The Whatcom Chief is Back in Service After Maintenance Outage Delay

Ferry Maintenance Outage Update, 9/20, 3:30 p.m.: The Whatcom Chief is back in service after an extended maintenance outage. Thank you for your patience. 

Ferry Maintenance Outage Update, 9/20, 3:15 p.m.:  The ferry will remain out of ser...

October 11 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The last morning run from the Gooseberry Point ...

Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale Dates Set for 4th Quarter 2023

The fourth quarter Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sales dates for 2023 are:

• Wednesday, October 4
• Wednesday, November 1
• Wednesday, December 6

All punch card sales are from 5:20 am-2:40 pm at the ferry office at the island-side ferry terminal....

Summer Fuel Truck Schedule Change for Lummi Island Ferry

To maximize ferry service to Lummi Island this summer, we will limit propane and fuel deliveries in July, August, and September. During these months, we will welcome propane and fuel trucks on Thursdays only. This change is in effect from July 1-September...

Lummi Island Ferry to Return to Service on May 21

The Lummi Island Ferry, the Whatcom Chief, is scheduled to return to full service on Sunday, May 21, 2023. This planned return to service date is contingent upon completing the remaining shipyard repairs and sea trials. If the date should change, we will ...

Dry Dock Update from the Senior Master, Rich Hudson

Dry Dock Update from the Senior Master, Rich Hudson

Repairs and maintenance of the Whatcom Chief are ongoing and are on schedule. At this time, we expect the Whatcom Chief to return to full service on Sunday, May 21st. If that should change, we will send o...

Ferry Passengers Should Use Caution on Ramps During Dry Dock Low Tides

Lower than normal spring tides will cause steep inclines on the ferry ramps over several days of dry dock. As a result, some passengers may need help boarding the passenger ferry. Please do ask for assistance if you need it—crew members are read...

2023 Whatcom Chief Dry Dock Schedule & Services

THE CHANGEOVER:

The Whatcom Chief will depart for dry dock on Saturday, April 29, 2023.  The ferry is anticipated to return to full service on Sunday, May 21, 2023. The return date is subject to change depending on the work required in t...

Save the Dates: Whatcom Chief 2023 Dry Dock Outage April 29 – May 20

The Whatcom Chief’s annual dry dock outage is scheduled for Saturday, April 29 – Saturday, May 20, 2023. These dates are tentative and subject to change. The Dry Dock webpage will be updated as more information becomes available (it cu...

Proposed State Transportation Budget Would Benefit Lummi Island Ferry System

The proposed "Move Ahead Washington" transportation investment package is a positive step for the Lummi Island Ferry System. 

On Tuesday, February 8, the chairs of the Washington State Senate and House Transportation Committees introduce...

Lummi Island Ferry Info Booth A Success

A big thank you to everyone who came out to our booth at the Lummi Island Saturday Market last weekend! Representatives from Whatcom County Public Works, Elliott Bay Design Group (our consultant on the new ferry’s design), County Council Represe...

How to calculate Lummi Island ferry fares for motor homes and similar recreational vehicles

Summertime means travel time, and we want to take a moment to remind our ferry riders of the fare policy for buses, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and motorhomes.

• If you drive a recreational vehicle, bus, or motorhome, your vehicle’s far...

Public Works Reopening Guidance for Lummi Island Residents

Public Works offices will reopen to the public by appointment only on Wednesday, June 30, when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted state wide. Reopening our public buildings will be done gradually, and this is the first step in that process. We thank you in ...

Ferry Increased Weight Limits for Personal Vehicles on Jan. 1

On January 1, 2021, the Ferry Division increased the maximum gross vehicle weight for personal vehicles on the Whatcom Chief from 8,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs. The increased weight limit applies to all $13 single ride round trips, and all multi-ride punch card...

Final COVID-19 Passenger Only Ferry Use Policy Available Online

Whatcom County Public Works appreciates everyone who took the time to make public comment on our passenger-only ferry and shuttle van COVID-19 policy while it was in draft form. We have made some modifications and published a final policy document on our ...