The San Juan Islands are a unique and remote getaway - but still a popular destination
for ferry riders. To reach the San Juan Islands, depart from Anacortes, 87 miles north of
Seattle. Follow Interstate 5 north from Seattle, take Exit 230 near Mount Vernon, and
drive 20 miles west on State Route 20 to the ferry terminal. During the summer, waits
at this terminal can be two hours or more. Sailings are more limited here, and not
every ferry leaving Anacortes stops at every island. Anacortes is also the gateway
to Vancouver Island, Canada. International routes leave from Anacortes and travel to
Sidney, BC. Reservations are recommended on international routes.
Be sure you have confirmed hotel reservations if you plan to stay overnight in the San Juan Islands. Call San Juan Tourism at 1-888-468-3701 to find out about accommodations or transportation from the ferry - or about bike, car, and moped rentals. For more WSF tips click here.
The Islands: Lopez Island has rolling fields and the small Lopez Village. It is great for biking. San Juan Island is the best island to visit if you are on foot. We dock at Friday Harbor on San Juan - home to the Whale Museum - and many other sights, restaurants, and shops. The Orcas Island dock is a short distance from a small village with shops and restaurants and is best visited by car or bike. Shaw Island is the smallest island and has very limited camping - no restaurants or hotels.