Friday Harbor Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Friday Harbor is primarily accessed via Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, with a scenic 65-minute sailing through the San Juan archipelago. Visitors from Seattle can reach Anacortes in about 1.5 hours by car, while those from Vancouver, BC face approximately a 2-hour drive to the ferry terminal. Public transit options include Skagit Transit connections from major transportation hubs to Anacortes. Limited parking is available at the Anacortes terminal, with long-term options requiring advance reservations during peak summer months. Once in Friday Harbor, the town center is conveniently located just steps from the ferry landing.

Nestled on the eastern shore of San Juan Island, Friday Harbor welcomes visitors with its picturesque waterfront and relaxed maritime atmosphere. This vibrant small town serves as the commercial hub of the San Juan Islands, offering an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the archipelago by ferry. With its walkable streets lined with historic buildings, local shops, and seafood restaurants, Friday Harbor perfectly balances small-town charm with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Summer brings Friday Harbor's most pleasant weather, with temperatures averaging 65-75°F (18-24°C) from June through September, minimal rainfall, and extended daylight hours. July and August mark peak tourist season with the most reliable sunshine, while September offers warm days with noticeably fewer crowds. Spring (April-May) features blooming wildflowers and increasing wildlife activity, though with occasional rain showers. Ferry service increases significantly during summer months, with more frequent sailings and extended hours. Winter visitors enjoy peaceful solitude but should prepare for reduced ferry schedules and some seasonal business closures.

Friday Harbor serves as an excellent base for exploring the enchanting San Juan Islands by ferry. Orcas Island, just a 40-minute ferry ride away, beckons with its mountainous terrain highlighted by 2,409-foot Mount Constitution and the artistic community of Eastsound. Lopez Island, approximately 30 minutes by ferry, offers gentle landscapes perfect for cycling, with rolling farmland and peaceful beaches. Shaw Island provides a tranquil escape with its nature preserves and quiet roads, accessible in under 30 minutes. The inter-island ferry system makes island-hopping straightforward, allowing visitors to experience the distinct character of each island while using Friday Harbor as their central hub.

The Whale Museum offers fascinating insights into the region's marine mammals, particularly the resident orca pods that frequent local waters. Just minutes from the harbor, San Juan Island National Historical Park preserves the sites of the 1859 "Pig War" standoff between American and British forces at American Camp and English Camp. Outdoor enthusiasts can join kayaking tours departing directly from the marina to explore hidden coves and observe wildlife. Friday Harbor's culinary scene showcases fresh seafood, with waterfront restaurants serving locally-harvested oysters, Dungeness crab, and salmon. Spring Street forms the town's commercial heart, where locally-owned shops, art galleries, and the historic Palace Theater offer hours of leisurely exploration within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Despite its small size, Friday Harbor was once a major lime production center, with kilns processing limestone that built many early Seattle structures, remnants of this industry can still be spotted around the island. The harbor was named in the 1850s after a sheep farmer named Friday who lived nearby, not after the day of the week as many visitors assume. Friday Harbor enjoys an unusual "rain shadow" effect from the Olympic Mountains, receiving just half the rainfall of nearby Seattle with approximately 250 sunny days annually. The waters surrounding Friday Harbor contain some of the highest concentrations of bioluminescent plankton in the region, creating magical nighttime displays during summer months.