Daily Passenger Boat Service
Daily Passenger Boat Service
San Juan County and Downtown Anacortes
San Juan Safaris is excited to be part of San Juan County's pilot project to offer a twice-daily passenger boat service between downtown Anacortes and the San Juan Islands! We will be providing regular passenger-only transportation seven days a week between Friday Harbor, Orcas, Lopez, and Anacortes regardless of Washington State Ferry service. Services run at no cost to the passenger. Please see the schedule and pick up locations below.
To book your seats, complete our booking request form. This form is only one way, so you do need to complete another request for your return trip. Due to boat capacity limits and safety regulations your reservation is NOT confirmed until you receive a confirmation email. Bookings made outside of regular business hours should be considered standby/walk up until confirmed.
More Information
Schedule and Locations
San Juan Safaris will provide seven-day a week, twice daily passenger-only boat transportation service to Friday Harbor, Orcas, Lopez, and Anacortes.
Estimated Travel times: Friday Harbor to Orcas: 35min; Orcas to Lopez: 30min; Lopez to Anacortes: 80 minutes. No stop at Shaw Island
Return will be the reverse of this schedule. There is no direct service between Friday Harbor and Anacortes.
*Please be at your pick up location 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow ample time to get down to our vessel. We will not wait for late arrivals.
Request a One-Way Booking
How much does it cost?
This service is provided at no cost to the passenger as it is subsidized by San Juan County's Emergency Rapid Response fund.
How long is the ride?
Each leg varies a bit, and the boat will stop for approximately 15 minutes at each stop. The following times are approximate travel times and will vary based on weather, tides and boat capacity. Friday Harbor to Orcas: ~35 min., Orcas to Lopez: ~30 min., Lopez to Anacortes: ~80 min. Return travel is reverse of this schedule- Anacortes to Lopez, Lopez to Orcas, Orcas to Friday Harbor. There will be no direct service between Friday Harbor and Anacortes.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes! M/V Sea Lion has one marine head on board.
When and Where should I meet you?
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time on your confirmation email to allow for proper time to get down to the boat. We will not hold the boat for late arrivals. Refer to our pickup locations above for each island’s docking point.
What about land transportation?
We offer marine transportation only. All passengers are responsible for their own land transportation to and from each pickup/drop-off location.
Can I bring luggage?
Everyone is allowed one backpack, if you need to bring more luggage please add it to your booking request form. Everyone will be responsible for their own luggage while riding.
Can I bring my car?
Sorry, this is a passenger-only service. If you want to bring your car you’ll have to use the Washington State Ferry System.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, however we have limited capacity for pets on board. You’ll need to make a reservation for any pets and wait to receive a confirmation email. All pets must be on leash or in a carrier and well behaved. All owners are fully responsible for their pets and must adhere to any crew instructions.
Can I bring a bike?
Yes! We have limited capacity for bikes on board so you will have to add it to your booking request form and wait to receive a confirmation email.
Can my child travel alone?
Yes, but we will need their parent or guardian to complete the minor traveling alone permission form. Click here to fill out the form.
When will this service be offered?
At this time, the pilot project is expected to conclude on June 30th, 2025, but may be extended as the State and funding allows.
Travel Communication