San Juan Island is the 2nd largest of the San Juan Islands, located Northwest of Seattle. You can reach the island by ferry from Anacortes, or by seaplane from a variety of Seattle-area locations. Both routes are gorgeous and worth the trip just for the views alone!

To arrive in Roche Harbor via the Anacortes-San Juan Islands ferry, plan for around 3.5 hours from Seattle to the resort. Anacortes is located about 90 minutes north of Seattle, and the scenic ferry ride will last approximately 1 hour. The ferry will make a stop at Lopez Island before dropping you at your final destination of Friday Harbor, and once you disembark the ferry you are a scenic 20 minute drive from the Roche Harbor Resort. The ferry is known for the archipelago views as well as wild life spotting! Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales popping up to say hello.

Reservation Information:

You will need to make a ferry reservation in advance to ensure you are able to make it onto the boat. Plan to arrive at the terminal 60 minutes prior to the boat departure, or you will forfeit your reservation (if you are not at the toll booth 30 minutes before boat departure, you will lose your reservation). Reservations open January 29, 2025. They will release more reservations 2 weeks prior to your sailing date, and then again 2 days prior to your sailing date.

Pricing and transport details:

The round trip cost will be around $75 for a standard vehicle with driver + 1 passenger. If you choose to drive on the ferry, you will take an easy 20 minute drive to the resort. Alternatively, you can park in Anacortes for $8 a day and walk on the ferry for around $16.50. You can take the Jolley Trolley which runs hourly and makes drops around the island, including Roche Harbor. This is a fun option, but beware of island time :) For more accurate ferry pricing estimates, check out the fare estimates page.

The ferry system is reliable, but delays or scheduling issues are well within the realm of possibility. Please plan your ferry schedule to allow a very generous timing buffer. Download the WSDOT app to your phone to watch for delays or scheduling mishaps in real time.

Helpful links:

Fare estimates

Reservation Information

Make your reservation

Ferry home page with more information

To take in the views from the skies via sea plane, you can be delivered directly to the Roche Harbor Marina or to the Friday Harbor Airport. Below are some flight options for scheduled routes, and each airline also offers chartered flights if you will be traveling with a group and would like to explore booking the whole plane (3, 6, or 10 seat planes are the most common).

From the Seattle area:

Kenmore Air offers departures from South Lake Union, Kenmore, and Tacoma with direct drop off at the resort. These flights are 45-75 minutes and start at $169 each way.

For those flying in through SeaTac:

Friday Harbor Seaplanes offers a $15 shuttle from SeaTac Airport to their Renton location, where you will board your 50 minute flight to either Friday Harbor or directly to the Roche Harbor Resort. Approximate one-way ticket price of $155.00. More information found here.

Kenmore Air provides a shuttle to Boeing field where you will board your plane to the Friday Harbor Airport. The airport is a 20 minute drive to the Roche Harbor Resort, and prices start at $199.

Other Seattle-area origins:

San Juan Airlines offers flights from Bellingham and Anacortes for $114 per person.

Airline Information:

Kenmore Air- 866.435.9524

Friday Harbor Seaplanes- 425-277-1590

San Juan Airlines- 800-874-4434

The seaplane is such a unique travel method, we recommend you explore this option if you'd like to minimize travel time while taking in the stunning views!