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When my Dad lived in Northern Washington, we would drive to this ferry terminal in Anacortes to island hop the San Juan Islands. Anacortes is known for being the dock for the Washington State Ferries. These ferries take both locals and visitors to either Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island or San Juan Island. It is an easy process to get on and off a ferry. You just need to keep track of the time if you are retuning to this terminal so that you don't get stuck on an island. The ferries don't run overnight. I enjoy watching the people with cars drive onto the ferries.
It's a ferry. It takes you places. A bit more expensive than I thought. I made a reservation and mistakenly thought it would be $16, but, nope, it was approximately $40. Round trip . The $16 is the no show fee. No worries. I always get nervous driving onto a ferry. But you just follow the car in front of you and it's all well. Oh yes, and follow the man giving directions. Safe and sound and vacationing mode in. Happy travels. SYOY.
Super easy to use and clean! It's very spacious with lots of interior and exterior seating as well as a snack bar ( even adult beverage options). We even saw humpbacks whales on our journey to Friday Harbor
This was honestly a delightful experience. Someone handled all of the reservations for us, so we just had to arrive and enjoy the spectacular August scenery. The Ferry was quite large with plenty of seating. You can purchase food and libations if you wish. Our ride to Orcas Island had no hot food options, but our ride back to Anacortes did. The views were amazing so the ride in itself was a great time. Smooth process and very friendly people.
Time schedules blatantly ignored, with little or no effort to adhere to them. If you are familiar with schedules of trains, boats, and planes in Japan or Germany, you will observe no similarity whatsoever.
Aloha, sadly the pandemic has affected a few ferry rides more often than should be allowed. Be patient as the inconsistency can be maddening. Best to plan your stay with fudge room and book ahead of time. We booked the 2:05pm Anacortes to Friday Harbor, arrived at 1pm, wait, wait, delay, bummer. Ferry finally left after 4pm arrived after 5pm, ugh a long day - just sit around and wait. Was told the galley was closed on the ferry, thank goodness there's a cafe in the Anacortes ferry parking lot that served up hot Ivers chowder,oh so yummy even if eating in the car. Just go with the flow, it's the only way to bring your car, so just wait, soon enough we'll be there. I love ferries. So fun.
I am a fan of the Anacortes Ferry. The employees are nice and they provide an opportunity to visit several different islands that would be difficult to see otherwise. The terminal has limited signage so we had to ask around to locate ticketing and to determine the correct line to wait in. Their pricing is fair and the boat is clean with plenty of seats. Snacks, drinks and bathrooms are available while on board and in the terminal. Anacortes Ferry was struggling with being on a schedule during my two experiences. Their time accountability is off the charts neglectful. Our return trip was over three hours late. Most of the businesses closed on the island so we were stuck waiting in the terminal. Information was spotty so we had to practice patience. Covid may have had a lot to do with the time limitations.
Breathtaking Morning Views & Smooth Sailing to Orcas Island! We booked our reservation in advance for the 7:30 AM ferry to Orcas Island on a Friday. Reservations are mandatory, so you definitely need to book ahead. As required, make sure to arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour before departure (the same applies for the return trip). The round-trip fare for two adults and a standard vehicle was around $90. The journey takes about an hour, and taking this early morning ferry is perfect for catching a gorgeous sunrise over the water. Once you park your car, you can relax in one of the comfortable booth seats inside, or head out to the deck to take in the stunning views of the surrounding islands. The ferry features a snack bar and vending machines, as well as a wide selection of travel brochures and maps to help you plan your island adventure. read more
I made online ferry reservations ahead of schedule back on 7/21/26 for a round trip day trip from Anacortes to Orcas Island on 9/16/26. I chose a midweek (Wednesday) and post Labor Day, so much less high season/summer traffic. Last time I was on Orcas Island was back in 2011 and for The Homie, he and his friends went last June 2025. I was last on San Juan Island back in Oct 2020. Note: this ferry terminal serves the following routes *Friday Harbor/San Juan Island *Lopez Island *Shaw Island and Orcas Island To give ample time and to guarantee getting on the scheduled 725am departure, we left Shoreline at 430am. We arrived at the ferry terminal without issue by 6am. We were the second car in the Orcas Island car lane. Bonus for us, nice sunrise, and great view of Mt. Baker. Pro tips: Give yourself extra time - especially on commuter weekdays and especially weekends. No speeding heading to Anacortes, WSP can and will pull you over on I-5 and Hwy 20. Retain your reservation email - this will have your bar code that will be scanned