Preliminary information only, additional details will be shared closer to the out-of-service dates.

Dry Dock 2026

Saturday, April 18 –
Sunday, May 10

The Whatcom Chief will depart for dry dock outage for about four weeks. Since there is no substitute vehicle ferry, this means foot passenger service only.

The end date is tentative in case repairs take longer than expected. What you read here is not official. Check the Whatcom County website for official information and updates.

Cutting off vehicle service from the mainland immediately takes Lummi Island to a more tranquil pace. Roads default to walkers and bicyclers. The occasional car is surely a local. Some people relish the respite, others split on vacation. Commuters grimace. Strange happenings and spontaneous revelries have been known to occur…

Parking at Gooseberry Point

Be familiar with the few places that are authorized for public use. Locations are clearly posted. Tow away zones are regularly enforced. See the official county parking information here.

East of the ferry dock, there is a small lot near the intersection of Haxton Road and Emma Road.

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A patchwork of reserved, handicapped, and general parking spaces are quilted into the dock area. 

South of the dock, parking is authorized along the shore side of Lummi View Drive. Parking spaces begin at about Finkbonner Road and continue almost to Lena Drive.

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Helpful Hints

Fuel up: If you are driving on the island during dry dock, don’t forget to fill your tank while you can. There are no fuel stations on the island. And don’t expect to tote gas cans on the passenger ferry or van – no fuel cans or other highly-flammable items are allowed.

Garbage service continues, but no recycling. SSC keeps a garbage truck on the island for pickups. It will be ripe to leave when it finally makes its way back to the mainland.

Most businesses are open during dry dock, including the Islander and Beach Store Cafe.

Passenger-Only Ferry Schedule

The passenger-only ferry schedule (see here) is slightly different than normal vehicle service. Departure times are still more frequent during weekday commute times and once an hour on weekends.

  • 55 passengers max

  • 6 bicycles max

  • Pets are allowed on the stern of the vessel only

  • Non-motorized wheelchairs only

To weekday passengers using the mainland bus system: be mindful that the dry-dock schedule may not coincide with the bus schedule.