Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

San Juan County has established marine transportation services throughout the islands as part of a pilot project. These services include emergency passenger and barge services, available during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) services. In addition, the project will provide passenger travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis – regardless of WSF disruptions. Each of these services will be provided at no cost to the passenger, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office.

  • When will these services be provided?
    • The daily passenger-only service between Anacortes and San Juan County will be available regardless of WSF disruptions. San Juan Safaris is providing seven-day a week, twice daily passenger-only service to Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Anacortes. With one trip in the morning and another in the evening, this service is structured to provide complete, round-trip service for passengers.
    • The emergency services will be provided when there are disruptions to WSF service. The emergency passenger-only service will be available when the WSF interisland boat is out-of-service and/or service restoration time is either unknown or estimated at greater than four hours. County services will begin within two hours of the WSF disruption. During WSF service disruptions, operators will provide two service runs – one in the morning and one in the evening in an effort to provide complete, round-trip service for passengers. If the WSF service disruption occurs after 1:00pm, the operator will provide one trip through the route.
    • Emergency barge services will be provided when either WSF service is estimated to be out-of-service for greater than 24 hours or when the WSF mainland service is reduced to fewer than a 2-boat schedule. The barge service is only available for essential service vehicles for the purpose of meeting critical health, utility, and life/safety needs.
    • The transportation services will be available until June 30, 2025.
  • How do I sign up for a seat on the boat?
  • Where are the pick-up and drop-off locations?
    • Pick-up and drop-off locations vary by operator, so check their website for the specifics.
    • Please note that riders are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the designated pick-up and drop-off locations. There are no public land-based transportation services available on any of the islands.
  • Is there a passenger fee?
    • These services are offered available at no cost to the passenger. The operators will be reimbursed by the County under their contract, using emergency funding awarded by the WA State Governor's Office in late 2024.
  • What is the route? Can I go directly to my desired destination?
    • The transportation services operate using a set route – just like the ferry schedule. Passengers can get on and off at any location along the route. Remember, passenger-only service between Anacortes and the islands is available daily, regardless of WSF disruptions.
    • The schedule of emergency services will be determined based on the time the WSF disruption occurs. The schedule will be posted on the Outer Island Expedition website.
  • Who gets to use the emergency barge service? Can I use it for my car?
    • The emergency barge service is not available for general public car transport. This service is provided for essential service providers for the purposes of meeting critical health, utility, and life/safety needs.
    • Service providers interested in utilizing emergency barge services must pre-register here: https://www.pintailmarine.com/emergency-barge-service
  • Is this just for locals? Can visitors use this service?
    • This project is funded using State dollars and is open to anyone – locals and visitors alike. This pilot project seeks to provide new and reliable options for interisland and off-island travel. While the County designed the marine transportation services with local needs in mind, (getting islanders home during WSF ferry service disruptions or supporting islanders’ access to mainland services) visitors are also welcome to utilize the services.
  • Will the project be extended?
    • The County sought to extend the project as funding or the State might allow, but the Emergency Rapid Response funding used to fund the project does not cross fiscal years nor biennia. With that, the County’s marine transportation services will conclude on June 30, 2025, which coincides with the end of the State’s fiscal year.
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