FerryConnect

USA (Washington)

Anacortes → Orcas Island

The San Juan Islands ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island, the largest and hilliest of the San Juans, home to Moran State Park and Mount Constitution. Sailings weave through the archipelago, some stopping at Shaw or Lopez on the way.

⏱ 55m – 1h 15m🚢 1 operator📅 About 7 sailings a day to Orcas on the fall 2026 schedule, some calling at Lopez or Shaw first🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island takes 55m – 1h 15m across the Salish Sea (San Juan Islands), operated by Washington State Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: about 7 sailings a day to Orcas on the fall 2026 schedule, some calling at Lopez or Shaw first.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: wsdot.com · wsdot.wa.gov · wsdot.wa.gov · wsdot.wa.gov · How we verify

Return crossing: Orcas Island to Anacortes

Washington State Ferries also sails Orcas Island to Anacortes, taking 55m – 1h 15m. Eastbound sailings from Orcas to Anacortes also call at Shaw and/or Lopez on many trips.

Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

About 7 sailings a day from Anacortes to Orcas (some days only), direct or via Lopez/Shaw

Fall schedule 20 Sep – 26 Dec 2026; direct sailings take about 55 minutes.

Return: Eastbound sailings from Orcas to Anacortes also call at Shaw and/or Lopez on many trips.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Washington State Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Washington State Ferries →

Source: Washington State Ferries schedule by route. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Anacortes and Orcas Island

📐 12 Nautical Miles
Anacortes⇄Orcas Island
⏱ 55m – 1h 15m · 📐 12 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Anacortes to Orcas Island?

Book your crossing with Washington State Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Washington State Ferries55m – 1h 15mChelan, Yakima, Samish, Tillikum

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

12 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Anacortes terminal (2100 Ferry Terminal Road) is 4–5 miles west of downtown Anacortes; the Bellair Airporter shuttle runs from Sea-Tac Airport
  • Orcas terminal is at 8368 Orcas Road in Orcas Village

Tips for the Anacortes to Orcas Island Crossing

  • WSF recommends vehicle reservations for travel between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from AnacortesAnacortes → Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)1h – 2h (depending on island stops) · Washington State FerriesAlso sails from AnacortesAnacortes → Lopez Island45m – 55m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingPort Townsend → Coupeville (Whidbey Island)About 35m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingMukilteo → Clinton (Whidbey Island)About 20m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingSeattle → Bainbridge Island35m · Washington State FerriesNearby alternative crossingFauntleroy (West Seattle) → Vashon IslandAbout 20m · Washington State Ferries
📘 Washington State Ferries: Routes, Times & Tips⚓ Anacortes Ferry Terminal guide⚓ Orcas Ferry Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Anacortes🗺 All ferries in United States🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island?
The crossing typically takes 55m – 1h 15m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry sail?
About 7 sailings a day from Anacortes to Orcas (some days only), direct or via Lopez/Shaw. Fall schedule 20 Sep – 26 Dec 2026; direct sailings take about 55 minutes. This is the pattern published in the Washington State Ferries schedule by route (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Anacortes to Orcas Island?
Washington State Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Anacortes from Orcas Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 12 nautical miles (roughly 22 km).