WA Ferry Tracker › A FerryRez alternative for WSF reservation alerts
🔔 Set up a free WhatsApp alertIf a Washington State Ferries sailing is sold out, a reservation alert tool can watch it for you and tell you when space reappears. Two independent options are FerryRez and WA Ferry Tracker (this site). Neither is affiliated with WSF or WSDOT, and neither books, holds or resells reservations; you always book on the official WSF site. This page compares them based on what each one publishes about itself. We are not trying to talk FerryRez down. It is a solid service, and some people will prefer it.
At a glance
| WA Ferry Tracker | FerryRez | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| How you get alerts | WhatsApp message | Email, Pushover, or iPhone app push (per its help page) |
| Need to install an app? | No. Works in any browser; alerts arrive in WhatsApp | Web account; iPhone app recommended for priority push. Android is listed as on the roadmap |
| Sign-up | WhatsApp number + 4-digit code, open to anyone | Account registration. The App Store listing says it is invite-only and needs a code from a current member |
| Routes | Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville (Sidney BC listed for when WSF restores it) | WSF reservation routes |
| Live space view | Public page shows today's San Juan reservation space | Route search and availability after login |
| Apple Watch | No | Yes |
| Ferry guides | Yes, free guides on routes, terminals, holidays and sold-out sailings | Help/FAQ page |
FerryRez details are from ferryrez.com, its help page and its App Store listing as of November 2026. Check their site for current features.
When WA Ferry Tracker is the better fit
- You use Android, or a mix of phones in your family. WhatsApp works the same on Android, iPhone and desktop.
- You do not have an invite code. Anyone with a WhatsApp number can sign in.
- You do not want another app. WhatsApp is probably already on your phone, and its notifications are hard to miss.
- You are traveling from outside the US. Sign-in supports international WhatsApp numbers, which helps visitors from Canada, the UK, India and elsewhere.
- You want to see today's space before signing up. The home page shows reservation space for Anacortes ⇄ Orcas, Friday Harbor, Lopez and Shaw without an account.
When FerryRez may fit better
- You are an iPhone user who wants native push notifications that break through Focus modes, or you want an Apple Watch app.
- You prefer email or Pushover over WhatsApp.
- You already have an invite from a friend who uses it.
Nothing stops you from using both. More alert channels mean a better chance of seeing a cancellation first.
How WSF reservation space opens, whichever tool you use
On Anacortes/San Juan Islands, WSF releases 30% of standard space about two months before the season (10 a.m. Pacific), another 30% two weeks before each sailing and the final 30% two days before, both at 7 a.m. Pacific. About 10% is held for stand-by. On Port Townsend/Coupeville, 80% opens at the seasonal release and 20% is held for stand-by. Cancellations add space at random times on both routes. An alert tool mostly helps you catch those random openings.
Route-specific details: San Juan Islands alerts · Port Townsend–Coupeville alerts.
🔔 Set up a free WhatsApp alertFAQ
Is there a free alternative to FerryRez?
Yes. WA Ferry Tracker is free, sends WSF reservation alerts on WhatsApp, works in any browser and does not need an invite code.
Does WA Ferry Tracker work on Android?
Yes. Alerts arrive on WhatsApp, which works on Android, iPhone and desktop.
Is WA Ferry Tracker affiliated with FerryRez or WSF?
No. It is an independent tool, not affiliated with FerryRez, Washington State Ferries or WSDOT.
Can I use both FerryRez and WA Ferry Tracker?
Yes. Using more than one alert channel can improve your chances of catching a cancellation.
Sources
Independent guide, not affiliated with Washington State Ferries or WSDOT. Rules change by season, so confirm on wsdot.wa.gov before you travel. Last updated November 3, 2026.