People ask me all the time how people and things are transported on and off the islands. I explain to them that its the same way travel happens anywhere except our highway is liquid instead of asphalt. It maybe takes a few more steps to bring our groceries from the store to the kitchen, but the end result is pretty much the same.
Traveling to the islands by boat
The Washington State Ferry provides daily transportation to four of the islands...Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan Islands.
Private passenger ferries serve all of the remaining islands. Paraclete Charters and Island Express Charters make trips throughout the islands multiple times a day.
The water taxis offer an efficient time-saving way to visit the islands without long waits in ferry lines. They can access beaches, boats or private docks.
Many kayakers and hikers use the passenger ferries to explore some of the beautiful outlying areas that would otherwise be inaccessible or a very long paddle.
Transporting Equipment and Materials
When there is a need to transport vehicles, building materials, items too big for the water taxi, one of the local barge companies can help you do that. The Island Transporter operates out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes and primarily goes to Decatur, Center, and Lopez Islands. Pintail Marine offers excellent service from San Juan Island. Large freight can be hauled on the MV San Juan Enterprise operating out of downtown Anacortes.
Traveling to the islands by air
If traveling by air is more your speed, there are a number of private airlines offering daily flights to the islands. San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air both offer direct connections to SEATAC airport, while Island Air primarily concentrates on inter-island travel. Deliveries of UPS and FEDEX also come in by air.
For whale watching, kayak, wildflower tours and other tourist-related activities, the Guide to the San Juans is a great source of information about the various companies providing those type of transportation options.
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