This summer residents and visitors of Seattle and the surrounding area will have two new routes by water and air. From June 4 through Sept. 8, Kenmore Air, in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe, is launching seasonal seaplane flights out of Tacoma. The Puyallup Tribe is one of the largest and most economically influential Native tribes in the region, owning casinos, hotels, convention centers and other businesses. The launch of seaplane service with their involvement is significant: it affirms the tribe’s sovereignty as an independent economic actor, demonstrates a modern approach to developing tourism and transportation, and strengthens connections between the reservation and other parts of Puget Sound, making travel faster and more convenient for both tribal members and tourists. In addition to flights to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, B.C., and short scenic flights over the South Sound, this year a new route to Seattle’s Lake Union will be offered. It’s a great option for romantic evenings, trips to sporting events or business meetings without a long drive.
Seaplane fares start at $249 one-way to the San Juan Islands (flight time — 1 hour 40 minutes) and $257 to Victoria (just under two hours). A flight to Seattle will cost $94, and a short scenic flight over the Sound is $99. The tribe is also offering a “Wings + Woven” package that includes a scenic flight and a voucher for a drink and snack at Woven Seafood & Chophouse, located right by the seaplane docks in Tacoma.
For those who prefer a budget option, take note of the Harbor Hopper ferry, which will run between Everett and Langley on Whidbey Island from June 4 through Aug. 29. Puget Sound is a complex system of bays and islands where ferries serve as “marine roads,” but the existing Washington State ferry system (the largest in the U.S.) is often overburdened, especially on routes to Whidbey Island, where travelers currently must detour through Port Townsend or Mukilteo. The pilot project is being launched by the ports of Everett and South Whidbey, and the new direct route from a major industrial center straight to the island could relieve pressure on other ferry lines, cut travel time for residents commuting to Everett, and improve access for tourists, especially during peak hours. The ferry will run select Thursdays and Saturdays with two round trips — morning and evening. The trip takes 30 to 45 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs just $12, while a round-trip fare is $20.
The new service was designed with tourists in mind: as port officials noted, spontaneous day trips, weekend getaways or longer summer vacations on both sides of the water will now be possible. The pilot will test demand for permanent service between Everett and Whidbey in the future — for both tourism and daily commuting.
Based on: New ferry, seaplane service around Puget Sound this summer