You cannot visit Alaska without a trip down the Inside Passage or to one of Alaska’s coastal and island communities. Alaska has more coastline than all other states combined, which is approximately 6,640 miles of coastline. If you add all the beaches, and all of the islands, it totals to over 47,300 miles. So, if you want to see some spectacular parts of  Alaska, spend some time exploring the coastline on the Alaska Marine Highway.

One of the best ways to explore these areas is by boat. You can even pack the RV truck camper and go. The beauty of traveling small shines because going small saves a ton of money when taking the ferry and visiting coastal communities. Getting out of “tourist central” and getting to know local communities, will turn an Alaska visit from a standard tourist destination into a memorable life-changing adventure.

How to Visit the Islands?

The best way to visit the island communities is by the Alaska Marine Highway. This ferry system connects the island communities in:

• The Panhandle – Southeast Alaska
• Kodiak
• Bristol Bay
• Cook Inlet including Kachemak Bay
• Eastern Aleutian Islands.

It will take years to see it all. For many, exploring the coastline of Alaska is a lifetime adventure. People can spend their entire lives exploring the Islands of Alaska and never seeing it all. So, paring down your adventure into something manageable will be critical, or you will find yourself overwhelmed.

Alaska Marine Highway

What is the Alaska Marine Highway?

Unless you have a seaworthy boat, you will more than likely pack up the truck camper and visit some of the islands using the Alaska Marine Highway. This is the ferry system that serves the coastal communities. Most island communities have no road access. The only way to travel is by air or by ferry. Visiting a series of island destinations can be very expensive without some serious planning months in advance.

Where does the Alaska Marine Highway go?

• Gulf of Alaska
• Southeast Alaska down to Bellingham
• Aleutian Island Chain
• South-central including Kodiak and Bristol Bay
• Side routes within the regions.
• Planning & Reservations

The Alaska Marine Highway breaks down each major region into a network with a ferry that serves within each region. All of the regions have ferry service during the summer. Some areas such as the Eastern Aleutian Islands have ferry service only during the summer months. To find out current sailing information, fares, and reservations go to the Alaska Marine Highway website.

Tips and Secret Hacks:

Senior and winter rates: Check the rate differences for winter travel. If you want to avoid the crowds, winter could be an exciting adventure. The only drawback will be snow and icy conditions. Be sure to ask for senior rates when you make your reservations.

Stacking destinations without extra rates: It is possible to get off the ferry along your route without it affecting the total cost of your ticket. If you get confused when booking your route, the Alaska Marine Highway agents will help you sort it all out.

Repairs and Schedule Changes: Plan for repairs and schedule changes. The ferry system can be frustrating when there is a breakdown on one of the ferries. The best way is to view these delays is to consider it all part of your adventure. Give yourself a few extra days between ferry passages for just in case. Call the Alaska Marine Highway for any updates. If they anticipate any delays, they are excellent about contacting all of the affected passengers.

Walk-on versus taking the RV: If you would like to travel by ferry with a round-trip ticket, you can travel as a walk-on passenger. The rates are much cheaper than taking a vehicle. The Larger the vehicle, the more expensive the ticket.

Food: Bring your own snacks and beverages. There are cafes on the ferries. The food is generally very good. It is mostly American cuisine. They often serve Alaskan seafood. If you have dietary concerns, be sure to discuss them with the Alaska Marine Highway agents so that you will not suffer. If you have a cabin, you can bring your own alcoholic beverages on board. Bring snacks and finger foods that do not require refrigeration.

Cabins: If you want to go cheap, sleep in community areas on the ferry. If you need some privacy, book a cabin for over-night passages.

Pets: Pets must stay in your vehicle. The crew will announce when people can go down to the car deck to let their pets out to do their business when the passages between ports are long. There is usually an hour or more at each stop to get out and go for a walk.

What Others Are Saying:

Visiting Alaska’s coastal communities is an adventure when you combine your road trip with ferry trips on the Alaska Marine Highway. Pick and choose your routes. The fares can be very steep depending upon how you want to travel. I love visiting with tourists as they travel through Alaska. This is one of the most memorable adventures that all visitors talk about. These are the top comments that we here:

• Tourists always comment about the warm, friendly people.
• RVers especially enjoy viewing remote parts of Alaska from the water; it is a pleasant break from the road.
• Visitors can view whales, marine life, and wildlife.
• People love the scenery even if the weather turns rainy.

I will be posting more information about traveling through Southeast Alaska in our Southeast Alaska Series. Check back, and leave some comments to share.