Skagway Ferry to Haines

[Famouslyhot]

Can anyone tell me about your experience with taking the ferry from Skagway to Haines for a day trip?  

[karatemom2]

We have done it twice - once from Skagway for an excursion in Haines and once from Haines for a day in Skagway. It takes about 45 minutes each way so you just have to properly allow for time. It’s a really pretty trip through the Lynn Canal that lets you experience from a bit different vantage point on a smaller boat. The only real danger is if the weather turned bad or there was a mechanical issue that interrupted your return trip. But the ship uses the ferry for its excursions so it’s a pretty safe bet with proper planning. 

[SightCRR]

We only did it once a long time ago on a ship excursion to see eagles on a river float. No white water and no eagles since it was not salmon running season. It was an hour late getting back and the ship left right after we got off the little boat on to the ship. Not the worst excursion ever but it ranks way up there. sightcrr

[GTJ]

Be forewarned that there are three distinct ferry lines operating between Skagway and Haines in the summer. First, there's the Alaska Marine Highway. This summer it will be operating the vessel "LeConte" on the route Juneau - Haines - Skagway on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays, and alternate Wednesdays. It will also be operating the vessel "Matanuska" on the mainline route from Bellingham through Juneau - Haines - Skagway on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on tides. Fare is $32 one-way. For making a same-day round-trip from Skagway to Haines, the schedule of the Alaska Marine Highway probably will not work. The LeConte departs Skagway at 2:45 p.m. and from Haines at 1:15 p.m.; the Matanuska departs at all different times, depending on tides (both vessels have 1 hour travel time between Skagway and Haines).

 

Second, there's Alaska Fjordlines. It operates the vessel "Fjordland" on the route Juneau - Haines - Skagway, usually on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (but with many exceptions). Fare is $40 one-way. The schedule of Alaska Fjordlines could work on days it operates, as the vessel generally departs Skagway at 8:00 a.m. and 8:15 p.m., and from Haines at 6:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (30 minutes travel time between Skagway and Haines).

 

Third, there's Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry. It operates the vessel "Rachel Marie" on the route Haines-Skagway, daily. Fare is $38 one-way. The schedule of Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry will work, and it typically makes several trips each day, usually departing Skagway at 8:00 a.m. and then every two hours until 6:00 p.m., returning from Haines at 9:00 a.m. and every two hours until 7:00 p.m., but the exact schedule varies from day-to-day, and on many days service ends early (45 minutes travel time between Skagway and Haines).

 

Remember, you can travel with one ferry company from Skagway to Haines, and with a different ferry company for the return . . . unless you purchase round-trip tickets from one particular line.