Take The Marine Highway In Alaska For An Unbeatable Adventure
By Megan McDonald|Published September 15, 2019
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
If you’re looking for an Alaskan-sized adventure, the Alaska Marine Highway is an incredible and fun way of exploring the state. This ferry system connects many Alaskan seaside towns, and makes it possible to live in some of the most remote and gorgeous southeast locations!
The Alaska Marine Highway System runs over 3,500 miles of Alaskan coastline.
It stops at 35 different amazing communities, some which have no access besides boat or plane. These remote communities depend on the ferry system for travel, moving their cars to and from mainland Alaska, and more.
The ferry system was set up by three men who lived in Haines.
It started in 1948 with the little ex-Navy ship, the MV Chilkoot. With rapid expansion and the addition of Alaska to the United States, the Alaska ferry system quickly grew. By 1964, there were five ferries and 16 ports of call.
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The ferry system now spans the entire gulf of Alaska, connecting communities that were previously out of reach for those who couldn't afford the steep airfare.
From the very tip of the Aleutian Islands at Dutch Harbor, it follows its route by hugging the coastline all the way down to Washington State! You can even disembark in Bellingham, Washington!
Some routes only take about 3 to 4 hours of sailing time, while others are overnight at a whopping 38 hours before reaching port. You can link different routes together, and create a custom travel itinerary where you can stop at all of your favorite stops!
The best thing about the ferries is the flexibility of travel.
Bring your car, RV, kayaks, bicycles, or even pets on board. There are different fares for different items, and you can even add an overnight cabin to the fare so you can sleep soundly on the open sea.
In 2013, the Alaska Marine Highway celebrated 50 years of connecting Alaskan coastal communities.
There was national acclaim over the beautiful boats and incredible system of travel. The ease of booking and the cost effective travel offers incredible adventures and opportunity for locals and tourists alike.
You can make reservations on their website, or visit to check out fares and schedules.
The Marine Highway runs all year long, but schedules are more limited in the fall and winter. Make sure to plan ahead so you aren't stuck unexpectedly at port for a couple of weeks!
If you need more information about this awesome way of travel, check out the Alaska Marine Highway System’s website here.
Have you traveled the Alaska Marine Highway? Where did you stop? Would you use it again? Let us know in the comments below!
