Deception Pass Tours by Boat
Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island (May 2008)
Deception Pass Tours is a fun new tour option in Deception Pass State Park, and is the result of a partnership between a private tour operator and the park. It's a great way to see the Deception Pass Bridge as it passes 180 feet above your head, plus get a close-up view of Ben Ure Island, Pass Island, Canoe Pass, and Deception Pass. It also continues out on a windy ride into Puget Sound to see the Olympic Mountains and San Juan Islands in the distance, plus the west side of the park as viewed from the water.
The ride is narrated with interesting history and good natured corny jokes. A mine cave in the south cliff walls of the pass was later used as a prison. Several notorious and rather rough characters illegally smuggled Chinese immigrants to Ben Ure Island for local labor. And the bridge itself cost more to paint in the 1980s than it did to construct in 1935.
The fast moving tidal currents through the pass were interesting to experience, requiring the captain to gun the motor through the pass to get through in a straight line. We saw a baby seal, eagle nest, and other wildlife. Good stuff.
To get on the boat tour, reservations are recommended during busy summer months. Tickets can be obtained at the new information trailer in the parking lot on the south/Whidbey side of Deception Pass Bridge. From there, you drive a few miles and board at the public dock in Cornet Bay.
Heading out into Cornet Bay with view of Mt Baker
Deception Pass Tours on boat approaching Canoe Pass and Pass Island
Pass Island and Deception Pass Bridge in Deception Pass State Park
West side of Deception Pass Bridge above Canoe Pass, between Fidalgo Island and Pass Island
West side of Deception Pass Bridge, looking east between Pass Island and Whidbey Island
Underneath Deception Pass Bridge, looking at Whidbey Island