Know Before You Go

Welcome to the Guemes Island Ferry operated by Skagit County Public Works. To optimize your travel experience, please review this guide prior to your trip. Our main ferry terminal is located at 500 I Avenue, Anacortes, Washington. The sailing schedule and fares can be found on the official website at www.skagitcountywa.gov/ferry

Animals: Well-behaved “walk on” pets may travel on the Guemes Island Ferry but must remain leashed and under the control of a responsible owner at all times. Pets are not allowed in the Anacortes Terminal Lobby. For the safety of our passengers and other pets, please consider how your pet may react to the stress of an unfamiliar environment. Please exercise additional caution and diligence for aggressive pets while traveling aboard our ferry. Please pick up after your pet’s waste and dispose properly. Failure to pick up your pet’s waste or control aggressive pets may result in denied boarding. All livestock is required to travel in an appropriate enclosure at all times.

Ashes (cremated remains): This service may be available upon request and is subject to availability. Advanced reservations are required. Please contact us at (360) 416-1466 or email ferrycomments@skagitcountywa.gov.

Bicycles & E-Bikes: All cyclists are responsible for the safe handling of their bicycles at all times, and all bikes ride at the owner's risk. Riders must follow all instructions from ferry crew; failure to comply may result in denied boarding or liability for any damage caused. Bicycles must be operated and parked only where directed, and cyclists are expected to remain with their bikes during transit, keeping them stable throughout the crossing and in changing conditions. A bicycle and rider ticket is required unless the rider holds a Passenger Convenience Pass.

Boarding: We do not accept reservations or offer a waitlist. Boarding the Guemes Island Ferry is based upon order of arrival with proper ticketing. To expedite boarding, we recommend pre-purchasing tickets online or via our mobile app (iOS) or (Android). Be advised, the boarding gates for all walk-on passengers and vehicles close two minutes to sailing time. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to departure and allowing more time during peak demand such as holiday weekends.

Cash Transactions: The Guemes Island Ferry and Anacortes Terminal are cashless. However, cash transactions are accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, excluding county observed holidays.

Cell Phone Use while driving vehicles: Under Washington State law, RCW 46.61.672, a person using electronic devices while driving is guilty of a traffic infraction and must pay a fine as provided in RCW 46.63.110(3). Skagit County requires that drivers comply with this law while driving on our
facilities including all docks, spans, queuing lanes, parking lots, and while driving onto or off the ferry. Infractions of this law may be referred to law enforcement.

Charters (Private & After-Hours): Charter service may be available at an additional fee, subject to crew and vessel availability. Contact Skagit County Public Works at (360) 416-1466 or ferrycomments@skagitcountywa.gov to request an after-hours charter.

Commercial Advertising: Commercial advertising is not allowed on Skagit County Property without the express written consent form the County Engineer. Unauthorized commercial advertisements will be removed. For commercial advertising inquiries, contact Skagit County Public Works at (360) 416-1400 or ferrycomments@skagitcountywa.gov.

Driver Responsibility: Drivers, including motorcyclists and cyclists, must drive safely, avoid collisions, and obey all Washington state traffic laws while their vehicle is in motion. Vessel crews may assist drivers in navigating aboard the ferry, but each driver remains responsible for their actions and consequences in driving and parking, including but not limited to, proper use of vehicle parking brake, center stand, and/or other devices to secure and stabilize a vehicle, and for attending to their vehicle at all times.

Refer to RCW 46.61 “Rules of the Road” regarding your legal responsibilities.

Excessive Noise: Smartphones, radios, other electronic equipment or musical equipment may be used only if earphones are used with sound audible only to the individual listener. This applies to walk-on passengers and vehicle occupants. This applies to all ferry service locations including the terminal, driving queues, parking lots, vessel, passenger cabin, or ferry administration offices.

Firearms: The Guemes Island Ferry follows RCW 9.41, pertaining to the carriage or prohibition of firearms and dangerous weapons.

Flames & Safety Hazards: The use of open flames and any behavior that endangers others is strictly prohibited on the Guemes Island Ferry and all Skagit County ferry facilities.

Gasoline Can Policy: Per Skagit County’s U.S. DOT Gasoline Operating permit and Skagit County Policy, Up to two, 6-gallon portable gasoline containers are allowed only in open beds of trucks or on open trailers, provided they are in good condition, declared to the crew, and capped and stowed properly.

Failure to comply with the gas can policy may result in the following:

• Result in loss of travel privileges on Guemes Island Ferry;
• Skagit County may suffer loss of U.S. DOT operating permit (i.e. ferry no longer able to transport hazardous materials such as gasoline and propane); and/or
• Spills resulting from failure to follow U.S. DOT operating permit and Skagit County Policy referenced in this section will be the responsibility of the driver carrying the hazardous material. All associated hazardous response cleanup fees and repair to damaged vehicles, infrastructure, and/or facilities will be billed to the driver carrying the hazardous material(s).

