Posted by: OrcaShuttle Team
Getting around the San Juan Islands, especially getting around Orcas Island, can be difficult. Its size allows you to get from place to place within just a few minutes, but the terrain, spread-out nature of locations, and lack of transportation can create obstacles. Not to mention the ferry schedule that is notoriously running late.
To assist you, Orcas Island offers a handful of transportation methods that we’ll run through below, but here’s one thing you should know right off the bat. Uber Orcas Island does not exist. Orcas island uber and other rideshare services haven’t made it to the island for a plethora of reasons, so check out the options below to make sure you’re prepared.
How To Get Around Orcas Island
There are a few ways you can get around Orcas Island, including easy options that allow you to walk on to the ferry, avoiding the hassle of the car line!
One of the best ways to venture around the island is by using the Orcas Island Shuttle – a new transportation opportunity offered by OrcasCars. If you’ve rented a vehicle with OrcasCars, you ride for free. But for everyone else, you can also take advantage of the convenience route!
This 22-passenger vehicle is about as reliable and easy as it gets on the island. The shuttle makes designated stops at the Orcas Island ferry, Eastsound (“downtown Orcas Island”), and Rosario Resort. There are several alternative optional stops, too.
The orca-wrapped shuttle has a flat rate of $18.50 per passenger per ride for parties of 1-3. Parties of 4 or more receive 20% off. The flat-rate model eliminates the potential of ballooning fares and the looping route means you don’t have to guess if the shuttle will be back! And, for those of you arriving via ferry or plane, you’ll be happy to know the shuttle has sizable luggage space for your bags.
For more information about the route, when it launches, and how to track the shuttle live, visit OrcaShuttle.com.
If you want to explore the island privately, renting a car is definitely something to consider. In fact, it’s highly recommended. Reservations can be made easily at OrcasCars.com and all paperwork is completed electronically. It’s truly one of the easiest processes!
You’ll have three options to choose from for your trip, each differing in size and price per day. Whether you need the Hyundai Elantra sedan, the mid-size Chevy Equinox SUV, or the larger Chevy Traverse that seats 8, you can rest assured because they are all brand new and fully loaded with cool tech features.
Unlike some services, OrcasCars doesn’t require an employee to be at the scene. Instead, you’ll receive a passcode for the car’s key box. When you arrive at the pick-up spot (which is sent to you prior to your pick-up) simply punch the code in and you’ll get access to it. After you’re done with the car, place the key inside and text OrcasCars to confirm drop-off. They’ll then remotely lock the car. Yes, it’s that simple.
Orcas Island Taxis
The last main option for getting around Orcas Island are Orcas Island Taxis. There are a few options to choose from, all with varying rates, so if you’re feeling like a taxi, we recommend calling ahead to ensure availability and pricing. Unlike many large cities, taxis on Orcas Island aren’t on every corner. There are just a few, so definitely plan ahead if you need one.
Is Uber Orcas Island a Thing?
So, is Uber on Orcas Island? How about Lyft Orcas Island services? The short answer is, no, they aren’t. Orcas Island Uber and Lyft isn’t a thing in this alluring place for many reasons that we won’t bore you with. So, all your how to get around Orcas Island needs, refer to the options above!
Sources
https://www.orcascars.com/
https://www.visitsanjuans.com/island-transportation
https://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=ana-sj
