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. Business hours are currently 8am-4pm.
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. Please note this is a new schedule that will be starting Friday, April 25th.
Estimated Travel times: Friday Harbor to Orcas: 30min; Orcas to Lopez: 15min; Lopez to Anacortes: 75 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 20 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: ~30 min., Orcas to Lopez: ~15 min., Lopez to Anacortes: ~75 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 20 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.
Can I travel Round-Trip?
Yes! The form above to request a seat is for ONE-WAY only. If you'd like to travel round trip, please fill a form for each direction you would like to travel.
Is there standby space?
We encourage folks to make a booking request, but yes, you can always walk-up day of and see if there is space on the boat, people no-show all the time.
If I arrive with a car, where do I park?
Please read through our page about schedule and locations. You will find information about parking at each specific pickup/departure location.
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 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 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. Please be aware that your bike will be exposed to the elements and may receive sea spray.
Can I bring food or beverage on board?
You are welcome to bring food or beverage on board. Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drug products are not allowed.
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?
The service will begin Friday, April 18th, 2025 and operate everyday until the pilot project concludes on June 30th, 2025.
Who is this service for?
This project is funded using State dollars and is open to anyone – locals and visitors alike. This pilot project seeks to provide new and reliable options for interisland and off-island travel. While San Juan County designed the marine transportation services with local needs in mind, (getting islanders home during WSF ferry service disruptions or supporting islanders’ access to mainland services) visitors are also welcome to utilize the services.
Travel Communication
Service Updates
If you have questions after reading through this page please send us an email inquiry to fun@sanjuansafaris.com
We are receiving a very high volume of interest in the service, but are trying to operate our regular tours as well. We would appreciate your patience and reading through this page before emailing your question. We are not able to take inquiries by phone at this time. Thank you!