The marina at Port Orchard, looking northeast. This marina has ample guest moorage. Photos by Migael Scherer

In contrast to industrial Bremerton across Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard has a deliberate old-fashioned look, with covered sidewalks, antique shops and murals that depict life here 100 years ago.

The waterfront, devoted almost entirely to public and retail use, includes a city park and a large marina that welcomes visitors.

Moorings and Anchorage
Guest moorage is on both sides of the breakwater and on the east float inside the breakwater. All guest moorage areas are clearly marked. Turning room is generous and depths are fine, about twice as deep at the breakwater as at the floats close to shore. The breakwater is a necessity, as even a moderate north wind builds up a roll. It’s noticeably bouncier if you’re moored on the outside.

After tying up, report to the harbormaster’s office, located on shore about the center of the marina. Power is available on all guest floats. The Port Orchard Marina takes reservations by phone (360.876.5535) and online (www.portofbremerton.org). The marina to the west is the Port Orchard Yacht Club. All slips are private.

It’s okay to anchor west of the yacht club, north of the charted red “TARGET” mark on pilings. Here you’ll be exposed to the north, close to a main highway, and directly in front of a fuel oil distributor. If an oil barge is making a delivery, it’ll be noisy and smelly.

Anchoring is not recommended east of the Port Orchard Marina, where it’s shallow and busy with passenger ferries.

Getting Ashore
Use the marina guest floats; check in with the harbormaster if your stay will be longer than 2 hours. A good portion of the park beach is dry at low water, so check tides before landing there.

Port Orchard’s Saturday market is conveniently held in the parking lot near the marina.

For the Boat and Crew
The fuel dock is to starboard as you enter the marina, at the south end of the float toward shore. Moor on either side. The nearest boat supplies are a block west of the parking lot on the main road. A mile farther west is a repair yard with a hoist and a small marine store.

Showers and laundry are near the harbormaster’s office—get an entry code when you check in. Restaurants and shops are a block away in town. A convenience grocery is four blocks west of the marina on the main road.

Things to Do
Port Orchard’s main street has covered sidewalks that encourage window shopping on even the rainiest days. Here you’ll find numerous antique shops, a couple of bookstores, restaurants, galleries and a movie theater. Murals depicting Port Orchard’s early days are cleverly painted to blend in with each building’s structure.

The waterfront park east of the marina has stairs to the beach and a seating gallery for summer shows. A farmers market, with fresh produce and local crafts, is held here every Saturday from April through September.

There are special events in Port Orchard almost every month. These include Harbor Festival in late May, Fathoms o’ Fun Fireworks on the Fourth of July, a Chris-Craft rendezvous in mid-July, and Festival of Chimes and Lights in early December. Of particular interest to maritime history buffs is the Mosquito Fleet Days celebration in late September, which commemorates the passenger ferries that were once the major mode of transportation between Puget Sound cities and towns.

A passenger ferry leaves for Bremerton from the east side of the Port Orchard Marina.

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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