Jetty Island ferry resumes July 5

Bring sunscreen, a snack and the kids. Everett's Jetty Island opens July 5.

The 2-mile-long man-made island feels like a faraway beach but is only minutes from North Everett, said Barry Martin, Everett's parks-and-recreation coordinator.

Constructed at the end of the 19th century as a breakwater for a deep-water port, the jetty was built up over time with sand dredged from the Snohomish River, Martin said.

Now the jetty is best known for its unusually warm water, sandy beaches and kite boarding, a sport like windsurfing but utilizing a kite instead of a sail.

Jetty Island, technically, is open all year, but ferry service from the 10th Street Boat Launch at 10th and West Marine View Drive is available only for a couple of months during summer.

This year, the 22nd year for Everett's Jetty Island program, ferry service will run Wednesday through Sunday, July 5 through Sept. 3. The ferry is free, though Everett residents can make reservations for parties of 12 or more, Martin said.

There are events and programs planned throughout summer as part of the Jetty Island season, Martin said. The first day, for example, Everett has hired a sand sculptor to build a work of art on the island.

There's also a "discovery hut" that has a live video feed from a camera trained on an osprey nest on the island. From the hut, visitors will be able to watch the osprey chicks grow and possibly take their first flights, Martin said.

There also will be a kite day, sandcastle contest and scavenger hunt for garbage at the end of summer, Martin said.

On Sundays, there will be a free, hourlong harbor cruise using the Jetty Island ferry that will begin at 10 a.m., Martin said. It'll be an opportunity to get a different perspective on Everett, check out sea lions and see other harbor sights.

The island has some rules: Dogs, alcohol, overnight camping and glass bottles aren't allowed, and fires are permitted only in the provided fire pits.

There's no lifeguard, so swimming is done at your own risk.

Along with sunscreen, visitors are advised to bring something to wear if it gets cool.

Brian Alexander: 425-745-7845 or balexander@seattletimes.com