How to Get Here?
Reaching Orcas Island is part of the adventure. Most visitors travel via the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, a scenic hour-and-a-half drive north of Seattle. Reservations are highly recommended, especially in summer. The ferry ride takes about an hour and offers stunning views of the San Juan Islands. You can also arrive by air—Kenmore Air offers seaplane service from Seattle, and there are small regional flights into Orcas Island Airport. Charter boats and water taxis are also available from nearby islands and coastal towns.
There Are Many Ways!
Washington State Ferries
Getting to Orcas by ferry is part of the island charm. Washington State Ferries run year-round from Anacortes to Orcas, with several daily sailings. You can bring your car, bike, or just walk on as a foot passenger. The scenic ride weaves through the San Juans, offering views of the water and neighboring islands. Interisland ferries also connect Orcas with Lopez, San Juan, and Shaw. Be sure to reserve in advance and arrive 30–60 minutes early at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal: 2100 Ferry Terminal Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221.
Passenger Charters
In addition to the main ferry routes, you can reach Orcas Island via water taxi from Anacortes or Bellingham, or by seasonal passenger ferries like the Puget Sound Express, which runs from Port Townsend to Friday Harbor from late April through September. Private boat charters are also available for custom routes between islands. These options are great for flexible travel or for those coming from the Olympic Peninsula—just be sure to check schedules in advance.
Airline Charters
You can reach Orcas Island by air from various locations in Washington and British Columbia, including Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, Anacortes, Vancouver, and Victoria. Kenmore Air and Friday Harbor Seaplanes provide regular flights and seaplane service from places like Lake Union, Paine Field, and Sea-Tac. San Juan Airlines also offers daily scheduled flights from Bellingham and Anacortes. Charters are available to Orcas, Lopez, Roche Harbor, and Friday Harbor, making flying a fast and scenic alternative to the ferry.
Orcas Island Visitor Guide Pamphlet
Check out the official Orcas Island Visitor Guide—a beautifully curated pamphlet filled with maps, local highlights, activity ideas, and insider tips. Whether you’re planning your trip or already exploring, it’s perfect to print out or view digitally for easy access to everything the island has to offer.​