Washington State Ferries runs 6 to 7 sailings a day from Orcas Island to Shaw Island, the first at 06:50 and the last at 19:00. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and no fare is charged in this direction.
Fares as published by the operators, in USD, last checked . Vehicle fares rise in the summer season, and some crossings collect the fare in one direction only — a "No charge" row is the operator's own entry, not a gap.
About this crossing
Two kilometres and ten minutes make this the shortest crossing in the San Juan Islands, briefer than any other leg Washington State Ferries works in the group. Orcas is the largest of the four islands with a slip and Shaw the smallest, and they face each other across a narrow channel. Brevity is no guide to convenience here: the vessel calls at Shaw as one stop on an island circuit, so a sailing comes when the loop brings one round, not on a back-and-forth pattern between these two slips.
Common questions
How long is the ferry from Orcas Island to Shaw Island?
About 15 minutes on the published timetable.
How many ferries a day go from Orcas Island to Shaw Island?
Between 6 and 7 a day, depending on the day of the week. The most run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The first boat leaves at 06:50 and the last at 19:00, local time.
Who runs the ferry from Orcas Island to Shaw Island?
Washington State Ferries runs this crossing. Tickets are sold by the operator; this site lists the timetable and does not sell them.
How much is the ferry from Orcas Island to Shaw Island?
Vehicles travel without a fare in this direction. Prices as the operator published them on 1 August 2026.