at the ticket booth. Payment is also completed at the booth. For example, round trip car & driver, plus an adult passenger, plus fee using a debit card cost me under $100. Retain your printed receipt as proof of payment during your sailings to and from. Bring snacks, food, and beverages in an ice cooler. There's two onsite cafes by the terminal, as well as, restrooms. These have basic stuff like breakfast sandwiches, but it seems hot coffee & espresso are popular. Decent selection of travel brochures, flyers, and magazines on board. Surprisingly, there are also puzzles you can work on during your sailing. Bathrooms are clean, plenty of seating, but the galley may or may not be open. There are limited vending machines onboard. It takes about an hour or so, depends if there's a stop at Shaw Island also within this sailing. The ferry personnel are friendly. Big signage and announcements are made prior to each ferry boarding. Just make sure you and your passengers are all in your vehicle well before boarding for departure. Enjoy your ferry ride - one of the most scenic destinations in Washington State! read more
Pleasantly surprised that we showed up to the 9am ferry and was able to get on (had noon reservations). Granted it's mid-September and midweek when we took the ferry so maybe not prime vacation season. Staff were friendly. Captain announced that whale watching boats were quickly approaching the ferry as we were close to Friday Harbor and two whales were visible. If you are reading this review and plan to be a customer on the ferry, please don't be a jerk and take an entire booth for yourself by spreading out all your gear and then burying your nose in your phone for the duration of the ride. I saw this occur by at least 8 different people occurring booths by only themselves. Illegal? No. Jerk? Definitely. There were several groups (with or without kids) sitting in interior seating craning their necks to look out the windows while jerks just stared at their phones while hogging booths. Please don't be that way. Staff - please check on toilet paper levels in ladies room more often. Two stalls were already without on the 9am ferry. read more
When my Dad lived in Northern Washington, we would drive to this ferry terminal in Anacortes to island hop the San Juan Islands. Anacortes is known for being the dock for the Washington State Ferries. These ferries take both locals and visitors to either Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island or San Juan Island. It is an easy process to get on and off a ferry. You just need to keep track of the time if you are retuning to this terminal so that you don't get stuck on an island. The ferries don't run overnight. I enjoy watching the people with cars drive onto the ferries. read more
1 year ago
It's a ferry. It takes you places. A bit more expensive than I thought. I made a reservation and mistakenly thought it would be $16, but, nope, it was approximately $40. Round trip . The $16 is the no show fee. No worries. I always get nervous driving onto a ferry. But you just follow the car in front of you and it's all well. Oh yes, and follow the man giving directions. Safe and sound and vacationing mode in. Happy travels. SYOY. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
This was honestly a delightful experience. Someone handled all of the reservations for us, so we just had to arrive and enjoy the spectacular August scenery. The Ferry was quite large with plenty of seating. You can purchase food and libations if you wish. Our ride to Orcas Island had no hot food options, but our ride back to Anacortes did. The views were amazing so the ride in itself was a great time. Smooth process and very friendly people. read more
Aloha, sadly the pandemic has affected a few ferry rides more often than should be allowed. Be patient as the inconsistency can be maddening. Best to plan your stay with fudge room and book ahead of time. We booked the 2:05pm Anacortes to Friday Harbor, arrived at 1pm, wait, wait, delay, bummer. Ferry finally left after 4pm arrived after 5pm, ugh a long day - just sit around and wait. Was told the galley was closed on the ferry, thank goodness there's a cafe in the Anacortes ferry parking lot that served up hot Ivers chowder,oh so yummy even if eating in the car. Just go with the flow, it's the only way to bring your car, so just wait, soon enough we'll be there. I love ferries. So fun. read more
3 years ago
I am a fan of the Anacortes Ferry. The employees are nice and they provide an opportunity to visit several different islands that would be difficult to see otherwise. The terminal has limited signage so we had to ask around to locate ticketing and to determine the correct line to wait in. Their pricing is fair and the boat is clean with plenty of seats. Snacks, drinks and bathrooms are available while on board and in the terminal. Anacortes Ferry was struggling with being on a schedule during my two experiences. Their time accountability is off the charts neglectful. Our return trip was over three hours late. Most of the businesses closed on the island so we were stuck waiting in the terminal. Information was spotty so we had to practice patience. Covid may have had a lot to do with the time limitations. read more
1 year ago
8 years ago
