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Do I have to pay both ways to get to and from the islands by ferry?
Washington State Ferry fares to the San Juan Islands paid at the Anacortes terminal include round trip travel! Fares are 10% less expensive when arriving Sunday through Tuesday. Reservations are not available on the WSF unless you're traveling to Sidney, B.C. WSF runs on seasonal schedules throughout the year, so be sure to check out their website (above) for a current or upcoming schedule.
Do I have to make reservations on the Washington State Ferry to travel to the San Juans?
No. Reservations are not available. When traveling from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands, it is first come, first served. The Washington State Ferry recommends parking your car in line at the terminal at least one hour early, and at least two hours early in the peak season (June, July, and August) and holidays. Reservations are available if you are traveling to Sidney, B.C.; WSF recommends reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Please call 888-808-7977 or make your reservation online.
Is there a way to get around the islands if I do not bring my car?
San Juan Island and the town of Friday Harbor offer several options for transportation. You may choose to take a seasonal shuttle,moped or scootcar (May through September) around the island, take a taxi, rent a car, or bicycle. All are within walking distance of the ferry terminal.
Orcas Island also offers a seasonal (May through September 17th) transit shuttle. You can also rent a car, bicycle, (seasonal) moped, or scootcar from the ferry terminal at Orcas Village, or you can call a taxi from the pay phone located at the ferry terminal.
Lopez Island offers bicycle rentals which are located in Lopez Village, 4 miles from the ferry terminal.
Many inns and B&Bs on all three islands will pick up guests at the ferry terminal.
When I arrive at my island destination, how can I get around to the other islands?
Enjoy a ride on the inter-island ferry! You can travel between Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw via a Washington State Ferry; reservations are not available. There is a fee for vehicles (by length and height) and drivers traveling west-bound only; there is no charge for walk-ons or bicycles. Walk on the ferry and enjoy a free cruise around the islands! You can also travel between these four islands, and some others, via our local airlines and water taxis.
How can I find out about festivals and events happening during my visit to the islands?
Special events occur year round! Many events are free and most are open to the general public. Please check out our Calendar of Events for up-to-date listings.
When am I most likely to see orca whales in the San Juan Islands?
Some of the orca whales are here all year long. However, most sightings occur May through September when up to 90 orcas may be in the area at the same time. You can possibly enjoy shore-based whale watching on the west side of San Juan Island at Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, the only park dedicated to whale watching in the world! You may also see porpoises, seals and eagles. Or take a whale watching tour aboard a boat(seasonal) with a member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest. There are many such commercial operators on San Juan and Orcas Islands. To learn more about the whales and their environment, you can visit The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, 62 First St. N.
What kind of activities are there for children in the San Juan Islands?
Children love the San Juan Islands! Children can beachcomb, observe tidepools, or walk miles of trails inhabited with an abundance of wildlife. See eagles, deer, rabbits, foxes, raccoons, seals, porpoises, and whales, just on an island stroll! Go for a whale watching tour by boat, or guided kayaking adventure (seasonal and depends on your age). Eat ice cream on the docks, check out the small aquarium at Spring Street Landing in Friday Harbor as well as the Coast Salish houseposts in the park by the harbor. Enjoy the Funhouse on Orcas Island, skateboarding parks on all three islands, horseback riding, browsing children’s toy stores, visiting The Whale Museum, and more!
Where can I learn about the history of the islands?
The San Juan Islands have hosted visitors for many generations and year-round communities for over a hundred years. Get to know the history of the islands at the local historical museums on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands. Visit the San Juan Island National Historical Park, which includes American Camp and English Camp, created in 1966 based upon the idea: that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully. For it was here, in 1859, that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a pig shot by an American farmer, during an on-going boundary dispute. |
