Guemes Island Ferry haul-out, passenger only service to begin March 15th
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The next scheduled haul-out of the Guemes Island ferry will be March 15 through April 29, 2025. The Board of Skagit County Commissioners signed Resolution R20240249 on November 25, 2024 awarding the haul-out bid to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders for $1,629,837.95, according to a news release from the county.
The final car ferry sailing to Guemes Island will depart Anacortes at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14th with return service to Anacortes approximately eight minutes later. Passenger-only service will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15th. There will be no late ferry service after 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14th. This is to allow for time to transition to passenger-only service and load supplies to ready the vessel to head to drydock at Nichols Brothers in Freeland, WA.
Work items for the haul-out are scheduled to 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. Additionally, new modern engines will be installed on the ferry to improve operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The vessel's USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI) requires the vessel to be hauled out every two years at a minimum with the next dry dock credit due March 31, 2025. The last dry dock period was completed in March 2023.
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 (non-peak) 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 always be on leash or in a crate/kennel. 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 will provide a shuttle service during the haul-out.
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 their lots, or you may park on city streets. Please pay attention to signage in the area indicating no parking or permit-only parking. Unless otherwise posted, the time limit is 72 hours. If you have questions about parking on city streets, please contact the City of Anacortes.