Coastal ferry routes offer a unique and captivating way to experience the world's most stunning shorelines. These journeys combine the thrill of sea travel with panoramic vistas of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and picturesque harbors. For travelers seeking an immersive coastal experience, ferry rides provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the ever-changing seascape and coastal terrain from a vantage point few other modes of transportation can match.
From the dramatic fjords of Scandinavia to the sun-drenched islands of the Mediterranean, coastal ferry routes traverse some of the planet's most awe-inspiring maritime landscapes. These voyages not only serve as vital transportation links but also as floating observation decks, allowing passengers to soak in the coastal beauty at a leisurely pace. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates scenic journeys, these ferry routes promise to deliver unforgettable visual experiences.
Iconic scandinavian fjord voyages: Oslo to Bergen
The coastal ferry route from Oslo to Bergen is often hailed as one of the most scenic maritime journeys in the world. This voyage takes you through Norway's spectacular fjord landscape, offering a front-row seat to the country's dramatic coastal geography. As you sail along the Norwegian coastline, you'll witness a mesmerizing blend of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and quaint coastal villages that seem to cling precariously to the mountainsides.
The journey typically takes about 20 hours, allowing ample time to absorb the ever-changing scenery. Many travelers opt for the Hurtigruten coastal express, which has been plying these waters since 1893, providing both a vital transportation link and an unparalleled sightseeing experience. The route includes several stops at charming coastal towns, giving passengers the opportunity to briefly explore these picturesque locales or simply admire them from the deck.
Navigating Sognefjord: Norway's longest and deepest fjord
A highlight of the Oslo to Bergen route is the passage through Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Stretching over 200 kilometers inland from the coast, Sognefjord is often referred to as the "King of the Fjords." As your ferry navigates this majestic waterway, you'll be surrounded by steep, snow-capped mountains that plunge dramatically into the deep blue waters.
The sheer scale of Sognefjord is awe-inspiring, with cliffs rising up to 1,000 meters above the water. The fjord's narrower branches, such as Nærøyfjord, offer even more intimate and spectacular views. Keep your camera ready, as you might spot cascading waterfalls, small farms perched on seemingly impossible slopes, and even the occasional seal or porpoise in the waters.
Geirangerfjord's UNESCO-listed landscape and seven sisters waterfall
Another breathtaking highlight of this coastal ferry route is the passage through Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional natural beauty. This narrow, S-shaped fjord is flanked by near-vertical cliff faces adorned with numerous waterfalls, creating a landscape that seems almost too perfect to be real.
The Geirangerfjord is often described as the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords, offering some of the most dramatic and picturesque scenery in all of Scandinavia.
One of the most famous sights along Geirangerfjord is the Seven Sisters Waterfall, a group of seven separate streams that cascade down the mountainside. Legend has it that the falls represent seven sisters dancing, while a single waterfall across the fjord, known as "The Suitor," attempts to woo them. This poetic natural spectacle is a photographer's dream and a testament to the raw beauty of Norway's coastal landscape.
Nærøyfjord: narrow passages and vertical cliffs
Nærøyfjord, a branch of the larger Sognefjord, offers perhaps the most intimate fjord experience on this coastal ferry route. At its narrowest, this fjord is only 250 meters wide, creating a sense of enclosure as your ferry glides between towering cliffs that rise up to 1,700 meters on either side.
The dramatic scenery of Nærøyfjord has earned it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list, alongside Geirangerfjord. As you navigate this narrow passage, you'll be treated to views of small, isolated farms clinging to the mountainsides, powerful waterfalls plunging into the fjord, and occasional glimpses of wildlife such as mountain goats or eagles soaring overhead.
Flåm railway connection: integrating rail and ferry travel
For those looking to enhance their coastal ferry experience, a detour on the famous Flåm Railway offers a unique perspective on Norway's fjord landscape. The Flåm Railway, or Flåmsbana, is often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, climbing from sea level at the Aurlandsfjord up to 866 meters at Myrdal station.
This 20-kilometer journey can be easily integrated into your coastal ferry itinerary, allowing you to experience the fjord landscape from both sea and land. The train ride offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, passes by thundering waterfalls, and traverses through 20 tunnels, providing a thrilling complement to your ferry voyage.
