Frequently Asked Questions
Ferry
- What is the Mission of the Seldovia Bay Ferry?
The mission of the Seldovia Bay Ferry is to provide social and economic benefit to Seldovia and the Kachemak Bay region through the operation of a passenger and light freight ferry service home ported in Seldovia, AK. - What is the name of the ferry?
The ferry is named Kachemak Voyager. - How large is the ferry?
The ferry is 83 feet long and 29 feet wide. - How many SBF ferries will serve the route?
In 2010, one ferry will serve the Homer to Seldovia route - the Kachemak Voyager. - How many passengers can the ferry carry?
The ferry is certified to carry a maximum of 150 passengers with ample interior and exterior seating. - Is there reserved seating?
No. - What is the operating speed of the ferry?
The operating speed of the ferry is 25 knots (28.8 mph). - Who inspects and certifies the ferry?
The ferry is inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard. - Where was the ferry manufactured?
The ferry was proudly manufactured in the United States by All American Marine located in Bellingham, WA. - Can the ferry accommodate passengers with special needs?
Yes, reasonable accommodations can be made for passengers with special needs. Contact the SBF ticket office for additional information. (877) 703-3779 - 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 SBF ticket office for additional information. (877) 703-3779 - Is there food service on the ferry? What amenities are offered?
Yes, there is food service. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and other beverages are available. There is also limited food service. Food service is revised and enhanced as passenger tastes warrant. - What else is available for purchase on the ferry?
Basic sundries and limited apparel are available on the vessel. - Are there restrooms on the ferry?
Yes, the ferry is equipped with two restrooms on the main deck that are both accessible to passengers with special needs. - 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. - Is smoking allowed on the ferry?
No. Both the vessel and terminals are non-smoking areas. - Is there outdoor seating on the ferry?
Yes, the ferry is equipped with both indoor and outdoor seats. Outdoor seats are on the top deck.
Locations
- Where does the ferry dock at night?
The ferry is based out of Seldovia and spends the night there. - What docks are being used?
In both Homer and Seldovia dedicated facilities are being constructed to serve the unique passenger and freight features of the ferry. - In Homer, where is the Seldovia Bay Ferry Ticket Office / Visitor Center?
In Homer, the SBF Ticket Office / Visitor Center is located at: 3851 Homer Spit Road (across the street from the “fishing hole”). - In Homer, where is the Seldovia Bay Ferry terminal?
In Homer, the SBF terminal is located on the north side of the Homer Small Boat Harbor at Lot 21 (immediately above dock JJ - look for the signs on Freight Dock Road). - Is there parking at the Seldovia Bay Ferry terminal in Homer?
Yes, there is ample parking close to the gangway on the north side of the Homer Small Boat Harbor. To get there, take Freight Dock Road and look for the signs. Secure, long-term parking can also be arranged at the SBF Homer Terminal. Please contact the SBF ticket office for details. (877) 703-3779 - In Seldovia, where do I purchase ferry tickets?
In Seldovia, tickets can be purchased at the Alaska Tribal Cache and the Seldovia Visitor Center and Museum. - Is there parking at the Seldovia Bay Ferry terminal in Seldovia?
There are a limited number of temporary parking spaces available at the Seldovia terminal. Please contact SBF for details. (877) 703-3779
Passenger Items onboard the Ferry
- 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, lap-tops, brief cases, camera cases, small back-packs carried on by passengers.
- Carry-on Luggage – Luggage that is carried on board by the passengers.
- Checked Luggage – Luggage that is checked in and loaded and unloaded by the crew.
- Sports Gear – Such as bicycles and kayaks
- Animals
- Are there restrictions on what I can carry on the ferry?
Yes, the following restrictions apply:- Maximum of two (2) hand-carry items (e.g. suit cases) and one (1) small personal item (e.g. purse, lap-top, camera case ) per passenger, and
- The passenger must be able to actually carry the items on to the ferry (in a single trip), and
- The combined weight of the carry-on items is limited to 50 pounds, and
- The carry-on items must be commercial luggage (duffle bag, backpack, suitcase, etc.).
- Is there a fee for carry-on items?
No, there is no fee for carry-on times, provided they meet all the criteria in question 28 above. - What are examples of items that cannot be carried on to the ferry?
