Salish Seacrets Adventures

26/06/2024

Captain’s Log Day 183, Memoirs of a Homer:

“Approximate location: Unknown, somewhere in the Salish Sea - The sun shines bright and yet I am weary. The humans have put me forth on the helm and I fear this may be the end of me. Rather than chase mine own tail or biteth at the old Ruca’s neck, I am henceforth tethered to the command of the ship. Alas, great responsibility hangs heavy upon broad shoulders such as mine own.”

31/05/2024

When the 5am departure time pays off 💪 Great work out there today, boys!

20/05/2024

Great time fishing last night! There’s still time this year to get on the water with us, and land a lingcod for yourself!

On another note, we’ve heard a few times now that there’s a little rumor going around that we are no longer in business…not quite sure how that started, but we are still here! We’re still running charters! Just give us a call when you’re on island and we’ll see what we can do for you!

14/05/2024

Fishing season is in full swing! Be sure to give us a call when you’re on island and we’ll help you stock up your freezers!

Captain Darren can be reached at (360) 298-1459!

HALIBUT: April 4 - June 30, 7 days/week
LINGCOD: May 1 - June 15, 7 days/week
SPOT PRAWN: May 16 - May 18, May 30 - June 1, June 13 - June 15, June 28 - June 30, July 12 - July 14

*Fishing licenses must be purchased prior to charter with WDFW

Charter rates and descriptions can be found on our website www.salishseacrets.com

26/04/2024

Aaaaannnnd we’re back! It’s our favorite time of the year around here - The sun is starting to show herself, everything is turning a lush green, and FISHING SEASON has started!! So far we’re off to a good start with a few halibut in the boat already. Lingcod, spot prawns, and Dungeness crab soon to come.

A few things have changed this season. We have switched our fishing rates to private group charters. And we are not taking advanced reservations this year, for any charters. Give us a call when you’re in town, or about a week prior to your desired date and we’ll see what we can accommodate! You can check all of our rates and tours out at www.salishseacrets.com.

23/09/2023

Well friends, it’s been quite the season! We will be officially closed for the year starting October 1st. Many thanks to everyone that joined us on the water! We have lots to do before next season and we anticipate a bit of change as we navigate our needs going forward. But for now, we are looking forward to some down time and slowing down for a bit. We will be taking bookings and inquiries for next season staring in February 2024.

21/09/2023

Hey friends! The San Juan Community Home Trust’s, “Ride for Housing” event is coming up this Sunday 9/24! We are very excited to be a part of this important event in our community!

Affordable housing is one of the most (if not the most) difficult challenges island residents face. Both Darren and I feel incredibly lucky to have roots in our community, and have always had a friend or family member to rely on. Though it hasn’t always been easy, we know many others have faced much harder situations. The opportunities for “luck” and “hard work” are running thin. Some residents have been forced to leave the islands entirely. The impact of less-available affordable housing in our community ripples into every aspect of the economy, well-being, and overall spirit of the islands. This is why we have decided to donate a 4 hour Half Day Yacht Charter to the raffle portion of the event. We hope to encourage more of you to sign up for the ride, donate, or participate in the raffle!

From the San Juan Community Home Trust:

“Join the San Juan Community Home Trust on our First Annual Ride for Housing! We will ride around San Juan Island, visit our Home Trust neighborhoods, and hit the finish line at San Juan Brewery for some drinks and food. After party includes live music, raffle, and silent auction for some really special experiences.

The San Juan Community Home Trust's mission is to provide permanently affordable homes to low- and moderate-income residents. So, let's get some tires on the pavement and raise some stoke and money for housing our beloved island community!

