Roche Harbor Seaplane Base

Roche Harbor, US 🇺🇸 Seaplane Base Scheduled Service

ICAO

W39

IATA

Elevation

- ft

Region

US-WA

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: W39

Local Code: W39

Location: 48.610838° N, -123.16° E

Continent: NA

Type: Seaplane Base

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Travelers flying into Roche Harbor Seaplane Base (W39) generally express high satisfaction, largely due to the scenic and convenient nature of seaplane travel directly to the resort. The experience is often highlighted as an exciting and efficient way to reach San Juan Island, avoiding ferry travel and offering breathtaking aerial views.

What Travelers Love

Scenic Flights: Passengers consistently praise the stunning aerial views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, and the potential to spot orcas en route to Roche Harbor.
Direct Resort Access: Seaplanes land directly in the marina, often described as being "just steps" from accommodations and resort amenities at Roche Harbor Resort. This eliminates the need for further significant ground transportation upon arrival.
Convenience and Efficiency: The seaplane service is valued for its ability to bypass vehicle ferries, offering a quicker and more direct route to San Juan Island.
Personalized Service: Many travelers appreciate the more intimate experience of seaplane travel, with charter options available and pilots often handling multiple roles, from flying to docking.

Common Complaints

Limited Terminal Facilities: W39 is an unattended seaplane base and does not feature a traditional airport terminal with extensive amenities or waiting areas. It functions primarily as a dock for arrivals and departures.
Advance Customs Appointment Required: For international arrivals, travelers must call ahead to make a customs appointment, as it is not a walk-in service.
No Private Seaplane Tie-ups: The marina seaplane base dock is intended for scheduled service and does not have space for private pilots to tie up their aircraft long-term, only for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Boats in Landing Areas: Pilots are advised to be aware of boats in the landing and docking areas, which can require careful maneuvering.

Overall, traveling to Roche Harbor Seaplane Base (W39) by seaplane is highly recommended for those seeking a memorable, efficient, and direct entry to the Roche Harbor Resort and the San Juan Islands, especially for its scenic journey and unparalleled convenience. However, travelers should be aware of the base's minimal facilities and plan for customs appointments if arriving internationally.

Generated True 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.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

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Popular Flight Routes

Routes Not Available: Flight routes are only available for commercial airports. Roche 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 Roche 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
`NE/SW`	5000 ft	1000 ft	WATER	Active
`NW/SE`	2500 ft	500 ft	WATER	Active

Type	Description	Frequency

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Taxis are not stationed at the seaplane base. Service must be arranged in advance by calling one of the island's local taxi companies. Pre-booking is highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season.

Rental Cars

There are no on-site car rental counters. Rental agencies are located primarily in Friday Harbor. Vehicles, mopeds, or scoot-coupes must be reserved in advance, and you will need to coordinate pickup or potential delivery with the rental company.

Public Transportation

San Juan Transit operates a seasonal shuttle bus that connects Roche Harbor with Friday Harbor and other island points of interest. The service typically runs from May to September. The bus stop is a short walk from the seaplane dock. Check their website for current schedules and fares.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.