Getting to the San Juan Islands is part of the adventure. Before you paddle past rocky shorelines and forested islands, you’ll cross the Salish Sea by ferry or fly above it on a seaplane. San Juan Kayak Expeditions is based in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Although the island feels wonderfully remote, reaching us is relatively simple once you understand the available transportation options. For many guests, the easiest choice is to drive or take a shuttle to Anacortes, leave the car near the ferry terminal, and walk aboard a Washington State Ferry. Here is how to plan a relaxed arrival before your kayak trip.
Take the Ferry from Anacortes
Washington State Ferries operates regular service between Anacortes and Friday Harbor. Anacortes is approximately two hours north of Seattle by car under normal traffic conditions. Travel time is shorter from Everett or Bellingham, but traffic can add significant time throughout the region. The ferry ride is not just a commute. It gives travelers their first look at the channels, islands and forested shorelines you will soon explore by kayak. Some sailings travel relatively directly to Friday Harbor, while others stop at Lopez, Shaw or Orcas Island along the way.
Check the complete sailing schedule before traveling because departure times, intermediate stops and travel durations vary.
How to Walk or Bike onto the Ferry
For guests spending a day or one night in Friday Harbor, walking onto the ferry is often the simplest and most affordable option. Walk-on passengers do not need reservations. You can park near the Anacortes ferry terminal, unload your luggage, and board without joining the vehicle standby line. Passenger capacity is rarely an issue, but you should still arrive with enough time to park, purchase or retrieve your ticket and reach the boarding area.
Current ferry fares can change, so review the official Washington State Ferries fare information rather than relying on an older quoted price. Friday Harbor’s town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Restaurants, lodging, shops, and the waterfront are concentrated near the ferry landing. The San Juan Kayak Expeditions kiosk at 25 Nichols Street is only about two blocks from the terminal.
If you bring a bicycle, you can bypass the vehicle line and board through the designated bicycle area. Cyclists pay the standard passenger fare, and an additional bicycle stowage charge may apply. Washington State Ferries recommends that cyclists arrive at least 20 minutes before San Juan Islands sailings to help ensure boarding.
How to Drive onto the Ferry
A car can be useful if you plan to explore destinations elsewhere on San Juan Island, including Roche Harbor, Lime Kiln Point State Park, American Camp or English Camp. If you decide to take a vehicle aboard, make reservations for both directions. Vehicle reservations are one-way. An Anacortes-to-Friday Harbor reservation does not reserve space for your return trip. A reservation also saves vehicle space but does not serve as your ferry ticket.
Washington State Ferries recommends that reserved vehicles arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Drivers must check in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing or risk losing their reserved space. Standby travel is possible, but waits can extend across multiple ferries during summer, holidays, and busy weekends.
Arrive the Day Before Your Kayak Trip
Whenever possible, we recommend arriving in Friday Harbor the day before your scheduled kayak departure. Ferries can be delayed by weather, tides, mechanical issues, or service changes. Highway traffic between Seattle and Anacortes can also be unpredictable. Traveling the previous day creates a buffer and removes the stress of trying to coordinate a ferry arrival with the start of your trip.
An overnight stay also gives you time to explore Friday Harbor, enjoy dinner by the water, and get a full night of rest before paddling. On the morning of your expedition, meet us at the San Juan Kayak Expeditions kiosk at 25 Nichols Street. The kiosk is approximately two blocks from the ferry terminal. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip departure unless your confirmation materials provide different instructions.
Reaching Anacortes Without a Car
Visitors flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport do not necessarily need to rent a vehicle. Regional shuttle services connect the Seattle area with Anacortes and its ferry terminal. Schedules and pickup locations can change, so confirm that your selected service travels all the way to the ferry terminal rather than stopping elsewhere in Anacortes. When reserving a shuttle, leave generous time between your airport arrival and ferry departure. Account for baggage claim, highway traffic, terminal check-in, and the possibility of a delayed flight.
Flying to Friday Harbor
Travelers with limited time can also reach San Juan Island by air. Scheduled and charter flights operate from several locations in the Pacific Northwest, potentially including Seattle, Everett, Bellingham, and Anacortes.
Depending on the operator and departure point, flights may use seaplanes or conventional aircraft arriving at Friday Harbor Airport. The trip offers extraordinary views of the islands from above and can significantly reduce travel time.
Flight schedules, departure locations, and baggage allowances vary. Kayak travelers carrying camping equipment or bulky luggage should confirm baggage limits directly with the airline before booking.
Before You Leave Home
Transportation conditions can change, so complete a final check shortly before your trip:
- Review the current Anacortes–Friday Harbor schedule.
- Check Washington State Ferries service alerts.
- Reserve vehicle space in both directions if driving aboard.
- Confirm Anacortes parking availability and rates.
- Verify shuttle or flight reservations directly with the operator.
- Allow extra time for traffic, parking, and terminal check-in.
- Consider spending the night in Friday Harbor before your kayak departure.
- Keep your San Juan Kayak Expeditions confirmation accessible.
A little planning makes the journey to Friday Harbor simple and allows the ferry ride or flight to serve as the beginning of your San Juan Islands adventure. Review our travel information, explore Friday Harbor lodging and dining, or start planning your adventure with San Juan Kayak Expeditions.
