A snug, shallow, and exceptionally protected pocket anchorage off Mosquito Pass on the northwest side of San Juan Island, fronting the historic English Camp of San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Tucked behind Westcott Bay at the inner end of Mosquito Pass, Garrison Bay is a landlocked, mud-bottomed basin known for excellent holding and near-total shelter. The 1-, 2-, and 3-fathom contours dominate the bay, so most cruising boats anchor in shallow water and should keep an eye on the sounder and the tide.
The northern shore is occupied by English Camp (also called British Camp), the preserved 1860-1872 Royal Marine garrison of San Juan Island National Historical Park, with its white blockhouse, restored barracks, and formal English garden ashore. Guss Island sits low in the middle of the bay, and the Westcott Bay Shellfish Company oyster farm lies just to the south.
It is a quiet, history-rich hideout rather than a busy harbor, prized by cruisers as a bullet-proof spot to wait out weather while exploring ashore.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Access is from Roche Harbor or Haro Strait through Mosquito Pass, a narrow, well-buoyed channel winding between Henry and San Juan Islands. Follow the navigation aids closely and do not cut corners; after passing red Buoy 6 turn east into the narrow entrance channel, watching the chartplotter and sounder, as the entrance is shallow and best taken with a rising tide.
Inside the bay the principal hazards are a shoal extending a surprising distance to the northwest from Bell Point, kelp near the north shore, and shallow water with a no-anchor zone in the narrows between Guss Island and English Camp. Give Guss Island and the camp foreshore a wide berth and anchor in the deeper central-southern part of the bay near the English Camp dinghy dock.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Garrison Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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