Greek island hopping: cyclades archipelago ferry network
The Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea offers a completely different but equally captivating coastal ferry experience. This group of Greek islands is renowned for its striking contrast of azure waters, white-washed buildings, and rugged landscapes. Island hopping by ferry is not just a means of transportation here; it's an integral part of the Greek island experience, offering breathtaking views and a taste of the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
The ferry network connecting the Cyclades islands is extensive, allowing travelers to create their own island-hopping itinerary. Each journey between islands presents new vistas, from distant island silhouettes emerging on the horizon to the gradual reveal of each island's unique coastal features as you approach.
Piraeus to Santorini: caldera views and volcanic landscapes
The ferry route from Piraeus (the main port of Athens) to Santorini is a classic Greek island journey that culminates in one of the most spectacular harbor approaches in the world. As your ferry nears Santorini, you'll be greeted by the island's famous caldera, a vast volcanic crater partially submerged by the sea.
The approach to Santorini offers a dramatic vista of towering cliffs topped with the iconic white buildings of Fira and Oia. These clifftop towns seem to cling precariously to the edge of the caldera, their white-washed facades and blue-domed churches creating a striking contrast against the dark volcanic rock. The ferry's arrival into the small port of Athinios, nestled at the base of the caldera cliffs, is an unforgettable experience that sets the stage for your exploration of this unique island.
Mykonos to Delos: ancient ruins and aegean panoramas
A short ferry ride from the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos takes you to the sacred island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. This journey, though brief, offers beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding Cycladic islands.
As you approach Delos, the island's ancient ruins begin to come into view. The sight of weathered marble columns and the remains of ancient temples silhouetted against the Aegean sky creates a powerful impression of the island's historical significance. This ferry route not only connects you to a UNESCO World Heritage site but also provides a unique perspective on the interplay between the Aegean landscape and ancient Greek civilization.
Naxos to Paros: marble quarries and byzantine trail vistas
The ferry route between Naxos and Paros, two of the larger islands in the Cyclades, offers a diverse range of coastal scenery. As you depart Naxos, you'll have views of the island's long sandy beaches and the imposing bulk of Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades.
Approaching Paros, keep an eye out for the island's famous marble quarries. These white scars on the landscape are visible from the sea and have been the source of some of the finest marble in the world since ancient times. The ferry's approach to the main port of Parikia offers views of the town's picturesque windmill and the Byzantine-era Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, one of the oldest in Greece.
British Columbia's inside passage: vancouver to prince rupert
The Inside Passage along the coast of British Columbia offers one of North America's most spectacular coastal ferry journeys. This route, operated by BC Ferries, takes you from Vancouver to Prince Rupert, traversing a complex network of fjords, islands, and narrow channels. The journey typically takes about 15 hours, offering passengers a chance to witness the raw beauty of Canada's Pacific Northwest coast.
This coastal ferry route is renowned for its pristine wilderness views, showcasing dense temperate rainforests that come right down to the water's edge, snow-capped coastal mountains, and a rich diversity of marine life. The ever-changing scenery and the possibility of wildlife sightings make this journey a favorite among nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Navigating the Johnstone Strait: orca habitat and coastal mountains
One of the highlights of the Inside Passage route is the navigation through Johnstone Strait, a 110-kilometer channel between Vancouver Island and the mainland. This area is known for its strong currents and, more importantly, as a critical habitat for orca whales.
As your ferry passes through Johnstone Strait, keep a keen eye on the waters around you. This area is home to about 150 orcas during the summer months, and sightings are not uncommon. The strait is also flanked by the impressive Coast Mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop of forested slopes and snow-capped peaks that plunge directly into the sea.
Queen Charlotte sound: open pacific and great bear rainforest views
As the ferry route continues north, it enters Queen Charlotte Sound, where the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage give way to the open Pacific Ocean. This transition offers a dramatic change in scenery, with wider vistas and the possibility of experiencing the raw power of the Pacific.
From the deck, you'll have views of the outer islands of the Haida Gwaii archipelago to the west and glimpses of the Great Bear Rainforest on the mainland to the east. The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world, home to diverse wildlife including the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear.
Grenville Channel: fjord-like passages and coastal ecology
Towards the northern end of the Inside Passage route, the ferry navigates through Grenville Channel, a narrow, fjord-like passage that stretches for over 70 kilometers. This strait is so narrow in places that it feels like you could almost reach out and touch the forested slopes on either side.
Grenville Channel offers some of the most intimate and awe-inspiring views of the coastal landscape, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests creating a corridor of natural beauty.
