The Pacific Northwest is one of the world's premier cruising destinations. From the protected waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to British Columbia's breathtaking coastline and Southeast Alaska, every voyage offers incredible scenery, unique anchorages, and unforgettable adventures. But successful cruising starts long before you leave the dock—it begins with reliable navigation resources.
Whether you're planning a weekend cruise or a multi-week expedition through the Inside Passage, having the right cruising guides aboard can make every trip safer, easier, and far more enjoyable.
Here are our top recommendations for the best cruising guides for the Pacific Northwest.
Often called the "Bible" of Pacific Northwest cruising, the 2026 Waggoner Cruising Guide is an essential resource for both new and experienced boaters. Updated annually, it covers everything from Puget Sound to Southeast Alaska with practical cruising information that helps boaters confidently plan their routes. It includes more than 300 maps and dock diagrams, information on over 500 marinas and marine parks, more than 780 recommended anchorages, border crossing procedures, and valuable local knowledge throughout the guide.
Best for:
Trip planning
Marina information
Anchorage recommendations
First-time Pacific Northwest cruisers
Seasonal updates
If your cruising plans include Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands, the Strait of Georgia, or the Sunshine Coast, Ports and Passes Volume 1 belongs at your helm.
Unlike a standard tide book, this annual publication explains how tides and currents affect navigation and helps boaters safely plan passages through the Pacific Northwest's challenging tidal rapids and narrow channels. It also includes practical, experience-based local knowledge that has made it a trusted resource for recreational boaters and professional mariners alike.
Perfect for cruising:
Puget Sound
San Juan Islands
Gulf Islands
Sunshine Coast
Desolation Sound
Johnstone Strait
Broughton Archipelago
Heading farther north or exploring the outer coast? Ports and Passes Volume 2 expands your coverage to include:
Southeast Alaska
British Columbia's Northern Coast
Haida Gwaii
West Coast of Vancouver Island
Western Juan de Fuca
Like Volume 1, it provides current predictions, tide information, and practical local knowledge to help boaters safely navigate some of the Pacific Northwest's most rewarding cruising waters.
Many experienced cruisers choose to carry both the Waggoner Cruising Guide and Ports and Passes together. Captain's Nautical offers convenient bundles that combine these trusted resources, making it easy to save while ensuring you have comprehensive coverage for your cruise planning.
Once you've planned your primary route, destination-specific guides help you discover hidden anchorages, local attractions, hiking opportunities, and favorite stops.
Some of our customer favorites include:
San Juan Islands: A Boater's Guidebook
Gulf Islands: A Boater's Guidebook
Charlie's Charts: North to Alaska
Exploring the South Coast of British Columbia
Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide – San Juan Islands
These detailed regional guides complement broader cruising references by offering in-depth local knowledge for popular destinations.
No single book contains everything you need. Seasoned Pacific Northwest boaters often rely on multiple resources, using each for a different purpose.
A common combination includes:
Waggoner Cruising Guide for overall trip planning and marina information.
Ports and Passes for tides, currents, and passage timing.
Regional cruising guides for destination-specific recommendations and local insights.
This combination provides greater confidence when cruising unfamiliar waters.
If you're cruising mainly around Washington's inland waters, start with:
Waggoner Cruising Guide
Ports and Passes Volume 1
Planning an Inside Passage adventure or heading toward Alaska?
Add:
Ports and Passes Volume 2
Charlie's Charts: North to Alaska
Exploring one region in depth?
Choose a dedicated guide for the San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, or British Columbia to gain detailed local knowledge.
At Captain's Nautical, we've been helping mariners find trusted navigation resources for years. Our carefully selected collection includes the newest editions of the Pacific Northwest's most respected cruising guides, tide books, current atlases, nautical charts, and navigation references.
Whether you're preparing for your very first cruise or planning your tenth voyage to Alaska, the right guidebook can help you cruise with greater confidence and enjoy every mile along the way.
Browse our complete collection of Pacific Northwest cruising guides and start planning your next adventure today.
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