EVERETT – The Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey celebrated the first sailing of the Harbor Hopper, marking the launch of a passenger ferry pilot program to connect the two waterfront destinations and explore new opportunities for regional tourism this summer.
The first sailing departed the Port of Everett Marina at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, aboard the chartered Hat Island Ferry and arrived in the South Whidbey Harbor at Langley approximately 35 minutes later.
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 Aug. 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. Tickets are available at www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopperTickets. For more information, sample itineraries, frequently asked questions and more, go to www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopper.
“We are thrilled to offer the Harbor Hopper to our communities this summer,” said Port of Everett CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “This is a great example of what can happen when ports work together to create opportunities for the communities they serve. The Harbor Hopper is a fun way to explore our two destination waterfronts with ease, support local businesses, and determine if this could be a long-term program.”
“The inaugural sailing of the Harbor Hopper went off without a hitch,” said Port of South Whidbey Executive Director Jim Pivarnik. “It was amazing being on the dock and feeling the local buzz as the boat was pulling in for the first time.”
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 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 will also provide an opportunity to test demand and explore potential to establish passenger-only ferry service between the two port districts in the future.
A BIG thank you to our Harbor Hopper sponsors, our Community Connector Whidbey Telecom and our Dockside Partners Fisherman Jack’s, The Muse Whiskey & Coffee and Callahan’s Firehouse Studio & Gallery. Harbor Hopper sponsorship opportunities are available, and more information can be found by clicking here.
About Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place
The Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place is a new 1.5-million square foot mixed-use development located on 65 acres at the waterfront near the downtown core in Everett, Washington. The development boasts spectacular views, waterfront access, recreational amenities, and a world-class marina – the largest public Marina on the West Coast – with 2,300 slips and 5,000 linear feet of guest moorage. At full build-out, the Waterfront Place mixed-use development will include 63,000 square feet (sf) of retail/restaurant space, another 20,000 sf of marine retail, 447,500 sf of office, two waterfront hotels, and up to 660 waterfront housing units. Featured amenities include new trails and regional parks, public gathering spaces, a variety of fine and casual dining, local shops, and marine sales and services. The project’s expected $1 billion in public/private investment is estimated to support nearly 2,100 family-wage jobs and generate $8.6 million annually in state and local sales taxes. To date, the Port has facilitated more than $350 million in public/private investment here, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.portofeverett.com/wpc.
About Port of South Whidbey
The Port of South Whidbey has a unique set of facilities on the Island. There is the Harbor the Langley, 65 miles of shoreline, three public beach parks, three boat ramps, the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, and a Clinton Ferry Parking lot . “Our mission… is to enhance the economic well-being of the community and improve public access to marine areas while respecting the unique rural character and environment of South Whidbey Island”.…The Port continues to invest in projects that protect our historic assets and carefully build new facilities that enhance the overall Island experience. Visit: www.portofsouthwhidbey.com
Source: Port of Everett
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
