EVERETT—All aboard! The Port of Everett, Port of South Whidbey and Hat Island Community Association have partnered up to launch Harbor Hopper – a new summer pilot program offering the first-ever seasonal passenger-only ferry connection between Everett and Langley, Wash. starting June 4.
The Harbor Hopper, made possible in part by Community Connector sponsor Whidbey Telecom, provides a unique walk-on ferry service option between the two port cities aboard the 45-passenger Hat Island Ferry.
Riders can choose from two Everett-bound and two Langley-bound sailings each Thursday and Saturday from June 4 through August 29 (except July 2 & 4). Click here to view the full schedule.Fares range from $10 – $12 one-way or $16 – $20 roundtrip. Each trip lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes.
CLICK HERE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE BOOKING WEBSITE IS LIVE
This program is designed with tourism trips in mind, providing area residents and regional visitors a car-free option to travel between Snohomish County and Whidbey Island. Now spontaneous day trips, weekend getaways or longer summer stays on either side of the water are just a hop across the harbor.
While this port partnership is intended to support regional tourism, economic activity and enhanced public access during this trial run in 2026, it’s will also provide an opportunity to test demand and explore potential to establish passenger-only ferry service between the two port districts into the future.
BIG thank you to our Harbor Hopper sponsors, our Community Connector Whidbey Telecom and our Dockside Partners Fisherman Jack’s and The Muse Whiskey & Coffee. Harbor Hopper sponsorship opportunities are available, and more information can be found by clicking here.
“Launching Harbor Hopper opens up a whole new kind of visitor experience at our two waterfront destinations,” said Catherine Soper, Port of Everett Chief of Business Development and Tourism. “This family-friendly service will make it easier than ever to travel between our shores for a quick day trip or an extended visit and is programmed around top events and attractions this summer, whether you’re looking for waterfront dining, outdoor summer concerts and festivals, including the World Cup Waterfront Watch Parties at Everett’s Fan Zone, local shops and art, or simply, a change of pace. It’s a fun, accessible way to connect our communities.”
The Harbor Hopper pilot program comes as the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place continues to evolve as a vibrant destination. Now boasting 17 restaurants, two hotels, waterfront housing, parks, plazas, beaches and 90+ annual events, and a FREE waterfront shuttle to explore it all with ease, it marked 1.8+ million annual site visits in 2025. That number is expected to grow as more people discover all Waterfront Place has to offer, including the influx of global visitors coming to the Everett Fan Zone Waterfront Watch Parties for FIFA World Cup on June 11, 12, 18, and 19.
Downtown Everett – boasting restaurants and coffee shops, thriving music scene, retail shops and more – is just a short walk by foot via the Grand Avenue Park Bridge or a quick ride away via public transit or rideshare options. Check out Visit Everett for things to do, places to eat and drink, and a City-wide events calendar to help you plan your visit.
The Port of South Whidbey looks forward to partnering on the pilot to expand visitor access to Langley and surrounding South Whidbey communities too.
“For years our ports have talked about a service that could connect our two communities and we are very excited for what this service will provide for both of our destinations” said Jim Pivarnik, Executive Director Port of South Whidbey.
Langley, Washington, is just a short walk or golf cart ride up from the harbor and is known as the “Village by the Sea.” Visitors enjoy breathtaking views of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade mountains, and wildlife like orcas, bald eagles, gray whales, and more. Discover waterfront parks and beaches, forested hiking trails, galleries and restaurants, gift shops, wineries, boutiques, theater, and community events. As a certified Washington State Creative District, Langley Creates is focused on growing the community’s creative economy by supporting and enlarging what already exists in this seaside village. Check out Visit Langley to begin planning your visit to the “Village by the Sea.”
Reminiscent of the former passenger ferries that used to crisscross Puget Sound, the Harbor Hopper comes in response to growing tourism and demand for water-based travel.
The pilot program is designed to complement existing transportation options between the two waterfront communities for now, with a focus on tourism runs. It will also be used to test demand for potential of permanent tourism and commuter service options between Everett and Whidbey Island in the future.
Learn more about the Harbor Hopper www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopper and be notified when the booking website is live at www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopperNotify.
Ferry Logistics & Rider Tips
Online reservations are strongly recommended; walk-on passengers may be allowed, subject to availability at time of boarding. Passengers must check in 15 minutes prior to departure with the Hat Island Ferry crew to ensure efficient boarding process and to avoid being counted as a no-show.
On the Everett side, Harbor Hopper (Hat Island Ferry) will depart from and arrive at South Dock 1 at the Port of Everett Marina (by Anthony’s HomePort Everett). The ferry will depart from and arrive at J Dock at the Port of South Whidbey Harbor at Langley.
View the full Harbor Hopper schedule online here.
In June, roundtrip ferry service will begin weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays. June morning sailings will depart Everett at 10 a.m. and depart Langley at 11 a.m.; afternoon sailings will depart Everett at 6 p.m. and Langley at 7 p.m.
In July and August, roundtrip ferry service times will be modified to accommodate visitors attending Music at the Marina at the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place. Morning sailing times will remain the same as in June; sailings will depart Everett at 10 a.m. and department Langley at 11 a.m. On Thursdays in July and August, afternoon sailings will depart Everett at 8 p.m. and depart Langley at 9 p.m. On Saturdays in July and August, afternoon sailings will depart Everett at 6 p.m. and depart Langley at 7 p.m. Please note that there will be no ferry service on Thursday, July 2 or Saturday, July 4.
Per vessel rules, no bikes, wagons or pets are allowed (service animals are permitted). Stollers and ADA mobility devices ok.
In the event of inclement weather, adverse tidal conditions, or other instances that could impact service, sailings may be rescheduled or cancelled. Passengers will be notified as early as possible and will be given a refund in the event of a cancellation.
The Harbor Hopper is ADA-accessible, though conditions may vary depending on the tidal conditions impacting ramps. Please alert ferry crew at check-in if assistance is needed.
For full program information, ferry details and more, visit www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopper and a list of FAQs here. Sign up to be notified when the Harbor Hopper booking website is live here.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