The channel's protected waters are rich in marine life, and it's not uncommon to spot seals, sea lions, or even the occasional humpback whale. The interplay of mist, mountains, and water in this channel creates an almost mystical atmosphere, especially in the early morning or late evening light.
Croatian Adriatic: dalmatian coast island circuit
The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia offers a stunning coastal ferry experience that combines crystal-clear waters, historic island towns, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The ferry network connecting the Dalmatian islands allows travelers to create their own island-hopping adventure, with each leg of the journey offering new perspectives on this beautiful coastline.
From the deck of these ferries, you'll witness a landscape where the Mediterranean meets the Balkans, with sun-bleached islands rising from the azure Adriatic, their hillsides covered in olive groves, vineyards, and fragrant pine forests. The contrast between the deep blue sea and the light-colored limestone of the islands creates a visual spectacle that is uniquely Dalmatian.
Split to Hvar: lavender fields and venetian architecture
The ferry journey from Split, Croatia's second-largest city, to the island of Hvar is a perfect introduction to the beauty of the Dalmatian islands. As you leave Split's harbor, you'll have views of the city's impressive seafront promenade and the looming bulk of Marjan Hill.
Approaching Hvar, often referred to as the "queen of the Dalmatian islands," you're greeted by the sight of terracotta roofs and honey-colored stone buildings clustered around a picturesque harbor. The island is famous for its lavender fields, which, though not visible from the sea, lend a purple hue to the island's interior hills during the blooming season. The Venetian-style architecture of Hvar Town, with its elegant piazzas and winding stone streets, comes into sharp focus as the ferry nears the port.
Korčula to Mljet: national park and odysseus' cave
The ferry route from Korčula to Mljet offers a journey through some of the most pristine parts of the Dalmatian archipelago. Leaving Korčula, known for its well-preserved medieval old town, you'll have views of the island's dense pine forests and secluded coves.
As you approach Mljet, often called Croatia's greenest island, you're treated to views of an unspoiled landscape where more than a third of the island is protected as a national park. The ferry typically docks at Pomena, on the island's western tip, offering views of the lush vegetation that comes right down to the water's edge. From the deck, you might catch a glimpse of the two saltwater lakes in the national park, connected to the sea by a narrow channel.
Dubrovnik approach: city walls and elaphiti islands
While not strictly part of an island-hopping route, the approach to Dubrovnik by ferry offers one of the most memorable views in the Adriatic. Whether arriving from nearby islands or from Italy across the Adriatic, the sight of Dubrovnik's imposing city walls rising directly from the sea is truly spectacular.
Before reaching Dubrovnik, the ferry typically passes by the Elaphiti Islands, a small archipelago of 13 islands, only three of which are inhabited. These islands, with their rocky shores, pine forests, and small settlements, offer a picturesque prelude to the grandeur of Dubrovnik. As you near the city, the distinctive red roofs and limestone walls of the Old Town come into view, creating an unforgettable first impression of the "Pearl of the Adriatic."
New Zealand's interislander: wellington to picton crossing
The Interislander ferry service between Wellington on New Zealand's North Island and Picton on the South Island is often described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world. This 92-kilometer voyage across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds offers passengers a stunning introduction to New Zealand's diverse coastal landscapes.
The journey takes about three and a half hours, during which you'll transition from the bustling capital city of Wellington to the serene beauty of the South Island's Marlborough region. This ferry route is not just a means of transportation between the two islands; it's an integral part of New Zealand's State Highway 1 and a tourist attraction in its own right.
Cook strait navigation: tidal patterns and marine life
As the ferry leaves Wellington Harbor, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the city's hillside suburbs and the distinctive Beehive parliament building. The journey then enters the Cook Strait, the body of water separating New Zealand's North and South Islands.
The Cook Strait is known for its sometimes turbulent waters, created by the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. However, this
also offers unique opportunities for marine life spotting. Keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and various seabird species that call these waters home. During the right season, you might even catch a glimpse of migrating whales passing through the strait.
Marlborough sounds entry: submerged valley systems
As the ferry enters the Marlborough Sounds, passengers are treated to one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastal landscapes. The Sounds are a complex network of sea-drowned valleys, creating a labyrinth of waterways surrounded by forested hills.
