The Whatcom Chief will be out of service for dry dock repairs and maintenance starting the morning of Saturday, Sept. 12, and is expected to return to service the evening of Saturday, Oct. 3. The return date is tentative and subject to change; additional information will be provided closer to the return to service date.

Please contact Whatcom County Public Works Administration with questions or concerns at 360-778-6200 or email [email protected].  Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the annual dry dock maintenance period.

What to Expect on Saturday, Sept. 12:

• The Whatcom Chief will provide an early first run at 6:00 a.m.
• The ferry will make continuous trips between the island and the mainland before going out of service for dry dock.
• The last two departures of the Whatcom Chief will be:
  • 10:00 a.m. from Lummi Island to Gooseberry Point.
  • 10:10 a.m. from Gooseberry Point to Lummi Island.
• Due to the complex nature of the dry dock switchover, no additional runs will be made to clear the docks after the last posted departure time. Please plan accordingly.
• Service with the contracted passenger-only ferry will start at 6:00 p.m. from Lummi Island.
  

Passenger-Only Ferry Rules and Procedures:

• Copies of the passenger-only ferry schedule will be available soon at www.whatcomcounty.us/ferry.
• The contracted passenger-only ferry wil provide service between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point.
• Pets and bicycles are allowed on the stern of the vessel only. 
  • Owners are responsible for their pet’s actions.
  • Bicycles will load last. The maximum number of bicycles allowed on the passenger ferry at one time is six.
• The passenger only ferry can only accept non-motorized wheelchairs as motorized wheelchairs are too wide to pass through the opening in the bulwarks of the passenger ferry.
• All state and local COVID-19 preventions and precautions will be in place. This includes:
• Only 55 passengers are allowed at any given time.
• Face coverings are required at all times.
• COVID-19 prevention measures are subject to change with little or no notice if state mandates, health officer directives, or other government policies change. The pandemic continues to evolve in our area. The Lummi Island Ferry staff will communicate any changes as they occur.

Vehicle Parking Rules:

• Vehicle parking is available in existing designated areas and information will be posted at Gooseberry Point and at www.whatcomcounty.us/ferry. Please comply by parking in designated/posted areas only.  A vehicle parking map will be provided separately.
• Vehicles parked in unauthorized or undesignated areas will be towed at owner’s expense. No exceptions.
• The vehicle parking plan will be posted soon at www.whatcomcounty.us/ferry.

Passenger Shuttle Van Service:

• Shuttle van service on Lummi Island will be provided while the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock. 
• Shuttle service will begin the morning of Friday, September 11.
• Due to social distancing, only 15 passengers are allowed on the van at any given time.
• Passengers are required to wear face coverings while in the van
• The shuttle van must meet a very tight schedule.  Please be at the shuttle stop early.
• No pets or bicycles are allowed in the shuttle. No exceptions.
• Copies of the shuttle schedule, including the pickup route, will be posted soon at www.whatcomcounty.us/ferry.