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San Juan Island |
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WSF infoFerry Schedules |
GETTING HERE -- by SeaWashington State Ferries serves four islands in the San Juans -- San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island. WSF also travels to Sidney, British Columbia. There is no galley food service at the ferry terminals or onboard the ferries. The galley service ended on Dec. 31, 2003 after the company providing the service did not renew its contract. WSF is trying to come up with a way to provide the service but it is not likely to happen for months. There are a few soft drink and candy bar vending machines on some of the ferries. The Winter Schedule begins Dec. 28, 2003 and ends March 20, 2004. There will be no service to Sidney, British Columbia for those twelve weeks. The ferries leave from Anacortes, Washington which is on Fidalgo Island which is connected to the mainland by bridges. To reach Anacortes take Interstate 5 to Highway 20 (exit 230). Take Highway 20 to Anacortes. The state ferry terminal is about 20 miles from I-5. The route is clearly marked. Note the slower speed limit on the last three miles of the trip. The state ferries take autos and passengers. The fare you pay in Anacortes covers your return trip. (Except for the international sailing.) Ferry travel requires patience. WSF posts approximate wait times on their Web site It is best to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to sailing time. Even this does not guarantee you will board the next ferry. Bring something to read, a pillow, food and a sense of adventure. Of course sometimes fog or other unavoidable problems cause unexpected delays or changes in the ferry schedule. The current location of the ferries can be viewed courtesy of use of the global positioning system. There are restrooms, phones and video games at the terminal in Anacortes. The Friday Harbor ferry terminal is right in town. You can park your car and enjoy a walk around town. On Orcas Island the ferry docks in Orcas Village which has a small grocery store, a few gift shops and restrooms are adjacent to the terminal. The main "town " on Orcas Island is Eastsound which is a 20 minute drive from the terminal. The ferry landing on Lopez Island has restrooms. Shaw Island's terminal is run by nuns. There is a small store at the dock. International sailing Travelers on this route are subject to U.S. and Canada Immigration and Customs inspections. (See story in San Juan Islander on this topic.) As a result of the heightened security measures following the Sept. 11 attack, travelers must have either a driver's license along with a birth certificate/baptismal certificate or a passport to enter Canada. Children under 18 not accompanied by an adult need proof of citizenship and a notarized letter from their parent or guardian giving permission to enter the U.S. or Canada. For more information call: Privately owned ferries Private passenger ferries sail to the San Juans from Bellingham (Fairhaven), Seattle, Port Townsend and Victoria, during the tourist season. |
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