The first follows the outer shoreline of Tumbo Island and, unless paddled close to slack, will likely require passing through the most extensive sections of turbulent water. The sandstone cliffs on this side of Tumbo, although not high, are impressive. This second route will, however, require passing through some turbulent water, unless you are going through at slack. The third option avoids much of the East Point turbulence by angling across to Saturna Island before entering Tumbo Channel. Follow Saturna's north shore closely, and round East Point by taking advantage of back eddies.
Most paddlers presume that once they are around East Point, the effect of current is minimal.
Such is not the case. Maximum floods and ebbs create currents of up to 2 knots all the way from East Point to Taylor Point where currents are especially noticeable off major headlands. Boundary Pass is a huge body of water separating Canada and the United States. Freighters the size of city blocks use the pass as their gateway to Georgia Strait. Unless you are crossing over to the San Juans, their presence has little effect.