Roche Harbor Airport: A portal to the San Juans
Introduction
Welcome to Roche Harbor Airport (IATA: RCE), a scenic seaplane base at the heart of Washington State's San Juan Islands and your key access point to this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. If your trip is a scenic flight, quick day excursion, or extended stay, this airport provides an absolutely unique and memorable travel experience.
Airlines and Destinations
Roche Harbor Airport is considered a seaplane base, and as such, it does not provide scheduled airlines at this airport. It is served by a number of private charter and sightseeing companies, including NW Seaplanes, which offers seasonal flights to/from Seattle, Friday Harbor, and other nearby islands.
Passenger Flights
Though passenger and flight numbers are not specific, Roche Harbor Airport has a consistent flow of private and charter aircraft all year round for passengers who travel, whether for leisure or business. The airport is small and caters to seaplanes, making it more intimate.
How to Get Here
Even traveling to Roche Harbor Airport is a scenic journey. The best option is to fly in, as the major airports are close by, like Kenmore or Lake Union in Seattle. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Friday Harbor Airport and then drive over, which takes just 18 minutes from the airport.
Parking
No other dedicated parking facilities are available at Roche Harbor Airport. The Roche Harbor Resort offers plenty of parking options, from short to long term. Guests are encouraged to arrange parking upon check-in with the resort.
Transportation Prices
Transportation to and from Roche Harbor Airport can be provided as a service by, or on behalf of, Island Airways. Seaplane flight prices usually start at $100 per person and range from there up to around $300, depending on where you are coming from and how many of you! Optional ground transfers, such as taxis or shuttles, may be available at an increased cost.
Terminal Layout
The airport is small, with a single terminal building serving seaplane operations. The terminal includes a pilot's lounge, restrooms, and seating for passengers. They aim to offer a hassle-free boarding experience for the seaplane flights.
Navigate the Airport
Roche Harbor Airport for piloting purposes is relatively easy to navigate. Passengers can check into the terminal building upon arrival, then head straight to the seaplane docks for boarding. Being a small, concrete airport, it is easy for travelers to get around, and other services are close at hand.
Getting Between Terminals
Roche Harbor is a one-terminal airport, so there are no terminals to wander back and forth between. Passengers just make their way from the terminal building to the seaplane docks for outgoing flights.
Services and Amenities
Roche Harbor Airport has limited services and amenities, but its primary focus is on seaplane operations rather than air taxi. The satellite terminal building provides a passenger waiting area, toilet facilities, and a pilot's lounge. Passengers can also relax on shore at the nearby Roche Harbor Resort, which features a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as numerous recreational opportunities.
Restaurants and Shops
Roche Harbor Airport does not have any on-site restaurants or retail, but Roche Harbor Resort and the surrounding area feature several services. Guests can delight in dockside dining at the resort's three on-site restaurants, offering unique culinary experiences that spotlight fresh regional fare.
Security and Customs
Being a seaplane-only base, Roche Harbor Airport does not have the same security and customs rules as larger commercial airports. It is the responsibility of passengers to make sure they have all travel documents and fulfill any requirements that depend on the flight (destination, age, nationality).
Accessibility
Roche Harbor Airport provides accessibility services for all travelers. Passengers with disabilities are well catered for, from the terminal building to the seaplane docks, and an on-island team is trained in assisting guests who have special requirements.
Travel Tips
Top tips for visiting Roche Harbor Airport
Plan your own visit to the cool little island over here with these handy hints.
- If possible, reserve your flights for off-peak times since this is one of the ways you can ensure that there are fewer crowds and a more stress-free journey.
- Be aware of the layout and services it offers to avoid any hassle while transiting through the airport.
Take only what you will need during a seaplane boarding and the unusual way to get there.
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