Friday Harbor

Picturesque Friday Harbor is a charming port town and the main gateway to the San Juan Islands in the USA. If you are planning to travel to Friday Harbor to enjoy whale watching and marine landscapes, an interesting journey awaits you, combining land and water transport.

You can reach this island retreat in various ways: from a scenic flight on a seaplane to a car journey followed by a ferry crossing. The town is welcoming to tourists and offers convenient logistics for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The fastest and most spectacular way to reach Friday Harbor is to use small aircraft or seaplanes, which deliver passengers directly to the harbour or the local airport. Regular flights operate from Seattle and other cities in the region, turning the journey into a fascinating excursion over the archipelago.

Although large passenger liners do not land here, air connections with the mainland are well established. Travellers often fly into international hubs, such as Seattle-Tacoma, and then transfer to local flights, significantly saving travel time.

Since Friday Harbor is located on an island, railway tracks only lead to mainland transport hubs where there is no direct bridge. The optimal option for train enthusiasts is to take Amtrak to the Mount Vernon or Bellingham stations on the coast.

Convenient bus services are organised from these railway stations to the ferry terminal in the city of Anacortes. This combined trip allows you to enjoy the views of the Pacific Northwest from the train window before transferring to the ferry to the island.

Bus services connect major cities in the region with the ferry terminal in Anacortes, which serves as the main departure point for Friday Harbor. Popular shuttles, such as the Bellair Airporter, offer regular services from Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle directly to the pier.

The travel time by bus from Seattle to the crossing is usually about 2–2.5 hours. This is a convenient and budget-friendly way to get to the islands, allowing you to avoid queues for the vehicle ferry.

Travelling by car will give you freedom of movement, but it requires the mandatory use of the ferry crossing from the city of Anacortes on the mainland. The road from Seattle to the terminal takes about 1.5–2 hours, after which a one-hour journey across the water on a Washington State Ferry awaits you.

It is critically important to book a spot for your vehicle on the ferry in advance, especially during the summer season and on weekends, as demand is very high. Upon arrival in Friday Harbor, having a car will allow you to easily explore the remote beaches and parks of San Juan Island.

When planning a visit to Friday Harbor, it is worth considering the island pace of life and logistical specifics. Here are a few practical tips that will make your journey comfortable and carefree.

1. Clothing and Weather. The weather on the islands is changeable even in summer. Be sure to bring a windbreaker, a warm sweater, and comfortable walking shoes, as evenings by the water can be cool.
2. Transport. The town centre is very compact and ideal for walking. For trips around the island, you can rent a moped, bicycle, or car, but please book them in advance.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar. Cards are accepted everywhere, but having some cash for small purchases at markets or for tips will be useful.
4. Health and Safety. This is a very safe place with a low crime rate. The town has a medical centre and pharmacies to provide basic assistance.
5. Language and Communication. The main language is English. Locals are known for their friendliness and are always happy to give directions to tourists.
6. Local Etiquette. A relaxed atmosphere ("island time") reigns here. Be polite, do not rush, and leave a standard gratuity (15–20%) in cafés and restaurants.
7. What to Avoid. The main mistake tourists make is hoping to get on a ferry with a car without a reservation at the last minute. Plan your crossing in advance so as not to get stuck on the mainland.
8. Expert Tip. Be sure to visit the Whale Museum or go on a sea excursion — this is one of the best places in the world for observing orcas in the wild.

Following these simple recommendations will help you fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the island and get the maximum pleasure from your holiday.