Where are your homes located?

We offer rentals on two different islands, Orcas Island and San Juan Island. 1) Once In A Blue Moon Farm is an inland 35 acre estate property on Orcas Island. 2) Sleeping Sea Waterfront Guest House is a 1 acre waterfront property, also on Orcas Island. 3) The San Juan Island House is located in the town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. An interisland ferry service operates between the three main islands, Lopez, Orcas and San Juan.

How do I get to the San Juan Islands?

The Islands are located about 100 miles north of Seattle, WA. They are accessed by ferry or air. The closest major airport is Sea-Tac. Most people choose to rent a car in Seattle and drive north to the ferry terminal at Anacortes, WA. The entire trip, including ferry ride takes 3-4 hours. There is also charter plane service, leaving from Boeing Field or Lake Union in Seattle. The flight takes about one hour.

Can I make a reservation for the ferry?

NO: The San Juan Islands- Anacortes ferry runs on a "first come first served basis." During the peak summer months, weekends, and holidays the ferry lineups can get quite long. It is recommended you arrive one or two hours before the sailing of your choice is scheduled to depart.

Do I need a car?

YES. A car is a must for touring the islands. Bicycling is possible for experienced riders, but due to hilly terrain and narrow roads, we do not recommend this for families with young children. Public transportation options are quite limited.

What services are on the islands?

Orcas Island and San Juan Island have town centers with all necessary services. Friday Harbor is the largest town in the San Juan Islands and has numerous stores and two major supermarkets. The San Juan Island house is located a short walk from the Friday Harbor town center and the ferry landing.

Eastsound Village is the small commercial center of Orcas Island, containing most of the shops, restaurants and the main market for the island. It is located about 7 miles from the ferry landing. Sleeping Sea's Waterfront Suites are only 1.5 miles from Eastsound Village. Once in a Blue Moon Farm is about 6 miles from Eastsound Village.

Am I going to see any whales?

There are resident and transient orca whales as well as lots of other marine life around the islands. They are frequently spotted on the Western shores of San Juan Island. Lime Kiln State Park is an excellent land based watching point where you can actually get closer to the whales than tour boats are legally allowed. These majestic whales are endangered and protected. We recommend land based whale watching out of respect for the whales.

Can I bring my pet?

YES: We do allow pets, but not in all of our rentals. Be sure to let us know during the booking process that you will be bringing your pet along for the vacation. There is an additional pet fee.

Do you have WiFi available?

YES: All of our rentals have access to complimentary WiFi inside your unit except for at Once In A Blue Moon Farm. On the farm we have a WiFi Hotzone with tables and chairs you may use. Your mobile 3G may not work in all areas of the San Juan Islands. Also, cell phone service is spotty in general.

Why do I have to dispose of my own garbage?

The San Juan Islands are facing a waste disposal crisis. Soon we will only have one transfer station for four islands and all garbage must then be transported to the mainland. Due to the high cost and extensive amount of time involved in disposing garbage from multiple rentals, we charge an extra fee for waste removal, but still prefer that you dispose of it yourself. Since we compost all food waste, this helps alleviate garbage costs and is better for the environment (as well as making our chickens very happy!) We place a compost bin in each of our homes, which we will collect for you free of charge.

Are there other charges in addition to the rent?

YES: Local taxes, a cleaning fee, a refundable security deposit, waste removal (if you choose not to remove your own trash), and a pet fee if your canine companion is joining you. Please see our policies for more details.

What happens if my kid uses their artistic talent to draw a mural on the wall?

You are responsible for any and all damages to the home or unit from the time you check-in until you check-out.