Thanks for posting on the message board...

==================== passport ====================

If you are already in the United States than visiting the San Juan Islands can be done without a passport.  However if you are crossing over from Canada across the international border you will need a passport.

==================== Seattle same-day ====================

I think you would be rushing it if you tried to get back to Seattle on the same day.  There are cheaper hotels to be found in the islands... go to this website and visit the budget/hostels section of the accommodations section: http://www.Friday-harbor.net

You could take the 8:45 a.m. sailing from Anacortes and arrive in Friday Harbor at 9:50 a.m.  If you return to Anacortes on the 7 p.m. departure that would give you nine hours of time to explore Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, whale watch Park, et cetera.  A later fairy leaves Friday Harbor at 10 p.m. and arrives in Anacortes at midnight.

This is definitely a cheap and easy way to get a taste of the San Juan Islands.

==================== Anacortes parking ====================

 Anacortes Terminal Parking
The new peak paid parking is in effect at the terminal from May 1,2009 through October 10th are as follows.


There are 1,265 spaces in three parking lots near the Anacortes Terminal. All parking spaces, including disabled spaces, will be charged the applicable fee. The fees are as follows:

1 day (0-24 hours) - $10.00

2 days (48 hours)- $20.00

3 days (72 hours) - $25.00

4 days (72-96 hours) - $30.00

7 days (72-168 hours) - $40.00

8 days - $50.00

9 days - $60.00

10 days - $70.00

14 days - $80.00

15 days - $90.00

16 days - $100.00

21 days - $110.00

Calender Month (plus tax)- $94.00

RVs (unoccupied,up to 24 hrs stalls 105-112) - $20.00 per day

Seasonal Permit (May 1st-Oct.10) - $354.00

==================== ferry tickets ====================

I agree... the ticketing system is a little bit confusing.  It basically means that you pay to go and it is free to come back.  So once you are on any of the islands and you want to get back to Anacortes you just walk or drive back on the ferry.  A ticket to Lopez Island is cheaper than a ticket to San Juan Island because Lopez Island is the closest island and San Juan Island is the furthest.  If you only pay for a ticket to Lopez Island  and then want to go to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island  or over to Orcas Island you will need to buy another ticket.  Of course this ticket is cheaper because you have already traveled part of the way there.

==================== no vehicle ====================

If you don't want to drive your car onto the ferry you will probably want to go to Friday Harbor because the ferry landing arrives right in Friday Harbor.  However if you go to Orcas Island you will need to wait a little bit for the shuttle bus to arrive that takes you approximately 10 miles into the town of Eastsound.

==================== closing ====================

I hope my answers were of some help... enjoy your trip!