Exploring Alaska's Islands: Can You Take Your Boat?

The southeastern region of Alaska, also known as the Alaska Panhandle, is a thin strip of land and islands between Canada's British Columbia and the northern Pacific Ocean. The rugged coastal mountains surrounding the area make travel by road nearly impossible, and most communities in the region can only be reached by air or sea. The Alaska Marine Highway System, the largest marine ferry system in the world, is the primary way of getting around via the Inside Passage, a series of waterways largely protected from the Pacific by islands. Ferries and water taxis allow visitors to travel at their own pace and create their own itineraries. It is possible to travel to and between the islands of southeastern Alaska by personal boat.

Ferries are the primary link to the rest of the state and beyond

Ferries are the primary mode of transport between the islands of southeastern Alaska and the rest of the state. The Alaska Marine Highway System, the largest marine ferry system in the world, connects the southeast from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to Bellingham, Washington, on two separate routes. Ferries are also the main way of getting around via the Inside Passage.

The Alaska Marine Highway is Alaska's state-owned ferry system, offering scheduled services from Bellingham, WA, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to over 35 port communities in the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and the Aleutian Islands. The ferries allow travellers to bring their cars, RVs, bicycles, or kayaks along for the ride.

Ferries are also a relaxing way to travel between towns in Southeast Alaska. The vessels are only in port long enough to unload and load, so the "shore time" is very limited unless you lay over and catch a later ferry. The waters of Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage are surprisingly calm, as large islands protect the passage from the open ocean and rough weather. The area has hundreds of protected bays that offer calm anchorage.

The Alaska Marine Highway can transport any form of conveyance with wheels that has roll-on/roll-off capabilities. Each of the AMHS vessels and ports are unique and may have different restrictions for non-standard vehicles (extra wide, tall, or heavy) due to dock configurations and loading ramps.

The ferry system is also an excellent way to see a huge swath of Alaska's coastline while visiting unique communities along the way. It has been designated a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, the only marine route with this distinction.

In addition to the Alaska Marine Highway, other ferry services and water taxis provide access to port communities and remote coastal areas throughout the state. Ferries and water taxis allow visitors to travel at their own pace and create their own itineraries. It's important to book ferry travel in advance, especially during the summer months or if travelling with a vehicle.

The Alaska Marine Highway System connects the southeast from Prince Rupert, BC, to Bellingham, WA

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) provides year-round transport to over 30 communities in Alaska. The southeast region includes communities from Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, through the Inside Passage, to Yakutat.

The AMHS covers more than 3,500 miles of coastline through Southeast Alaska, across the Gulf of Alaska, to Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and the Aleutian Chain. The ferry system connects with highways in Bellingham, WA, and Prince Rupert, BC, as well as the Alaska communities of Haines, Skagway, Valdez, Whittier, and Homer.

The Southeast region of Alaska includes communities only accessible by air and sea. The Alaska Marine Highway System is the primary way of getting around via the Inside Passage. The vessels are capable of carrying vehicles and passengers.

The AMHS connects the southeast from Prince Rupert, BC, to Bellingham, WA, on two separate routes. During the summer, they offer onward sailing across the Gulf of Alaska to/from Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula in the South Central Region.

The AMHS is a large part of Alaska's highway system. It is a unique set of routes that has been designated a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road—the only marine route with this distinction.

Ferries are a relaxing way to travel between towns in Southeast Alaska

Southeast Alaska is a thin strip of land and islands between Canada's British Columbia and the northern Pacific Ocean. Due to the rugged coastal mountains, only three communities in Southeast Alaska (Haines, Skagway, and Hyder) are connected by road to the lower 48 states. All other towns, including those on the mainland, are effectively "island" cities that can only be reached by air or sea. The Alaska Marine Highway System is the primary way of getting around via the Inside Passage, a series of waterways largely protected from the Pacific by islands, providing a safer sea route up and down the coast.

The ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway System serve communities in Southeast Alaska that have no road access, and they can transport people, freight, and vehicles. The vessels vary in size and amenities, with some offering basic cabins with bunk beds and private bathrooms, while others have shared bathrooms. Most food is served cafeteria-style, and cabins cost extra. Passengers can bring their bikes or kayaks, and drive on their motorcycles, cars, and motorhomes, although not all vessels can accommodate larger vehicles.

The AMHS offers different routes, including quick Shuttle Routes and multi-day Mainline Routes. The Southeast (Inside Passage) route spans from Bellingham to Skagway, while the Gulf of Alaska route covers Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula. The Southcentral/Southwest route spans from Homer to Kodiak Island to the Aleutian Chain. The Southeast mainline routes carry a high percentage of tourists in the summer and provide service between Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and Skagway, Alaska, stopping in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, and Haines. The smaller communities of Kake and Hoonah are served by certain mainline sailings.

The Alaska Marine Highway System offers a relaxing and scenic way to travel between towns in Southeast Alaska, with abundant wildlife and unique scenery to enjoy along the way. Passengers can expect to see mountains, islands, rainforests, and glaciers, as well as whales, seabirds, and otters. The ferries provide a comfortable and convenient way to explore the region and are a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.

The waters of Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage are surprisingly calm

The Inside Passage is a network of sheltered waterways that weave through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast of the North American Fjordland. The route extends from southeastern Alaska in the United States, through western British Columbia in Canada, to northwestern Washington State. The Inside Passage is a popular route for cruise ships, freighters, fishing craft, pleasure craft, and ferries. It offers a safer sea route up and down the coast, protected from the Pacific Ocean by islands.

The calm waters of the Inside Passage make it an ideal location for boating, fishing, kayaking, and camping. The region is known for its temperate rainforests, glaciers, fjords, and coastal mountains. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. The calm waters also provide the opportunity to visit isolated communities along the route, such as Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

The Inside Passage offers a unique and adventurous experience for those looking to explore Southeast Alaska by personal boat. The protected waterways provide a sense of safety and serenity, allowing travellers to take in the breathtaking scenery and rich wildlife of the region. The calm waters make navigation easier, although it is important to remain cautious as the Inside Passage can present challenges with uncertain weather, large tidal ranges, and unpredictable currents.

Ketchikan is accessible to those travelling by private boat

Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, in southeastern Alaska, and is only accessible by sea or air. For those travelling by private boat, it is a great destination with plenty of moorage available for yachts and private boaters. Marine services are also provided, including fuel, supplies, repairs, and a shipyard.

The town is a popular port for cruise ships, and ferries also connect Ketchikan with the lower 48 states and Canada. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) offers a unique way to experience the Inside Passage, with connections to other communities such as Metlakatla, Wrangell, and Sitka. The Inter-Island Ferry Service also operates a daily service to and from Prince of Wales Island.

Ketchikan has a small downtown area, with most points of interest within walking distance. The town offers attractions such as museums, the Saxman Native Village, and the Tongass Trading Company. Bear watching is also a popular activity in the area.

For those travelling by private boat, Ketchikan is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. It provides easy access to other communities and offers the necessary services and amenities for boaters. The town's location on the Inside Passage makes it a convenient stop for those cruising through southeastern Alaska.

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