Island Express Charters

08/25/2026

08/21/2026

☀️ A little bit of what summer looks like around here! ☀️

Here’s a peek at the people, places, and moments that have made this summer one to remember. We’re so grateful to all of our passengers who have been part of the adventure! ❤️

08/06/2026

🎡🎪 Get ready for the San Juan County Fair! 🎪🎡

Leave the ferry lines behind and cruise to Friday Harbor with Island Express for a fun-filled day at the San Juan County Fair!

Enjoy carnival rides, delicious fair food, live entertainment, livestock, local exhibits, vendors, games, and all the small-town fair magic that makes this event a summer favorite! View Saturday's schedule: www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2290/2026-Fair-Schedule

📅 Saturday, August 15

Departure Schedule:
📍 Anacortes: 12:30 PM
📍 Decatur Ramp Pick-Up: 1:00 PM

Return from Friday Harbor: 6:30 PM

🎟️ Just $50 per person for roundtrip transportation!

Sit back, enjoy the beautiful cruise through the San Juan Islands, and let us do the driving while you focus on making memories at the fair!

Call or text 360-299-2875 to reserve your seat

See you at the fair! 🍿🎠🎈

08/04/2026

⚓ Celebrate National Lighthouse Day with Island Express Charters! ⚓

Did you know National Lighthouse Day is celebrated each year on August 7? The day commemorates the August 7, 1789 act signed by President George Washington that established federal support for America's lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. More than two centuries later, we celebrate not only these iconic beacons and light keepers that safely guided mariners, but also the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve them for future generations.

There's no better way to continue the celebration than by experiencing one for yourself!

Join Island Express on Saturday, August 8, for our Adventure Series trip to the historic Burrows Island Lighthouse!

Volunteer docents from the Northwest Schooner Society will be there to:
🏠 Share the rich history of the lighthouse and its keepers
🚶 Lead tours of the historic buildings
🔨 Explain the ongoing restoration efforts preserving this iconic piece of Pacific Northwest history

Trip Details
📍 Departs Skyline Marina: 1:00 PM
📍 Returns from Burrows Island: 4:30 PM

Roundtrip Fare
• Adults: $48
• Children: $40

❤️ 50% of each fare will be donated to the Northwest Schooner Society to help continue the restoration of Burrows Island Lighthouse.

Please Note:
• Steep stair climbing and uneven terrain are involved.
• Recommended for children ages 12 and older.
• No pets please.

Spend an unforgettable afternoon exploring a remarkable piece of Washington's maritime history while supporting its preservation for generations to come. Call or text us to reserve your seat!

(360) 299-2875
islandexpresscharters.com

07/02/2026

As the holiday rush hits... 🛒

If you're planning a grocery delivery to the islands, please give us 24 hours notice BEFORE placing your order. With a boatload (literally) of deliveries coming through, we have a limited number of coolers and ice packs to keep everyone's ice cream frozen and grilling meats cold.

⏰ All grocery deliveries must arrive at our office by 1:00 PM so we can get them organized, loaded, and delivered to the islands that day.

💲 Grocery delivery starts at $30 for small orders. Larger and multiple store orders may be $50, $75, or $100 depending on size.

And if your island group chat is already buzzing about the weekend, we'd appreciate you spreading the word to your friends and neighbors. A little planning helps keep everyone's groceries (and frozen pizzas) happy.

Thank you and we’ll see you on the dock!

06/19/2026

🌅☀️ What a week we've had in the San Juans! ☀️🌅

Captain Brayden captured this stunning Mount Baker sunset and Leeway returning home after another beautiful day on the water.

The warm weather, calm seas, and long summer evenings have made for some incredible adventures this week. Whether you're heading to the islands for a hike, a beach day, or family gathering, there's no better time to get out on the water.

Here's to more sunshine, spectacular sunsets, and unforgettable island adventures!

06/12/2026

🌅 Summer Mornings in the San Juans 🌅

Captain Brayden captured this gorgeous start to the day - and the forecast says the weekend will be even more spectacular!

Looking for a way to soak up this sunshine on an island beach and enjoy a cool hike through the forest? Come join us this Saturday for the Adventure Series trip to Cypress Island!

We will be departing Skyline at 11am and heading for Pelican Beach. Spend the day exploring trails and a picnicking on the beach. The boat will pick up at Pelican at 4:15pm. Cost is $45 round trip (dogs ride free).

Call or text today to reserve your seat!

Check our website for future Adventure Series dates and destinations. Spoiler alert: Next Saturday's adventure is biking on Lopez Island!

05/28/2026

☀️📅 Summer Adventure Series calendar is here! 📅☀️

Join Island Express Charters every Saturday this summer for unforgettable island adventures throughout the San Juans!

This summer’s lineup includes:
🚲 Cycling Lopez Island
🥾 Hiking Cypress Island
🏛️ Exploring the history of Burrows Island Lighthouse
⛱️ Beach days on James Island

Visit islandexpresscharters.com for full trip descriptions, dates, and departure times. Be sure to click the bolded text within each trip description for even more island information.

Our Adventure Series is designed to create space for people to connect with the natural world - hiking island trails, picnicking on remote beaches, visiting marine state parks, and enjoying bird and wildlife observation through a flexible “create your own adventure” format.

Gather your friends, plan your weekends, and come explore the islands with us this summer!

Space is still available this Saturday, May 30th! Choose between two adventures:
🏛️ Burrows Island Lighthouse
🥾 Pelican Beach on Cypress Island

📞 Call or text 360-299-2875 to reserve your seat to fun!
islandexpresscharters.com

05/27/2026

☀️🇺🇸 A Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! 🇺🇸☀️

Thank you to everyone for riding with Island Express Charters this holiday weekend! We truly appreciate your support and loved being part of your island travels, family visits, and holiday adventures.

Memorial Day always feels like the unofficial start of summer, and we can’t wait for the fun times ahead!

Here’s to a beautiful and adventure-filled summer!

05/20/2026

We wanted to share a few updates regarding Island Express’ recent purchase of Paraclete Charters.

First and most importantly, our focus remains the same: providing reliable transportation for the island community we care deeply about.

We have no plans for significant fare increases outside of temporary fuel surcharges during this period of unusually high fuel costs. Trust us, we don’t enjoy fuel prices any more than you do!

We’re also happy to share that all previous Paraclete crew members are staying onboard with Island Express. Our teams are currently being cross-trained across the fleet.

As we head into the busy summer season, we will be resuming Paraclete’s regular schedule and will be using Paraclete as needed throughout the next few weeks.

One operational change: Paraclete punch cards are being phased out, as the previous system is difficult to manage across a larger fleet. Kevin Fegert is handling refunds for any unused rides remaining on punch cards. For refunds, please contact Kevin at (360) 317-4230.

We appreciate the support we’ve received during this transition and look forward to continuing to serve the islands for many years to come!