Don't want to ride? Volunteer along the route, sponsor the ride, or celebrate at the after party at the brewery!”

https://givebutter.com/c/kyh9Ax?fbclid=IwAR0Uz1EkSUmhysI6AhXlKKhMj7MtDhUjoCPYB9w9hVSSZx1atwiEDAYdH5Q_aem_AaPARHRYf_6rhOdLLvqZPlG4kzS4ORLQrFnGlOOLUw7N8GLeYpgQTpb8avuYBd95bmw

25/08/2023

On Tuesday, Orcas Island lost two beloved members of our community. For those of you living in the islands, you understand the impact that a heartbreaking loss like this has on our small town. For our friends and guests from afar, perhaps you never met Lalo or Miguel. But maybe you stayed at the Outlook Inn, or dined at The New Leaf Cafe during your visit here. In which case, your trip to Orcas Island was touched by these two hardworking, young men. If you had the pleasure of enjoying one of the cafe’s famous Belgian waffles, you were fed by Lalo. If you drank from a clean glass, you can thank Miguel. If you left part of your heart on Orcas Island, please consider donating to help a family in need during a devastating time. I am really going to miss seeing these two. I don’t know how we’re going to do it without you guys.

On the morning of August 22nd, our community tragically lost two young … Katy Whitley needs your support for Join Us in Helping the Families of Lalo & Miguel

25/07/2023

21/07/2023

It’s been a busy, beautiful, crazy, exciting, fun, hectic, inspiring, stressful, tiring, transformative, adventurous, and so much more summer so far!

We still have some open days this season. Give us a call before these long summer days run out!

04/07/2023

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🎊

We are taking it easy this year and spending time on the We’ll Sea with our pups. We may rejoin civilization this evening for fireworks, or we may not 😜

How is everyone else celebrating??!

🎇🧨🎆

21/06/2023

We got to assist in collecting eelgrass samples from a few sites around Lopez Island today! It’s always fun to help out and witness the efforts of those doing the work to preserve our delicate ecosystems in the islands.

“Eelgrass is a seagrass that is a haven for crabs, fish, and other wildlife. Eelgrass provides habitat, nursery grounds, and food. It also mitigates wave energy and trapping fine sediments.”

Learn more about Friends of the San Juan’s and their preservation efforts at www.SanJuans.org .

15/06/2023

Many thanks to this group yesterday! A fun day spent fishing and a surprise encounter with a family of orca to top it all off!

13/06/2023

We had a last minute cancellation for a half day yacht charter today! If anyone is interested in getting out on the water call 360-472-1802 or email [email protected] . $750 for a 4 hour tour. We can depart as late as 4pm today!

09/06/2023

We’ve added boat rentals this year and they are ready to go!

Check it out on our new, sister website: www.EastsoundBoatRentals.com !

28/05/2023

We love repeat guests! So wonderful to see you again Sherri Dougherty! We had a lovely time with you two! Thanks for coming to see us this year and sharing stories with us. We feel so lucky to get to share time with lovely folks like you guys. You are definitely a stop on our bucket list USA road trip! Until next year! 😘

24/05/2023

SPOT PRAWNS OPEN THIS WEEKEND!!

We have 2 spots available on a Halibut & Spot Prawn Combo charter on Saturday 5/27! $325 per person, 6-7 hours.

Sunday is open for Lingcod, Halibut, AND/or spot prawn!

Call 360-472-1802 or email [email protected] to book.

Tours depart from Brandts Landing Marina on Orcas Island.

Fishing licenses must be purchased prior to charter.

19/05/2023

MEET YOUR CREW!

Naturalist Rhiannon Serna
FOUNDER

Rhiannon’s love of nature, art, and the ocean, is fulfilled by the lifestyle of the San Juan Islands. A life long San Juan Islander and true island girl at heart, she tried to leave once and knew it almost immediately to be a mistake. She has worked every job the islands have to offer. From zip line tour guide, hotel concierge, bartender, and bookkeeper. To running her own cleaning business for many years. She is the voice on the phone and the words behind the email when contacting Salish Seacrets. When out on the water - the deckhand to bait your hook, first mate to Captain Darren, and even your personal chef if you’d like! Whatever you need, she is on it. She looks forward to meeting you from first contact, to spending the day out on the water with you.