Hazardous Materials: The Guemes Island Ferry offers weekly hazardous materials runs to/from Guemes Island only for commercial carriers of hazardous materials. Shipping papers, declaring hazardous goods, are required prior to acceptance for transport.

• Undeclared hazardous materials (CFR 49, Parts 170-180) are prohibited.

Kayak Loading & Parking: To ensure safe and efficient ferry operations, please be advised the 5-minute loading/unloading zones at the ferry terminal are reserved for ferry rider quick drop-offs and pickups. Vehicles loading or unloading kayaks may not park or stage in these areas.

Use Kiwanis Park, located just south of the ferry terminal, for kayak access, parking, and launching.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our ferry system safe, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone.

Large Animal Transport: Transport of livestock or other large animals must be contained in a vehicle or a legal street trailer. Oversize fees may apply. Haulers are responsible for cleaning up any mess or damage caused by their animals on the car deck or in loading areas. Failure to do so may result in additional fees or loss of travel privileges. For further information, contact Skagit County Public Works at (360) 416-1466 or ferrycomments@skagitcountywa.gov

Litter: Do not litter, including throwing objects on the ferry vessel or overboard. Littering is also punishable by fines ranging from $103 to $5,000 in Washington under RCW 70A.200.060. Infractions of this law may be referred to law enforcement.

Loitering and soliciting: Loitering and soliciting are not permitted on Skagit County property and may be referred to law enforcement.

Lost & Found: Skagit County is not responsible for items left at the ferry terminal or onboard the vessel. For liability purposes, the ferry crew will not accept items from the public with the intent of transferring from Anacortes to Guemes Terminal, and vice versa. Lost items, if recovered, may be claimed within 30 days at the Anacortes Terminal. See Lost & Found flyer posted in the Anacortes Terminal Lobby or ask a crew member for assistance. Contact (360) 416-1466 or ferrycomments@skagitcountywa.gov to inquire about a lost item.

Motorcycles: If requested, terminal and vessel crews are available to assist drivers in navigating aboard a ferry, but each driver remains responsible for their actions and consequences related to the maneuvering of their motorcycle.

Other San Juan Islands: The Guemes Island Ferry ONLY offers service between Anacortes and Guemes Island. For service to Lopez, Orcas, Shaw, San Juan, or Sidney BC (Canada), etc., please check with Washington State Ferries website.

Oversize Cargo & Cargo Securement: It is the responsibility of every non-commercial or commercial carrier of bulk/oversize cargo to ensure that their load(s) is/are covered and secured per local, state and federal laws. Commercial vehicle operators should refer to 49 CFR 393 for further information. The Guemes Island Ferry reserves the right to inspect and/or refuse any cargo that may pose a safety or liability risk to other passengers, crew, or the ferry as determined by ferry management, captains, or crew.

Parking: There are two parking lots available in Anacortes near the terminal at no cost. Space is available on a first-come first-served basis and may be unavailable, especially at peak demand times. Parking for trailers and oversize vehicles is unavailable in our parking lots.

Propane tanks: Portable Propane tanks are allowed onboard, with restrictions. The total weight of propane, including the tank(s), must not exceed 100 pounds (for example, two 20-pound propane tanks will have a total weight of around 76 pounds). Fixed propane tanks that are permanently installed on the frame or chassis of vehicles are not included within the allowable limit of portable propane tanks. In cases where vehicles are carrying both propane tanks and gasoline containers, the total amount of both fuels cannot exceed 12 gallons (water capacity).

Public non-commercial posting: Community bulletin boards are available in the Anacortes Terminal Lobby. Inappropriate postings, unauthorized signs, displays, and brochures are subject to removal. Displays on county property are limited to government speech. See Skagit County Resolution R20220221 limiting publicly displayed postings.

Privacy: For further information regarding Privacy policy, please refer to Privacy & Terms of Use on the Skagit County website.

Respect Property: No damage, defacement, destruction, or theft to any personal or county property. Any vandalism or theft will be referred to law enforcement.

Restricted Areas: Please remain in designated passenger areas. For your safety and security, do not enter any unauthorized areas onboard the Ferry or around the Terminal without explicit authorization of vessel master or management. Entering restricted areas without permission will be referred to law enforcement.

