I really enjoy visiting the San Juan Islands. Our favorite thing to do is to take the ferry and…read moreisland hop for a day. The Washington State Ferry is interisland and takes locals and visitors from one island to the next. The ferries run year-round and will take you to each of the four main islands - Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw. We drive to Anacortes and start our day on the ferry there. Then we usually go to Orcas or San Juan and grab lunch at Friday Harbor. There are also snacks and drinks available to purchase on the ferry. I love the view of the islands from the ferry window or outside on the deck above. It is a nice relaxing ride. We like to play cards while we island hop. Sometimes you can catch some marine life in the waters. The San Juans are home to a variety of wildlife and one of the best places in the world to witness whales in the wild. I usually keep a paper schedule on me so that I can plan out my ferry route and make sure that I am at the dock for the next ferry out. Sometimes they run a little behind, but usually they are on time.

Comfortable boats, scenic views, decent facilities-- but always late. If you're on any kind of…read moreschedule and are bringing a car, I wouldn't count on getting to your destination within a reasonable time frame. Especially in the peak summer season without a reservation -- and even then, no guarantees.

It's a ferry terminal right on the water. With a large grassy area with picnic tables. You can even…read morewalk down to the waterfront and soak in the beautiful view before heading out. Any interaction I've had with any ferry workers has been nothing but outstanding. Thank WA for having such an amazing ferry service so everyone can enjoy the islands. Be kind and be safe. SYOY!

Make sure to book both ways for your trip. The wait on Orcas to get back is ridiculous. The u…read morereliable ferry is always full and has a schedule that doesn't work, with long gaps and only 15 car spaces for people who don't book ahead.

Busy ferry terminal & marina. Cars & boats are coming & going. Clean bathrooms, maps & boat…read moreschedules are posted here.

Rather than make this a referendum on the entire ferry system in Washington (short version: more…read moreexpensive than you think, pretty inconvenient, sometimes unreliable, and the only game in town), it's more going to be a few words about the terminal here on San Juan Island. This was my first trip to SJI, despite having been in the islands a few times before. I finally made it to Friday Harbor and it was a lovely town. The terminal, however, is quite modest and not anything to write home about. What is great, however, is that it's located in the heart of town. Unlike other islands where you get off and have to drive elsewhere (looking at you, Orcas) this is totally walkable if you want to leave your car and just go into Friday Harbor to walk around for the day. I came in vehicle, so I drove off the boat and into town, and chose to drive the entire perimeter of the island, which is also a totally great way to do SJI. On the flipside, that location is also great on the way out. You should plan on arriving an hour or so before your departure. The lanes to load are on a steep hill, so be sure you have a good parking brake. You can get out of your car and then walk over to get ice cream, or look for souvenirs, or whatever you please, just do keep an eye out for the ferry. Unfortunately, loading lanes enter straight from the road so look for the person in the orange vest to get your lane assignment. This part is a bit chaotic, and our return trip was backed up behind a very late ferry so we had to park in town, then repark in the loading lane.

I made online ferry reservations ahead of schedule back on 7/21/26 for a round trip day trip from…read moreAnacortes 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!

Pleasantly surprised that we showed up to the 9am ferry and was able to get on (had noon…read morereservations). 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.

I have been to the Lopez Island Ferry Terminal/Dock a few times, both on my own and with my family…read more Part of why I enjoy this ferry terminal so much is because there is not much to do. It has less to do in the immediate surroundings than the other Washington State Department Of Transportation (WSDOT) ferry terminals in the San Juan Islands. On a recent day adventure on Lopez Island on the 29th of April 2020, I arrived a little under two hours in advance of the ferry to Anacortes. My phone had very little battery left and I didn't bring a book so I had to figure out something else to do. I looked over my paper Washington State map, stared at the trees for a while (I love tall trees), and then saw a small furry critter scamper across some cement blocks (the blocks kind of looked like stone guard rail pieces for reinforcement to keep dirt from falling). I grabbed my camera (not camera phone) and spent the rest of the time watching for this little furry critter and trying to get pictures of it. What was it? It was a chipmunk! It was running back and forth collecting food and other things. So cute, and filled me with joy. Then M/V Kitsap arrived to take us back to Anacortes and I thought I was going to burst with happiness (I love it when I get to ride the ferries built in Seattle). It was the perfect end to the day's Lopez Island adventure. There is a restroom if you need to go while you are waiting. The entrance is turned away from the holding lanes to provide maximum privacy while using. The Lopez Island Ferry Terminal is a good place to sit back and relax and take in your nature surroundings.

