The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the Northwest corner of the contiguous United States between the US mainland and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
If you are traveling from outside the region, you can fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) before traveling on to San Juan Island by water or air. Friday Harbor is the main town on San Juan Island. It is where your ferry or plane will take you. Regardless of which method you select, they all offer an incredible approach to a very special place.
Friday Harbor By Ferry
Vehicle & Passenger Ferry
The most common means of travel to Friday Harbor is by Washington State Ferry out of Anacortes, which is located 75 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles north of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. One advantage of this approach is that you can drive your car onto the ferry which allows you to use your own vehicle transportation on San Juan Island.
A Washington State ferry navigating the San Juan Islands. You drive your car onto this boat.
New for 2015: The Washington State Ferry now accepts reservations. Because Superpod occurs during peak season, it is highly recommended that you make reservations in advance. Reservations are available for all sailings when the seasonal schedule is released, usually two months before the season begins, and space is released in tiers:
- 30 percent of reservable space is released 1-2 months before the sailing season begins
- 30 percent of reservable space is released two weeks before a sailing
- 30 percent of reservable space is released two days before a sailing
Click here for information about making reservations.
Passenger-Only Ferry
Another ferry option is the Victoria Clipper, a high speed, passenger-only ferry out of Seattle. The Victoria Clipper departs from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle on a scenic 3.5 hour journey via Deception Pass to Friday Harbor. This is a terrific ride and a great option if you’re meeting up with others who have transportation on the island, or if don’t need a car. There are plenty of ways to get around on the island without a car, including bicycles, scooters, and island taxis.
Stunning View of Deception Pass. If you ride Victoria Clipper, you’ll go under this Bridge.
Friday Harbor By Plane
You can also reach Friday Harbor by air via Kenmore Air from Seattle. This will get you in and out of the event quicker than the other options, and the ride is stunning; definitely a great way to arrive. It’s just a short 45 minute scenic seaplane flight from Seattle’s Lake Union, and just 35 minutes from Boeing Field on their wheeled aircraft. If you are arriving into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Kenmore Air offers ground shuttle service to Lake Union and Boeing Field to catch your flight to Friday Harbor.
Kenmore Sea Plane takes off from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA, USA. Photo via Jeffrey Ventre