Getting Here – Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce

Getting here.

off the beaten path

finding your Path.

Like every incredible destination, getting to Orcas Island is where your adventure begins.

Nestled in the San Juan Islands, Orcas is accessible by a variety of scenic and enjoyable transportation options. The most common route is via Washington State Ferry.

Ferries depart regularly from Anacortes, offering stunning views of the Puget Sound and the surrounding islands. For those seeking a quicker journey, Eastsound Airport is serviced by a number of wheeled plane regional airlines and Kenmore Air provides scenic floatplane service directly to multiple locations on Orcas Island.

Below you’ll find more details on each of these travel methods, helping you plan your journey to our beautiful island.

ICONIC. WALK ON, RIDE YOUR BIKE, OR BRING YOUR CAR!

by Ferry.

A leisurely ferry ride is the perfect transition to take you from the busy freeways of the mainland to the quiet country roads of the islands.

You can drive your car straight onto the ferry, just make sure you have made a reservation first! Walk-on passengers, including those with bikes, are also welcome and can purchase tickets at the terminal – no reservation needed.

If you’re coming from SeaTac and don’t have a car, you can take a shuttle bus from the airport right to the Anacortes ferry landing with Bellair Charters.

travel like a local-

Ferry tips.

The ferry sailing schedule changes seasonally for fall, winter, spring, and summer. Prices also change according to the season. Your ticket is good for a round trip – you only pay going westbound (coming to the island).

Driving? Reservations highly recommended!

Reservation space is released in tiers. A portion (30% of each sailing) is released up to two months before the first sailing of the season (fall, winter, spring or summer sailing seasons). Another 30% is released two weeks prior to sailing, and the final 30% is released two days before departure. Payment is made at the ferry terminal in Anacortes.

always be early- the ferry doesn't wait!

Even if you have a reservation, you should arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled sailing. Waiting for the ferry in Anacortes is a rite of passage. Bring a picnic, read a book, slow down! Waiting for the ferry on Orcas gives you one last chance to soak up some island time and visit the wonderful cafes and shops in Orcas Village.

Fastest Option-

by Plane.

Catch a small plane at various Northwest locations, including Seattle’s SeaTac airport, Boeing Field, Lake Union, or Lake Washington, and be on Orcas Island in approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Regular and charter flights are also available from other regional airports.

Local Airline Options:

Kenmore Air (Click for website & Bookings)

Point-to-Point Air (Click for website & Bookings)

San Juan Airlines (Click for website & Bookings)

Considering two wheels?

Bike Info.

Recommended for experienced bikers only, Orcas Island’s steep hills, blind curves, and little or no shoulder are challenging for bike riders at every level of ability.

Be prepared for Hills

Orcas has the highest point in the San Juan Islands, and our roads are the most hilly. Biking from the ferry to Eastsound involves over 500ft in elevation climbs alone!

About 1 hr to town from the ferry

Our roads are narrow without shoulders for stopping/passing, and the road from the ferry to town does not have any places to stop for a rest.

Traveling in a group?

Ideally, only bike in groups of max 3-4 people, with wide spacing to encourage car passing & use bicycle turnouts whenever possible. Use EXTREME caution on the roads!!

common questions-

getting here FAQS.

How do I get to Orcas Island?

Orcas Island is accessible by ferry, wheeled plane, sea plane, or private boat. Washington State Ferries offer regular services from Anacortes to Orcas Island. You can fly into Orcas Island Airport (ORS), Deer Harbor Marina, and Rosario via small regional airlines or charter flights.

What is the best time to visit Orcas Island?

Each time of year has its own charm. The weather is generally mild and there are fewer visitors in September and October. From November thru February, aka the cozy times, the weather may be unpredictable, but you’ll get a true slice of life experience. In early spring, March and April, the island is quiet, but celebrating the return of sunny days. The high season is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is warmer, summer camps are in full swing, and the island sees its highest number of visitors.

Do I need a car on Orcas Island?

There is no public ground transportation on Orcas. Car rentals are available at the Eastsound airport and the ferry landing in Orcas Village. In the high season, there is limited shuttle service and one on island taxi. While it’s possible to get around by bike and there are bike rentals available, including electric bikes, be aware that Orcas is very hilly, there are few shoulders on our roads, and the ferry landing is almost 8 miles from the primary village of Eastsound. See our Biking Orcas guide for more info.

What are the must-see attractions on Orcas Island?

Popular attractions include the many trails, waterfalls, and lakes in Moran State Park, Mount Constitution for stunning views, our many restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and studios, and the peaceful beaches around Eastsound.

What are the accommodations on Orcas Island?

Orcas offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campsites.

Check them out here!

Can I rent outdoor gear on Orcas Island?

It depends on your activity. There are places on the island where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, and other outdoor gear for exploring. We also have shops where you can purchase outdoor clothing and technical gear.

Explore our Outdoor Service providers here!

Is there cell phone reception on Orcas Island?

For most carriers, cellular service is reliable in Eastsound and Orcas Village. While some areas have spotty service, many parts of the island have limited or no cell reception. It’s a good idea to plan ahead if you rely on cell service for navigation or emergency communication, but most accommodations will have WiFi service and the Chamber of Commerce in Eastsound has guest WiFi available if needed.

What should I pack for a trip to Orcas Island?

Pack for the outdoors and for sudden changes in weather. Even during the summer, the island can experience rain and swings in temperature. Bring layers for variable weather and wind and good shoes for walking.

Are there good places to eat on Orcas Island?

Orcas is a foodie’s dream. Farm-to-table is taken very seriously here as many of our restaurants source most or all of their ingredients, including meat and seafood, from the island and surrounding areas. There are two James Beard recognized restaurants, cocktail bars, and cafes offering a variety of dining options, from fine dining to cozy comfort food and everything in between.

Explore our restaurants & cafés here!

Do I need to make ferry reservations in advance? What about restaurant reservations? Lodging?

Yes, yes, and yes. Especially in the high season or if you are traveling with a large group, you are unlikely to find last minute lodging or restaurant accommodations. There are dining options for which reservations aren’t required, but many establishments close at 9pm (sometimes earlier) even during the summer. It’s recommended to book ferries, accommodations, and activities in advance, especially during peak travel times (summer months and holidays), as they can fill up quickly.