ISLAND EXPRESS CHARTERS

Your transport to the San Juan Islands

Island Express Charters

Your transport to the San Juan Islands

Water-Taxi

We provide regularly scheduled transportation to most destinations within the San Juan Islands. Ride with us for a fast and relaxing trip to the islands.

Private Charters

Whether you have a specific water taxi destination in mind or just want to take a tour through scenic island passages, we can personalize your experience.

Freight Transportation

At Island Express Charters we transport just about anything we can fit in our boats – safely and efficiently! We can move your cargo, crew and deliver your groceries.

Did you know you can now track our boats?

Install the MarineTraffic App on your device and see where we are:

Adventure Series

Call or text (360) 299-2875 to reserve your seat on an island adventure each Saturday!

James Island State Park

April 4, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart James Island at 2:15pm

 

Discover the charm of James Island State Park – a true gem tucked into Rosario Strait. Panoramic views of Mount Baker and the surrounding San Juan Islands offer a postcard-worthy backdrop. A scenic 1.5-mile loop trail winds through forest and up to open bluff viewpoints. Pack a picnic and settle onto the beach, explore the tide line, or simply soak in the salt air and sweeping island views. James Island is the perfect destination for a relaxed day of hiking, beachcombing, and unplugging in the San Juans.

Price: $47 per person, $40 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

Burrows Island Lighthouse

April 11, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Burrows Island at 2:15pm

 

A docent from the Northwest Schooner Society will guide you through the Burrows Island Light Station – sharing stories of the keepers who lived in isolation, kept the light burning, and watching over these busy waters for more than a century.
You’ll step inside the buildings, wander the headland, and soak up the views that few get to see. Pack a picnic, and enjoy lunch overlooking the strait – watching ships and wildlife move through the strait just as the keepers once did.
Price: $45 roundtrip adults, $38 roundtrip children *50% of the fare price will be donated to Northwest Schooner Society to help continue their restoration process.
Moderate stair climbing is involved, children ages 10+, no pets please

Pelican Beach, Cypress Island

April 18, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Pelican Beach at 2:15pm

 

Bring your hiking shoes, camera, and a picnic to explore the scenic trails and beaches of Cypress Island! Land at Pelican Beach on the island’s north side and step straight into adventure. From here, wander the 3 mile Duck Lake Loop toward Eagle Harbor, or head west to Smuggler’s Cove for sweeping Rosario Strait views and a quaint beach stop (5 miles roundtrip). Pelican Beach is the perfect starting point for a day of hiking, exploring, and soaking in the natural beauty of Cypress Island.

Price: $45 per person, $38 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

Obstruction Pass State Park, Orcas Island

April 25, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Obstruction Pass State Park at 2:15pm

 

Discover the rugged beauty of Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas Island. This 76-acre marine park is home to one of the island’s few public beaches, offering a peaceful stretch of shoreline perfect for beachcombing, picnicking, and taking in the views across Obstruction Pass. Explore 1.8 miles of forested hiking trails, including a short interpretive loop that highlights the area’s unique geology, ecology, and cultural history. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or simply relax by the water, Obstruction Pass is a perfect island escape.

Price: $47 per person, $40 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

James Island State Park

May 2, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart James Island at 2:15pm

 

Discover the charm of James Island State Park – a true gem tucked into Rosario Strait. Panoramic views of Mount Baker and the surrounding San Juan Islands offer a postcard-worthy backdrop. A scenic 1.5-mile loop trail winds through forest and up to open bluff viewpoints. Pack a picnic and settle onto the beach, explore the tide line, or simply soak in the salt air and sweeping island views. James Island is the perfect destination for a relaxed day of hiking, beachcombing, and unplugging in the San Juans.

Price: $47 per person, $40 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

Olga, Orcas Island

May 9, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Olga County Dock at 4pm

Step ashore at the county dock in Olga and enjoy one of Orcas Island’s most charming waterfront, historical stops. Everything is an easy stroll away, making it the perfect relaxed outing. Visit the historic Olga Store for coffee, provisions, and local goods. For more than 100 years, this historic store has served as the heart of Olga, originally supporting the area’s early farming and strawberry growing families. For a true outdoor island dining experience, sit waterfront to savor the fresh shellfish and seafood at the Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.  And don’t miss the beautiful handcrafted pieces at Olga Pottery. With scenic views of Buck Bay and a laid-back island vibe, Olga is a delightful way to experience Orcas Island!

