San Juan County Ferry Information

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San Juan County is a community of islands connected by a marine highway system operated and maintained by Washington State Ferries (WSF). The largest ferry system in the United States, WSF is the lifeblood of San Juan County, providing transportation of people, goods and services to and between each of the major islands 365 days a year.

Because of the complexities involved in this service, San Juan County has developed this informational page to help assist residents and visitors by consolidating timely information, links to useful sites, FAQs, and opportunities for feedback into a single, user-friendly location.

We encourage you to bookmark this page on your digital device of choice so that you can readily access these resources when you need them.

San Juan County is a community of islands connected by a marine highway system operated and maintained by Washington State Ferries (WSF). The largest ferry system in the United States, WSF is the lifeblood of San Juan County, providing transportation of people, goods and services to and between each of the major islands 365 days a year.

Because of the complexities involved in this service, San Juan County has developed this informational page to help assist residents and visitors by consolidating timely information, links to useful sites, FAQs, and opportunities for feedback into a single, user-friendly location.

We encourage you to bookmark this page on your digital device of choice so that you can readily access these resources when you need them.

  • Winter is over! What did you think?

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    After a lengthy process of writing a new schedule for the San Juans' routes, the SJC Ferry Advisory Committee would love to know what you thought of the revised winter schedule. We have created a five-question survey to gather your feedback. The results will be shared with Washington State Ferries.

    To take the survey, click the 'Provide Feedback' tab or click here: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-ferry-information/surveys/winter-schedule-survey

    Purpose of the Survey: To assess customer experience with the San Juan Island Winter Schedule.

    Background: After nearly two years of collaboration between Washington State Ferries (WSF) staff and San Juan Islands communities, the winter and spring season sailing schedules for our route have been updated. The new winter schedule began on Dec. 29, 2024, with the updated spring schedule starting on Mar. 23, 2025.

    Since the last major schedule update over a decade ago, the route has undergone significant changes, including ridership growth, vehicle reservations, and recent vessel and crew challenges. The new schedule includes adjusted island stops, revised sailing times, updated vehicle allotments (vehicle percentages for each island stop), and the introduction of weekend interisland service during winter. Additionally, crossing and dwell times (time vessels spend at terminals) have been made more realistic to improve on-time performance and provide greater certainty for customers.

    Important Note: This survey is conducted by the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee and is intended for information purposes only. The results will be shared with Washington State Ferries. 

    Key Considerations:

    • Have you experienced noticeable changes in sailing times, on-time performance, or availability?

    • Do you find the new schedule aligns with your travel needs, including weekend interisland service?

    • Are the adjusted island stops and revised vehicle allotments serving your community effectively?

    • Your feedback helps the SJI Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) work with WSF, so the schedules best meet the needs of both local communities and visitors.

    The SJC Ferry Advisory Committee thanks you for your feedback!
  • Making Things Happen for Ferries: Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer

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    Governor Ferguson made a major announcement regarding ferries on March 6th, which will affect San Juan service: WSF will "delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries, putting Washington on the path to restoring full domestic ferry service by this summer. As a result of this plan, Washington State Ferries will have 18 operating vessels in the water for the first time since 2019….The Governor also plans to continue meeting directly with communities affected by reduced ferry service levels. Ferguson is planning to meet with residents in the San Juan Islands on July 15….Ferguson also announced that he is exploring innovative options for procuring new electric vessels after the state receives the next set of up to five vessels. After the new electric vessels are procured, Washington State Ferries will need to replace an additional 11 vessels before 2040 to keep the fleet modern and operating at full capacity.”

    Is should be noted that Sidney service (Anacortes–Friday Harbor–Sidney) adds to San Juan service, though this announcement, which also includes recognition of ferry staffing issues, should help reduce disruptions to our currently scheduled service.

    Full announcement: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/making-things-happen-ferries-governor-ferguson-announces-plan-restore-washington-state-ferries-full

  • San Juans Delegation Heads to Olympia to Lobby for Ferries

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    Jumping right into this year’s state legislative session, eight members of the County government, business, and resident community made the trek to Olympia, joining with a larger ferry lobbying effort, to meet with legislators and advocate for funding our ferries—both WSF and locally initiated passenger-only service. With the help of the County’s lobbyist, the delegation was able to meet with about a dozen lawmakers (including our supportive LD40 contingent: Senator Lovelett and Representatives Lekanoff and Ramel), sometimes in hallways, and sometimes in offices for “full” 15-minute meetings. The reception was mixed, with some legislators pointing to the transportation budget’s estimated billion-dollar shortfall, while others voiced their strong support for the funding levels recommended by both past governor Inslee and current governor Ferguson, especially by our representatives. Some even suggested additional funding to fill in critical gaps. This effort was also very ably assisted by the Fix our Ferry’s consultant and Vashon resident, Amy Drayer. The San Juans had the largest contingent of advocates with: Ken Burtness, FAC Member & former WSF Captain; Victoria Compton, Executive Director, SJC Economic Development Council; Becki Day, Executive Director, SJI Chamber of Commerce; Jane Fuller, SJC Councilmember (Lopez) & former FAC Liaison; Donald Kane, San Juan Island resident; Justin Paulsen, SJC Councilmember & FAC Council Liaison; David Robison, owner of Electric Lexicon LLC; Tom Starr, former owner of Star Surveying & former SJC Councilmember.

    More info on San Juans Today: "MIXED REACTIONS’ IN OLYMPIA THURSDAY: San Juans citizens lobbied for improved WSF inter-island service”

  • WSF to host Community Meetings 2/12/25 and 2/13/25

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    WSF states: "Community participation is at the core of decision making at Washington State Ferries. Riders and members of the public may attend virtual community meetings." Each year they host three rounds of public meetings. The next round will be February 12th at 12PM and February 13th at 6PM. You must register in order to attend a meeting. You can register at: Community participation | WSDOT.

  • Vehicle reservations for spring season available Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10AM

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    The opening of spring season (March 23 to June 14) vehicle reservations for our Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes is set for Wednesday, January 29th at 10 AM. Like summer and fall, WSF will be using a virtual waiting room to avoid website overload and ensure fair access during this busy time. For these routes, WSF will open 30% of vehicle reservations space on Jan 29. Another 30% will be available two weeks before each specific sailing and another 30% two days before. The two-week and two-day release times are at 7 AM.

  • Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update

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    After nearly two years of work by Washington State Ferries staff and SJI communities the winter season sailing schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route has been updated. The new schedule begins Dec. 29 with vehicle reservations available on Oct. 29. Please visit the project website to learn more about this Schedule Update Process.