EVERETT—The Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey invite community members, local businesses, area employees and regional visitors to complete a new public survey to gather insight and help inform next steps for its popular “Harbor Hopper” walk-on ferry program.
The ports, in partnership with Hat Island Ferry and with support of local sponsors including Community Connector Whidbey Telecom, launched the seasonal ferry service as a pilot program this past summer. Designed with tourism trips in mind, the ferry ran select Thursdays and Saturdays from June through August.
Survey data will help gauge overall interest and guide decisions and improvements for potential future service opportunities, looking at operating days, sailing times, rider experience, and more.
The survey is open now through Nov. 6, 2026. Both riders and non-riders are encouraged to take the survey and provide feedback.
Click here to take the survey or visit www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopperSurvey.
Survey respondents will have the opportunity to be entered to win a gift certificate to a restaurant at the Everett or Langley waterfronts.
About Harbor Hopper
The Harbor Hopper, a special charter of the Hat Island Ferry, ran on select Thursdays and Saturdays in June, July and August and offered two round-trip sailings in the morning and evenings. More than 1,500 riders took the ferry this summer. In true pilot program form, the ports decided to add a third, midday sailing option on Saturdays in August in response to rider feedback requesting more options, which more than doubled the ferry’s average occupancy compared to June and July.
While the Harbor Hopper is designed to support regional tourism, economic activity, and enhance public access during its trial run in 2026, it also provided an opportunity to test demand for passenger-only ferry service between the two port districts in the future.
A BIG thank you to Harbor Hopper sponsors: Community Connector sponsor, Whidbey Telecom, and Dockside Partners Fisherman Jack’s, The Muse Whiskey & Coffee, and Callahan’s Firehouse Studio & Gallery.
Author: Mario Lotmore
