Friday Harbor Seaplane Base (FBS)

Friday Harbor, US 🇺🇸 Seaplane Base Scheduled Service

ICAO

W33

IATA

FBS

Elevation

- ft

Region

US-WA

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: W33

Local Code: W33

Location: 48.5373° N, -123.010002° E

Continent: NA

Type: Seaplane Base

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Traveling to Friday Harbor Seaplane Base (W33 (FBS)) generally elicits a highly positive sentiment from travelers, largely due to the stunning scenic flights and the expediency of reaching the San Juan Islands. While information on the physical terminal facilities at Friday Harbor is limited, the experience of arriving directly into the vibrant downtown area is consistently lauded.

What Travelers Love

Scenic Flights & Breathtaking Views: Travelers consistently praise the panoramic views of the Puget Sound, Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and the San Juan Islands themselves, describing the journey as a highlight of their trip.
Efficiency and Speed: Seaplane travel is significantly faster than ferry rides, offering the quickest connection to Friday Harbor, especially from the Seattle area.
Convenient Downtown Access: The seaplanes dock directly at the Port of Friday Harbor Marina, allowing passengers to walk off the pier into the heart of downtown, close to shops, museums, and restaurants.
Streamlined Customs (International Arrivals): For international arrivals, customs officials meet passengers directly at the dock for efficient processing.
Personalized Customer Service: Some operators, like Friday Harbor Seaplanes, highlight their personalized customer service as a key aspect of their family-owned business.

Common Complaints

Limited On-Site Terminal Facilities: The Friday Harbor Seaplane Base appears to function more as a dock at the marina rather than a full terminal with extensive facilities, unlike the more equipped Renton terminal used by some operators.
Baggage Restrictions: Due to the nature of seaplane travel, passengers typically face baggage weight restrictions, often around 35 pounds per person, with excess baggage subject to additional charges and space availability.
Small Aircraft Size: For nervous flyers, the small size of the seaplanes can be a point of anxiety, though many reviews emphasize the safety and unique experience.
Seasonal Operations: Scheduled flights from Seattle to Friday Harbor are typically seasonal, operating from May through early to mid-October.

Overall, traveling to Friday Harbor via seaplane offers a unique and highly recommended experience for its incredible views and convenience, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing an efficient and memorable journey to the San Juan Islands. Travelers should be mindful of baggage limits and note that the on-site amenities at the Friday Harbor Seaplane Base are minimal, with the main "terminal experience" often occurring at departure points like Renton.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

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Popular Flight Routes

Routes Not Available: Flight routes are only available for commercial airports. Friday Harbor Seaplane Base is classified as a seaplane base.

0 destinations displayed

Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
Route Data Not Loaded Get fresh route data for Friday Harbor Seaplane Base from FlightAware API Last updated: 1 week, 1 day ago This will fetch real-time data including recent departures and scheduled flights

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`03/21`	10000 ft	2000 ft	WATER	Active
`12/30`	6000 ft	1000 ft	WATER	Active

Type	Description	Frequency

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Several local taxi companies, such as Bob's Taxi and San Juan Taxi, serve the island. They can be called for pickup directly at the seaplane dock or found waiting near the ferry terminal, which is a very short walk away.

Rental Cars

Car rental agencies like M&W Auto are located within the town of Friday Harbor, a short walk from the seaplane base. It is highly recommended to reserve a vehicle in advance, especially during peak season. Mopeds and 'scoot coupes' are also popular rental options.

Public Transportation

San Juan Transit operates seasonal shuttle buses that connect Friday Harbor with other key island destinations, including Roche Harbor and Lime Kiln Point State Park. The main shuttle stop is located near the ferry terminal, a brief walk from the seaplane dock.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.