things to do on orcas island — There are so many wonderful things to do on Orcas Island!

There is wisdom in silence. Answers lie inside of us if we can quiet ourselves enough to access them.

Even though I’m fully aware of this reality, I mostly struggle to hear my inner voice. Sometimes, getting away from familiar surroundings and soundtracks is the fastest way to hear our inner guidance.

It was in just such a state that I stumbled upon the plethora of magical things to do on Orcas Island. While in Washington State for the holidays, I found myself amidst movement and noise. It was the end of another rotation around the sun, and I needed silence to process the year that was ending.

So on a last minute whim, I decided to book a getaway to Orcas Island, Washington. For years, I’ve heard about how magical the San Juan Islands are, and when I heard that Oprah recently purchased a home on Orcas Island, I was sold! I mean, if it’s good enough for Oprah…

If you’re looking for a place where time stands still, where everything is so quiet that you can hear your breath entering and leaving your body, and where you can practice much needed self-love then Orcas Island is it. During the warmer months, you will find a ton of Orcas Island activities. And because winter is the low season for tourism, if you visit in the off-season, you get the added benefit of feeling like you have the whole island to yourself.

It’s an otherworldly place where cell phones don’t work, people know their neighbors, and you can finally see what’s going on inside.

WHERE IS ORCAS ISLAND LOCATED?

Orcas Island, Washington is one of several islands located off the coast of northwest Washington State. The island is a 1-1.5 hour ferry ride from the port town of Anacortes. It is a horseshoe-shaped island with one main road that runs across it, and it takes a little over an hour to drive from one side of the island to the other.

Eastsound is the main town on Orcas Island. Check out a map of Orcas Island below.

GETTING THERE: HOW TO TAKE THE FERRY TO ORCAS ISLAND

Not being from the Pacific Northwest, I was initially intimidated by figuring out the logistics of getting to the island.

Do I need a car? What will taking the ferry entail? Is Orcas Island worth it or is visiting Orcas Island more trouble than it’s worth? Spoiler alert: It’s an incredible place and absolutely worth it!

Once you square away a few logistics, it’s actually pretty straightforward and much less complex to get to Orcas Island than it seems.

Here are step-by-step instructions for taking the Orcas Island ferry:

For starters, I highly advise that you bring your own vehicle or rent a car. While there are public shuttles on the island, bringing a car will help you access all parts of the island and get around with ease. Pro tip: I always compare prices on Kayak to find the cheapest car rental prices. You just drive your car directly onto the ferry boat, and then you can go into the heated cabin to enjoy the views and get refreshments. It’s very comfortable once you are on.
Next, be sure to reserve the Orcas Island ferry beforehand for both ways. You can always modify if your plans change, but it’s good to lock it down in advance. Even in the slow season of winter, the ferries were booked out a few days ahead of time so I would recommend booking as early as possible, especially in summer. You can visit this website to either book online or get their phone number to reserve over the phone. I preferred calling since it was my first time and the woman on the line was able to answer a bunch of my questions.
Drive your car to the Orcas Island ferry terminal in Anacortes, Washington and be sure to get there at least an hour ahead of the ferry time. There is a huge line and they are militant about timing. I was 3 minutes late for the cutoff time on my reserved ferry (they stop boarding EXACTLY 30 minutes before departure) and I had to go standby even though I had made a reservation well in advance. I ended up getting on at the last second but it was super stressful since it was the last ferry of the day. Save yourself the worry and get there early!
Bring a book/podcast/show/music to keep you occupied. If you’re on the ferry during the day, the views are spectacular. But it’s a long 1-1.5 hour trip so it’s a great chance to use the time productively! Be sure to check out my reading recommendations on spirituality and the divine feminine, and my self-love playlist.
Exact cost for the ferry varies depending on the time of day, season, and size of vehicle. You can see specific cost breakdowns here.
Download Google Maps offline for the island so that you can get around when you don’t have reception, which will be often. Here’s a tutorial on how to do this.

patrons on the Orcas Island ferry — Orcas Island ferry

Check out these posts:

WHERE TO STAY: ORCAS ISLAND LODGING

There are some really nice hotels on Orcas Island. Pro tip: I highly recommend using Booking.com to find the best hotel deals.

But, it is equally if not more desirable to rent a house or cabin from a local, reason being that the locals on Orcas Island are truly the best. Honestly, the locals are some of the nicest people I’ve encountered in years! My hosts made me fresh-caught Dungeness crab and apple muffins. They were amazing!

Here are my top picks for places to stay in Orcas Island:

BUDGET HOTELS ON ORCAS ISLAND:

This charming rustic cabin is excellent value for the money. Located on two private acres with access to a cove beach, it’s a great place to escape the crowds and stress of everyday life. And this gorgeous home sleeps 6 and is a steal.

Orcas Hotel and Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast are also great value for the money.

MID-TIER HOTELS ON ORCAS ISLAND:

Otter’s Pond Bed and Breakfast is adorable, and West Beach Resort has beautiful bungalows. Both are conveniently located in Eastsound, WA near all the action.

