Pros/Cons on getting to Seldovia

Question

I've been searching the forum and just can't nail this down. In planning a day trip from Homer to Seldovia in late June I am thinking about taking the Seldovia Fast Ferry to Seldovia, then taking the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry back to Homer. I've already confirmed they both run the day I am there. My thinking, the fast ferry will get me there a little quicker for more time at Seldovia. Taking the Alaska Marine ferry gives me a bit more time to enjoy the cruise across the bay on the return. I would also assume there is more indoor seating on the Alaska Marine ferry if inclement weather (a little rain does not bother me, but in a downpour I would like to head for cover). My questions:

1) How do the two transports compare regarding comfort and smoothness of ride

2) Do they typically stay on schedule. I thought I saw somewhere that the Alaska Marine ferry is susceptible to late departures/arrivals depending on how much they are loading.

3) Would one feel crowded if fairly full. Is there room to move around or are you restricted to your seat area.

I'm only comparing the two ferry options at his point and not tours (ie., Rainbow) as our goal is to just visit Seldovia.

Thanks for any help.

Answer

Planning a day trip from Homer to Seldovia in late June with the combination of the Seldovia Fast Ferry to Seldovia and the Alaska Marine Highway ferry back is a solid approach for balancing speed and comfort. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two ferry options to help you decide.

1) Comfort and smoothness of ride:

Seldovia Fast Ferry: This is a smaller, high-speed vessel designed for quick trips. The ride can be a bit choppier in rough water compared to the larger Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Seating is more limited, but it is efficient and gets you to Seldovia faster, which maximizes your time on shore.
Alaska Marine Highway Ferry: This is a larger vessel with more indoor seating and better amenities. The ride is generally smoother, especially in choppy conditions, and provides more space to move around. It’s ideal for returning if the weather is uncertain or if you want a more relaxed experience cruising across the bay.

2) Schedule reliability:

Seldovia Fast Ferry: Generally departs and arrives on time, as it’s a smaller, point-to-point operation with fewer variables. Minor delays can happen due to weather, but they are usually minimal.
Alaska Marine Highway Ferry: While typically reliable, larger ferries can be affected by loading/unloading times, other scheduled stops, or weather conditions. It’s good to allow some buffer time if your schedule is tight, but a single day trip usually isn’t significantly impacted.

3) Crowding and room to move:

Seldovia Fast Ferry: Can feel more crowded if full, as seating is limited. However, there is usually some standing room, and the trip is relatively short, so minor crowding isn’t a major issue.
Alaska Marine Highway Ferry: More spacious, with plenty of indoor seating and areas to walk around. Even if the ferry is fairly full, you won’t feel restricted to your seat area, which is nice for stretching or enjoying different views.

Summary and recommendation:

Taking the Fast Ferry to Seldovia maximizes your time on shore, allowing for a longer visit, but the ride is slightly less smooth and more compact.
Returning on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry gives a more relaxed, scenic experience with indoor comfort and smoother cruising, especially if weather conditions change.
This combination provides the best of both worlds: speed to Seldovia and a leisurely return.

Overall, your planned approach—fast ferry there, Alaska Marine Highway back—is a smart way to balance efficiency, comfort, and scenic enjoyment for a single-day trip.

Pros/Cons on getting to Seldovia

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