Name
After Friday, a Kanaka sheepherder brought to the island from Hawaii by
the Hudson's Bay Co. to tend its flock.
Washington State Ferry Service
Schedules
Route Map
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More San Juan Islands
Lopez
Island
Orcas Island
San Juan Island
Shaw Island
Washington Travel Regions and Maps
Map
Cascade Mountains
Map
Northeast
Map
Northwest
Map
Olympic Peninsula
Map
Puget Sound
Map
San Juan Islands
Map
South Central
Map
Southeast
Map
Southwest
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Outdoor
Odysseys Kayaking "Eagles and Orcas" San Juan Island Kayaking. 30+ years offering 1- to 4-day tours. 1-800-647-4621 |
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San Juan Island is one of the most popular destination spots in the entire Pacific Northwest and deservedly so for its scenic location, laid-back setting, romantic accommodations, excellent dining and ample opportunities for relaxation and/or recreational activities such as hiking, sea kayaking, bicycling and whale watching.
Passengers and cars arriving at the Friday Harbor landing on San
Juan Island via Washington State Ferry from
Anacortes.
The island is the second-largest member of the San Juan archipelago, a cluster of forested islands located at the northwest tip of Washington State. A little more than an hour's ride by ferry from the mainland city of Anacortes.
San Juan Island is well known for its sea kayaking and whale watching opportunities. Some 80 Orca whales make their home in the surrounding waters during the spring and summer, and many can be seen from the shore at "Whale Watch Park" on the west side of the island.
Both San Juan Island and its sister island, Orcas Island, are home to a large number of recreational tour companies that specialize in everything from whale watching and kayaking, to bicycle and wildlife expeditions. Half-day to multi-day trips can be arranged with flexible departure times and locations. Kayaks can also be rented on the island for solo trips.
For information about the numerous things to do and see on San Juan Island, please visit our activities and attractions sections.
Accommodations available in Friday Harbor and elsewhere on the island include a number of comfortably appointed bed and breakfast inns, cabins and cottages, motels and hotels and vacation rentals.
The popular San Juan County Park includes camping and picnic facilities, hiking trails and enchanting views of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada and the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Some private campgrounds and vacation rentals provide "all in one" facilities, with kayak tours and other services on site for the prearranged weekend getaway.
Getting to San Juan is easy. Washington State Ferries operates a daily ferry service from Anacortes to the four major San Juan Islands. Passengers should check with the ferry service for schedules and relevant weight restrictions. Travelers can also book flights to the Islands from any number of cities on the West Coast, including Seattle, Bellingham and Anacortes. Linking flights, ferries and private marine shuttle services can also be arranged to major British Columbia destinations.
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The San Juan Islands map will help you locate cities, towns, attractions and points of interest. |
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San Juan Islands, 5th Edition (Moon Handbooks) by Don Pitcher. Learn
about the best of the San Juan Islands' details on everything including accommodations,
dining, whale watching and activities. This guide has all the information needed to plan
a fun-filled trip to this popular destination.
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The
Essential San Juan Islands Guide by Marge Mueller and Ted Mueller. Twenty
maps help you locate sites, and the Lodging at a Glance table saves you time and
clarifies your overnight options. Information about how to get there and what to
do once you arrive are categorized by island, and include icons.
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