The best vacation rentals on the island are this home with stunning waterfront views, this house, this cabin, this waterfront home in Olga, and this hideout in Doe Bay.

SPLURGE HOTELS ON ORCAS ISLAND:

For larger groups, there are some truly magnificent rentals on the island. This home’s hot tub is dreamy.

Stunning waterfront properties include this estate on 45 wooded acres, this modern house, this home with a private sauna, and this architectural gem. I also personally love this stunning beach house.

And if you can afford to go big, this home is the stuff my travel fantasies are made of.

Want more suggestions? Be sure to check out my post on the 10 best places to stay on Orcas Island!

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The 10 Best Places to Stay on Orcas Island

HERE ARE THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO ON ORCAS ISLAND:

From all my travels around the globe, I have learned that the best way to tap into what’s going on in any place is to get talking to people. Guide books and blogs (like this one!) are super helpful, but locals and other tourists are goldmines for tips you can’t get elsewhere.

While waiting in the standby line for the ferry, I met my first Orcas Island local: a lovely woman who relocated to the island with her family 7 years back from Santa Barbara, and who had so much wisdom to offer about the island (and life)! She invited me to her home after only 30 minutes of chatting – a perfect symbol of the hospitality I came to experience during my time on the island.

What follows is a list of the absolute best things to do on Orcas Island, curated from my own adventures there and from speaking with a ton of locals!

1. Enjoy epic Orcas Island Hikes

Outdoor activities are at their peak in the warmer summer months. But there is still so much incredible nature to enjoy in the winter months as well, when the overcast skies and drizzly weather lend a mystical quality.

These 5 Orcas Island hikes are the island’s highlights:

Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park - You can drive or hike to the top of Mt. Constitution for spectacular views of the San Juan Archipelago. I hiked it, and it takes about 2-3 hours one-way depending on your speed. This is an absolute must-do. Try to go on a clear day for visibility.
Turtleback Mountain - A popular 6-mile out and back trail.
Cascade Falls - Beautiful waterfalls and a very short hike to see them.
Obstruction Pass - Another great hike with beautiful views. This one is super easy and took me about an hour to get to the beach.
Enchanted Forest Road - Recommended to me by a local, this is actually just a regular road on the island that you can walk, bike or drive along, but with tall mossy trees and the fog, it feels like you are in the midst of a fairy tale.

Mt. Constitution

Cascade Falls

Obstruction Pass

Enchanted Forest Road

2. Experience world-class Orcas Island whale watching

Whale watching is one of the island’s highlights - after all, the island shares a name with these majestic creatures! This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca whales in their natural element. The best time of year to do a tour is April through the end of September.

The best way to do this is by taking a specialized whale watching tour where, beyond witnessing the massive 30-foot Orca whales, you will also see bald eagles, sea lions, and experience the joy of being on the water. This whale watching tour guarantees whale sightings, has a perfect 5-star rating, is reasonably priced, and conveniently departs right from Eastsound.

Book your whale watching tour here!

3. Go kayaking, sailing, & paddle boarding on the water

Depending on the time of year that you visit, Orcas Island has a ton of water activities on offer:

Kayaking - People come from all over the world to kayak the stunning San Juan Islands. Can you imagine anything better than kayaking with whales, migrating salmon, seals, porpoises, and other wildlife of the Pacific Northwest? And all this with the Olympic Mountains as the backdrop. Unless you are a seasoned kayaker, it is highly recommended to book a kayaking tour. Although no tours depart directly from Orcas Island, this excellent day tour departs from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, which is an easy ferry ride away. Book your kayaking day tour here!
Sailing - Sailing around the San Juan Islands is a relaxing way to take in the incredible scenery of the region. This half-day sailing tour is led by an experienced U.S. Coast Guard instructor, departs directly from Olga on Orcas Island, lasts 3 hours, and teaches you all you need to know while exploring the region. Book your half-day sailing tour here!
Paddle-boarding - Mountain and Cascade Lakes are popular spots for stand up paddle-boarding. SUP Orcas is a local shop located in Deer Harbor and has SUP rentals with free curbside pickup.

4. Eat at amazing Orcas Island restaurants

I’m not one of those foodies always chasing my next great meal, but even I must acknowledge that the restaurants on Orcas Island are amazing! The food is fresh, prepared slowly, and imbued with love. I got the chance to explore a bunch of local spots and I found some true gems.

Pro tip: Some spots close for the winter season so be sure to check beforehand.

These are the best Orcas Island restaurants:

Matia Kitchen & Bar - If you are looking for a true fine dining experience, this is it. They serve creative dishes and cocktails made from locally-sourced and foraged seasonal ingredients.
Enzo’s - This is a great little coffee shop with all the basics. It is cozy and packed with locals, and is a great spot to lounge or get some work done.

