United States
Orcas Island to Shaw Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Orcas Island
Washington
Arrives
Shaw Island
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Orcas Island to Shaw Island ferry takes about 15m, with 7 listed sailings between 06:50 and 19:00. It is operated by Washington State Ferries.
- First sailing
- 06:50
- Last sailing
- 19:00
- Sailings listed
- 7
- Crossing
- 15m
Orcas Island to Shaw Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:50 | 07:05 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 08:55 | 09:10 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 09:45 | 10:00 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:50 | 13:05 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 16:05 | 16:20 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 16:35 | 16:50 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 19:00 | 19:15 | 15m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Orcas Island – Shaw Island crossing
Orcas Island and Shaw Island are separated by just one nautical mile of water in Washington's San Juan Islands. Washington State Ferries operates this United States domestic route with a crossing time of between 10 and 15 minutes. The service runs every day of the week, connecting the two neighboring islands.
Orcas Island to Shaw Island Schedule
Seven sailings are scheduled daily. The first ferry departs Orcas Island at 07:05 and the last sailing of the day is at 22:45. This crossing is a short but integral part of the inter-island network within the San Juan archipelago.
Both ports serve as key nodes in the Washington State Ferries system for the area. From Orcas Island, direct connections are also available to Anacortes on the mainland, as well as Friday Harbor and Lopez Island. Shaw Island shares these exact same connections, linking it to the wider regional ferry network.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Vehicle reservations on selected routes
- Real-time vessel map
- Terminal traffic cameras showing holding lanes
- First-time rider's guide
- Published guidance for riders with disabilities
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 10m.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 06:50 to 22:45.
Is there a ferry back from Shaw Island?
Yes — see the Shaw Island to Orcas Island ferry for the return schedule.
How often does the ferry run?
13 sailings a day on this route.
Who operates the service?
Washington State Ferries runs this crossing.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Washington State Ferries) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 15m and several sailings a day (first 06:50, last 19:00), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — Washington State Ferries carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Washington State Ferries, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Shaw Island
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Shaw Island.
Same departure port
More ferries from Orcas Island
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Orcas Island or Shaw Island
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Oct 1, 2026 – Nov 29, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated October 7, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Orcas Island on the map
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