EVERETT – The Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey are excited to announce updates to its Harbor Hopper passenger ferry pilot program aboard the chartered Hat Island Ferry.
Starting Aug. 1, a new midday roundtrip option will be available between Everett and Langley on the already-scheduled Saturdays, giving passengers greater flexibility when planning a trip to each waterfront destination. The addition comes in response to overwhelming community feedback seeking an option for midday sailings.
The updated schedule also reflects a shift to earlier sailing times on Thursday evenings for the remainder of the trail period, which runs through the end of August 2026.
The Harbor Hopper schedule for August is as follows:
Thursdays: Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27
- Departing Everett: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Departing Langley: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 1, 15 & 29 (NEW SAILING ADDED*)
- Departing Everett: 10 a.m., 1 p.m.*, and 6 p.m.
- Departing Langley: 11 a.m., 2 p.m.*, and 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopperTickets.
“You asked, we listened – and thanks to our port partnership and flexibility of the Hat Island Ferry crew, we are enhancing the Harbor Hopper schedule,” Port of Everett Chief of Business Development & Tourism Catherine Soper said. “We have been blown away by the interest and enthusiasm behind this pilot program, and we are thankful to all who have given Harbor Hopper a try and who have shared their feedback. The intent of this trial is to gauge demand and explore how to make a program like this successful into the future.”
“We’re grateful to the Port of Everett and the Hat Island Community for their partnership in bringing the Harbor Hopper to life,” Port of South Whidbey Executive Director Jim Pivarnik said. “The purpose of this pilot was to try…listen… and adjust…many thanks to the amazing team. We’ve already seen a boon to visitation and hope these changes provide even more opportunity this summer.”
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 chartered 45-passenger Hat Island Ferry. Service began on June 4, 2026.
Sailings depart Everett at the Port of Everett Marina Dock 1 (behind Anthony’s HomePort Everett) and depart at the main dock at South Whidbey Harbor at Langley. 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, day trip sample itineraries, frequently asked questions and more, visit www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopper.
Harbor Hopper 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. Day trips, weekend getaways or longer summer stays on either side of the water are now just a hop across the harbor through the 2026 summer season.
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.
The POE wishes a BIG thank you to Harbor Hopper sponsors, Community Connector Whidbey Telecom and Dockside Partners Fisherman Jack’s, The Muse Whiskey & Coffee and Callahan’s Firehouse Studio & Gallery.
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
