EVERETT, JUNE 4: Faint rain and classic ‘June gloom’ clouds greeted passengers for the maiden voyage of The Harbor Hopper navigating between the Everett Marina and Langley, a 35 minute trip linking the mainland to southern Whidbey Island in a summer 2026 pilot project coordinated by the Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey.
As the Hat Island Ferry pulled away from the Everett dock, the protected waters behind Jetty Island shifted from rippled surface to small chop with the faintest of white caps from a westerly Chinook. The Harbor Hopper pilot program is a partnership between the two local ports and the chartered Hat Island Ferry to test the proverbial waters for summer tourism growth as a day trip between the cities on opposing sides of Possession Sound. If the demand is there, it could be a commuting option in the future for workers between south Whidbey and Everett.
Boat pilot, Harrison Lindgren, navigates the crossing, cruising “between 16 and 18 knots (18-20 mph), depending on chop” he said, which was minor today. The Harbor Hopper foot ferry runs this summer only on Thursdays and Saturdays as part of this pilot project, with capacity for 45 passengers–so plan in advance to avoid a sold-out sailing. One-way tickets $12, Round-trip tickets $20.
According to the Port of Everett Chief of Business Development and Tourism, Cat Soper, the “Hopper” is intended to give passengers a chance to spend the mid-day hours in the corresponding waterfront area of Langley or Everett to explore the shops, restaurants or beach. Soper says reservations for upcoming sailings are already booking up with the anticipation of a unique day trip between the two cities that have never enjoyed this transportation connection.
Lindgren, says summer passengers on The Harbor Hopper will experience what he does at the helm of the boat, “I get to look at the water every day, right? And yeah, I just have these views. I love the Sound. I mean, I love Everett. I grew up here and just coming out here on the water, seeing the mountains every day.”
For quick reference, The Harbor Hopper Sailings are on these dates:
June dates: 6/4, 6/6, 6/11, 6/13, 6/18, 6/20, 6/25, 6/27
July dates: 7/9, 7/16, 7/18, 7/23, 7/30
August dates: 8/1, 8/6, 8/13, 8/15, 8/20, 8/27, 8/29
For the sailing times to coordinate your trip, click here.
Buy tickets by clicking here.
Per vessel rules, pets are not allowed on the Hat Island Ferry. Service animals are ok. The Harbor Hopper is sponsored Whidbey Telecom, Dockside partners, Fisherman Jack’s, The Muse Whiskey & Coffee, and Callahan’s Firehouse.
Click photos below to see pictures of The Harbor Hopper sailing.
