Traveling to Orcas Island

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Traveling to Orcas Island

The Islanders View On Traveling

1. Choose Your Route to Orcas Island

Most visitors reach Orcas Island by traveling to Anacortes, WA and taking the Washington State Ferry. You can also fly directly to Orcas on Kenmore Air, San Juan Airlines, Friday Harbor Seaplanes, or Point-to-Point Air. Prefer to travel by water? Catch a water taxi from Bellingham with Island Opportunity Charters or from Anacortes with Island Express Charters.

2. Catching the Washington State Ferry

From Anacortes, WA, about 90 miles North of Seattle, board the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island. Reservations are strongly recommended —especially spring through fall. Make reservations for your trip to Orcas Island as well as your return trip from Orcas to Anacortes.

3. Enjoy the Scenic Ride

Sit back and take in the views! The ferry ride is typically 60–90 minutes, cruising past islands, mountains, and wildlife.

4. Explore the Island & Return the Same Way

Once you arrive, simply follow the same steps for your return trip:

5. Ferry Tips & Travel Advice

You only pay when traveling to Orcas Island, not traveling back to Anacortes. It's a round trip ticket back to Anacortes.

If the ferry reservation time slot you are looking for isn't available, Washington State Ferries releases more space 2 week before departure date and then again 2 days before departure date.

It's better to have a ferry reservation at an undesirable time than not have a ferry reservation at all. You can always cancel your reservation 24 hour before the departure date if a better time opens up.

Grab food before the ferry ride or bring food with you. Ferry's run late or can be cancelled now and then. It's no fun if everyone is hungry. Also, most restaurants on Orcas close around 9 PM. So good luck if you arrive late.

You can Door Dash food deliveries to the Anacortes ferry landing if you are in a real pinch.

You can refill a water bottle at the Anacortes Ferry Landing waiting area but Orcas does not have a refill station. Both Orcas and Anacortes have restrooms.

You line up for the Orcas Ferry Landing on the top of the hill, not down by the Ferry ramp.

The Bellair Shuttle runs everyday from Bellingham & Seatac to the Anacortes Ferry Landing. It's a good alternative if planes aren't running and you need to get on/off island in a pinch.

Plan on arrive 40+ minutes prior to your ferry departure. In fact, give yourself an extra 15 minutes as the booths sometimes get really busy 5-10 minutes prior to the 30 minute window. Your reservation will be cancelled if you are late to the reservation booth.

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Going The Extra Mile

Traveling with someone who has a disability or requires special assistance?

While our boats are not ADA accessible, we strive to accommodate everyone. If you're traveling with someone who has mental or physical needs, please give us a call. Many of our staff have experience working with individuals with special needs, and we'll do our best to ensure a comfortable experience. Our team is compassionate, patient, and dedicated to making it work.

Traveling with someone who has a disability or requires special assistance?

Weather & Wildlife

While we strive to provide the best experience, we cannot control the weather or wildlife sightings.

Trips may be postponed, canceled, delayed, or modified last minute. If the weather or other unforeseen circumstances causes a schedule change we will work with you as best we can to get you on our next availability.

Weather & Wildlife

While we strive to provide the best experience, we cannot control the weather or wildlife sightings.

Our Whale Sightings Guarantee

We’re committed to an unforgettable whale watching experience! If you don’t see whales on your tour, peak season guests (June 15–Sept 15) will receive a 1-year voucher for a free return trip.

Shoulder season guests are welcome to return if space allows but we do not offer a 1 year return voucher.

Please note, we watch wild whales, and sightings depend on nature's whims—Mother Nature and the whales are in charge. While our expert crew will do everything possible to ensure a great experience, weather and whale movements are beyond our control. With over 95% success during peak season, we’re confident you’ll have an amazing time. For the rare 5% who don’t see whales, we appreciate your understanding.

Our Whale Sightings Guarantee

We’re committed to an unforgettable whale watching experience! If you don’t see whales on your tour, peak season guests (June 15–Sept 15) will receive a 1-year voucher for a free return trip.

Shoulder season guests are welcome to return if space allows but we do not offer a 1 year return voucher.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We respectfully acknowledge that Orcas Island and the surrounding waters of the Salish Sea are the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Lummi, Samish, and other Indigenous Nations. These peoples have lived in this region for thousands of years, cultivating a deep connection to the land, sea, and the natural world. Their cultures, traditions, and knowledge continue to enrich this place today. We recognize the enduring relationship that the Indigenous peoples have with these lands and waters, and we honor their past, present, and future. As we live, work, and recreate in this beautiful area, we strive to show respect, gratitude, and responsibility for the environment and the communities that have stewarded it long before us.