The Marinas of Skagit County: Anchors of Economic Growth

La Conner Marina: A Vibrant Hub for Work and Play

The La Conner Marina, located in the charming town of La Conner, offers a unique blend of recreational and commercial amenities that support a thriving community. According to Linda Tyler, communications director at the Port of Skagit, “La Conner Marina offers more than 2,000 linear feet of guest docks, nearly 500 slips for permanent moorage, and commercial docks within 20+ acres of two separate moorage basins.”

Tyler elaborates, "The RV Park is open year-round, with back-in, pull-through, and premium sites available. The marina offers golf cart rides into town and back during the summer months for guests staying on the docks or in the RV park. Other amenities include public restrooms, showers, laundry, key fob security, contactless payment kiosks, parking, fuel dock, propane, storage units, free Wi-Fi, and special rates for large groups and yacht club reciprocals."

La Conner Marina is committed to environmental stewardship and has maintained a Clean Marina Washington program certification since 2009. Looking ahead, the marina plans to redevelop its central core commercial area and expand community waterfront access along the Swinomish Channel, enhancing its appeal as a work-play destination.

Economic Impact of La Conner Marina

The La Conner Marina is a cornerstone of Skagit County's maritime industry, significantly contributing to the local economy through job creation, business revenue, and tourism. Tyler highlights, "Several successful boat manufacturers are located on the property, building various vessels ranging from commercial workboats to sport yachts to passenger ferries for the San Francisco Bay ferry system. Many of our marine manufacturers are looking to expand, so the Port is pursuing a marine industrial launch to support the targeted growth and needs of our local and regional maritime industry."

A 2022 economic impact study by BST Associates provides a detailed assessment:

• Direct Impacts:
  • Jobs: 503
  • Income: $24.9 million
  • Business revenue: $78.9 million
• Total Impacts in Skagit County:
  • Jobs: 619
  • Income: $31.2 million
• Total Impacts in Washington State:
  • Jobs: 741
  • Income: $42.2 million.

Boater Support and Community Engagement

La Conner Marina is well-equipped to cater to residents and visiting boaters. Tyler explains, "There are several marine trade businesses located at the La Conner Marina, providing a wide range of services to recreational and commercial boaters. Boat servicing, repairs and sales are on-site and in a full-service boat yard. Other marine-related services include haul out, jib crane, dry boat storage, fuel, propane, pump out facilities, canvas work, custom fabrication, paint and fiberglass, detailing, marine electrical systems and equipment, woodworking, and boat maintenance."

The marina also partners with local organizations to host events that attract tourists and boost the local economy. Notable events include the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Daffodil Festival, the Classic Boat & Car Show, the Guitar Festival, the Tidewater Boil, the Skagit Farm to Pint FEST, the Lighted Boat Parade and the La Conner Summer Concert Series.

The Port of Skagit collaborates with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the Swinomish Channel maintains a safe, navigable depth by advocating for federal funding for channel dredging every five years.

Cap Sante Marina: A Gateway to Adventure

Located in Fidalgo Bay near Cap Sante Head, Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes is another jewel of Skagit County. Its strategic location provides easy access to the boating waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, making it an ideal base for exploring the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Operated by the Port of Anacortes, this award-winning marina features a wide variety of world-class amenities and is just steps from historic downtown Anacortes. With 1,000 slips, including over 115 dedicated guest slips, it attracts a core group of moorage customers and visitors alike who take full advantage of the marina’s central location. Guests are just a short walk to downtown’s vibrant food and shopping scene, scenic trails and public amenities like Seafarers' Memorial Park and the newly redeveloped Cap Sante Marina RV Park.

Drawing thousands of visitors from across the country each year, Cap Sante Marina plays a vital role in supporting the community’s economy. A 2021 study by McKinley Research Group, LLC, reveals that guest boater activity at the marina generates significant economic benefits, including job creation and support for local businesses. The study outlines the following key impacts:

•    Over 23,000 visitors annually
•    $12 million in local spending
•    70 marine trade jobs and $3.3 million in labor income
•    Nine out of ten guest boaters visit downtown Anacortes

Additionally, Cap Sante Marina is home to T-Dock, a low-cost and publicly accessible dock that is key in facilitating economic activity. As the only facility of its type on Fidalgo Island, T Dock is central to Anacortes' maritime economy, supporting jobs, industry, Tribal fisheries and more. It supports 80% of the seafood landings in Anacortes, six local tribes, dozens of direct jobs and $14 million in annual economic benefits. 

Serving a wide variety of permanent moorage customers, visitors and businesses, Cap Sante Marina has earned widespread recognition for its exceptional customer service. In 2022, the Port received Marina Dock Age’s award for customer service, and the marina has been repeatedly voted Anacortes' Best Moorage Facility. These accolades are a vital part of what continues to draw thousands of visitors to the marina year after year.

The marinas of Skagit County, notably La Conner Marina and Cap Sante Marina, play a pivotal role in the region's economic development. They generate substantial employment, support local businesses and attract tourists, contributing significantly to the county's economic vitality. As these marinas continue to evolve and expand, their impact on Skagit County's economy is poised to grow, anchoring the region's maritime and tourism industries for years.