THEY HAVE FOOD. We got some bangin breakfast sandwiches and coffee. They have souvenirs too with orcas and stuff on them. I wanted an orca mug and was going to buy it when we got back from whale watching, but I forgot. They sell jackets and fleeces as well in case you forgot to take one on your chilly sea adventure. Bathrooms are outside, but they weren't really that dirty like you'd expect them to be. A+ for sandwiches, coffee and orca merchandise! read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
Another WA service that's gone down the drain. Lack of staff and lack of anything in the vending machines. Good thing we figured as much and brought food with us. read more
9 years ago
If I had a dollar for every hour I've spent at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, I'd probably have enough to put a down payment on my own boat! Yes, many a childhood weekend was spent waiting...and waiting...and waiting for a ferry to the islands. You see, back in the "old days" they didn't have a reservation system like they do now, so you had to arrive early in the morning and hope you'd make it onto the ferry before sundown. The terminal itself is pedestrian. There are bathrooms, indoor seating, and even a food truck. If you're a walk-on passenger, you can buy parking at the terminal itself, or up the hill at the various restaurants/hotels that offer parking at rates in the $7-10/day range. If you're driving on, stay to the right as you approach the terminal, where you can pay for your fare and park in your designated lane while you wait for the ferry. If you end up having to wait awhile, there's even a beach to play on. read more
Friendly, fast, and efficient service. This hasn't changed in the 20+ years my family has been coming here. Good loudspeaker system that is easy to hear when it comes time to load on the ferry. I love that there is beach access right next to the holding lanes in case you want to get out and stretch your legs. They have some picnic tables both overlooking the beach and on a grassy stretch near the building with the bathrooms. The bathrooms have always been clean in my experience and the dumpster/trash system well maintained. Before loading the ferry for Shaw and Orcas Islands (on the 21st of April 2020) I counted 35 vehicles getting off the ferry, a bit lighter traffic than when I have come here in the past. read more
3 years ago
Took a ride to Lopez island for the 4th of July festivities. The waiting room at Anacortes could be updated as can the ferry itself. It is a large boat, but the furniture could use improvement as well as the snack bar offering. We were disappointed that we couldn't get a return reservation for our car, so we opted to park at Anacortes for the holiday. Other than that, the process was smooth to board and get on at both locations. read more
It takes about an hour or so to travel from Anacortes to Friday Harbor by ferry. The ferry is clean and provides for plenty of seating and tables. Great view of the islands while being transported and restrooms are adequate. Here are my recommendations: Buy food on the way to eat on the ferry, come early before the departure time, get in line to ensure you get on the ferry on time particularly during the peak hours and especially during the peak season in the spring and summer. I have heard that during the busy season, if you come less than an hour early you end up on the next departure but I haven't confirmed that. During the off peak, I had no problems when I got there 45 minutes early. Price was about $60 for a round-trip to Friday Harbor with a vehicle and two passengers. Per WSDOT, vehicles, bicycles, and kayaks not ticketed and in line at least 20 minutes prior to printed departure time may not be loaded. Vessel loading will stop two minutes prior to departure time. If you need the ferry schedule, go to this website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/Schedule/ScheduleDetail.aspx?departingterm=1&arrivingterm=10&roundtrip=true read more
Made an online reservation for trip going to and leaving from the Friday Harbor destination. A bit expensive, around $140.00 for a cargo truck with a 12' x 8' x 8' bed. Ferry was pretty much on time, and the staff did a good job of quickly embarking and disembarking vehicles. Beyond the fairly expensive cost of travel, I have no complaints. The Galley serves wine and good beer, and if you are very hungry, there are multiple food options to select from. I opted to eat at Anacortes, and based upon the appearance of the food in the Galley, am glad I did, save for the Ivar's clam chowder offered, which is hard to beat, even if you make your own at home. The scenery you can enjoy on a WSF is pretty much without compare. While many view the Ferry as tourist entertainment, it is a crucial element of travel for those who live in San Juan County, and much of the Puget Sound area for that matter....and thusly quite important, rather than being a frivolous aspect of life. From where I sat on the ferry, WST did a very good job! Check it out, and see what your experience was like, then...you can Yelp! it too! read more
7 years ago
