Ferry Haul Out Scheduled for 2023
FERRY HAUL-OUT UPDATE (March 10, 2023):
The crew is wrapping up the second week of our routine haul-out. Based on progress made, the ferry is on schedule to return to service on Monday, March 20th at 6:00 a.m.
The next scheduled haul-out of the Guemes Island Ferry will be February 27 through March 19, 2023. The Board of Skagit County Commissioners signed Resolution R20220166 on September 6, 2022 awarding the bid to Dakota Creek Industries for $738,505.
Work items scheduled include spot painting of the hull, house, bulwarks, void spaces, and car deck, routine service on all major equipment, stripping and cleaning of fuel tanks, other minor repairs and maintenance items, and completion of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) dry dock credit.
The vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI) requires the vessel be hauled out every two years at a minimum with the next dry dock credit due March 31, 2023. The last dry dock period was completed in June, 2021.
Passenger-Only Service
During the haul-out, Arrow Launch will provide passenger-only ferry service between the regular ferry docks in Anacortes and on Guemes Island. The foot ferry will operate on the same sailing schedule as the regular car ferry. Schedules and fares can be found HERE.
The passenger vessel, the Strait Arrow, can accommodate up to 49 passengers, bicycles and small motorcycles on a space-available basis at the Captain’s discretion. All pets shall be on leash or in a crate/kennel at all times. Wheelchairs will be available for those who require assistance. If you’d like to call our office in advance, please dial (360) 293-6433.
Skagit Transit Shuttle Information
During the ferry shutdown period, a Skagit Transit shuttle bus on Guemes Island will assist with transportation needs between homes and the ferry dock only. It will not provide all-island transportation. The shuttle will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 26 and run through 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 20.
The shuttle will operate on a call-in basis according to the following schedule:
Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 5:15 pm
To arrange a pick-up, please call Dispatch at least one hour ahead of your requested pick-up time at (360) 757-4433 (Press #1 and ask for Guemes Dispatch).
The bus assigned to Guemes Island is equipped with a Umo electronic fare system and a cash drop box. The standard fare is $1.00, and $.50 for passengers qualifying for a reduce fare (disabled, age 65 & older). Youth (18 and under) ride free on all Skagit Transit buses.
Please call Customer Service at (360) 757-4433, or refer to www.skagittransit.org for mor information.
Parking Information
For your convenience, the Guemes Island Ferry offers 3 parking lots: two are located in Anacortes and one is on Guemes Island just north of the ferry terminal. Parking is free in any of our lots or you may park on city streets. Please pay attention to signage in the area indicating no parking or permit-only parking. On most city streets, unless otherwise signed, the time limit is 72 hours. These parking plans will provide more helpful information about where parking is allowed and where traffic modifications will be made.
Please obey all traffic laws. The City of Anacortes Police will patrol the ferry parking lots; however, we advise not parking your vehicle for extended periods of time. Also, please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. If you choose to park in county parking lots, you are doing so at your own risk. If you only need to leave the island once per week or a couple of times during the haul-out, we recommend making other arrangements to avoid leaving your vehicle long-term.
Guemes Island Ferry: 2023 Haul-Out FAQs
When is the haul out?
The haul out is scheduled for Monday, February 27 through Sunday, March 19, 2023.
What is the last run the Guemes Island Ferry will do before going out of service?
The last vehicle ferry run is 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 26. Passenger-only service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Monday, February 27.
Where do I catch the passenger-only boat?
You’ll catch the passenger-only boat at the same Ferry Dock location – 500 I Avenue, Anacortes. Passenger-only service will be provided by Arrow Launch. The 49-passenger vessel, Strait Arrow, will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and will run on the non-peak Guemes Island Ferry schedule; reservations are not accepted.
Is there a charge for the passenger-only service?
Yes. The fares will be charged in accordance with the ferry’s non-peak fare schedule which can be found at www.skagitcounty.net/ferry. If you regularly use the passenger ferry, we strongly encourage you to purchase 25-trip punch cards. The cards may be purchased at the ferry office and are valid for one year.
What is the sailing schedule for the passenger-only service?
The ferry will operate on its non-peak sailing schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The schedule is available online at www.skagitcounty.net/ferry.
Can I bring my bicycle or motorcycle onboard the passenger boat?
The passenger-only boat can accommodate bicycles. Small motorbikes and motorcycles will be allowed on a space-available basis at the captain’s discretion.
What if I need to get my vehicle on or off of the Island during the ferry shut down?
If you need to transport a vehicle between Anacortes and Guemes Island during the ferry haul-out, you will need to make your own arrangements. Two local companies that may be able to assist are Island Transport and San Juan Marine Freight Company.
When is the Guemes Island Ferry scheduled to resume service?
The vehicle ferry is scheduled to resume service at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, March 20. Please visit www.skagitcounty.net/ferry for any updates to this information.
What should I do if there is an emergency?
If you have an emergency, dial 911 right away. For more information on emergency services, please contact your local fire department.
If I want to talk to someone about the ferry outage, who do I contact?
Please contact: Rachel Rowe, Ferry Operations Division Manager
Email: rrowe@co.skagit.wa.us Phone: (360) 293-6433
Will there be a Skagit Transit shuttle on Guemes Island?
Yes. During the ferry shutdown period, a Skagit Transit shuttle bus on Guemes Island will assist with transportation needs between homes and the ferry dock only. It will not provide all-island transportation. The shuttle will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 26 and run through 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023.
The shuttle will operate on a call-in basis according to the following schedule:
Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 5:15 pm
To arrange a pick-up, please call Dispatch at least one hour ahead of your requested pick-up time at (360) 757-4433 (Press #1 and ask for Guemes Dispatch).
The bus assigned to Guemes Island is equipped with a Umo electronic fare system and a cash drop box. The standard fare is $1.00, and $.50 for passengers qualifying for a reduce fare (disabled, age 65 & older). Youth (18 and under) ride free on all Skagit Transit buses.
Please call Customer Service at (360) 757-4433 or refer to www.skagittransit.org, for more information.
Helpful Tips:
When loading at both the Anacortes and Guemes Island docks, please wait at the top of the ramp or designated passenger staging areas until all of the passengers have disembarked the vessel. This will help keep the loading and unloading areas clear and safe.
If you need special accommodations or have limited mobility, please let a crewmember know. Wheelchairs will be available at the dock. You are welcome to call our office (360) 293-6433 in advance.
Pay attention during the boarding and disembarking process and always follow the instructions of the Captains and Crew. Please be always aware of your surroundings and watch your step. There will be plenty of time to chat with your neighbor on the boat ride across the channel.
If you have bicycles, small motorbikes, carts, or cargo, you will need to stow these items on the back deck of the passenger boat.
Pets are allowed, but must be on leashes or contained within kennels, cages, etc. Pets are not allowed in the cabin. Horses are not allowed on the passenger-only vessel at any time.
Personal folding carts can take up less room than wheelbarrows and are encouraged. Wheelbarrows will still be available at the dock.
School children will have priority boarding on all scheduled school runs.
Please allow yourself plenty of time to catch your desired sailing.
Purchase walk-on punch cards at the ferry terminal in advance. 25-trip passenger punch cards offer a discount, and they are good for one year.
