Roughly 80 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, Orcas Island is the largest island in the San Juan archipelago. Natural beauty and outdoor recreation are the obvious reasons to visit — whether for a day trip to Orcas Island or an extended stay — with opportunities ranging from hiking, biking, and horseback riding to kayaking, fishing, and whale watching across the island’s lakes, mountains, forests, and beaches. But there’s no shortage of culture on Orcas Island, either. The island is peppered with adorable towns where you can find art galleries and museums, as well as restaurants that largely specialize in farm-to-table fare.
If you’re a fan of the Airbnb treehouse trend, keep an eye out for the local-famous treehouse Airbnb on Orcas Island that was featured on the Animal Planet TV show Treehouse Masters. Otherwise, take a look at these Airbnbs on Orcas Island to find your dream getaway on one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific Northwest.
We hope you love these Airbnbs on Orcas Island! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Romantic Waterfront House
This one-bedroom home is tucked away in a tranquil neighborhood by the main beach outside of Eastsound, giving guests direct access to a calm bay for swimming and kayaking, plus a quaint town and scenic hiking trails nearby. Between the king-size bed, the fireplace in the living room, the ocean-view kitchen, and the spacious deck for outdoor dining and hot tubbing, this beach house is perfect for a romantic retreat, but there’s also a workspace and surprisingly strong WiFi and cell reception if you’re looking to work from a home away from home. Bigger groups can also make use of the two sofa beds in the living room. Note that while the host recommends guests bring or rent a car to get around the island, garage access is not included.
One bedroom, four guests
Price per night: $332
Sunset Central
Spanning nearly three acres, with stellar views of the Salish Sea both inside and outside, this immaculate three-bedroom house can comfortably accommodate nine people. If your dream Airbnb offers the restfulness of a quiet property but the amenities of a nearby town, you’ll have plenty of space to roam while Eastsound is just a mile and a half away. Home cooks will appreciate the fully stocked kitchen, which not only has everything you need to prepare a five-star meal but also two dishwashers to make cleaning up easy. Past guests have also raved about the local goodies they found awaiting them upon arrival. When you’re not gathered around the farm-style dining table inside, head outside for a meal on the grill-outfitted deck, then relax on the large lawn, by the fire pit, in the hot tub, or on the front porch swing.
Three bedrooms, nine guests
Price per night: $475
Heron Cove Cottage
Talk about swanky. This two-story, one-bedroom cottage was designed by a well-respected artist-architect named James Hubbell, and it shows. The house is full of beautiful details such as wood paneling, stone floors, stained-glass windows, metal sculptures, mosaic tiling, creative light fixtures, and mixed-media artworks that have been incorporated into functional elements including fireplaces and wall sconces. The aesthetic also carries out onto the front patio, upper terrace, and hot tub area of the cottage, which is located in the Eastsound area.
One bedroom, four guests
Price per night: $399
The Captain’s Quarters
Ideal for one or two travelers, the Captain’s Quarters studio is located right by the Deer Harbor Marina, an area on the west side of Orcas Island that’s wedged between two peninsulas and is a short 20-minute drive from the ferry landing. In addition to offering beach and marina access, the space itself has a comfortable bedroom, a cozy living room with a pull-out couch and entertainment ranging from a streaming TV to books and games, and a large deck with a grill and picnic-style seating where you eat in view of the Salish Sea. The kitchen is small but well-stocked, with a dining area that seats four, but there’s plenty of restaurants and groceries in the area to keep you content during your visit, as well.
Studio, two guests
Price per night: $187
The Honey BnB
Guests of this rustic-chic one-bedroom cabin not only have access to a public beach a stone’s throw away but also a private pond where you’re likely to see an array of wildlife, from ducks, herons, kingfishers, and eagles to otters and deer. An even bigger perk for nature lovers is the complementary Discover Pass that guests are given to help aid their exploration of Orcas Island’s state parks. Inside the two-story home, you’ll love the open floor plan with windows facing the pond, as well as french doors to let the air in on hot days. When the temperature dips, cozy up by the wood stove and cook hearty meals using the modern, stainless steel appliances.
One bedroom, two guests
Price per night: $329
Spacious Beachfront Retreat
If you’re planning a family reunion, group retreat, non-traditional bachelorette or bachelor party, or any other big gathering in Orcas Island, this five-bedroom estate in Friday Harbor is the perfect choice, with a main house, guesthouse, and bunkhouse that together can sleep 17 people. The kitchen and dining room can seat 11 people, the hot tub can fit seven people, and there are a ton of amenities on site to keep everyone entertained, from the gym to the library slash game room. You’ll probably spend most of your time, however, especially when you see the spacious patio, complete with a firepit. Firewood is provided in a woodpile behind the bunkhouse, which you can also use for beach bonfires.
Five bedrooms, 17 guests
Price per night: $2,409
Whispering Pines Retreat
This three-bedroom Airbnb in Eastsound was designed with the craftsman aesthetic in mind, from the exposed woodwork to the stained-glass accents, but the open-concept layout has a distinctly modern feel. Active types will enjoy all the outdoor amenities provided, including tennis, badminton, and volleyball gear, as well as bikes and beach supplies for a day on the water. The fully equipped kitchen is outfitted for big breakfasts and all-day snacks to keep you energized, with especially cookware such as a pancake griddle and popcorn maker. Quieter moments are best spent on the large deck or brick patio where you can also eat.
Three bedrooms, six guests
Price per night: $287
Heart House
Occupying a private, nature-filled plot, the three-bedroom Heart House boasts a picturesque ocean view and is conveniently located near Eastsound. The two-story craftsman-style home features a chef’s kitchen, two sunlit decks, a hot tub, a deep soaking tub, a fireplace, and three comfortable beds, including two king-size beds and a queen bed in the downstairs bedroom. The living room is perfect for cozy evenings, complete with a gas fireplace and a smart TV for streaming movies. The downstairs bedroom is also equipped with a desk and chair for remote work. Outdoors, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings on the wrap-around, covered deck or take a dip in the hot tub with forest and water views, perfect for families with pets.
Three bedrooms, six guests
Price per night: $283
One-Stop Island Getaway
Housing a hot tub, a stainless steel barbecue, a billiards table, a ping pong conversion top, and spacious deck, this three-bedroom house is perfect for entertaining. The entire property is luxurious, with king-size beds and quality linens in all three bedrooms, an en-suite and walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and quartz countertops and island seating in the kitchen, which also comes with an espresso machine. Dogs are welcome, so you can bring the whole family, but note that there’s a pet fee and certain requirements that need to be approved.
Three bedrooms, six guests
Price per night: $256
How to get to Orcas Islands
The best way to get to Orcas Island is to take a ferry from Anacortes, Washington, about 80 miles north of Seattle. Anacortes has a ferry terminal with daily departures to Orcas Island. The ferry ride takes approximately an hour and a half and offers beautiful scenic views of the surrounding islands and waterways. Visitors can also fly directly to Orcas Island via seaplane or air taxi. San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air both offer daily flights from Seattle to Orcas Island. 