Explore Anacortes For A Splashing Spring Show

The Pacific Northwest provides a stunning backdrop for boaters, anglers, and on-the-water adventurers of every kind. And it’s easy to see why! The region’s unique climate lends itself to some of the most verdant landscapes in the entire country — green shorelines that pop against the rich blue water that abounds here.

Now of course, Seattle’s signature houseboats and bustling fish market might be the first things that comes to mind when you think of the area’s boating scene — but the region is home to several quieter enclaves, too, that are just as brimming with marine charm that’s simply waiting to be discovered.

Located very close to the United States-Canada border, Anacortes is a genuine hidden gem for in-the-know locals. The city is beloved for its immersive fishing and boating scene — one that’s defined by sloping seaside views and proximal access to countless islands, each with their own one-of-a-kind character.

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to visit this stretch of Pacific Northwest shoreline, on May 16, Anacortes comes alive with the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show, which boasts a wide variety of boats to see — and things to do, too! Just read on as we share a few fun show weekend highlights we’re looking forward to, as well as area activities you’ll want to tack onto your itinerary for a well-rounded adventure on one of Blackfin’s offshore fishing boats.

For Show Day Fun...

Your very first stop in the Pacific Northwest’s boating wonderland is, of course, going to be the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show. Not only will you be able to browse the latest and greatest in Blackfin Boats — a must if you’ve been thinking about your next ride for a while now, but don’t know where to start. But you can also take part in some of the show’s expert-led seminars that will help you take your boating and angling game to the next level. Summer and the “school’s out” season may be near — but we think that meaningful learning can happen all year long, especially when it comes to hands-on boating and fishing education.

If you’re particularly interested in the lineup of Blackfin Boats that will be available at this year’s show, Cap Sante Marina is the perfect place to view them in the water. This is a stunning enclave off Fidalgo Bay where you can fully appreciate the majesty of the rolling San Juan Islands.

... & Beyond

Speaking of the islands, the central location of Anacortes means you’re perfectly positioned to embark upon an island-hopping adventure with your very own Blackfin Boat. The fishing village juts into Padilla Bay, providing passage to the greater bodies of water that the San Juan Islands call “home.”

These islands are well-known for their lush, moody ambiance — rolling landscapes that play host to everything from resorts and campgrounds to charming fishing villages and ample wildlife watching opportunities. In fact, this actually happens to be the best time of year for whale-watching! Orcas, especially, can be spotted in the spring and summer months, while humpbacks tend to flourish toward early fall.

The closest island to Anacortes is Guemes Island — which is a stunning spot to cruise by on your Blackfin Boat, but also makes for an excellent hiking destination if you’re craving a bird’s eye view of the Pacific Northwest paradise! No matter how you do it, you’re sure to gain some serious perspective in the process.

So, What’s Biting?

We already mentioned that the San Juan Islands are great for wildlife watching, especially when it comes to spotting stunning whales in action. But as it turns out, the biodiversity actually extends to smaller species of marine animals, too — including an abundance of fish that makes the region an angler’s paradise!

If you’re cruising in on your Blackfin Boat, fishing will definitely be on the itinerary — that goes without saying! Fortunately, there’s plenty to fish for across the island-speckled surface. Halibut, cabezon, and lingcod are all popular catches at this time of year. In fact, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife notes that there’s more than a whopping 90 species of bottomfish to discover off the state’s coast!

You’ll always want to be sure to take a look at local fishing regulations before visiting a new place, of course, and that definitely applies to Anacortes as well. For example, the WDFW asks anglers and boaters to steer clear of the western side of San Juan Island in order to help protect the orca whales who call it “home.” To help play a role in the preservation of this gorgeous on-the-water environment, know before you go — you’ll thank yourself later!

When all is said and done, there’s nowhere quite like the coastal allure of Anacortes and the surrounding San Juan Islands — and, well, we hope today’s virtual tour has done it justice! Of course, there’s nothing quite like making the trip for yourself — which we’d highly recommend doing in the weeks and months ahead. Whether you’re perusing new models at the Boat & Yacht Show, or are having fun exploring (and fishing) the local terrain, you’re in for a thrilling ride this spring and summer.