This unique geography is the result of rising sea levels at the end of the last ice age, which flooded the valleys and created the intricate coastline we see today. The ferry weaves its way through narrow channels and past small islands, offering ever-changing vistas of secluded bays, sandy coves, and lush native bush coming right down to the water's edge.
The Marlborough Sounds are often described as a place where the mountains meet the sea, creating a magical interplay of land and water that captivates visitors.
As you navigate through the Sounds, you'll notice the water changing color from the deep blue of the open sea to the turquoise hues of the shallower inlets. This visual spectacle is enhanced by the play of light and shadow on the hillsides, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
Queen charlotte track vistas: coastal forest and secluded bays
As the ferry makes its final approach to Picton, passengers are treated to views of the famous Queen Charlotte Track. This 70-kilometer hiking trail winds along the ridgelines of the Sounds, offering hikers panoramic views of the waterways below.
From the ferry, you can see sections of the track as it meanders through native coastal forest and skirts along secluded bays. The interplay of dense green forest and sparkling blue water creates a striking visual contrast that epitomizes the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.
Keep an eye out for historic sites along the shore, such as Ship Cove, where Captain James Cook anchored several times during his explorations of New Zealand. These glimpses of history add an extra layer of interest to the already captivating scenery.
Alaska marine highway: inside passage scenic route
The Alaska Marine Highway System offers one of the most unique and breathtaking ferry experiences in North America. Stretching from Bellingham, Washington, to the Aleutian Islands, this ferry route is particularly renowned for its journey through the Inside Passage. This coastal route offers unparalleled views of Alaska's rugged coastline, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife.
Unlike traditional cruises, the Alaska Marine Highway ferries serve as a vital transportation link for many coastal communities, offering travelers a more authentic Alaskan experience. The journey through the Inside Passage is a favorite among both tourists and locals, providing access to remote areas of Southeast Alaska that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Ketchikan to wrangell: misty fjords and stikine river delta
The ferry journey from Ketchikan to Wrangell offers some of the most dramatic scenery along the Inside Passage. As you leave Ketchikan, known as Alaska's "First City," you'll have views of the city's colorful waterfront buildings perched on stilts above the water.
The route takes you past the entrance to Misty Fjords National Monument, a vast wilderness area characterized by steep, glacier-carved fjords, towering waterfalls, and dense evergreen forests. While the ferry doesn't enter the monument itself, the glimpses you get of this pristine landscape are truly awe-inspiring.
As you approach Wrangell, the scenery changes to include the vast Stikine River Delta. This extensive wetland area is a crucial habitat for migratory birds and offers stunning views of braided river channels and distant mountain ranges.
Sitka sound: volcanic landscapes and russian heritage
The approach to Sitka by ferry is one of the most picturesque in Southeast Alaska. Sitka Sound is dotted with small, volcanic islands, remnants of the area's fiery geological past. The most prominent of these is Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano whose symmetrical cone is often compared to Japan's Mount Fuji.
As you near the town, you'll see evidence of Sitka's unique history as the former capital of Russian America. The distinctive onion dome of St. Michael's Cathedral, an Orthodox church, is visible from the water, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding wilderness.
Sitka's blend of Tlingit, Russian, and American history, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, makes it one of the most fascinating stops along the Inside Passage.
The waters around Sitka are rich in marine life, and it's not uncommon to spot sea otters, seals, or even whales from the ferry deck as you approach or leave the town.
Glacier bay national park: tidewater glaciers and fjord ecology
While the main Alaska Marine Highway ferries don't enter Glacier Bay National Park, some tour boats and smaller ferries do offer trips into this UNESCO World Heritage site. The approach to Glacier Bay offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Alaska.
As you enter the bay, you're surrounded by steep, forested mountains that give way to rocky peaks and finally to massive glaciers that reach all the way to the sea. The most famous of these is Margerie Glacier, a tidewater glacier known for its dramatic calving events where huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the water below.
The journey through Glacier Bay is not just about ice and rock; it's also a lesson in ecological succession. As you travel up the bay, you're essentially moving back in time, witnessing how life reclaims the land as glaciers retreat. From mature forests at the mouth of the bay to pioneering plants clinging to recently exposed rock near the glaciers, the landscape tells the story of a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife throughout the journey. Glacier Bay is home to a diverse array of species, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and numerous bird species. The combination of dramatic glacial landscapes and rich wildlife makes a trip to Glacier Bay an unforgettable highlight of any Alaska coastal journey.