San Juan County Launches Pilot Project to Provide Marine Transportation Services

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 16, 2025 – San Juan County is pleased to launch marine transportation services throughout the islands as part of a pilot project. These services include emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis. Each of these services will be provided at no cost to the passengers, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office.

“I’m proud that the County is taking steps to provide this valuable service to islanders,” said Council Chair Kari McVeigh. “I hope it will give locals peace of mind knowing there are options for them or their children to get home if the ferries are cancelled.”

The marine transportation services are available beginning this week and will conclude on June 30, 2025, coinciding with the end of the State’s fiscal year. Daily passenger service to between Anacortes and San Juan County will begin on Friday, April 18 and emergency services will be activated as needed. More information about the pilot project can be found on the County’s website: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-emergency-transportation-services.

“We’ve set up a strong pilot program through which to serve our community, gather information, and learn about how we could manage something like this in the future,” said Council Vice-Chair Jane Fuller. “I see this as a first step in learning how to solve our transportation needs locally.”

Available Services

San Juan County has contracted with three local companies to provide:

  • Daily Passenger Service Between Anacortes and San Juan County – San Juan Safaris is providing seven-day a week, twice daily passenger-only service to Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Downtown Anacortes via Cap Sante Marina. With one trip in the morning and another in the evening, this service is structured to provide complete, round-trip service for passengers.
  • Emergency Interisland Passenger Service – Outer Island Excursions will provide emergency passenger-only service to Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands when the WSF interisland boat experiences service disruptions. These services 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 Service – Pintail Marine will provide emergency barge service for essential service providers between Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, and Anacortes when WSF experiences service disruptions. These services will be available 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. This service is provided for the purpose of meeting critical health and life/ safety needs.

“I’m grateful for all the operators who stepped up and wanted to be part of this pilot project,” said Councilmember Justin Paulsen. “I think the three companies involved in this project will be invaluable in collecting data, identifying ways to improve the systems, and shaping any attempt at providing future services.”

How do I learn more?

The best place to learn about the transportation options available to you are on the operator’s websites:

For a complete list of information about the County’s pilot project to establish marine transportation services, please visit: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-emergency-transportation-services

Questions? Contact: Mark Tompkins at markt@sanjuancountywa.gov.

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