The San Juans have been a world-famous cruising destination for many years, but only recently have they begun to be recognized as one of the premier photographic destinations in North America. And with good reason: These islands offer everything from intricately carved shorelines to sensuous madrone forests to vast panoramas of sea, sky, and snow-capped mountains. Wildlife is abundant: whales, sea lions, seals, otters, eagles, herons, and more. The San Juans are arguably the most beautiful – and diverse – archipelago in the contiguous United States.

Madrone – photo by John D’Onofrio

On our excursions on the David B, we focus on the world-class natural areas in these beautiful islands, including the San Juan Islands National Monument, created by President Obama in 2013, and the beautiful Washington State Marine Parks. These special places are accessible only by private boat. Places like Sucia Island, with its statuesque madrone forests and a surreal sandstone shoreline carved into fantastic patterns by the elements.  This amazing, artfully weathered stone is called ‘tafoni’, and as a photography subject, it’s world-class.

Tafoni in the Golden Hour – photo by John D’Onofrio

Patos Island is another remarkable photo location with its historic lighthouse standing vigil against a backdrop of epic glacier-covered mountains. We’ll get up close and personal with the lighthouse on a shore excursion.

Stewart Island offers beautiful grassy headlands and a view of the Canadian Gulf Islands (and another photographically stunning lighthouse). 

Turn Point Lighthouse – photo by John D’Onofrio

Jones Island is a spectacular Marine Park, with a trail system that provides easy access to both sublime shoreline vistas and evocative coastal forests. 

And autumn is the glory season here, after the summer yachting season has ended, and silence prevails. 

This five-day adventure provides plenty of time for personalized photographic instruction and a comprehensive exploration of Adobe Lightroom to refine your images and take your photography to the next level.

Misty Cove – photo by John D’Onofrio

I’ve spent a lot of quality time in these magical islands, photographing the beautiful land and seascapes, and I can tell you that the experience on the M/V David B. is in a league of its own. The combination of boat, skiff, and onshore excursions provides an optimal photographic palette – and a chance for a ‘deep dive’ into this remarkable northern marine paradise.