Examples of items that cannot be carried on the ferry include, but are not limited to:- Coolers
- Fish boxes
- Trash bags
- Other items that do not meet the criteria in question 27 above
- 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, briefcases, 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 have more than the carry-on limit?
Excess luggage must be checked. Once luggage is checked in, the crew handles the loading, storage and unloading of the luggage. [Cost is $5 for each increment of 50# per checked luggage item] - What if I exceed the carry-on weight limit?
If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, it must be checked in and handled by the crew. - What if I cannot physically carry my items on or they are not commercial luggage?
If you are unable to safely carry your luggage without assistance it must be checked in and handled by the crew. - 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 top deck of the ferry. Passengers must be able to handle their own bicycles (crewmembers do not assist with the loading and unloading of bicycles). [Cost for a bicycle is $4.00 one way] - 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 (crewmembers do not assist with the loading and unloading of kayaks). [Cost for kayaks is $8.00 one way] - What if I want to check my carry-on items, do I get to do this for free?
No, all checked items must be paid for. [Cost is $5 for each increment of 50# per checked item] - Can I take my dog on board?
Yes, dogs are allowed when carried in a commercial pet carrier. [Cost is $2.50 one way] - What if I do not have a pet carrier?
A limited number of pet carriers are available for rent from SBF. A reservation for a carrier should be made in advance. [Cost is $2.50 - which also includes the the fee for the animal] - What if I want to transport another type of animal?
All animals must be transported in approved (commercial) pet carriers. - 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. - Can I transport firearms on the ferry?
All firearms must be declared and checked in with checked luggage 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 to be carried on, or stowed in carry-on luggage. - 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 SBF on a case-by-case basis. Please call the SBF ticket office with specific requests. (877) 703-3779
Season & Schedule
- What is the operating season?
For 2010, the ferry will operate seven days a week from May 26th through September 30th. - What are the sailing times?
The vessel operates daily with the following sailing schedule through September 6th:- Depart Seldovia - 8:00 a.m.
- Depart Homer - 9:15 a.m. (includes sightseeing)
- Depart Seldovia - 11:00 a.m.
- Depart Homer - 12:15 p.m. (includes sightseeing)
- Depart Seldovia - 5:00 p.m.
- Depart Homer - 6:15 p.m.
- Depart Seldovia - 10:00 a.m.
- Depart Homer - 11:30 a.m.
- Depart Seldovia - 4:15 p.m.
- Depart Homer - 5:45 p.m.
- How long does the trip take?
The regular trip crossing time is scheduled for 45 minutes. On two (2) of the Homer departures (9:15 am and 12:15 pm prior to September 7, 2010), an additional 30 minutes is allowed for sightseeing, resulting in a trip time of 75 minutes (on these two sailings only). - What is the turn-around time for the vessel while in port?
Five minutes is allowed to unload the vessel and another five minutes to load. However, a total of 30 minutes is provided which allows additional time to handle luggage and freight and prepare the vessel for the next trip. - What time should I arrive at the terminal?
One should plan on arriving at the terminal 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please allow additional time for purchasing tickets and checking luggage. - What is the sightseeing cruise?
The sightseeing cruise is operated everyday on the first two sailings from Homer (9:15 am and 12:15 pm). It adds a stop at Gull Island, transits Eldridge Passage and allows for spontaneous wildlife viewing on the way to Seldovia. It is a 1 hour and 15 minute trip. - Is there an additional fee for the sightseeing cruise?
No, the sightseeing cruise is provided at no additional charge. - Can you ride the ferry roundtrip?
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. - Are additional sailing times planned?
For 2010, with the exception of special charters, no additional sailing times or routes are planned. However, the long-term plan for the Seldovia Bay Ferry is for service to expand consistent with demand. - Is there service on the weekends?
Yes, the same schedule is in effect seven days a week.
Fares
- Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, SBF accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). - Where can tickets be purchased?
Tickets can be purchased:- On-line at www.seldoviabayferry.com
- At the SBF Homer Ticket Office / Visitor Center
- At the SBF Homer Terminal
- At Alaska Tribal Cache in Seldovia
- At the Seldovia Visitor Center and Museum
- Through a number of SBF sales partners
- What does it cost to ride the ferry?
