Image: One of the Hat Island Ferry catamarans is being used for this summer’s Harbor Hopper passenger ferry pilot project, with service between Everett and Langley, WA. Photo Credit: Port of Everett.
‘Tis the season for long ferry lines across Puget Sound, but some relief is coming in the form of the “Harbor Hopper,” a new pilot program offering walk-on ferry service between the city of Everett, WA, and the town of Langley on Whidbey Island during the heavy summer travel season.
Operating from June 4 to Aug. 29 this year, the Harbor Hopper is a chartered service provided by the Hat Island Ferry, which is administered by the Hat Island Community Association. One of Hat Island’s 4518-DCT aluminum-hulled catamarans will be dedicated to the Langley route twice a week for most of the summer, except on July 2 and July 4.
Before the route began operating, the Port of Everett received more than 1,100 queries from the local community about Hopper reservations, said Kate Anderson, the Port’s communications specialist. “We’re thrilled to see so much interest, but for now this is just a pilot program to test the demand for the service,” she said. “After this summer season, we’ll see if we want to keep doing it each year.”
Built by BRIX Marine in 2021, the Hat Island Ferry vessel is 45’ long, includes an entirely eclosed cabin, and is powered by twin Cummins QSL9 405-horsepower engines. Each leg of the foot-ferry route can take up to 45 passengers to Langley or Everett in 30 to 45 minutes.
The Hopper is now making two trips a day on Thursdays and Saturdays between South Dock 1 in Everett and J Dock at the Port of South Whidbey Harbor in Langley. For those familiar with the steep bluffs on the northeastern edge of Langley, there is free shuttle service via golf cart up and down Wharf Street for any passengers with mobility issues.
“We chose Thursday as one of the two days of the service because that’s when Everett holds its weekly Music at the Marina summer concert series,” Anderson said. “We’re hoping we’ll get interest from people on Whidbey Island to come see our redeveloped waterfront, while locals in Everett can take a nice, easy day trip to see the shops in Langley without fighting car traffic at the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry terminal.”
Harbor Hopper Ride Details
The fares for the Harbor Hopper range from $10-$12 for a one-way trip and $16-$20 for a round-trip ticket. For more information about reservations and schedule times, visit the portofeverett.com/HarborHopper website.
