SeatacSeatac Connection
Things to do in Seattle

San Juan Islands

Island villages, whale-watching shores and quiet country roads north of Seattle, reached by the state ferry from Anacortes or a short flight from Seattle.

Get a ride therePlan a Seattle trip with itTickets and tours

The useful answer

Should this fit your day?

Best for
Travelers with a free day or two who want island time, orca country and small towns, and anyone who'd love a seaplane ride.
Time to protect
A day trip is a long day, about 12 hours on a guided tour. One or two nights on the islands is the relaxed way to do it.
Cruise-day fit
Not a cruise-day trip. Fit it into free days before your sailing or after you get off, back in Seattle the night before you board. The islands are north, so Pier 91 is on the right side of town for the drive to Anacortes.
From the terminals
From Pier 91, the drive north to Anacortes starts on the right side of the city. From Pier 66 it's a ride north through downtown first. Kenmore Air's Lake Union terminal is a short ride from either pier.
Before a flight
Ferries fill and seaplanes wait on the weather, so never plan a flight out of SEA the same day. Come back the day before you fly.

Ferry, seaplane or tour?

Three good ways to the islands. Choose by time, budget and how much you want to drive.

  1. The ferry from Anacortes

    The classic way: a ferry ride through the islands. Book a vehicle reservation, or walk on and go car-free. We can drive you to the terminal.

  2. A Kenmore Air flight

    The fastest way from the city, by seaplane or small plane to island harbors and airports. Check which Seattle terminal yours leaves from.

  3. A guided day tour

    Pickup in Seattle, the ferry, Lime Kiln and Friday Harbor with a naturalist, all handled for you.

Want whales from a boat? Our whale watching guide covers trips from Edmonds and downtown.

Read the whale watching guide →

What to know before you go

  1. 01

    The three islands most visitors see are San Juan Island, with the town of Friday Harbor, Orcas Island and Lopez Island. An inter-island ferry runs between them.

  2. 02

    The usual way in is Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, a long drive north of Seattle. Washington State Ferries recommends vehicle reservations between Anacortes and the islands. Walking on and leaving the car is simpler, and you can get around by bike, bus, moped, trolley or boat.

  3. 03

    Kenmore Air flies scheduled seaplanes and wheeled planes from Seattle to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, several harbors on Orcas and Fisherman Bay on Lopez. It has Seattle-area terminals on Lake Union, at Kenmore on Lake Washington and at Boeing Field, so check which one your flight uses.

  4. 04

    The San Juan Clipper's direct passenger sailing from Seattle to Friday Harbor isn't running in 2026, so don't plan on a boat straight from the downtown waterfront.

  5. 05

    Without a car: Evergreen Escapes runs a year-round San Juan Island day of about 12 and a half hours, with pickup where you're staying in Seattle and an hour-long ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. It visits Lime Kiln State Park, one of the best places to watch for orcas from shore, and the Pig War camps of San Juan Island National Historical Park. You can fly back by seaplane instead of taking the ferry.

  6. 06

    In summer, Puget Sound Express runs full-day whale-watching trips to Friday Harbor. Winter is the quiet season: empty beaches, uncrowded shops, spas and island wine.

Ferry schedules, flights and island services change by season. Check the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, Washington State Ferries and Kenmore Air before you go.

Tours and activities

Tours and tickets for the San Juan Islands

Well-reviewed tours and tickets, with current prices. Check a date to see open start times, then book with Viator.

Tours are sold and run through Viator; booking opens viator.com in a new tab, and Viator confirms the final price and time. Seatac may earn a commission.

Book tickets and tours

Pick a ticket time that leaves room for the ride back. Timed entry, guided tours and city passes all work; check the live price and times for your date.

  • Tours and activities

    Seattle tours and tickets

    Guided tours, attraction tickets and day trips around Seattle, including options near the San Juan Islands.

    See tours and tickets

Opens a booking partner in a new tab; Seatac Connection may earn a commission. You can also buy direct on the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau getting here page.

Get a ride there

Drop-off: The San Juan Islands from Seattle, Anacortes ferry terminal

Starting from

Your fare is worked out for the exact trip on the next step, before you pay. Want the car to wait while you visit? Book by the hour.

Compare another stop