups are free.

All tidelands in Deer Harbor, including those on Fawn Island, are private. The launching ramp on the northwest shore is not for public use.

For the Boat and Crew
The fuel dock is at the hut on the end of the inner, south float of the marina. The repair yard at Deer Harbor Boatworks (360.376.4056), north of the resort, is accessible for most vessels at high tide. The yard has a marine store and haulout.

Showers and a laundromat are at the head of the main pier at Deer Harbor Marina. A convenience store and takeout is in the building on the pier. Bike and kayak rentals operate during the summer on the marina dock.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, use of the swimming pool across the street at the resort is included in the moorage fee.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

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