FAQ’s

Is there reserved seating on the ferry?

No, there is no reserved seating on the ferry.

Is there food service on the ferry? What amenities are offered?

Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase on the ferry. Coffee and tea are provided free of charge.

Are there restrooms on the ferry?

Yes, the ferry is equipped with two restrooms on the main deck.

Can the ferry accommodate passengers with special needs?

Yes, reasonable accommodations can be made for passengers with special needs. Contact the Seldovia Bay Ferry ticket office for additional information.

Are children allowed to travel on the ferry without adult supervision?

Unaccompanied minors must have a signed letter from a parent or guardian assuming full responsibility for the child’s travel. Contact the Seldovia Bay Ferry ticket office for additional information.

Is WiFi access available for laptop users?

No, there is no WiFi service on the ferry.

Can laptop computers be charged on board? 

The ferry has limited A/C receptacles on board. Access to these is determined by one’s seat location on the ferry.

Can I use my cell phone on the ferry?

During most portions of the trip, a cell phone signal will be available – depending on your cell phone carrier. Seldovia has limited wifi and cell coverage.

Is there a wheelchair for use? 

Yes, there is. Check with the ticket agent. Pay attention to the tides. If you are traveling at low tides the ramp angle may be extreme. Click here to view the local tide table – minus tides are the most challenging to get up and down the ramps.

Is smoking allowed on the ferry?

No. Both the vessel and terminal are non-smoking areas.

Is alcohol allowed on the ferry?

Personal-use alcohol may be transported with luggage on the ferry; however, alcohol may not be consumed on the ferry.

Can you ride the ferry round trip?

Yes, all passengers will be asked to disembark upon arrival to their destination so that the crew can clean and prepare the ferry for the next trip. Passengers will line up and re-board the vessel on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What is the operating speed of the ferry?

The operating speed of the ferry is 25 knots full loaded which is 28.8 MPH.

Who inspects and certifies the ferry?

The ferry is inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard.

What are some of the environmental aspects of the vessel?

First, the ferry uses highly-efficient, low-emission diesel engines. These engines meet stringent “Tier-2” emission standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Next, the vessel has a low resistance catamaran hull that requires less power to move through the water. Also, the specially designed aluminum hulls produce a very low wake. The low energy wake has less impact on the shoreline and beaches. Energy efficient lighting is also used throughout the vessel.

What does the ferry depart from in Homer?

In Homer, the Seldovia Bay Ferry Ticket Office & Terminal is on the Homer Spit. Follow the Homer Spit Road until you reach the boat harbor, turn left onto Freight Dock Road. Follow the road around to the other side of the harbor where Ramps 6, 7 and 8, and the deep water dock are located. The Seldovia Bay Ferry terminal is located at the top of Ramp 7, just past the Harbormaster’s Office. Click here for more information and maps.

Where does the ferry depart from in Seldovia?

In Seldovia, the ferry departs from the City of Seldovia’s main harbor. We dock on the main float that serves the larger vessels. Click here for more information and maps.

Is there parking available at Ramp 7 in Homer?

Both ferry and harbor parking availability is limited at the top of Ramp 7, though there is additional parking available at Ramps 6 and 8. Parking is free; however, there is a 7-day parking limit enforced by the Harbormaster’s Office. For long term parking beyond 7-days, please contact the Harbormaster’s Office at 907-235-3160 for a parking pass. Parking within the ferry lot is not subject to the 7-day limit; however, spaces are limited.

Is there parking at the Seldovia Bay Ferry terminal in Seldovia?

There is a good amount of free parking spaces available at the Seldovia harbor.

Where can I purchase ferry tickets?

Book online and skip the lines. Tickets can also be purchased from the Seldovia Bay Ferry ticket office at Ramp 7 in Homer, and at the Seldovia Visitor Center & Museum during opening hours. More Booking Information can be found here.

What time should I arrive at the terminal?

Please plan on arriving at the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you need to purchase tickets, check luggage and freight please plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to the sailing time to allow enough time to process paperwork and load.

Where can I purchase ferry tickets?

Tickets may be purchased online at any time of day. If you book online, you get to skip the lines! Tickets can also be purchased from the Seldovia Bay Ferry ticket office at Ramp 7 and at the Seldovia Visitor’s Center & Museum during opening hours. More Booking Information can be found here.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, Seldovia Bay Ferry accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).

