Flying to and from Chignik, Alaska every summer during my youth was not always the most feasible option for a family of 6. Buying just a one-way ticket from Anchorage to Chignik alone is $500, mind you that’s only for about two hours of flying time. Multiply that by 2 for a round trip then by 6 and the costs keep climbing. Look forward to Brett’s post on the pro’s and con’s of flying in Alaska.

Chignik Bay

So how else were we able to save money getting to the Alaskan bush land?

Being in a village only accessible by plane or boat, left two options. Spend quadruple the amount for a plane ticket, get those amazing aerial views and conveniently fast travel time, OR, don’t spend what might be your life savings, add a few more stops, and choose the ferry option instead.

New Territory

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the US combined. So the wildlife and glacial escapades seen at sea are worth the extra travel time. Plus, you get to discover different territory.
The 2.5 day journey from Homer to Chignik aboard the ferry Tustumena includes a stop over in Kodiak for half day. The ferry continues down the Aleutian Chain all the way to Dutch Harbor. The Inside Passage is one of the most beautiful routes to take so another good option is to take the ferry from Bellingham, WA on up through Passage to Whittier or Seward.

Alaska Ferry Tustumena. Picture provided by: Alaska-in-pictures.com

Save your dollars

For the Chignik leg on the ferry I’m spending about $150 one way. That’s if I camp outside on deck or get an air seat inside. There are cabin options and you can also pay a little extra for one of those at anywhere from $75 to $200 more depending on the season and route. High season is of course June through August.

Hungry? There is a nice dining room aboard. Not very cheap but manageable.  I’d recommend bringing your own food on the ferry. There are free microwaves too so you can save a few “sheckles” and have your own picnic.

Mix’n and mingl’n

I always looked forward to these ferry rides because I’d usually see people I knew or make new friends aboard. Plus, I never forget seeing the wildlife naturalist aboard walking around in their khaki suits, green felt hats, and nature pamphlets hanging out of their vests, kindly providing “environmental interpretation” for the tourist aboard. Careful, you might learn a thing or two on these ferries.

So aside from being a cheaper and more adventurous option, ferries allow you to mix ‘n mingle with the locals, learn about the environment, and see new places along the way. There are a grand total of 32 ferry ports offered on the ferry system.

Flexibility is key

When traveling on the ferry you set your own pace. The “See Alaska Pass” is a cool way to explore different places along the coast at a very reasonable price. With this pass, you can make up to three stops at various ports of your choice. Right now, from May to September, they are giving a 25% off deal, offering  the pass for slim $160. So what are you waiting for?!

If setting your own itinerary is too much, the Ferry system also offers some good suggestions for sample itineraries.

Cruise ship passing

Cruise ships?

Next to ferries there is always the ease and breeze of Cruise ships. Depending on what kind of adventure you are looking for, I believe these candy coat the true Alaskan Experience. By herding everyone around on a pre custom package, like cattle on a floating city, this can remove one from the Real Alaska (pun intended). In this travel option, I think one could be keeps themselves from experiencing diversity and everything Alaska has to offer.

I am not going to lie though, every time I see one of those beautiful ships pass by our boat while I am standing there half asleep covered in fish slime, I get ready to jump ship real fast and swim to them.

Remember, it’s not so much about the destination as it is about the journey. Getting there can be half the fun, so what’s the rush?

For more information on Alaska’s Marine Highway ferry routes and schedules visit: 

The Alaska Marine Highway System