Decatur Island is one of the larger “non-ferry” islands—so called because the State Ferries don’t serve the island. Instead, residents and visitors use their own boats and aircraft, the two smaller private ferries that make several trips daily (Paraclete and Island Express), and flights operated by Island Air.

There are several different communities on the island, as well as a number of homes not part of any one of these. One community—Decatur Shores—owns the airstrip and a dock on Read’s Bay, on the west side of the island. Whitecliff owners can use these facilities by virtue of our ownership of lots in Decatur Shores.

Access by boat is also possible via the County ramp on Davis Bay on the east side of the island. A barge (Island Transporter) runs frequently to this location from Anacortes (Skyline Marina). It’s easy to arrange transport for cars or trucks, and this is the way to bring major loads (such as building materials) or vehicles to the island.

Power is supplied by Orcas Power and Light (Opalco) and phone service by CenturyLink. DSL broadband is available through CenturyLink and owners who use it say it’s fast and reliable.