When is the Nautical Treasure Hunt?

April 19 – 28, 2024

8:00a.m. – 8:00p.m. in Public Spaces

Regular Business hours in Business Sites

Do I need to check-in or register somewhere?

Yes, all treasure hunters should check-in on our website:

https://www.anacortesartsfestival.com/anacortesnauticaltreasurehunt

Is there a cost to hunt?

No, it is free for all ages!

Is there a strategy I should employ?

Much like any treasure hunt, it comes down to right place, right time and a lot of luck! Enjoy being out on an adventure and maybe a little luck will come your way!

How does this treasure hunt work?

Every day of the treasure hunt, there will be at least 10 plastic prize balls hidden in parks and businesses in Anacortes. The plastic prize balls will have a certificate in them telling you how to exchange for a prize from one of our participating artists. Please visit https://www.anacortesartsfestival.com/anacortesnauticaltreasurehunt to download a program, which includes a map of the locations.

Where can I get a program/map?

You can find the program which includes a map at any of the participating businesses, the Visitor’s Information Center in town, or download one online. Please visit:

https://www.anacortesartsfestival.com/anacortesnauticaltreasurehunt

What if I find the prize ball and none of the exchange sites are open?

If you live in Skagit County, we ask you to view the exchange site hours and come back at that time.

If you live outside of Skagit County, please contact us at: events@anacortesartsfestival.com.

How many nautical art treasures am I allowed to claim?

Just one nautical art treasure per year, per person please.

How well are the plastic prize balls hidden?

To make it more exciting, hopefully they are hidden well. However, to make sure that we aren’t disturbing business displays and Mother Nature, at least one quarter of the prize ball will be visible without you moving anything.

How do I know if prize balls have been found?

That’s a part of the fun – you won’t! We will post pictures on our social media as treasure hunters find their art treasure, however, there won’t be daily updates on the number of prize balls still out there.

How long does it take?

Plan to spend as much time as you have available to explore our local businesses and parks. There is so much to see and do in Anacortes. There is no time, however, if you are really on the hunt and haven’t found a prize ball in a certain location after 15 – 20 minutes, it might be time to move to a new site. Or to grab something to eat at one of our fabulous restaurants.

What are the rules?

We want this to be a fun event for you and the participating businesses so please abide by the following Rules:

1. BE RESPECTFUL – Businesses have opened their stores to you for this event – please abide by their signs and policies. Shop and perhaps and purchase something while you are there!This also goes for the parks and beach sites – respect nature and stay on the trails. DO NOT hit or poke at the vegetation!

2. DON’T ASK – respect the “Thrill of the Hunt.” Businesses have taken an oath not to share if prize balls have been found; please don’t ask them if it has!

3. USE YOUR EYES ONLY – prize balls may be camouflaged but you should not need to move merchandise OR items in nature to find t.

4. Time’s Up – if you have not found a prize ball within 15-20 min. in a store it is probably time to move on. Come back tomorrow and try again.

5. ONE PER PERSON – Art prizes are limited to one per person, per year. A photo ID will be required to claim your art prize. Children claiming will be asked to provide ID of an adult with them.

6. Most importantly – HAVE FUN and BE KIND to each other!