Frequently Asked Questions

Ferry

  1. What is the Mission of the Seldovia Bay Ferry?
    The mission of the M/V Kachemak Voyager 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.
  2. What is the name of the ferry?
    The ferry is named M/V Kachemak Voyager.
  3. How large is the ferry?
    The ferry is 83 feet long and 29 feet wide.
  4. How many SBF ferries will serve the route?
    In 2011, one ferry will serve the Homer to Seldovia route - the M/V Kachemak Voyager.
  5. How many passengers can the ferry carry?
    The ferry is certified to carry a maximum of 150 passengers with ample interior and exterior seating.
  6. Is there reserved seating?
    No, there is no reserved seating on the ferry, but passengers are strongly encouraged to make a reservation for specific sailing times on specific dates. Having a trip reservation will ensure that one is able to travel at the time desired. Passengers with reservations will be allowed to board the ferry before passengers without reservations.
  7. What is the operating speed of the ferry?
    The operating speed of the ferry is 30 knots full loaded which is 34.6 MPH.
  8. Who inspects and certifies the ferry?
    The ferry is inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard.
  9. Where was the ferry manufactured?
    All American Marine, located in Bellingham, Washington manufactured the M/V Kachemak Voyager in the United States.
  10. 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.
    Toll Free (877) 703-3779 or Local 907-435-3299
  11. 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. Toll Free (877) 703-3779 or Local 907-435-3299
  12. 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.
  13. What else is available for purchase on the ferry?
    Basic sundries and limited apparel are available on the vessel.
  14. Are there restrooms on the ferry?
    Yes, the ferry is equipped with two restrooms on the main deck that are ADA compliant.
  15. Is WiFi access available for laptop users?
    No, there is no WiFi service on the ferry.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Is smoking allowed on the ferry?
    No. Both the vessel and the terminal are non-smoking.
  19. Is there outdoor seating on the ferry?
    Yes, the ferry is equipped with both indoor and outdoor seats. Outdoor seats are on the top aft deck.

Locations

  1. Where does the ferry dock at night?
    The ferry is based out of Seldovia and spends the night there.
  2. What docks are being used?
    In Homer dedicated facilities are constructed to serve the unique passenger and freight features of the ferry, aka Ramp 7. In Seldovia we are using the City of Seldovia’s Harbor. We dock on the main float that serves the larger vessels.
  3. In Homer, where is the Seldovia Bay Ferry Ticket Office / Terminal?
    In Homer, the SBF Ticket Office is on the Homer Spit. Take a left on Freight Dock Road (Freight Dock Road is just past the Pier One Theatre and next you will see a sign on the left that says Bob's Trophy Charters you will turn left just past that). Follow the road around to the right until you see two buildings. Signs say Seldovia Bay Ferry Terminal. You will have arrived at Ramp 7 and/or JJ Float. You can leave your car in the SBF parking lot if parking is available. You may purchase your ticket there and pay for luggage and light freight. Please plan to be at least 30-45 minutes prior to departure if you need tickets.
  4. In Seldovia, where do I purchase ferry tickets?
    In Seldovia, tickets can be purchased at the Seldovia Village Tribe Visitor’s Center and Museum across the street from the ramp in the Seldovia Harbor.
  5. 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 or Local 907-435-3299

Passenger Items onboard the Ferry

  1. 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)
  2. Are there restrictions on what I can carry on the ferry?
    Yes, the following restrictions apply:
  3. 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 26 above.
  4. 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:
  5. 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.
  6. 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]
  7. 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.
  8. Light Freight
    You may rent a tote that will carry 500# of freight. [Cost is $50 for 500# of freight]

    If shipping freight unaccompanied you must be present dockside to receive that freight. Seldovia Bay Ferry does not have storage for freight that arrives unaccompanied.
  9. 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.
  10. Can strollers be taken onboard the ferry?
    Yes, strollers are accommodated on the ferry and there is no additional fee.
  11. 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 (crew members do not assist with the loading and unloading of bicycles). [Cost for a bicycle is $4.00 one way]
  12. Can I transport a kayak?
    Yes, kayaks can be taken on the ferry for an additional freight fee. [Cost for kayaks is $8.00 one way]
  13. 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]
  14. Can I take my dog on board?
    Yes, dogs are allowed when carried in a commercial pet carrier. [Cost is $2.50 one way]
  15. 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]
  16. What if I want to transport another type of animal?
    All animals must be transported in approved (commercial) pet carriers.
  17. 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.
  18. 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 to rent for $4.00 (one-way) on a first come basis.]
  19. 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 and when carried, are only transported as light freight. Please call the SBF ticket office with specific requests. (877) 703-3779 or Local 907-435-3299
  20. Can I send freight without making the trip with it?
    Yes, freight items can be shipped unaccompanied in "tote" increments. You must be present dockside to receive that freight. Seldovia Bay Ferry does not have storage for freight that arrives unaccompanied.

    For current rates and restrictions on freight, please contact the SBF ticket office. (877) 703-3779 or Local 907-435-3299

Season & Schedule

  1. What is the operating season?
    For 2011, the ferry will operate seven days a week from May 1st through October 31st.
  2. How long does the trip take?
    The regular trip crossing time is scheduled for 45 minutes. On two (2) of the Homer departures (9:45 am and 2:15 pm), an additional 30 minutes is allowed for the extended trip, resulting in a trip time of an hour and fifteen minutes (on these two sailings only).
  3. What is the turn-around time for the vessel while in port?
    A total of 60 minutes is provided which allows additional time to handle luggage and freight and prepare the vessel for the next trip.
  4. What time should I arrive at the terminal?
    One should plan on arriving at the terminal 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.
  5. What is the extended trip?
    The extended trip is operated everyday on the first two sailings from Homer (9:45 am and 2:15 pm). It adds a stop at Gull Island, transits Eldridge Passage and allows for spontaneous wildlife viewing on the way to Seldovia. This route is known as the Kachemak Bay Route and is Alaska’s newest Scenic Byway. It is a 1 hour and 15 minute trip.
  6. Is there an additional fee for the sightseeing cruise?
    No, the sightseeing cruise is provided at no additional charge.
  7. 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.
  8. Are additional sailing times planned?
    For 2011, 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.
  9. Is there service on the weekends?
    Yes, the same schedule is in effect seven days a week.

Fares

  1. Do you accept credit cards?
    Yes, SBF accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
  2. Where can tickets be purchased?
    Tickets can be purchased:
  3. What does it cost to ride the ferry?

    Fare Structure

    One Way

    Round Trip

    Infant newborn-2

    $0.00

    $0.00

    Child 3-12

    $16.00

    32.00

    Adult 13-64

    $32.00

    $64.00

    Senior 65+

    $30.00

    $60.00
    *Plus applicable sales tax
    *Fares subject to change at any time.
  4. How long are tickets good for?
    Tickets are fully transferable to other passengers and are valid for 12 months from time of purchase.
  5. Are refunds provided if I miss my trip?
    If you miss the scheduled trip we will reschedule you on the next boat. If a refund is requested we can provide that as well.

Other

  1. 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.
  2. Can the ferry be chartered for special events?
    Yes, the ferry can be chartered for special events. Please contact the SBF Sales Manager for details. (907) 399-7171
  3. Will the Seldovia Bay Ferry plan to run all year?
    Initially the ferry will operate May – October 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.

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Revision: June 1, 2011