Maritime Transportation

Boats have always been an integral part of life on Bainbridge Island.

Prior to the 1870s and even today, people travel to and from Bainbridge Island in small, privately owned canoes, sailboats, rowboats, and other seaworthy vessels.

In the late 1800s, large sailing ships transported people and goods in and out of the Island’s busy harbors. By the early 1900s, a network of steamships made regular stops at docks around the Island.

Since 1923, auto ferries have been providing regular service from Seattle to Bainbridge Island – first to Port Blakely and then to the current Eagle Harbor dock since 1937. Today, it’s one of the busiest ferry routes in the country.