United States
Shaw Island to Orcas Island Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Shaw Island
Washington
Arrives
Orcas Island
Washington
Washington State FerriesAt a glance
The Shaw Island to Orcas Island ferry takes about 10m–1h, with 15 listed sailings between 07:05 and 22:45. It is operated by Washington State Ferries.
- First sailing
- 07:05
- Last sailing
- 22:45
- Sailings listed
- 15
- Crossing
- from 10m
Shaw Island to Orcas Island ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:05 | 07:25 | 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 07:20 | 07:40 | 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 09:50 | 10:10 | 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:40 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:15 | 12:35 | 20m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 12:55 | 13:05 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 15:35 | 15:45 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 15:45 | 15:55 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 16:45 | 16:55 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 19:05 | 19:15 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 19:15 | 20:15 | 1h | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 20:05 | 20:25 | 20m | Washington State Ferries | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| 20:50 | 21:00 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 21:35 | 21:45 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
| 22:45 | 22:55 | 10m | Washington State Ferries | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Shaw Island – Orcas Island crossing
On the crossing from Shaw Island to Orcas Island, Washington State Ferries provides nine sailings every day. The schedule begins with a 07:05 departure and concludes with the final crossing at 22:45. This route is part of the Washington State Ferries' inter-island service within the San Juan Islands.
Timetable and Duration
The crossing time varies significantly depending on the specific sailing's route. The fastest direct journey takes just 10 minutes. Other departures can take up to one hour if the vessel stops at other islands. This short distance of approximately one nautical mile means that booking is primarily handled through the Washington State Ferries system, which manages capacity for all its San Juan Islands routes.
From Shaw Island, Washington State Ferries also runs services to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, and Lopez Island. The port on Orcas Island has identical connections, linking it directly to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, and Lopez Island in addition to Shaw Island. The service operates year-round, forming an integral part of the transport network in the archipelago.
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
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 10m.
How often does the ferry run?
15 sailings a day on this route.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Washington State Ferries.
How do I get back from Orcas Island?
Check the Orcas Island to Shaw Island ferry for return times.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 22:45.
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.
What's the fastest crossing option?
The quickest option takes about 10m. Crossing time depends on the operator and vessel — compare sailings from Washington State Ferries above.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 10m and several sailings a day (first 07:05, last 22:45), 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.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Orcas Island
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Orcas Island.
Same departure port
More ferries from Shaw Island
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Shaw Island or Orcas Island
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Sep 5, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Shaw Island on the map
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