Brown Bear Baking - This place is a little nook of heaven. I usually try to eat gluten free, but all bets were off when I found this place. I had the apple sage scone and had dreams about it for days after.
New Leaf Cafe - A great place any time of day, but their brunch is particularly exceptional.
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm - The go-to spot for seafood on the island.
The Barnacle - The best bar on Orcas Island. This is a perfect spot for yummy cocktails and small bites.
Hogstone’s Wood Oven - All the locals rave about their pizza.
Clever Cow Creamery - A bright and cheery ice cream spot!
Orcas Island Farmers Market - Runs from May to September, 10:00am to 2:00pm on the Village Green in Eastsound.

Matia

Brown Bear Baking

5. Drink at local wineries & breweries

The Orcas Project - Located in Eastsound, the Orcas Project is a collaboration between acclaimed winemakers and vineyards in the Pacific Northwest, featuring labels designed by local island artists. They have been featured in publications such as Food & Wine, Seattle Magazine and The New York Times. They offer a wine tasting flight experience paired with cheeses, featuring a rotating selection of wines where you can meet the winemakers. You’ll need to get tickets for the experience in advance. Book your wine tasting flight experience here!
Orcas Island Winery - This is one of the prettiest Orcas Island wineries! A beautiful, family-run winery serving locally-made wines produced by an award-winning Washington state winemaker. It is nestled at the base of Turtleback Mountain and they have picnic grounds and food available.
Island Hoppin’ Brewery - The first brewhaus on the island started by a local master brewer with a solid selection to choose from.

Orcas Project

Orcas Island Winery

6. Go shopping at unique boutiques

Girl Meets Dirt - This is an adorable jam and preserves shop founded by a NYC transplant couple. Everything is made from locally sourced fruits, and the flavors are super creative and delicious, like Lavender rhubarb and Plum mint. A great place to get gifts for folks.
Darvill’s Bookstore - This store has an amazing collection of books about the island, local maps, and even cards made by local artists. With a cute café and an amazing view of the bay, it’s a great place to while the day away.
Orcas Island Leather Goods - This is one of the coolest Orcas Island shops offering high-quality customizable leather goods and gifts, work stations with leather-making tools so you can watch as your purchase becomes uniquely yours, and fun DIY kits.
Printshop - A cute shop featuring custom designs by local artists that can be printed directly onto t-shirts, towels, bags, and more.

Girl Meets Dirt

Darvill's Bookstore

7. Browse art & pottery by local artisans

Orcas Island is a hub for all types of creatives and artists, and pottery on Orcas Island is big business! It’s no wonder given the plentiful inspiration that abounds, and all the space and silence to create. Some great spots to peruse or purchase local art and pottery include:

Orcas Island Pottery - This is a 70 year old institution and the oldest pottery studio in the Pacific Northwest. They have a vast array of beautiful pieces all made by residents of Orcas Island. A great spot to pick up unique souvenirs or to just browse their beautiful grounds.
Orcas Island Artworks - Located in the Olga region of the island, this is an adorable gallery showcasing the works of local artists. They have a variety of styles and a really great café as well.
Olga Pottery - A one-man studio with wheel-thrown and hand-built pieces, paintings, cards, jewelry, and hand-forged iron hooks. Call or email him to arrange an appointment for viewing.
Forest Ceramic Company - Beautiful dishware and unique ceramic pieces.

Orcas Island Pottery

Orcas Island Artworks

Forest Ceramic Company

8. Visit an Orcas island farm

Once in a Blue Moon - An experiential farm that offers fun tours for kids and adults. Goats, feathered friends, alpacas, pigs, and geese - oh my! All tours are by appointment only.
Orcas Moon Alpacas - A small family farm featuring - you guessed it - alpacas! They offer tours of the farm by donation and sell sheep and alpaca yarns, socks, and lamb skins.
Pebble Cove Farm - This farm offers a bunch of cool classes and retreats. Check out their schedule for the latest happenings.

Once in a Blue Moon

Orcas Moon Alpacas

9. Slow Down & Relax

If your day-to-day life is wearing you down, the San Juan Islands are a great place to rest and recharge. I saw people playing cards in cafes, taking afternoon naps, and I got some much-needed spa treatments.

Slow your pace and practice some self-love at one of these resorts:

Doe Bay Resort - This is a great spot with soaking tubs, spa treatments, and a full calendar of yoga classes and concerts.
Rosario Resort & Spa - An upscale hotel with lots of spa services, or you can just soak in the views in their outdoor lounge chairs.
Indralaya - A center fostering personal and spiritual growth, they have a roster with lots of retreats and events. I tried something here called “deep singing” which was really cool - it is essentially a form of singing meditation!

At first, I had some trouble adjusting to the slow pace of Orcas Island, but eventually I found a peace there that I haven’t felt in years. I had time to build connection with others, nature, and myself.

Being there in the winter slow season was a special experience, with the cold and rainy Orcas Island weather feeling almost purifying, like washing away the year that was ending and making room for what was to come.

Have you visited Orcas Island, Washington? Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.