Price: $45 per person, $38 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

Burrows Island Lighthouse

May 16, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 3pm
Depart Burrows Island at 5:30pm

 

A docent from the Northwest Schooner Society will guide you through the Burrows Island Light Station – sharing stories of the keepers who lived in isolation, kept the light burning, and watching over these busy waters for more than a century.
You’ll step inside the buildings, wander the headland, and soak up the views that few get to see. Pack a picnic, and enjoy lunch overlooking the strait – watching ships and wildlife move through the strait just as the keepers once did.
Price: $45 roundtrip adults, $38 roundtrip children *50% of the fare price will be donated to Northwest Schooner Society to help continue their restoration process.
Moderate stair climbing is involved, children ages 10+, no pets please

Hunter Bay, Lopez Island

May 23, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Hunter Bay at 4pm

Bring your bike and join us for an Adventure Series trip to Lopez Island – the perfect destination for two-wheeled exploration. Known for its quiet roads and gentle terrain, Lopez is a cyclist’s dream! Pedal to the spectacular Watmough Bay Preserve on the island’s southeast side, where a short walk leads to a cresent beach framed by dramatic rock cliffs and open water views. Cycle through rolling farmland and pastoral fields before rolling into Lopez Village – the perfect place to pause for refreshments, snacks, and boutique shopping. With miles of scenic routes and plenty to discover, Lopez Island is the perfect locale for a bike‑powered island adventure!

Price: $45 per person, $38 per child ages 3-12, infants and bikes ride free

Pelican Beach, Cypress Island

May 30, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Pelican Beach at 4:15pm

 

Bring your hiking shoes, camera, and a picnic to explore the scenic trails and beaches of Cypress Island! Land at Pelican Beach on the island’s north side and step straight into adventure. From here, wander the 3 mile Duck Lake Loop toward Eagle Harbor, or head west to Smuggler’s Cove for sweeping Rosario Strait views and a quaint beach stop (5 miles roundtrip). Pelican Beach is the perfect starting point for a day of hiking, exploring, and soaking in the natural beauty of Cypress Island.

Price: $45 per person, $38 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

James Island State Park

June 6, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart James Island at 2:15pm

 

Discover the charm of James Island State Park – a true gem tucked into Rosario Strait. Panoramic views of Mount Baker and the surrounding San Juan Islands offer a postcard-worthy backdrop. A scenic 1.5-mile loop trail winds through forest and up to open bluff viewpoints. Pack a picnic and settle onto the beach, explore the tide line, or simply soak in the salt air and sweeping island views. James Island is the perfect destination for a relaxed day of hiking, beachcombing, and unplugging in the San Juans.

Price: $47 per person, $40 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

Pelican Beach, Cypress Island

June 13, 2026
Depart Skyline Marina at 11am
Depart Pelican Beach at 4:15pm

 

Bring your hiking shoes, camera, and a picnic to explore the scenic trails and beaches of Cypress Island! Land at Pelican Beach on the island’s north side and step straight into adventure. From here, wander the 3 mile Duck Lake Loop toward Eagle Harbor, or head west to Smuggler’s Cove for sweeping Rosario Strait views and a quaint beach stop (5 miles roundtrip). Pelican Beach is the perfect starting point for a day of hiking, exploring, and soaking in the natural beauty of Cypress Island.

Price: $45 per person, $38 per child ages 3-12, infants and dogs ride free

San Juan Water Taxi

Our Fleet
Island Express
Island Express II
Silver Express
Leeway
Versatile Transportation

Efficient Routing

We know time is money. Our three-vessel rotation allows us to increase reach and significantly decrease waiting times. Our crew will get you where you need to go…faster.

Beach Landings

Our versatile landing crafts make it easy and safe to drop people and gear on almost any beach or shoreline. No need for a dock! This can save a lot of work if you’re hauling freight to a remote location. ATV’s and UTV’s simply drive on and drive off.

Environmentally Friendly

Known for rural Pacific Northwest landscapes and wildlife, the San Juan Islands offer the most amazing water access-only destinations. With the environment in mind, we use landing craft vessels to minimize environmental impact when accessing the shoreline.