Getting Here is Half the Fun!
Traveling to the San Juan Islands is easy, and the scenery along the way is spectacular! The San Juan Islands are located in the waters between northwest Washington State and Victoria, B.C., Canada (on Vancouver Island). Getting to the San Juan Islands requires transportation by water or air -- aboard a Washington State Ferry, passenger boat or airplane. There are no bridges connecting the islands to the mainland!
Washington State Ferries
Your vacation begins the moment you board a ferry. Sit back, relax and adjust to “island time” as you enjoy your cruise through emerald isles on blue seas. The San Juan Islands ferries depart several times each day from Anacortes, Washington, and serve the following four islands: Lopez, Orcas, Shaw and San Juan, as well as Sidney, B.C., Canada. Fares to the San Juan Islands include a round trip. To get to Anacortes from Seattle drive approximately one hour north on Interstate 5 to Exit 230, follow Highway 20 west to Anacortes (for an additional thirty minutes), follow Commercial Avenue north, take a left on 12th St., then continue west for approximately two miles to the Anacortes ferry terminal.
Drive your car onto a Washington State Ferry
Scheduled ferry sailings are filled on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not available except to Sidney, B.C. Arrive at least one hour prior to departure time, and at least two hours prior during summer or holiday weekends. Pay at the toll booth for car/driver and passengers. Fares to the San Juan Islands include a round trip. While waiting you may leave your car to walk along the beach or eat in one of three nearby restaurants/cafes; be back in your vehicle and ready to load 20 minutes prior to departure time.
Walk or bicycle onto a Washington State Ferry
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to sailing and purchase your ticket at the toll booth or in the terminal before boarding the ferry. Fares are for a round trip. Parking is available in three parking lots near the terminal. A parking fee is charged from mid-May through late September.