When not working, Rhiannon (or Rhi if it’s easier) enjoys painting, yoga, horseback riding, free-diving, and spending time on the water with Darren.

Rhiannon is a certified naturalist with the Whale Museum of Friday Harbor.

19/05/2023

MEET YOUR CREW!

Captain Darren Stevens
FOUNDER

Darren’s true passion in life is fishing, prawning, and crabbing. He has countless hours on our home waters as well as in Homer, Alaska where he and his dad have run salmon fishing charters during the summer months. It brings Darren pure joy to show others the secrets of the sea and share his life learned knowledge of our home. Salish Seacrets Adventures was born out of Darren’s love for rounding up his closest friends and embarking on epic, outer island camping excursions. Providing limitless fun on the water, enjoying the beauty of the islands, and bringing home the catch of the day - these are the things that are deeply embedded in the bones of this man. If you were to consider going out into the Salish Sea surrounding the San Juan Islands, there’s no better guide out there. Seaworthy, trustworthy, noteworthy.... he’s a lifelong Orcas local with a huge heart and open arms. He looks forward to sharing the beauty of our beloved home with you. A day on the water with Darren, is guaranteed fun!

Darren is a US Coast Guard licensed Captain.

17/05/2023

Do you have boating experience, but have found yourself without a boat? Now you can borrow one of ours! Dig up your ol’ captains hat and give us a call!

“Reel Drunk” - 20ft 2014 Alumaweld Stryker with a 2022 Mercury 115hp is available for rent!

4 hour half day rental - $425
8 hour full day rental - $600

Additional fishing gear packages available for a small fee.

Located in Brandt’s Landing Marina on Orcas Island. Conveniently located for quick access to the many Marine State Park Islands in the San Juan’s!

Call 360-472-1802 or email [email protected] to reserve your vessel!

16/05/2023

Hey friends! Lingcod season is in full swing! We have space on a charter going out this Friday, 5/29!

5 hour charter - $275 per person. Departs from Brandt’s Landing Marina on Orcas Island.

Fishing licenses must be purchased with WDFW prior to charter. Temporary licenses can be purchased online or with any sporting goods store.

Call 360-472-1802 or email [email protected] to book

14/05/2023

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother-figures out there!

10/05/2023

The Sun has finally revealed herself!

It’s starting to really look like boating weather in the islands! Give us a call for any of your on the water needs - boat rentals, half & full day yacht charters, leisurely paddle boarding excursions, fishing charters, overnight camping adventures, camping gear rentals, island hopping transport, you name it! It’s shaping up to be a fun summer!

Charters depart from Brandt’s Landing Marina on Orcas Island.

360-472-1802 or [email protected] to book!

25/04/2023

Itching to get out on the water this year!?

Now offering BOAT RENTALS!

Give “Reel Drunk,” our 20’ Alumaweld Stryker with a 2022 Mercury 115hp a whirl!

Explore the Salish Sea on your own time, at your own pace. We are based out of Brandt’s Landing Marina on Orcas Island. Centrally located to popular boating destinations and just a quick drive to Patos, Sucia, and Matia Marine State Parks!

4 Hour Rental: $425
8 Hour Rental: $600

Complimentary crab pots and fishing gear packages available for a small additional rate.

Prior boating experience required, renters are subject to our discretion. Please visit our website to inquire. https://www.salishseacrets.com/rentals

Rentals available starting June 15th.

19/04/2023

Swipe to see our answer to one of the most common questions we are asked, and find out why we DO NOT offer whale watching!✌️

16/04/2023

Sometimes you have to leave the dock by 5am….and sometimes it’s worth it! We had a surprise halibut day for ourselves this week and it couldn’t have worked out better. 💙 You can’t beat living life by Mother Nature’s clock. The tide, the wind, the phase of the moon, daylight… we are at your mercy and eternally grateful for all of your blessings

Fishing season has only just begun. Be sure to book a charter with us this year. We can’t wait to see what we can bring up from the depths with you!

