PNW Trip Planning

Step 1: Check the Weather and Tides

• NOAA Weather Buoy 17 NM NE of Port Angeles, WA
• NOAA Weather Buoy Southern Georgia Strait
• NOAA Weather Buoy Halibut Bank, Northern Georgia Strait
• Kitsap PORTS Info
• Tacoma PORTS Info
• Tide Information
• PredictWind: Wind Information
• Windy: Wind Information
• NOAA Ocean Prediction Center
• Boating British Columbia - Weather, Tides & Currents

Step 2: Plan Your Route

• Select your starting point, your end point, and any stops along the way.
• Stay out of the mud and off the rocks! Check your charts to select a route that avoids obstacles and insures sufficient depth.
• Enter route into your chartplotter.
• Use the Tide and Current information you collected in step one to validate sufficient depths along route and best best time to depart or return.
• NOAA Chart 1: Symbols and Abbreviations used on Charts
• ActiveCaptain: Built in chart with information on launch ramps, marinas and navigation notes.
• Maps & Waterway Guide: Both Coasts
• Coast Pilot Volume 10: Washington (Can be downloaded as a pdf)
• Waggoner sells a variety of Cruising Guides for the Pacific Northwest
• Very useful and concise Cruising Guides for the Pacific Northwest
• Fee Changes for 2026 in Canadian Provincial Marine Parks

Step 3: File A Float Plan

• Who do you give the Float Plan to? A family member or friend. They can call the Coast Guard if you don't return when expected.
• USCG Float Plan

Step 4: Make sure the Boat and Crew are Ready

• FUEL! Do you have enough fuel, plus a reserve?
• Marine Fuel Prices in the Pacific Northwest
• Create and use a "Pre-Flight Checklist"
• Give a safety briefing to new crew members
• Have a Great Day on the water!

Navigation Resources

• Navionics: Navigation App for Android and Apple Devices
• Waggoner Pacific Northwest Cruising Guides
• NOAA: Find Nautical Charts
• US Coast Guard: Notice to Mariners

Books

• Coast Pilot Volume 10: Washington (Can be downloaded as a pdf)
• Charlie's Charts
• Pacific Northwest
• Waterway Guide: Both coasts