Fares subject to change at any time.Fare Structure
One Way
Round Trip
Volume Discount
Infant newborn-2
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
Child 3-12
$17.50
$29.50
$147.50
Adult 13-64
$35.00
$59.00
$295.00
Senior 65+
$33.00
$55.00
$275.00
- What is the volume discount?
When a passenger purchases five (5) round trip tickets at one time, they receive six (6). This is a 20% discount for a single one-way ticket. - How long are tickets good for?
Tickets are fully transferable to other passengers and are valid for 12 months from time of purchase. - Are refunds provided if I miss my trip?
All sales are final. If you miss a scheduled sailing no refunds are provided. However, your ticket is good for 12 months from the date it is purchased.
Freight Service
- When will freight service commence?
Freight service will commence after the dedicated facilities in both Homer and Seldovia are completed. Freight service should commence during the 2010 season.
Other
- 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. - I thought the ferry was going to handle cars?
Original concepts considered for the ferry included the capability to handle automobiles. During subsequent feasibility studies it became clear that such a ferry would not be financially viable and that the mission could be satisfied with a passenger ferry with light freight capabilities. - Does the Seldovia Bay Ferry compete with the Alaska Marine Highway System?
No, the Seldovia Bay Ferry service compliments the AMHS service. [Note: If the Seldovia Bay Ferry had been constructed to accommodate automobiles it would have competed directly with the AMHS.] - Can the ferry be chartered for special events?
Yes, the ferry can be chartered for special events. Please contact the SBF ticket office for details. (877) 703-3779 - Why did the Seldovia Village Tribe and the Seldovia Native Association get into the Transportation business?
As Seldovia home and business owners, we believe that the key to economic sustainability and growth is regular and reliable passenger and light freight transportation. Currently, commuters can access Seldovia by air, private boat or weekly car ferry. Air is expensive and can leave people stranded when inclement weather moves in. The AMHS is costly and not frequent enough in the summer high-season when our businesses have their greater need for transportation options to support operations. There is a demand in Seldovia for more housing, services and amenities such as a year-round restaurant. We feel that demand can't be met without reliable transportation. - How does the Seldovia Bay Ferry fit into the current market?
The primary mission of the Seldovia Bay Ferry is to provide social and economic development opportunities to the Seldovia, Alaska community.
As the primary employer in Seldovia, we feel the Seldovia Bay Ferry will meet the demand for efficient passenger and light freight transportation between Homer and Seldovia. - Does the Seldovia Bay Ferry compete with other tour operators in Homer?
The primary mission of the Seldovia Bay Ferry is to provide social and economic development opportunities to the Seldovia, Alaska community.
Seldovia businesses rely heavily on tourism during the summer months. In the past few years, tourism has dropped significantly in Seldovia and our local businesses cannot thrive should the trend continue.
While the Seldovia Bay Ferry is not a tour operator, we have extended our first two sailings of the day to give the traveling public another, more flexible option to get to and from Seldovia; however, SBF does not provide that up-close and personal experience that you may receive on a smaller vessel. We feel that there's room in the market both for quick trips to Seldovia and for leisurely day trips with time to explore Kachemak Bay by water. - How is the Seldovia Bay Ferry Funded?
The Seldovia Bay ferry was initially funded through a grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Seldovia Village Tribe received funds for a transportation project that would provide economic development to the communities of Kachemak Bay.
That grant money was used to: conduct feasibility studies to determine the type of vessel that best served Kachemak Bay communities without further government funding; design, construct and launch a passenger/freight vessel; recruit, hire and train staff; and design and construct infrastructure such as piers, gangways, docks, ticket offices, etc. - Does the Seldovia Bay Ferry have plans to service other communities in Kachamak Bay in the future?
Yes. The Seldovia Bay Ferry will start with Seldovia in its first year of operations and will include more ports of call in the coming seasons. With each new port, we will have to design and construct ramps for freight and passenger operations. - Will the Seldovia Bay Ferry plan to run all year?
Initially the ferry will operate May - September as this represents the greatest demand. As SBF becomes profitable, or identifies additional funding sources, this season may be expanded. The vessel was designed to operate in seas up to 8.75 feet; however, passengers may find these conditions unfavorable for travel - therefore, year-round operations are unlikely at this time.
Printer-friendly version - Revision August 31, 2010.
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