The San Juan Islands are one of the most storied and sought-after vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The area is rich with opportunities to see Orcas and other whales in the wild, to enjoy kayaking, hiking, and biking, and to savor the undeniable beauty of the world. However, to get here, you must first understand how to navigate the San Juan Island Ferry.
The trip aboard the San Juan Island Ferry alone is worth the trip, offering riders breathtaking views and a laid-back journey to this stunning Pacific Northwest Archipelago. As you glide across the water, you’ll pass by lush forests and driftwood-lined beaches and enjoy spectacular mountain peaks in the distance. If you’re really lucky, you’ll even catch a glimpse of orcas or seals right from the ferry deck. It’s a ride you won’t soon forget.
San Juan County includes 172 named islands and reefs, but only a few are served by the Washington State Ferry System: Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and San Juan Island. San Juan Island is the heart of the action, with the Friday Harbor Ferry terminal serving as its main hub. The charming town of Friday Harbor boasts a delightful mix of local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. To make your journey even easier, you’ll find our exquisite Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor less than 0.5 miles from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, making it the perfect spot to unwind and use as a home base as you explore San Juan Island.
Our accommodations cater to a variety of needs. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, traveling with family and pets, or in need of a spacious vacation rental, our Friday Harbor lodging has you covered. Plus, our central location makes exploring Friday Harbor effortless. Planning to visit other islands? The San Juan Island Ferry dock is just a short walk away, and hopping aboard as a walk-on passenger is an easy, budget-friendly way to island-hop.
Regardless of what you plan to do in the San Juan Islands this year, know that the ferry system is busy and limited, especially in the summer. Reservations are essential, and they book up quickly. We have a complete guide to navigating the ferry system so you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the best of this island paradise this year. Book your stay with us today!
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Tips for Riding the San Juan Island Ferry This Year
We’ll be honest – the Washington State Ferry system has been in the news lately, and rarely for a good reason. The system, which includes the San Juan Island ferry to Friday Harbor, has struggled to maintain its fleet of vessels and staff for several years now. These struggles have certainly impacted travel to the San Juan Islands, making it more imperative than ever to understand the ferry system and ensure you have a reservation aboard the San Juan Island Ferry.
The good news is, if you have a ferry reservation to get to our cozy Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor, you’re about to embark on a journey filled with unbelievable landscapes, delicious dining, and plenty of opportunities for adventure! If you’re armed with the right information, getting to the San Juan Islands is easy and beautiful and will surely be a memorable part of your visit. Of course, there are other ways to get to our Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor, including docking your own private boat at local marinas and chartering a seaplane with Kenmore Air, Friday Harbor Seaplanes, and others.
As you get ready to visit the San Juan Islands this year, we’re here to help with our top tips and recommendations for planning your trip on the San Juan Island Ferry. The journey to San Juan Island begins in Anacortes, WA, a charming coastal town about 80 minutes north of Seattle or 45 minutes south of Bellingham. These ferries accommodate vehicles, so you can bring your car along if you want to. There’s also extended parking availability at the Anacortes terminal if you’d rather get around by foot, bike, or other transit providers once here.
Before your trip even begins, though, you’ll need to secure a reservation on the San Juan Island Ferry. During the busy months (May through September) and holiday weekends, reservations are a must. You’ll need separate reservations for your trip to the islands and your return. Arrive at the Anacortes terminal at least 30 minutes before your departure to ensure a smooth boarding process. Not arriving within this 30-minute window means you’ll lose your reservation, and you’ll have to travel on standby – and there may not be enough room remaining in the day.
Reservations are released in 3 tiers to accommodate long and short-term planning by residents and visitors.
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- 30% of the San Juan Island Ferry reservations open two months in advance for long-term planners.
- Another 30% open two weeks before the departure date.
- The final 30% are available two days prior, with the remaining 10% set aside for last-minute travelers. These spots can fill up quickly, so try to get your reservations in the earliest window possible.
