How to get to OrcasFest
Being on an island, there are added challenges for getting to the festival. See possible options below.
Ferry
Taking the ferry from Anacortes is the only way to bring your car to the island. Reservations are required to reliably be able to bring you car on the ferry. The festival takes place in the town of Eastsound, so if you are staying outside of town you may need a car to get to and from the festival.
Passenger Boat Service
A free passenger boat service is offered from downtown Anacortes to the Orcas Island ferry landing. You will still need to arrange transportation from the ferry landing to Eastsound for the festival.
Shuttle
Once on the island there is a shuttle service available to help with transport. It offers flat rate pricing and tickets by the day or the trip.
Ferry Tickets. Please remember to book your arrival and departure ferry reservations well in advance.
Use this link to make reservations from Anacortes to Orcas and from Orcas to Anacortes: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle/SailingSchedule.aspx?cookieCheck=true
The way ferry reservations work: it costs $16 to reserve a spot, and that will be refunded when you use the reservation. (It’s just a no-show fee.) Ferry fares are for a round trip and you will pay once in Anacortes when you arrive at the landing.
If the sailing you want isn’t available now, more reservations will open two weeks prior to your sailing date at 7am and two days prior at 7am. They sell out fast so it’s best to be ready to book when the clock strikes 7am. Also, calling on the phone at the strike of 7am usually works too: 206-464-6400 or 888-808-7977. You may be on hold for a little while, but they are nice and can usually get you a spot.
If you do not have a reservation or are unable to get one, you can ride standby. The ferry always holds a number of drive up spaces, though you are not guaranteed to get on your desired sailing. We recommend arriving at the landing 90mins to a couple of hours before the sailing you want in this case.