14/04/2023

Exciting news! We are now offering CATERED MEALS! Delicious food prepared by our dear friends at ! Swipe to see our menu options.

First up we have our NEW Catered Dinner Cruise
- 3 hour tour on 45’ yacht, We’ll Sea
- $200 per person with dinner included.
- 3 person minimum

Second, we now have options to add lunch spreads to any of our existing Yacht Charters!
- Prices vary

*All meals can be made to accommodate any allergies, just let us know your needs at the time of booking!

*Tours depart from Brandts Landing Marina on Orcas Island.

A little bit about Orcas Island Catering:

“Chef Steve Hardee and Karina Shaffer-Bauck run a small catering company on beautiful Orcas Island. Born and raised on the island, Karina has been catering and working in the community for over 20 years. Steve has been professionally cooking in the Washington area for over 25 years and living on Orcas island for 11. They are committed to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to concoct delicious food that is sure to tantalize your taste buds! Their goal is to bring back locally sourced service and goods to the town they came from. And to provide at least a small peak into the window of our lives here.”

11/04/2023

NEW TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT!

SUP SUCIA

A new, private, 4 hour excursion on our 45’ yacht! The same price and duration of our Half Day Yacht Charter, but with a focus on Stand Up Paddle Boarding! Join us for a leisurely paddle in one of the protected coves surrounding one of our favorite spots in the San Juan’s - Sucia Island Marine State Park.

Gear Provided: 10-11’ inflatable stand up paddle boards, paddles, PFDs

*Up to 6 guests

06/04/2023

SPOT PRAWN DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!!

Join us for an opportunity to catch some of the tastiest creatures in the sea! We only get a few open windows a year, so take advantage of it!

MAY 25 - 28
JUNE 8 - 10
JUNE 22 - 24
JULY 7 - 10

Some of these dates fall on corresponding lingcod and halibut days, so opportunities for combo trips are possible!!

CHARTER OPTIONS:

Spot Prawn & Sightseeing 5 hours - $225 per person

Spot Prawn & Lingcod or Halibut Combo 6 hours - $300 per person

*All gear provided.

*Fishing licenses must be purchased prior to charter. One day permits are available online at the WDFW or any sporting goods store.

*Minimum group size of 2 to leave the dock, open to multiple parties.

*Max group size of 6

Local led adventure tours in the San Juan Islands, based out of Brandt’s Landing Marina on Orcas Is.

30/03/2023

FISHING SEASON IS HERE!

Join us this season for some exciting time on the water and an opportunity to stock up your freezers for the winter!

HALIBUT

“Pacific halibut are quota managed, days open are dependent on available quota and Marine Areas will close when the quota is projected to be obtained. The following is intended to show the proposed season structure, but season dates are not guaranteed to be open. Additional days may be scheduled in August and September, depending on available quota. “ - WDFW

April 6 - May 22: Open Thursdays thru Mondays
Memorial Day Weekend: Open 5/26-5/27
June 1 - June 30: Open 7 days/week

LINGCOD

May 1 - June 15: Open 7 days/week

DUNGENESS CRAB / SPOT PRAWN: Dates TBD

Charter Options:

BOTTOM FISH
Lingcod - $275 per person, 5 hours
Halibut - $300 per person, 6 hours
Lingcod & Halibut Combo - $325 per person, 7 hour charter

SHELLFISH
Crab & Sight-Seeing - $225 per person, 4 hours
Prawn & Sight-Seeing - $250 per person, 5 hours
Prawn & Crab Combo - $275 per person, 5 hours
Prawn & Lingcod Combo - $300 per person, 6 hours

Call (360) 472-1802 or email [email protected] to book!

See www.salishseacrets.com/tours for more charter options, info on yacht excursions, and new this year, BOAT RENTALS!

*Minimum group size of 2 to leave the dock, maximum 6, open to multiple parties.*

*Fishing licenses and catch cards must be purchased prior to charter. 1-3 day temporary licenses are available for purchase online with the WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife or any sporting goods store.*

*Prices are subject to change.*