TRAVELING
TO
ORCAS ISLAND
Flying and Shuttle:
If you plan to fly into Bellingham International Airport or SeaTac (both about equidistant from the San Juan Islands ferry terminal) you can purchase a ticket online for the Bellair Airporter shuttle, which will take you from either airport and drop you off at the ferry terminal in Anacortes. I believe both have 1 layover/transfer, but will then take you straight to the ferry terminal where you can purchase ferry tickets.
https://airporter.com/shuttle/schedules/anacortes-san-juan-islands/
There is also an airport on the island, so for those who are able to, flying straight to orcas is an option. It may be expensive, and I’ve never done it, but I know folks who have! If you are interested in this option just ask and I can find out more about peoples preferred airlines/charter companies.
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/airlines-charters
Ferries:
You can purchase your ferry ticket online or in person at the terminal, and if walking on without a vehicle you won’t need a reservation ahead of time. Tickets are around $15 per adult and can be purchased right before the scheduled sailing at the terminal.
If you are driving, it is HIGHLY recommended you make a reservation in advance, as the ferries are crowded and fill up quickly in the summer months. This part can be tricky and a bit frustrating - so it’s really important to plan ahead of time and or give yourself plenty of time the day you anticipate traveling. The process for releasing reservations spots to the public happens one portion at a time - a percentage of the total reservation spots become available online at 7am - 2 months prior to your sailing date, the next batch are released at 2 weeks prior, and another 2 days before - and they book quickly so getting online as close to 7am is highly recommended! A number of spots are saved for standby vehicles, and it’s totally possible to get on a boat the day of, but there is no guaranteed which boat, and you could end up waiting all day. It’s suggested to show up at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled sailing time if you want to secure a standby spot, especially during these busy summer months. Price depends on vehicle size.
If you are unable to secure a ferry reservation and you would rather not deal with standby, there are pay per day or week parking lots at the terminal in Anacortes where you can leave your car for the week and just walk on.
For those walking on, we will coordinate pickups to and from the ferry landing and the property.
https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations