Salmon catch from the deck of the Captain's Quarters

Salmon caugth from the deck of the Captain’s Quarters

Visit Lime Kiln State Park  on the west side of San Juan Island – a great place to see killer whales passing during the summer!  Pack a lunch and enjoy the view while you watch for whales.

         Check out Barbara’s Web Site

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Cruises

 

San Juan Excursions
Whale Watch and Wildlife Tours
1-800-809-4253

Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours
800-757-6722

Victoria Clipper
Seattle – San Juan Island – Victoria, BC
Passenger Only to San Juan Island
Passenger and Vehicles Between Seattle and Victoria, BC
Reservations Taken
800-888-2535 (Seasonal)

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Dining Out

Several restaurants make an extra effort to provide the quality food and service. Those who take reservations are listed below.

Haley’s Bait Shop and Grill
Downtown – Good American food, full bar and dance band during the season. An island favorite.
360-378-4747

China Pearl
Downtown – Good authentic Chinese food, full bar and karaoke.
360-378-5254

Downriggers
Downtown – On the water, great view, good food and fair prices.
Inside and outside seating, full bar and dance band during the
season. A local favorite.
360-378-2700

Duck Soup Inn
Five miles out of town (towards Roche Harbor), outstanding food, beer and wine. Seasonal. Relatively expensive. A great place for a special dinner.
360-378-4878

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Ferry Information
Getting to the island on the ferries
Some suggestions

* In general, plan on  three hours for each ferry passage. This includes ferry ride and waiting time.

* Only the Washington State Ferries take vehicles to San Juan Island. The ferry requires reservations, both coming and departing the island.  You can call direct 1-888-808-7977 (they are super nice) or get the Washington state ferry app for you phone and make reservations on line.

* Having a car on the island is convenient, but you can park your car at the Anacortes ferry terminal and walk on the ferry allowing you to arrive at the terminal just 30-40 minutes before departure. Rental cars, bikes and mopeds are available on San Juan Island.

* The amenities at the Anacortes terminal are limited. Stop in Anacortes for take-out food and a good book.

* Waiting for a ferry in Friday Harbor is more enjoyable. The ferry parking lot is near downtown stores.

* Try to plan your departure from Sea/Tac Airport for late afternoon. Otherwise you’ll have to leave the island in the early morning.   Allow enough to get through Seattle traffic and get your rental car turned in if needed, at least 3 hours.

British Columbia Ferries
Victoria – Vancouver, BC
Passengers and Vehicles – No Reservations Taken
250-386-3431

Washington State Ferries
Anacortes – San Juan Islands

Victoria, BC
Passengers and Vehicles
Reservations Required for Sydney (Victoria), B.C.

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Island Information
The San Juan Island Web Directory

The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce

The San Juan Islands Scenic Byways- a driving tour

Tourism British Columbia
800-663-6000

Visitor Information Service
Free directory of all San Juan County tourist related businesses.
360-468-3663

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Just For Fun

Kayaking

Crystal Seas Kayaking
877-732-7877

Friday Harbor Marine
Boat Rentals, Trawler School, Sailing School
Kayak Rentals, Paddleboards Rentals
360-378-6202

Discovery Sea Kayak
866-461-2559

Outdoor Odysseys Sea Kayaking
1-360-378-3533

Other Resources

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce
360-376-2273

Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce

San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce
360-378-5240

Reservations, B.C.
Accommodations and reservations throughout Canada

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Transportation
Moorage is available at the Port of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor Resort. Call for reservations.

Port of Friday Harbor Marina
360-378-2688

Roche Harbor Resort Marina
360-378-2155

Arriving By Bus:

Scheduled bus service to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal is available from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. Buses are also available from Victoria to the Washington State Ferry at Sydney (BC), from Anacortes to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal and from Vancouver (BC) International Airport to Bellingham, WA.

San Juan Transit
Local tour transportation, great way to get around the island without a car…
800-887-8387

Taxi –
Friday Harbor Taxi 1-360-298-4434
check out their website for all the rates.  They have the best on the island.
www.fridayharborlights.com

Sea/Tac Airporter
866-235-5247
Sea/Tac airport – Seattle – Anacortes Ferry Terminal

Skagit Transit
360-757-4433
Anacortes – Anacortes Ferry Terminal (Skagit County only)

Island Airporter
Island Shuttle
888-373-8522 (Seasonal)
Bellingham – San Juan Island
Passenger Only – Reservations Taken

Arriving By Car:

The Washington State Ferries offer the only vehicle service to the San Juan Islands from Anacortes and Sidney (Victoria), BC.
1-888-808-7977

Arriving on Foot:

Cars, mopeds and bikes can be rented in Friday Harbor. There are also taxi and bus services.

Friday Harbor Lights is located about two blocks from the ferry terminal, 1/2 mile from the airport and just a few blocks from the center of town. It is an easy walk without heavy luggage. A taxi will cost about $10 dollars.

Susie’s Mopeds
360-378-224
800-32-0087

 

Arriving By Plane:

Flights are available from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, Anacortes, Bellingham, Port Angeles, all San Juan Islands, Vancouver and Victoria (BC).

Aeronautical Services
Charters only
360-378-2640

San Juan Airlines

Kenmore Air
Scheduled sea plane service
Lake Union – Lake Washington – San Juan Islands – Victoria
(BC)
800-543-9595

 

Arriving By Train:

There are Amtrak train terminals in Bellingham and Seattle.

Amtrak
Seattle – Bellingham
800-872-7245

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Weather/What to Wear
The weather is generally mild however you should come prepared for cool nights and light rain.

Fall: October – November
Temperatures are usually in the 50’s but brief freezes and snow are possible. Dress in layers.

Winter: December – February
Temperatures are usually between 40 and 50, but anything between 30 and 70 is possible. A good time to come because many locals go south and you’ll have the island to yourself. Dress warm.

Spring: March – May
Temperatures are usually in the 50’s or 60’s. Mostly sunny but light rain is likely. A great time to bring family and friends for special events at reduced prices. Bring layers and a parka.

(Locals don’t use umbrellas)

Summer: June – September
Temperatures are usually 60 to 70. (Locals whine if it reaches 80.) Mostly sunny but brief rain occurs occasionally. Bring shorts, sunglasses and plenty of sun screen lotion.

Weather Report – Coastal Marine Forecast

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