Harbor Hopper ferry launches summer service between Everett and Langley

A new walk-on ferry will give Whidbey Island a rare car-free summer link to Everett, opening a fast option for day trips, waterfront errands and weekend escapes between South Whidbey and Snohomish County.

The Harbor Hopper pilot begins June 4 and runs through August 29, with service on select Thursdays and Saturdays. On operating days, the Hat Island Ferry will make two Everett-bound and two Langley-bound sailings, creating a short passenger-only route that is designed for people, not cars.

One-way fares are listed at $12 and roundtrip tickets at $20. The trip is expected to take about 30 minutes, with port materials also describing it as a 30- to 45-minute ride. The ferry has room for 45 passengers, which keeps the service small enough to feel local while still offering enough capacity to test whether a permanent connection could work.

The Port of Everett, the Port of South Whidbey and the Hat Island Community Association are backing the pilot, with Whidbey Telecom listed as a Community Connector sponsor. Port officials have framed Harbor Hopper as a test of demand for a future passenger-only ferry between Everett and Langley, a concept that has surfaced before and could shape regional transit planning if riders use it heavily this summer.

For Langley, the service puts South Whidbey Harbor back at the center of marine access on the village waterfront. Riders will board at J Dock, and port information says passengers should check in 15 minutes before departure. The harbor’s floating docks are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the wooden wharf is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., giving travelers a clear landing point in town.

The ferry is ADA-accessible, although dock and tide conditions may affect access. Pets and emotional service animals are not allowed, but ADA service animals are permitted. There will be no service on July 2 or July 4.

The timing matters for Island County in a way that goes beyond tourism. A direct Everett-Langley ride could make it easier to reach waterfront attractions, support shops and restaurants in Langley, and give residents a simpler option when ferry-dependent travel on Whidbey becomes a headache. For now, the Harbor Hopper is a modest summer pilot. If riders fill those 45 seats, it could become the strongest argument yet for a lasting passenger link between the two ports.