Walk on San Juan ferries, then take bus to save money, time

Visitors to the San Juan Islands can save time and money this summer by walking on the ferries to Friday Harbor or Orcas Island and then hopping buses to tour the islands.

The Scenic Byway Explorer buses run through Sept. 2 on San Juan Island, and June 21 to Sept. 2 on Orcas Island.

There are three different runs from Friday Harbor to Roche Harbor, Cape San Juan or Snug Harbor. The Orcas shuttle goes from the ferry landing to West Sound, south Turtleback trailhead, Deer Harbor, the golf course, Eastsound, Rosario Resort and Moran State Park.

With a $15 day pass, riders can hop off at stops along the way and then get back on the next shuttle to continue the trip.

Even better, sign up online (www.visitsanjuans.com/scenicbyway) and get a 2-for-1 deal.

The website also has schedules and lists all the stops.

And if you take the bus to an overnight destination such as Rosario Resort on Orcas Island or Roche Harbor Resort, the day pass entitles you to a free bus ride back to the ferry the next morning.

Call the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau at 888-468-3701 for more information.

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