The Victoria Clipper will make roughly half the appearances this spring as it has in previous years.

Due to tidal issues and other concerns, the number of visits this year will be cut in half.

Coupeville will share visits with Langley through the spring, offering passengers dining and shopping options.

“We are delighted to have the Clipper return to Coupeville again this year,” said Lynda Eccles, executive director for the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce. “For three years we have been the host for the Clipper’s two-hour break on their Gray Whale Watching Tours and have and will continue to enjoy showing off our historic town and the rewards of having them dine and shop in Coupeville.”

Each spring, visits from the Clipper have historically provided a nice little economic boost to downtown merchants.

The Clipper will visit Coupeville March 14-15, 28-29 and April 11-12. It will stop in Langley March 21-22 and April 4, 18 and 19. Each stop is two hours.

“I think dividing the Clipper visits to Coupeville and Langley is a great idea; it provides another community the opportunity to show off their town while their businesses can also enjoy the benefits of hosting the Clipper guests,” Eccles said. “As a Chamber, we support all our local communities on Whidbey.”