Chapter 2 - West Central Puget Sound

Bainbridge Island is at the heart of this delightful boating area where a week or more could easily be spent visiting the many bays, parks, and communities. Why not start with a stop in Eagle Harbor? From moorage, it is an easy walk to the waterfront park, downtown, restaurants, the Art Museum and the ferry to Seattle.  Circumnavigating the island is also a perfect way to explore, but no trip would be complete without side trips into ports of call like Silverdale at the head of Dyes Inlet or Poulsbo on the shores of Liberty Bay. Both have waterfront parks that are not only perfect for picnicking, but also host not to be missed annual festivals like Whaling Days in Silverdale (July) and Viking Fest in Poulsbo (May).  In the second weekend in February, Port of Poulsbo Marina guests can enjoy music, whisky tasting and more at Frosty Fest.  In July, or any time of year, marina guest can visit a variety of unique shops, eateries and famous bakery near the Poulsbo waterfront.  A must stop for mariners is Longship Marine where treasures await among new, used and consignment pieces.  Another sort or treasure for boaters can be found in the snug, secluded waters of Burke Bay.  Here the Port of Brownsville offers amenities (including fuel)  along with a totally relaxed experience. Shift the pace to low and picnic, BBQ, and play volleyball in this peaceful setting.  Down along Sinclair Inlet, Bremerton and Port Orchard both offer moorage close to downtown shopping, dining, waterfront parks, museums, farmers markets and other attractions. Some dining experiences can be what we call "Cruise in to Dine Out' affairs - cruise in on your boat or dinghy, tie up at the restaurant's dock and enjoy a meal.  A foot ferry, the Carlisle II, runs regularly between the two cities so you can take a fun, little day trip without even having to fire up the engine! 


Bremerton MarinaPort Orchard MarinaWinslow Wharf Marina

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Bremerton Marina


Now in its 46th year, Northwest Boat Travel is a unique cruising guide containing twenty geographically arranged chapters presenting descriptions and useful information about the ports-of-call, anchorages, bays, inlets, waterways, marine parks, marina and resort facilities, fuel docks, services, and things to see and do along coasts and islands of Washington, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska.