Harbor guide

Southeast Alaska and Kodiak Harbors: Juneau, Ketchikan and Kodiak

Last updated November 2, 2026

Juneau, Ketchikan and Kodiak are major Alaska harbor towns that you can't reach by road from the rest of the state. Boaters arrive under their own power, ship their boats, or travel by ferry or air. Each city runs several harbors serving busy commercial fishing fleets alongside recreational and visiting boats.

AK Harbors does not publish moorage rates, fees or availability. They change, and each harbor sets its own. Always confirm details directly with the harbor office before you go.

Juneau: harbors along Gastineau Channel and Auke Bay

Juneau's harbors are managed by the City and Borough of Juneau's Docks and Harbors department. They include downtown-area harbors on Gastineau Channel, such as Aurora and Harris, Douglas Harbor across the channel, and Statter Harbor at Auke Bay to the north.

• Getting there: Juneau has no road connection to the rest of North America. Boaters arrive by water, or ship a boat on the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry or by barge.
• Cruise ship season: Large cruise ships berth downtown in summer. Expect heavy traffic, tour boats and floatplanes in Gastineau Channel.
• Local waters: Lynn Canal, Stephens Passage and Icy Strait can produce strong winds and steep seas; Taku winds can blow hard out of the mountains, especially in colder months.
• Tides: Southeast Alaska tides are substantial, with large ranges on spring tides. Gangways to floating docks get steep at low water.

Ketchikan: the first Alaska port for many northbound boaters

Ketchikan sits on Tongass Narrows, and for many boaters traveling the Inside Passage from Washington and British Columbia it's the first Alaska stop. The city's port and harbors department manages several harbors, including historic Thomas Basin downtown and Bar Harbor.

• Arriving from Canada: Pleasure boats entering the United States must report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP offers the CBP ROAM mobile app for small-boat reporting; check current CBP requirements before departure, as rules and designated reporting locations can change.
• Rain: Ketchikan is one of the rainiest towns in the United States. Plan for wet decks, condensation and limited drying time for any maintenance.
• Traffic: Tongass Narrows is busy with cruise ships, ferries, floatplanes and fishing boats. Keep a sharp lookout and monitor VHF.

Kodiak: a working fishing port on the Gulf of Alaska

Kodiak is one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the United States. The City of Kodiak operates St. Paul Harbor downtown and St. Herman Harbor on Near Island, which together moor much of the island's fleet.

• Getting there: Kodiak is reached by air or by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Crossing to Kodiak by small boat means exposed Gulf of Alaska and Shelikof Strait waters with fast-changing weather.
• Commercial priority: During busy fishing seasons, harbor space is in high demand and rafting alongside other vessels is common.
• Wildlife: The Kodiak archipelago is home to Kodiak brown bears. Store fish waste and food properly, especially at remote anchorages.

Comparing the three

Planning a Southeast or Kodiak trip

1. Charts and pilot guides. Carry up-to-date NOAA charts (electronic or paper) and a cruising guide. Many passages have strong tidal currents and narrows best transited near slack water.
2. Weather. The National Weather Service offices in Juneau and Anchorage issue marine forecasts for Southeast and Kodiak waters. NOAA Weather Radio and VHF weather channels carry them.
3. Fuel range. Fuel stops can be far apart outside the larger towns. Plan reserves and confirm fuel dock hours.
4. Communication. Cell coverage drops quickly outside towns. VHF, a satellite messenger and a registered EPIRB or PLB add margin.
5. Harbor contact. Contact each harbor office ahead of arrival for transient moorage; see our transient moorage guide.

Shipping a boat instead of running it

Some boaters ship smaller boats north by barge or carry trailerable boats on the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Ferry vehicle space books up in summer; check current vehicle length and fuel rules, and any requirements for boats and trailers, directly with the ferry system.