I take my rare opportunities for ferry travel very seriously, and that's why I appreciate it when…read morethere's a nice, big, sturdy dock to securely hold the big metal floating behemoth in place while my vehicle (and others) are loaded/unloaded. And I can safely say that the Lopez Island Ferry Dock does the job quite well. While it's been years since I visited Lopez, it was a stop on my recent superferry trip from Friday Harbor to Anacortes, and I found myself enthusiastically hurrying to the front (er, back?) of the ship to watch the vehicles pull out onto the island. Well, the one vehicle that was pulling out onto the island on this particular Sunday evening journey. Still, the ferry did its duty as the car left the boat and traveled over the oft-scary-sounding "kerplunk" ramp that serves as a temporary bridge between the vessel and land. And - aided by recently-upgraded pillars on both the port and starboard - the ferry stayed firmly in place while several cars loaded for their journey back to the mainland. My only complaint about the Lopez dock is that there are no services available. So make sure to bring a snack and some water if you think you'll be hungry. 'Cuz it's a long drive back to town (well, really only a few miles) if you forgot anything.

This was my first time going on a whale watching boat tour! I will be differing from my usual…read moreorganization of information and just delivering bullet points about the experience! Read on to hear my thoughts. * I took this whale watching guided tour in March and it was pretty cold and windy. Make sure you bring extra warm clothes!! * If you're bringing a camera, bring a good long-distance lens. When I went, we couldn't get very close to the whales and orcas, so the photos on my phone didn't turn out too well. * The people leading the expedition are very, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful!! Kudos to the team at San Juan Safaris and thank you for sharing your knowledge! * There are places to sit/be sheltered on the boat. * The trip is roughly 4-5 hours out on the water. * Very fun overall!! Final thoughts: It was SO fun, and I got so many cool photos (even without my camera and long distance lens lol). Dress warmly, be prepared to be out on the water for a while, and have fun!!

We went on a kayaking tour and whale watching tour and had a great experience! The crew was…read morefriendly and great with my kids.

We went online to get instructions. Our first stop was to open up the Saturday Market in Anacortes…read moreon Saturday that opened at 9AM. The people were super friendly to us and our dog. At the ferry, the person who scanned our digital ticket was super nice. We went over, drove around, check out the labyryth, and went to the store, more friendly people. When we took the ferry the friendly blond lady remembered us. I do not think there is a bathroom on the ferry, but fortunately, there is one at the store. There is a small area to sit on benches inside I think. I wanted to take a photo but didn't think the people would necessarily want me to photograph them. I love the ferries in Washington. They each have their own personality and this one is fun too. I wish I had researched what to do on Guemis Island better.

Great service to a local PNW Island Paradise for exploration and fun day trip out of dodge!…read more One of my wife's favorite places to explore and learn about the history and mystery of living alone, on a private island with very distant neighbors. We stayed at an amazing resort that was comfortable, cozy, with lots of interesting homes and beach front to explore. SFTS "Short funny true story." After we arrived and checked in I decided to take a short nap on the couch when I was suddenly awakened by a lady asking me..."what I was doing in her cabin?" What she didn't realize. was, she mistakenly thought she was in her cabin, right next to ours, and we had a laugh, and fireside chat later that evening. You know...you meet the most interesting people on the beach...and learn so much about the locals...what a fun anniversary getaway for anyone who likes to explore and have some quiet time/beach time, nap time!

We had a Wonderful experience and the staff is friendly with great service! Would definitely…read morerecommend them!

Oh my! This ferry is just lovely! There is an adventurer area for kids, a gift shop filled w neat…read moreclothes and high end quality items. The ferry is upscale and very comfortable. Windows are easy to see out of. They have delis and bars, lots to choose from. Time flew as we enjoyed the boat...so sad to get off!

The BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal is located near Victoria on Vancouver Island (specifically on…read morethe Saanich Peninsula, about 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria).  It forms the island end of the major ferry route connecting Vancouver Island to Tsawwassen, which is the terminal located south of Metro Vancouver.

I've taken this ferry from Victoria to Vancouver a handful of times over the years. This was the…read morefirst time I had reservations. Because of an accident, I had to change my reservation to a day earlier. We needed to get off the island ASAP and get back to the states in case my wife needed to see a doctor or be hospitalized. Customer service was good to work with. They listened to my story and helped me change my reservation a couple of times. No waiving of fees, not that I was hoping for fee waiver. They did their job and was able to make reservations on the ferry that my wife wanted. Car boarding instructions was a little unclear. I wanted to keep my wife in the car as we made our crossing. I was told that we were supposed to go up to the seating area. Later on I found out that she could've stayed in the car. It was a nice ferry ride from Victoria to Vancouver. It was very smooth compared to the Port Angeles to Victoria ferry ride where it was a little rough. Also, the BC Ferry to/from Victoria and Vancouver is scheduled for almost every hour. BC Ferries is like a well oiled machine. I most likely will take it again to make up for what our medical emergency made us miss.

If you need a ride on Orcas, Terry is your man. From our first steps onto the island to our last…read moresteps off, Terry was sure to get us where we needed to go on time. This man over delivers on customer service in every aspect. He learned our itinerary and was able to make ride plans for us in advance to ensure a perfect experience. He is very personable and genuinely cares about people. You will be happy that you met this person, as I'm sure everyone is. Seriously. Call Terry. I felt like we had a private driver for our entire stay. Contact: (360) 298-8414

The owner appears to have an anger problem and road rage. Definitely not someone I would trust…read moregiving guided tours.