Next, it’s important to know that even though the San Juan Island Ferry runs year-round, the schedules change with the seasons. Summer offers more frequent departures to accommodate the demand. Be mindful of which ferry you’re choosing in the day, too, as some daily routes include stops at Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas Islands, while other scheduled departures offer a more direct route. Depending on the route, the trip can take one to two hours.
Also, even though there is a schedule, the ferry schedule often runs behind during peak travel times. Occasionally, a route needs to be canceled, so it’s a good idea to sign up for ferry alerts before your trip so you’re prepared with the latest information. Rest assured, if a cancellation happens, we’re here to help in any way we can, including offering you a fully refundable reservation at our Bed and Breakfast with our travel protection policy.
Once you’re on the ferry to Friday Harbor, it’s time to relax! Grab snacks or a glass of wine at the galley, or head to the top deck for fresh air and stunning views. Window seats are first come, first served, so arrive early to claim your spot. Don’t forget your camera—wildlife sightings are common, with chances to see orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles. Whether you’re island hopping for the day or enjoying a multi-island getaway, the San Juan Island Ferry offers a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Make your reservations early, and don’t miss this unforgettable way to explore the San Juans!
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More Adventures on the Inter-Island Ferry from Friday Harbor
There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Friday Harbor and greater San Juan Island. It’s the premier destination in the San Juans for whale-watching tours, kayaking, hiking, biking, wine tasting, and more. From the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, it’s also easier than ever to hop aboard the San Juan Island Ferry to island hop and explore the neighboring island communities for a day. There are inter-island ferries that run between the islands daily. Inter-island ferries are loaded on a first-come basis for vehicles, so no reservations are required.
Here are a few highlights to consider as you plan day trip adventures on the inter-island ferry:
- Orcas Island is perhaps best known for its picturesque Moran State Park, which offers beautiful trails and outlooks. With over 5,000 acres, Moran State Park is the largest public recreation area in the San Juan Islands and the fourth largest in Washington. Other things to do on Orcas Island include visiting Orcas Island Pottery, the oldest studio in the Pacific Northwest, or enjoying a tasting at Orcas Island Winery or Island Hoppin’ Brewery.
- Lopez Island is popular with bikers and offers plenty of outdoor adventures, Northwest cuisine, and specialty shops. For local seafood, visit Ursa Minor and Lopez Island Brewing for craft ales. You can also find adventures at places like Iceberg Point, Shark Reef Point, or Spencer Spit State Park.
The Best Friday Harbor Lodging for San Juan Island Getaways
Though the San Juan Island Ferry is an integral part of life here in Friday Harbor, and the ride is exceptionally beautiful, it’s nothing compared to the actual experience of being on San Juan Island. There are plenty of things to do on San Juan Island, including relaxing and unwinding at our top-rated Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast. Our location also puts you just steps away from the San Juan Island ferry terminal, making it incredibly convenient to explore the neighboring islands.
It’s about more than just being a convenient place to stay, though. With a range of welcoming and upscale accommodations, including those that are suitable for families and pets traveling to the San Juans, our Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home away from away. It’s a quiet place to return after a full day of adventure and should be your go-to choice for lodging in Friday Harbor. Whether you choose from our cozy guest rooms, spacious suites, or private cottages, you’ll find a welcome assortment of amenities to enjoy throughout your stay, not to mention our signature hospitality.
Every stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor begins with a gourmet breakfast. Breakfast changes daily, but it’s always made from scratch using the freshest local ingredients. It’s delivered fresh (and hot!) to your door every morning, so you can relax and enjoy it at your leisure. Treat yourself to dinner at our Coho Restaurant, just a short stroll from the Inn. Known for its seasonal menus and farm-to-table approach, Coho serves thoughtfully crafted dishes highlighting the best of the Pacific Northwest.
We also offer top-notch concierge services to help you make the most of your time here. Whether you’re looking for help booking your San Juan Island Ferry tickets or you want to make the most of your time here with unforgettable whale-watching tours and more, let us know how we can help. Reserve your room at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast for an unforgettable San Juan Islands escape.