Restrooms: Restrooms are provided at the Anacortes Terminal during normal business hours, and a port-a-potty is provided at the Guemes Island Parking Lot. Please help us maintain clean and
sanitary facilities by using them respectfully and leaving them tidy for the next guest. Due to the nature of the short travel time to/from Guemes Island, the Ferry is not equipped with a restroom.

Safety Belts: Safety belts are required for all drivers and occupants of motor vehicles, unless exempt per RCW 46.61.688. Skagit County requests that drivers comply with this law while driving on our facilities including all docks, spans, queuing lanes, parking lots, and while driving on or off the ferry. Infractions of this law may be referred to law enforcement.

Safety & Security: Your safety and security is our top priority.
In the event of emergency or non-normal operations, ferry crew will provide instructions on the proper use of safety equipment. Passengers are required to follow all crewmember instructions and directions promptly and without delay. Tampering with or misusing safety or life-saving equipment is strictly prohibited and may be referred to law enforcement.

Use of weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products will not be tolerated onboard the Ferry or at our Terminals. Failure to follow crewmember instructions may result in denied boarding and referral to law enforcement.

If you notice any safety concerns or suspicious activity, or feel threatened in any way, please notify a crew member immediately. Your awareness and communication help keep the ferry safe for everyone.

Schedule Changes & Service Interruptions: Skagit County Public Works and the Guemes Island Ferry reserves the right to alter, revise, or cancel scheduled sailings with or without prior notice and assumes no responsibility for delays and/or expenses due to such modifications.

You can receive real-time ferry schedule updates by subscribing to Skagit County’s Text & Alert service. This free service allows riders to stay informed about sailing changes, delays, and other important notices directly on their mobile devices.

The information in this Rider Guide applies specifically to the Guemes Island vehicle ferry. In the event of scheduled or unscheduled maintenance or service interruptions, a passenger-only vessel may be in operation. During those periods, rules, procedures, and guidelines may differ, and the information in this guide is subject to change.

Shoes & Shirts: You must wear shoes and shirts to board the Ferry and enter our Terminal Lobby.

Skateboarding: Skateboarding is not allowed on the Guemes Island Ferry, Terminal, or dock facilities. For your safety, please carry your skateboard while utilizing the Guemes Island Ferry.

Smoking & Vaping: The Guemes Island Ferry, including ferry parking lots, loading lanes, passenger waiting areas, etc., are smoke and vape free zones. Please help to ensure the health and safety of our riders and crew. Chapter 12.51 of the Skagit County Health Code prohibits the use of tobacco and vapor products in indoor public places and places of employment, as well as within 25 feet of doorways and air intakes. The use of tobacco and vapor products in outdoor public places where
children congregate; including, but not limited to: playgrounds, parks, beaches, athletic field, and stadiums, is also prohibited.

Stowaways (Un-ticketed Passengers): Stowaways are not permitted and are subject to prosecution under Federal law, 18 U.S.C. 2199 and may be fined or imprisoned for not more than five years or both.

Spills: The Guemes Island Ferry may recover all costs associated with the cleanup and disposal of waste, debris, or hazardous substances left on the car deck during loading, unloading, or transit, whether at the terminals or while crossing via the overwater transfer bridge.

Spills consisting of substances such as fish or boat waste, oil, gasoline, antifreeze, or any other substance that would require additional cleaning or cost incurred by Skagit County will be the responsibility of the driver or party carrying the material(s) that spilled.

Spills of gasoline resulting from failure to follow U.S. DOT Gasoline Operating permit and Skagit County Policy will be the responsibility of the driver or party carrying the hazardous material. All associated hazardous response cleanup fees and repair to damaged vehicles, infrastructure, and/or facilities will be billed to the driver or party carrying the hazardous material(s).

Weather conditions: Maritime weather can change quickly, and we encourage all riders to be mindful of current and changing conditions when boarding the Guemes Island Ferry. Crew and passengers share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment during all crossings. To check live conditions at the Guemes Island Ferry Terminal, visit www.skagitcountywa.gov/ferry 

If you're unsure about operating your vehicle or boarding due to weather, please speak with a crew member. We're here to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Walk-on Passenger Supplies: Walk-on passengers should only bring what they can carry in a single crossing. If additional items require transport, a second ferry trip will be necessary and subject to an additional fare. For safety and liability reasons, crewmembers are not permitted to carry goods on behalf of passengers. Unattended freight or supplies are not allowed at any time, and Skagit County is not responsible for lost, stolen, or unattended items.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in the Anacortes Terminal lobby. Login instructions can be found at www.skagitcountywa.gov/wifi.

Further Information/Questions: More information can be found on our website at www.skagitcountywa.gov/ferry. Please contact us at (360) 416-1466 or email us at
ferrycomments@skagitcountywa.gov with additional questions.