Boat Launches Now Open!

It’s that time of the year again! April 22nd marks the start of the 2023 summer boating season for the Whatcom Boat Inspection Program. Aquatic Invasive Species Program staff will be conducting watercraft inspections and decontaminations at four sites in the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish Watershed. Our season schedule is as follows:

Bloedel Donovan : (7 days a Week) April 22nd – Sept 30th 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM

Samish Boat Launch: (7 days a week) April 22nd – Sept 30th: 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM

South Bay Boat Launch:  (Weekends/Holidays Only) April 22nd – August 20th: 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM

Sudden Valley:  (Weekends/ Holidays Only) May 6th – Mid September: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Permits can be purchased with a Debit/Credit Card at all inspection sites. *For the safety of our staff, Cash is not accepted at any of the launches. All Cash and Check purchases will have to be made in advance at the City of Bellingham Finance Office at City Hall*

Click here for AIS Permit pricing and to be directed to our online prepayment system. Don’t forget to take our AIS Awareness Course to receive a coupon code for a $10 discount on each of your Annual Permits (3-day Passes and Visitors Passes are not subject to a discount)

Call the Whatcom Boat Inspection Program at (360) 778-7975 to confirm hours or to schedule an on-site appointment.

We are excited to kick off the 2023 Boating Season. Please remember to clean, drain, and dry your boats and gear to protect our local lakes!