Travel

Travel Note

Getting Around the Island

This gorgeous island is a sprawl, so you will need a car (or know someone with one) to get around. We have no public transportation system, but we do have one cab service you can try: https://orcasisland.org/places/orcas-island-taxi-service/ FYI you will likely lose cell phone service at more remote parts of the island. Service is generally good at the ferry landing and in town. We recommend taking that opportunity to download any maps / directions you may need.

Travel Note

Ferry Reservations

The good times begin when you hop on the ferry! Walking on the ferry is relatively simple and you don't need to worry about making a reservation or arriving earlier than 30 min to your sailing. If you are bringing a car on the island, you need to make a reservation. Unless you're traveling by personal boat or plane, you will need to book a ferry. Orcas Island is serviced by the Anacortes / San Juan Islands Ferry system. Reservations can be made through the WSDOT website linked here. ***Reservations open 6 months in advance to your sailing. Be sure to make a reservation in advance as soon as possible.*** A card is required to make your reservation through WSDOT, but you will not pay until arriving at the Anacortes Terminal. Tickets are roundtrip out of Anacortes, after you pay for your ticket you will not have to pay for a return ferry. In fact all eastbound ferries in the San Juan ferries are free, so if you have hopes to visit Shaw or Lopez island on your trip, know that it is no extra charge to utilize the return Ferry service on the routes back to Anacortes! The Ferry routes change on a seasonal basis and the ferries will fill up as the sailing date approaches ESPECIALLY in the summertime as it is peak tourist season. The ferries can tend to be a bit...how shall we say it...unpredictable ;) This is perhaps the biggest grievance for visiting tourists and locals alike. In short, a ferry reservation is NOT a promise that you will leave or arrive at the listed times. Delays and cancellations happen all the time, especially in the Summer months. Not to worry, everything always works out one way or another. The best strategy to mitigate ferry chaos is to aim to be early and prepare to be patient. Lastly, Enjoy the marvelous beauty of the Salish Sea and views of Mt. Baker on your passage!

Travel Note

Shuttle from Seatac Airport To Anacortes

A great option to get from the airport to the island without a car is to hop on the reliable and steady running Bellair Airporter shuttle (around $45 one-way). It runs directly from the airport with one stop where you may transfer shuttles, then drops you right at the Anacortes ferry landing.

Travel Note

Lodging Options

You are in for a treat because Orcas island has so many amazing places to stay, attached below is a comprehensive list of hotels + resorts here on the Island. For Reference: Our Wedding Ceremony (Saturday the 27th) venue is 505 Willis Ln, Olga, WA 98279 Our Party (Sunday the 28th) Venue is Ravensong Refuge: 961 Pinneo Rd, Eastsound, Wa, 98245 CAMPING Ravensong - where we are having the celebration on Sunday - has camping available all weekend for $25 per night. There are beautiful spots in the forest to camp, with access to a shower, composting toilets, outdoor kitchen and water. Please let us know if you want to camp here. OTHER OPTIONS: ~ Rosario Resort & Spa - near Moran State Park: https://rosarioresort.com/lodging-1 ~ Smuggler's Villa - near town for restaurants, stores etc: https://smuggler.com/rooms/ ~ All Dream Cottages: https://www.dreamstayorcas.com/all-dream-cottages ~ Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast - near town: https://www.kangaroohouse.com/ ~ Outlook Inn: https://www.outlookinn.com/ ~ Sanctuary Seaside - centrally located & waterfront access: https://www.sanctuaryseaside.com/rooms ~ Otter's Pond B & B: https://www.otterspond.com/ + lots to check out on Vacasa.com