Haul-Out Frequently Asked Questions

Haul-Out Frequently Asked Questions

SKAGIT COUNTY FERRY

2015 Haul-Out Frequently Asked Questions

 

Guemes Island Ferry shut down:  September 28 through October 25, 2015

Passenger-only service will be provided from the regular ferry docks in Anacortes and on Guemes Island.

 

What is the last run the Guemes Island Ferry will do before going out of service?

  • The last run the car ferry will do before going out of service will be at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. Passenger-only service will begin at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, September 27.

 

Where do I go to catch the passenger-only boat?

  • Passenger-only service will be provided by Arrow Launch. The 49-passenger vessel will operate out of the regular ferry docks in Anacortes and on Guemes Island. The service operates on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted. The Anacortes ferry terminal is located at 500 I Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221.

 

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.

 

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 aware of your surroundings at all times 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.

 

Will there be a charge for the passenger-only service?

  • Fares will be charged in accordance with the ferry’s peak fare schedule September 28 through September 30. Non-peak fares will be charged October 1 through October 25. Peak and non-peak fares can be found at www.skagitcounty.net/ferry or at www.linetime.org.
  • SKAGIT COUNTY HIGHLY ENCOURAGES THOSE WHO WILL BE REGULARLY USING THE PASSENGER FERRY TO PURCHASE PUNCH CARDS FOR WALK-ON PASSENGERS. The 25-trip punch cards can be purchased in the ferry office, and they are valid for one year.

 

What is the sailing schedule for the passenger only service?

  • The ferry’s peak sailing schedule will be in effect September 28 through September 30. The non-peak schedule will be in effect October 1 through October 25. The peak and non-peak schedules can be found at www.skagitcounty.net/ferry or at www.linetime.org.
  • The hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday; 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • The sailing schedule is subject to change at any time based on Skagit County’s operational needs. Additionally, runs may be cancelled due to tides and/or weather. Please visit the websites often for updates to ferry service.

 

Where can I park?

Note: In order to alleviate parking congestion, Skagit County highly encourages ride sharing and/or utilizing public transportation.

 

Near the terminal:

  • Ferry parking is available near the ferry terminal in two County-owned parking lots. Note: No oversize vehicles (over 22’), dump trucks, RV’s or trailers are allowed in these lots:
  1. Large lot at 6th Street & K Ave (best option); and
  2. Small lot directly inside the ferry terminal area to the east.

 

  • Handicap parking will be available near the passenger ferry loading area. Please look for signs and be sure your handicap placard is hanging in the window.
  • Angle parking will be allowed within portions of the ferry terminal area. Please look for signs designating angle parking. If there is no sign allowing parking, or if parking is reserved, please do not park there.
  • At all times, please keep the Skagit Transit bus turn-around zones clear for folks using public transit.
  • Skagit County and the City of Anacortes have partnered to offer additional ferry parking in the Kiwanis Park lot located on the west side of the terminal at 6th Street & I Ave. Note: No oversize vehicles (over 22’), dump trucks, RV’s or trailers are allowed in this lot.

Please note, if you park in the Kiwanis Park lot, please leave the two eastern most spots for park users only. These spots are labeled and are NOT for ferry users.

  • Parking is available on city streets; however, please be aware that, unless otherwise posted, there is a 72-hour time limit on all City of Anacortes streets. All parking laws shall apply. Please be considerate of residents living in neighboring areas and DO NOT block driveways or garages. The City of Anacortes has allowed angle parking along 6th St. ONLY bordering the County’s parking lot at 6th St and K Ave. Angle parking will not be allowed to the east of K Avenue. Please pay attention to signs that are posted which designate where angle parking is allowed and where parallel parking only is allowed. Please only angle park where signs designate angle parking.

 

Long-Term (More than 72 hours):

  • If you are in need of long-term parking (more than 72 hours), the Port of Anacortes has partnered with the County to allow ferry users to park in the gravel triangle parking lot located at 9th Street and Q Avenue. Note: No oversize vehicles (over 22’), dump trucks, RV’s or trailers are allowed in this lot.

 

Oversize Vehicles (over 22’), dump trucks, RV’s, and Trailers:

  • Are not allowed in any County or City parking lots, on City streets, or in the 9th and Q long term parking facility.
  • Paid parking may be available at the Cap Sante Boat Haven for these types of vehicles. Please contact the harbor master’s office (360) 293-0694 for more information.

 

If I park in long-term parking, how do I get to the ferry terminal?

  • There is a Skagit Transit bus station at 10th Street and Q Avenue (1 block from long-term parking). On request, by calling (360) 757-4433, riders can schedule a connection with the route 410 westbound bus to the Guemes Island Ferry terminal. This route is not available on Sundays or after 6:43 p.m. on weekdays and after 4:53 p.m. on Saturdays. Please call at least one hour before your scheduled pick-up time.
  • Passengers in the Guemes area may also use the Dial-a-Ride service or Route 49. Visit Skagit Transit’s website at www.skagittransit.org, or call (360) 757-4433 for more information.

 

Will there be a Skagit Transit bus on Guemes Island?

  • Yes; during the ferry shutdown period a Skagit Transit shuttle bus will be on Guemes Island to assist with transportation needs to and from the ferry dock only. The shuttle will operate from September 27th through October 26th.
  • The shuttle will operate on a call in basis. To arrange a pick-up, please call the driver at least one hour ahead of your requested pick-up time, at (360) 770-0310. If they do not answer immediately, it may be because they are driving. If you are unable to reach the driver, call Dispatch at (360) 757-4433; press #1 and ask for Guemes Dispatch.
  • Since the bus is not equipped with electronic fare boxes, the suggested fare is $1 for a standard fare, and 50 cents for a reduced fare (disabled, 65 & older, and under 18).
  • Shuttle service will operate according to the following schedule:

 

Monday through Thursday     7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.          Saturday       7:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.                                                                  12:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.                                 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

 

Friday                                      7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.              Sunday          8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.                                                                                                                                          12:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

 

What if I need to get my vehicle on or off of the Island during the ferry shut down?

  • Skagit County is providing passenger service only between Anacortes and Guemes Island, WA during the ferry shut down. If you need to transport a vehicle between Anacortes and Guemes Island during this time, you will need to make your own arrangements. There are two companies that operate locally and they are Island Transport and San Juan Marine Freight Company.

 

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.

 

When is the Guemes Island Ferry scheduled to resume service?

  • The car ferry is scheduled to resume service at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015.
  • Please visit www.skagitcounty.net or www.linetime.org for any updates to this information.

 

If I have would like to speak to someone regarding the ferry outage, who do I contact?

  • Please contact:  Rachel Rowe, Ferry Operations Division Manager

   Email: rrowe@co.skagit.wa.us

                    Phone: (360) 416-1466; Cell Phone: (360) 333-1496

 

Sincerely,

Captain Rachel Rowe

Ferry Operations Division Manager

Skagit County Public Works

 

Anacortes Terminal – 500 I Ave. Anacortes, WA 98221

Ferry Office: (360) 293-6433   Cell: (360) 333-1496

Direct Line: (360) 416-1466     Fax: (360) 293-1899

rrowe@co.skagit.wa.us

www.skagitcounty.net/ferry