The absolute best way to travel to and from the San Juan Islands is with Kenmore Air and Friday Harbor Seaplanes. The one-of-a-kind experience of flying in a seaplane provides beautiful aerial views of Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and the numerous islands scattered throughout the archipelago. The panoramic vistas are unparalleled, making the journey itself a highlight of the trip—it’s one of the best ways to start and end a vacation!
Kenmore Air has been a leader in this style of travel since the late 90s, and it’s one of the most well-known companies flying from Lake Washington to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, BC. Flying at low altitudes, Kenmore Air’s seaplanes offer passengers panoramic views of the Pacific Northwest’s stunning landscapes.
Friday Harbor Seaplanes offers direct flights from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, as well as scenic seaplane tours, including whale-watching excursions and flights that end with a kayaking tour. The flights are offered daily from May to October. You’ll depart from Renton, Washington, which is located just 15 minutes from downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac International Airport.
Whether you’re heading to Friday Harbor for just one night or a longer summer vacation, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our top-rated bed and breakfast is the perfect place to make your homebase. We’ve even been recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as a great place to stay during your next island getaway. Summer is already filling up, so start planning by booking your trip with Friday Harbor Seaplanes, and make your lodging reservations today!
Fly with Friday Harbor Seaplanes & Kenmore Air to the San Juan Islands
Flying on a seaplane is an exciting and memorable experience, adding a sense of adventure to the trip. The thrill of taking off and landing on the glassy water is a unique aspect that adds a thrill to your overall travel experience. Marvel at the sight of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and the shimmering waters below. It’s not just a flight; it’s a scenic adventure that adds a magical touch to your trip.
Fly with Kenmore Air to the San Juan Islands:
Kenmore Air has been a leading seaplane operator in the Northwest for decades.
- The flight from Kenmore to Friday Harbor is just under an hour, and there is a shuttle from Sea-Tac Airport if that’s where you’re initially coming from.
- Kenmore leaves from Lake Union, Lake Washington, and their newly scheduled service between Tacoma (Ruston Way) and San Juan Island in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. They land in the Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor Marinas.
- The fleet of well-maintained aircraft and experienced pilots fly all year long on fixed-wing and float planes. For those who want to continue their trip in the Pacific Northwest, Kenmore Air also flies onto Victoria, BC.
Tour with Friday Harbor Seaplanes:
Friday Harbor Seaplanes has been a trusted and reliable way to get to and from the San Juan Islands for nearly 40 years.
- During the warmer season from May to October, Friday Harbor Seaplanes offers daily flights from Renton to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. For those heading into Sea-Tac Airport, there’s a shuttle available to get your connecting flight to the San Juan Islands.
- Flights from the Seattle area are roughly 45 minutes aboard the steadfastly maintained fleet of classic Dehavilland Beaver seaplanes which accommodate up to six passengers. They also offer local tours of Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands; these 25-minute tours are fully narrated with headsets and fly over American Camp, Vancouver Island, Mount Constitution, Roche Harbor, and more.
- They also offer private charters, the perfect addition to a group experience, whether for a vacation or this is also a popular activity for wedding parties.
Other Ways to Fly to San Juan Island:
- San Juan Airlines: This small local airline offers daily flights from Bellingham, Anacortes and inter-island options.
- Point-to-Point Air: This chartered fixed-wing airline, which operates flights in the PNW, allows passengers to choose their date and time of departure. Its base of operations is Arlington and Boeing Field.
The Best Friday Harbor Lodging for Your Summer Getaway
We know booking transportation or a local tour with Kenmore Air or Friday Harbor Seaplanes will be a highlight of your getaway to the San Juan Islands. We hope that a close second will be staying at our Friday Harbor bed and breakfast! Located within walking distance of the marina and ferry dock, our B&B is close to everything but still set back on a quiet neighborhood street for the most peace and relaxation during your stay.
Our Inn collection offers various lodging choices, from family and pet-friendly suites to romantic bed and breakfast rooms, perfect for two or a solo retreat. The first thing you’ll notice on arrival is our Innkeepers’ smiling faces and attention to detail. Guest rooms are meticulously cleaned, and each offers a comfortable, homey atmosphere for the most relaxing vacations in the San Juan Islands.
Another major perk of staying at our Friday Harbor bed and breakfast is our scratch-made, delectable morning meal delivered directly to your door each morning—you’ll receive an email questionnaire before you arrive to offer you dietary restrictions and requests. For dinner, you’ll want to make reservations at Coho Restaurant, a local eatery that’s part of our inn collection, just one block away and serves beautiful farm-to-table items, craft cocktails, and lovely wine selections. Book your Friday Harbor lodging today!
