2023 Season Experience Update: B.Y.O.B. (bring your own bedding and bath supplies)
We setup cedar platforms with canvas tents on walk-in Moran State Park campsites.
You take it from there.
There’s no question that riding the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island is an awesome experience. Setting sail from the mainland, and gliding toward our emerald isles offers a unique energy that is rarely found when you hop on a plane or jump in your car. It’s freeing and just plain fun. Well… so long as you know what you’re doing!
Pro Tip #1: Make a reservation
Just like a train or a plane, you’ve got to reserve a spot for your vehicle on the Washington State ferry to Orcas Island. Note: if you’re walking on the boat with just you and your suitcase or a bicycle, you won’t be able to make a reservation, and you won’t need to.
There’s another twist if you ride the inter-island ferry between Orcas and another island. While you won’t be able to reserve a spot for your vehicle on any inter-island sailings, be sure to make a vehicle reservation for any sailings that include Anacortes. That means your trip back home!
Pro Tip #2: Allow enough drive time
The Seattle area is really popular all year ’round, but it’s unbelievably popular in the summer months. If you’re driving to Anacortes from any of the surrounding cities, be sure to leave plenty of time in case you encounter any extended delays on the highways.
Speaking of highway delays, WSDOT has got a big roundabout project planned for Summer 2018. Learn more on their website here and take a peek at the map below to see where your travel may be impacted.
This map belongs to Google!
Be especially certain to leave yourself lots of time if you plan to check out any of the sites along the way. Especially toward Deception Pass, as there’s a project planned for that side of SR 20, too. Remember, even with a reservation, you’ve got to be through the ticket booth at least a half hour before your departure time. If you’re not, they’ll cancel your reservation and push you over to the standby lanes.
You can’t be too early for the ferry, but you can certainly be too late!
Pro Tip #3: Plan your food
Not even the most seasoned travelers can have fun if they’re hungry!
While the Washington State Ferries offer limited concessions at the terminal and on the boat, we recommend only relying on them in a pinch. If you plan ahead well enough, there are lots of great breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in and around Anacortes.
Depending on what time you’ve budgeted, you can enjoy a sit-down feast, or take your grub to-go. If you get your grub to-go, you’ve got two options: dig-in in-line or hold off until the boat ride. Depending on your vehicle and what picnic tables are available, you may find it more convenient to wait to eat on the boat. Most ferries offer a good amount of booths, tables and benches perfect for a picnic.
Pro Tip #4: Plan your wardrobe
The Anacortes ferry terminal will be your first taste of the cooler San Juan Island weather. If you’re riding the ferry on a toasty summer afternoon, you’ll probably be OK going on the boat with whatever you’re wearing on the mainland.
However, if you’re setting sail early in the morning or late in the evening, you’ll definitely want a jacket handy. Just as quick as temps heat up out here, they cool off. Plus, the water temps are way chillier than the air temps. If you want to spend any time outside on the ferry when it’s cruising along, a jacket will come in really handy.
Pro Tip #5: Plan to slow down
You may have heard about Island time, but ferry time is something altogether different. With the ferry, you’ve got to be spot-on with your timing reserving, driving, and making it to the terminal. However, while the ferries generally do their best to stick to the schedule, there are plenty of occasions when they’re behind schedule.
There are lots of reasons for delays. Whether it’s fog, lots of marine traffic, crowds of walk-on and bicyclists, or crew challenges or equipment malfunctions, your boat could be late. Don’t sweat it. We know that you’re eager to get to us, but rest assured that the folks on the ferries are doing all that they can to be prompt. Sometimes, things just take a bit longer out here. Slow down. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy time with your travel companions and enjoy the ride.
Bonus Pro Tip: Book your glamping site today!
Our glamping sites get more popular every year. If you wait too long to book, you may miss out. Go ahead and book your glamping site today. You can have a look at our sites, availability and rates on a map here, or you can see them in a list here. Whichever way you choose, be sure to book your glamping site as soon as you can, and then plan your travel.
Proper planning will help ensure that you and your companions enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
