The San Juan Islands are a part of the San Juan Archipelago in the northwest corner of the continental United States. There are over 450 islands in the entire archipelago at high tide, but fewer than one-sixth are permanently inhabited. Major islands in the San Juans
are San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island and Lopez Island.
San Juan Island is the most populated of the San Juan Islands. It boasts beaches and pastureland, historic harbors and parks, museums and marinas. Activities abound and range from hiking and kayaking to shopping and museum-going.
Orcas Island is located off the northern coast of Washington State. It is the largest island of the San Juan Islands. The island offers many attractions including the views from atop Mt. Constitution, Moran State Park, sea kayaking and bird-watching.
Things to See & Do
* Friday and Roche Harbors – San Juan Island
* San Juan Island National Historical Park
* Orcas Island
* Whale watching
* Friday Harbor Laboratories – famous marine research institutions
General information
Cruise Season – May - October
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language - English
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus eight hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1
Port Location – San Juan Island features two main port locations; Friday Harbor, the County Seat is located on the southern part of the island and Roche Harbor is located on the north side.
Transport Links – Three ferry systems serve some of the San Juan Islands. The Washington State Ferries system serves Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island (typically in that order), from a dock in Anacortes.
Skagit County serves Guemes Island, also from a dock in Anacortes
Whatcom County serves Lummi Island, from a dock on the Lummi Indian Reservation.
Passenger-only ferries serve more islands. Passenger-only ferry service is usually seasonal and offered by private business.
Victoria San Juan Cruises serves Eliza Island, Sinclair Island, Blakely Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Bellingham, Washington.