One Day Visit ... drive or walk on the ferry?

lms

Newbie

Posts: 2

One Day Visit ... drive or walk on the ferry?

« on: October 19, 2009, 11:29:27 AM »

9 of us are traveling together and will have only one day in June, 2010 to visit the islands prior to our Alaskan cruise out of Seattle. We will have a large passenger van. Can anyone give me transportation/sightseeing tips to make the most effective use of our one day of sightseeing? I am thinking we would drive from Seattle to the ferry, but dont know whether it is best to cross by ferry with the van and use it on the island, or leave it behind and take local transport once on the island. Not sure if it is feasible to see 1, 2, or 3 islands in such a limited time period. Any advice would be appreciated!


« Last Edit: October 19, 2009, 11:56:01 AM by Wesley »	Logged

Wesley

Administrator
Hero Member

Posts: 5291

Re: One Day Visit

« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2009, 11:55:30 AM »

Thanks for posting on the message board...

I recommend you bring your vehicle on the ferry with you... you will need to show up at the ferry landing at least one hour before the scheduled departure time in Anacortes. More than one hour if it is a busier weekend. The ferry landing in Anacortes has restaurants, coffee, picnic tables, and trails along the beach with scenic views of Mount Baker.

When you purchase tickets in Anacortes they are round-trip tickets... this means you only pay once in Anacortes and your ferry ride back to Anacortes from the islands is free. You just show up at the ferry landing and get in line. Your van passengers will be about $11 per person and the vehicle and driver will be about $50.

There are taxis and shuttles on both Orcas Island and San Juan Island however because you have such a large party and a limited amount of time having your own vehicle will give you maximum value of time and money.

Now you just need to decide which island to go to Orcas Island with attractions such as Eastsound Village and Moran State Park .... or San Juan Island with attractions such as whale watch Park, British and American camp, Roche harbor Marina, and Friday Harbor.

Please let me know if you have any other questions... see you in June!


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Ron

Newbie

Posts: 19

Re: One Day Visit ... drive or walk on the ferry?

« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2009, 08:02:28 PM »

Don't forget that you only pay to go west so you can take the ferry to Friday Harbor, ride around a bit then take the ferry to Orcas for free. If the weather is good a trip to Mt Constitution in Moran State Park on Orcas is a must. The highest point in the island and you can drive to the top (minus about 50 yards). Spectacular views.

Warning: Summer time ferry waits can be very long in Anacortes on Fridays and even worse on Orcas on Sundays so try not drive-on on those days. You would be better off walking on and renting a car (reservations are a must) if your trip must be on a Friday or a Sunday.

Ron


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lms

Newbie

Posts: 2

Re: One Day Visit ... drive or walk on the ferry?

« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2009, 10:09:49 AM »

Thank you so much for this helpful advice!


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