How long are tickets good for?

Tickets are valid for the summer season in which they were purchased.

What can I bring on the ferry?

The following types of items can be carried onboard the ferry. (All items are subject to additional limitations):

  • Personal Items – Such as purses, laptops, briefcases, camera cases, small backpacks carried on by passengers.
  • Luggage – Luggage that is carried on board by the passengers.
  • Sports Gear – Such as bicycles and kayaks that are carried on board by the passengers.
  • Animals
  • Light Freight

Are there restrictions on what I can carry on the ferry?

Passengers may carry on one (1) personal item (handbag, small backpack) and one (1) larger item such as a suitcase, duffel, box or cooler free of charge. Total weight may not exceed 50 pounds and must be transported to the ferry in one trip by the passenger.

Carry-on items exceeding the above is considered “freight” and will be at a cost of $7.00 per piece. A “piece” is defined as the equivalent of a 3-foot (1 cubic meter) box weighing no more than 50 pounds. For more Information see our Freight Policies here.

Can I keep my carry-on items with me at my seat on the ferry?

For safety reasons, only small personal items (such as purses, lap-tops, brief cases, camera cases, small back-packs) may stay with passengers onboard the ferry. All other items must be stored in the secure luggage room for the ferry trip. The luggage room is located at the back of the ferry on the main deck.

What if I cannot physically carry my items on?

If you are unable to safely carry your luggage, you may request crew assistance; however, luggage may not exceed the limitations outlined above.

Can strollers be taken onboard the ferry?

Yes, strollers are accommodated on the ferry and there is no additional fee.

Can I bring my bike?

Yes, there are facilities for bicycle storage on the bottom deck of the ferry. Passengers must be able to handle their own bicycles (crew members do not assist with the loading and unloading of bicycles). Click here for current bicycle freight costs.

Can I transport a kayak?
Yes, kayaks can be carried on the top deck of the ferry. Passengers must be able to handle their own kayaks (crew members do not assist with the loading and unloading of kayaks). Click here for current kayak freight costs.

How much does it cost to transport boxes and luggage?

Click here for current freight costs.

Can I take my dog on board?

Yes, dogs are allowed on board. All dogs must be leashed. Large dogs must be kept on the upper back deck accompanied by their owner. If needed, there are a limited number of crates available for use if owners do not want to sit outside with their dog. Very small dogs can be held by their owners inside the vessel, but may not be put on the floor. Excessive barking will require that your dog be muzzled for the duration of the trip. Muzzles are available from the crew. Passengers are expected to clean up after their pet. Click here for current pet freight costs.

What if I do not have a pet carrier?

A limited number of pet carriers are available to use on the ferry.

What if I want to transport another type of animal?

All animals must be transported in approved (commercial) pet carriers. Click here for current pet freight costs.

What if I have a certified service dog?

Certified service animals are not required to be in a pet carrier and can accompany their owner free of charge anywhere on the boat. A certified service animal is specifically trained to assist someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, or a condition that may require the use of a prosthesis, special mobility equipment, or a service animal. “Emotional support animals,” while of therapeutic benefit to their owners, are not individually trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers, and so are not considered to be certified service animals.

Can I transport firearms on the ferry?

All firearms MUST be surrendered to the Captain or their designee and must be in a locked commercial gun case. Firearms must be unloaded and ammunition must be transported in a separate bag. Firearms are NOT allowed as a carry on, or stowed in carry-on luggage. [Hard gun cases are available on a first come basis.]

Can I transport hazardous materials on the ferry?
A hazardous material is any item or agent (biological, chemical, physical) which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors. Under no circumstance may any hazardous materials be brought onto the ferry as, or within, carry-on or checked luggage items. Hazardous materials are considered by Seldovia Bay Ferry on a case-by-case basis and when carried, are only transported as light freight. Please call the Seldovia Bay Ferry ticket office with specific requests.

Can I send freight without making the trip with it?
Yes, light freight items (weighing under 50 lbs) can be shipped unaccompanied. You, or your representative, must be present dockside to receive unaccompanied freight upon arrival as there are no storage facilities available. Click here for current unaccompanied freight costs. Contact the Seldovia Bay Ferry ticket office to make arrangements.