Stuart Island Boat Expedition with Lovel Pratt + Friends (Online Listing)

Join Friends of the San Juans for a special day trip and expedition to the stunning Stuart Island. This guided boat, hiking, and educational tour will highlight the urgent need to protect the Salish Sea’s marine ecosystem, with a focus on vessel traffic, oil spill risk, and the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. 

This is a rare chance to visit one of the most beautiful and important places in the San Juan Islands, while learning how you can help protect this special place. 

Participants will travel by chartered boat to Prevost Harbor and hike approximately 3 miles round trip to Turn Point Lighthouse. There, you’ll take part in guided talks, educational programming, and opportunities to learn from Indigenous leaders and marine experts, including Friends' Marine Protection and Policy Director, Lovel Pratt. 

Space is limited and registration is required. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. The hike is scenic and involves significant elevation on soft and hard trails. 

Pick-up locations for the charter boats include: 

• Bellingham 

• Anacortes 

• Lummi Nation 

• Lopez Island 

• Orcas Island 

• Shaw Island 

• San Juan Island 

You will be guided to select your departure point during registration. Please be prepared for possible outdoor seating on the charter boat. Specific pick-up locations and details will be shared after registration. 

Safety and Self-Assessment Considerations  

• Physical Activity & Accessibility: This trip includes at least 3 miles of walking on uneven ground and long periods of standing, possibly in hot sun or rain. It may not be accessible to everyone. If it’s not the right fit, we’d love to see you at another event this summer! 

• Closed-toe footwear is required, and we suggest wearing hiking shoes. We strongly recommend bringing extra clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. 

• Please bring your own lunch and water. All participants are responsible for carrying and packing out their own trash. 

• Please stay on marked trails and respect the island's rustic facilities.  

• There is limited to no cell service at times on the boat as well as on Stuart Island. 

• This will be a long, full and active day. Pick-up times will be announced closer to the event date, but may begin as early as 7:30 a.m., with drop-offs as late as 4:30 p.m. Depending on your pick-up location, the boat ride could be as lang as 2 hours each way. 

• We unfortunately, cannot accommodate dogs or pets, unless they are service animals.  

• Children 12 and older are welcome to register.  

Registration for Friends' members is now live. Contact isabel@sanjuans.org to get the registration link! 

Registration for the general public will be open soon, subject to availability. 

General questions? Email friends@sanjuans.org