"It is still the embrace of the Salish Sea that ties our islands together."
By Laura Hilton
For residents of Whidbey and Camano Islands, the Salish Sea is our gateway to home. Every islander knows the sigh of relief when you pass back over your bridge or ferry, calmness returning with the marine air. We crave a coastline, and feel better with the sound of waves in our ears. The embrace of the Salish Sea is what ties our neighboring islands together, and defines our communities.
"Today, these waters are still an essential part of life for islanders. "
The Easy Island
The gateway to Camano is a quick bridge, making it “The Easy Island”, and means that the island community is more closely connected with their mainland neighbors in Stanwood. Because Stanwood is in a different county though, this past year has been a very hard one for the two communities who share so much, with public health guidelines sometimes different on each side of the bridge. The Salish Sea connects those neighbors too, and they are thrilled to be one society again.
Deception Pass Bridge
On the north end of Whidbey Island, the show stopping Deception Pass Bridge remains iconic as ever. With a fresh coat of paint, and a clean bill of maintenance health, it’s ready for another busy season. The surging waters of this region will soon be full of Spring life, as another whale migration begins. Happy campers will return to the shores of the State Park with the sunshine.
Shop the Stores of the Salish Sea
Honey Bear
Harbor Gifts on the Wharf
The Beach House
Aqua Gifts
Wind and Tide Bookshop
Healthy Pet, The
"This area is famous as one of the best places to fish for salmon in North America."
Favorite Beaches
Our Best Beach This Month – Iverson Spit and Livingston Bay
Our Best Beach This Month – Driftwood Park
Our Best Beach This Month – Fort Ebey State Park
Our Best Beach This Month – Seawall Park
How to Spend the Day and Night at Whidbey Island’s Fort Casey
Visit Whidbey & Camano Islands
Pet-Friendly Beaches
It may be our furry family members who love the beach best of all, making Double Bluff Beach in Freeland a popular choice for an off-leash destination. To avoid bringing the beach home with you, stop in at The Healthy Pet nearby and take advantage of their self-service dog wash station. Or pick up a ball chucker at Island Pet in Oak Harbor, sure to tire Fido out. If you’d like to make a weekend of it, there are several dog friendly inns available. Freeland’s Harbor Inn, the Best Western in Oak Harbor, and the Coupeville Inn are all happy to host pets, just to name a few.
Shop the Stores of the Salish Sea
Star Store
Forgotten Treasures
Elger Bay Grocery and Gifts
On the Water
Boats Afloat 2 offers tours from Camano Island
Kayakers the world over are drawn to these incredible shorelines. No need to invest though, you can simply rent a kayak for the afternoon at Penn Cove Outfitters, on the historic wharf in Coupeville. Or Whidbey Island Kayaking at the Langley Marina: offering rentals, instruction, and guided tours. They also host a guided beach walk, where you may discover you’ve been walking past interesting treasures for years! Right next door is the Boatyard Inn, with spectacular studios overlooking the Sound and southern tip of Camano. If you’d like to get on the water but not under your own steam, there are wonderful boat tours available on both islands. Take a scenic cruise or go on a crabbing adventure with BoatsAfloat 2 on Camano; explore the thrilling waters under the famous bridge or go whale watching with Deception Pass Tours.
Everyone knows the benefit of green spaces and how they soothe the psyche, but to islanders the blue spaces are just as important. We treasure our nearness to the sea, and are always looking for new ways to connect with our coastal environment. For more information about how you can protect this precious habitat we share, reach out to Sound Water Stewards, always looking to the future.
Sailing on Penn Cove
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