Island Express Charters

I made a reservation months in advance to go to Sucia Island with 18 people after our wedding. The boat was way more spacious than they indicated. There was more than enough room if all 20 wanted to sit inside and there was a lot of room on the bow. They were perfectly on time and even suggested that we come back an hour before sunset so we could be traveling as the sun goes down.

I inquired about transportation to an outer island in the San Juans both by email and phone messages. My email inquiries were never answered. I did get through to someone by phone, but their phone cut out and the call was dropped. I called right back, got voice mail, and left a message for them to please call back. I never heard back from them. I then had my husband email and call to leave a message. His emails and phone calls were never returned. I have no idea why neither one of us would receive some kind of reply, but I think their customer service is lacking. I have no idea how the actual boat service is, and I will never use them to find out. Their competitor promptly and courteously answered me right away, and will be my choice for all future trips.

Doe Bay Music Festival is out on Orcas Island (at… wait for it! DOE BAY!), and rather than sit in ferry traffic and drive all over the island, I decided to try the foot ferry. Straight from Anacortes to the beach at Doe Bay.
Parking at the Anacortes docks was the only issue — I found some street parking, but had a note when I got back that overnight parking wasn’t allowed. No ticket, so I think that was just some local throwing the notes around. Whatever the case, there’s a pay lot not too far away.
The Island Express boat was comfy enough, and they had a special price for folks heading to the music festival. Looks like they also do drop offs and routes to other locations around the islands, so if you’re headed to San Juan or elsewhere, don’t need a car, and don’t want to deal with Ferries, this is a great option.