6/30/19 Heading to Canada. Sidney Canada to be exact... I see an island and a beach and I think of the words Bruce Lee said to Parsons. "that Island on the beach we can take this boat." It was a good thing the character Parsons didn't physically take on Bruce Lee aka Lee....instead he got humiliated which is worse. While I sit here writing this review, I have to say the check out process went by pretty smoothly. My enchaced ID card is something the boarder security was not up to date on. It took a good amount of time to get their stuff in gear. Still the orginal lady did her job about check and calling for someone more senior when she wasn't sure. I applaud her following the proper procedures. While walking around, I saw a lot of people sleeping stretched out on the long seats. The charging stations were the first to go and we found ours on shear luck. It wasn't as windy in the back of the boat as I have experienced this in the past. Today was nice and warm and people were sitting on the ground chilling and enjoying the view. Sidney Canada is about 55 minutes away now, but the view here on the boat is marvelous. Sidney Canada should have some nice merchandise. I looking forward to buying Canadian flag sweatpants and sweater. Yes, I will be pegged as a tourist. I am a tourist on vacation. Maybe even buy some Canadian flag boxers and undershirt....sky is the limit. read more
This was--as some would say--a bucket list experience, taking the WSF to Vancouver Island. As far as beauty, comfort on the ship, crew efficiency on the ferry, and a palatable duration of trip, it certainly was. However, the peripherals involved made it a struggle. A struggle I guess most people can handle, but my ADHD-self wishes I knew a few things before we committed to travel... NOTE: this opinion is based on traveling right smack in the middle of the high season... When you look at the WSF schedule, you see a 2-hr/45 min trip from Anacortes to Sidney. First, add an hour and a half showtime prior to boarding in both directions. All locals will tell you to do that ensuring you get onboard in peak season--even if you have reservations, like we had for months. And then there is....customs. Ohmidearlord, this is a mixed bag. It depends on the agent, and which direction you are going to figure out how much of your day you're going to waste. Canada was sloth-slow, which we expected, but we were shocked on the way back by not one--but TWO--customs experiences. We were interviewed by a US Agent after purchasing tickets in Sidney BC, and thought we were done. Oh no. All vehicles were stacked in multiple lanes for round two upon reentry, and depending on what lane you get in, you will lose a lot of your travel day. What we learned: If in a car do not, repeat, do not get in the lane with RVs & travel trailers. Don't do it. If you are directed to get in that lane, make a break for a different lane whenever you can. No one will stop you, and you will be on your merry way 45 mins earlier than if you don't. Ridiculous... After experiencing all this, I will now highly consider crossing the border in Blaine WA, and catching the Tsawwassen BC ferry to Vancouver Island. Less customs, more than one ferry a day like the Anacortes/Sidney line, cheaper with the exchange rate, and....for all other reasons stated above. It took us five hours to get from Sidney BC to Bellingham WA. Enough said... read more
If you are driving a vehicle onto ferry, I highly advise you reserve a spot. I parked my vehicle at Anacortes and walked onto the ferry, $14.00 round trip per person. Daily parking at the ferry is only $7.00. Plenty of seating, cafeteria available, with some hot food options. Ferry stops at all of the islands for pick up and drop off. Approximately two hour one way ride to Friday Harbor. Great views and photo ops along the way. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
13 years ago
I love the rural nature of Pacific North West. It's amazing that I can stand in the middle of Seattle and see the mountains from the town centre Located a short distance from Seattle are all sorts of gems and one of my favourites is now the San Juan Islands after I visited them last year. The gateway to this paradise is Anacortes, from which Washington State Ferries operates daily crossings to the major islands There is no pre-booking system, so make sure you get there on time to get a spot on your ferry of choice. Helpfully, their website has a table listing which of their crossings are the most popular The vehicle queueing system was clearly labelled and there's a small cafe in the ferry terminal which also houses the waiting area for the foot passengers My round trip car journey to Orcas cost $60.75. The ferry has a lot of seating and a self service restaurant on the top deck. However, I suspect you'll be like me and spend most of the trip watching the gorgeous scenery out of the window, including Bill Gates's private estate The ferry arrived on time for both my journeys and it was a great way to travel to and from Orcas read more
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Ask the Community - Anacortes Ferry Terminal
Does the Anacortes ferry go to Victoria BC?
Not to Victoria, but some do go to Sidney, BC, which is drivable to Victoria.
Do you get to see any wildlife on the ferry journey from Anacortes to Friday Harbor?
This greatly depends on your luck and timing. Sometimes yes very much, and sometimes not at all. At times I have seen whales and seals, and many types of birds. The captain makes announcements if he notices them.
Review Highlights - Anacortes Ferry Terminal
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