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In the days gone by, local Indians and trappers accessed the islands by canoeing across the waters.
Today most visitors to the islands travel the Washington State Ferries which serve the four main islands of Shaw, Lopez, San Juan and Orcas.
The islands are served by the ferry terminal in Anacortes. Take I-5 to the Burlington exit 230, travel west on Highway 20 to Anacortes and follow the signs to the ferry terminal.
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Ferry traffic can be heavy in the summer months and it is strongly advised to get your car in line at least one hour ahead of your departure time. During peak times (weekends and weekdays between 10am and 5pm) you may want to arrive earlier as wait times can be double or triple.
If you choose to leave your car behind, you can park it in a shuttle lot alongside Highway 20, just east of Anacortes and take a free shuttle to the ferry, or pay to park it in the terminal parking lot. For shuttle and parking information call 360.757.4433 |
Ferries allow passengers to sit back, relax, perhaps sip a latte or glass of wine and enjoy the scenery. And what scenery it is -- island shorelines edged with sinewy red madrona trees, golden bluffs or rocky beaches. On clear days, snow capped Mt. Baker rises in awesome splendor in the east.
Marine life including seals, a variety of water birds and of course the ever present sea gulls can be spotted cavorting in the aquamarine glacial waters. Sharp-eyed riders may spot a bald eagle perched in a tree or get a glimpse of seals or a whale wandering the waters.
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The ferry terminal is also served by:
Airporter Shuttle from Sea-Tac Airport to Anacortes Ferry terminal 800-235-5247
Gray Line Bus, downtown Seattle to Anacortes Ferry terminal 800-426-7532.
The ferry schedules change quarterly, so it is important to consult a current schedule when planning your trip. Washington State ferries provides current scheduling information
Telephone at 206.464.6400 or 800.84.FERRY.
Click here to visit the Washington State Ferry Web site. Or check out the Victoria Clipper which has regular service from Seattle.
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Fares vary according to the size and height of your vehicle, as well as the number of passengers carried. Children under age five travel free, while children ages 5-11 travel at half fare. Persons 65 and older, as well as disabled passengers, travel at a reduced rate. Round-trip fares are collected on all travel from east to west, whether from Anacortes or inter-island. Return tickets are not required on any ferry runs except those from Sidney, B.C. Canada Reservations are not accepted except for the Sydney run. Fares can be paid with cash, in-state personal checks or travelers checks. The ferry system does not take credit cards.
The Washington State Ferries make two daily trips from Anacortes to Sidney, B.C. Canada during the summer months. Reservations for the Sydney trip are encouraged and can be made by calling 800.84.FERRY
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For those preferring a quicker, more direct route to the islands, several airlines offer both scheduled and charter flights to the islands.
West Isle Air has inter-island flights and service between the San Juans and Bellingham, Anacortes, and Boeing field in Seattle.
West Isle also serves Waldron, Blakely, Shaw, Center and Decatur Islands. Visit their website: West Isle Air or call 800.874.4434.
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Charter service between the islands and the destination of your choice is available from Island Air 360.378.2376. Kenmore Air flies float planes between Lake Union, in downtown Seattle, or nearby Lake Washington and Northwest Seaplanes flies out of Renton. If you are traveling on a private plane, The Port of Friday Airport has a 3400 by 75 foot runway, 12,500 pound weight limit, and 45 spaces for guest aircraft. Northwest Seaplanes can be reached on 800-690-0086 and offers service from Seattle to Friday Harbor & Roche Harbor.
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Located close to the Canadian/US International border, the waters of the San Juan Islands are enjoyed by boating enthusiast year around. If traveling on a private vessel, The Port of Friday Harbor Marina has 500 slips and provides access to the Town of Friday Harbor, where one can find complete services for boaters. There is space available for 150 visiting boats ranging in size from dinghy's to 150 feet.
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Roche Harbor Marina has also been a popular boating destination for many years and accommodates vessels of all sizes. With its pristine setting on the North end of San Juan Island and nestled against a backdrop of sparkling white buildings in the quaint little harbor, with new state of the art Marina facilities.
Snug Harbor is an ideal stopping off spot for boaters and fishermen, and is nestled in quiet Mitchell Bay on the west side of San Juan Island, just a few miles from the town of Friday Harbor. They offer van service to and from town, including ferry and airport pickup/delivery.
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