June 4, 2026 — The Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey celebrated the first sailing of the Harbor Hopper, marking the launch of a passenger ferry pilot program to connect the two waterfront destinations and explore new opportunities for regional tourism this summer.
The first sailing departed the Port of Everett Marina at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, aboard the chartered Hat Island Ferry and arrived in the South Whidbey Harbor at Langley approximately 35 minutes later.
Tickets are available at www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopperTickets. For more information, sample itineraries, frequently asked questions and more, go to www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopper.
“We are thrilled to offer the Harbor Hopper to our communities this summer,” said Port of Everett CEO/Executive Director Lisa Lefeber said. “This is a great example of what can happen when ports work together to create opportunities for the communities they serve. The Harbor Hopper is a fun way to explore our two destination waterfronts with ease, support local businesses, and determine if this could be a long-term program.”
“The inaugural sailing of the Harbor Hopper went off without a hitch,” said Port of South Whidbey Executive Director Jim Pivarnik. “It was amazing being on the dock and feeling the local buzz as the boat was pulling in for the first time.”
This program 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. Now day trips, weekend getaways or longer summer stays on either side of the water are just a hop across the harbor. 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.
