Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base

Forget bustling terminals and endless corridors: arrival at Excursion Inlet begins with a spectacular landing directly on the calm waters of a picturesque bay. This seaplane base serves as a vital artery for one of the most secluded corners of Alaska, where the grandeur of nature is felt from the very first moments. Instead of standard infrastructure, guests are welcomed by floating docks and fresh sea air, and the flight itself often becomes the most memorable experience of the entire journey through the state.

Airport Features and Highlights

• Water Landing: The surface of the bay serves as the runway here, giving passengers a unique opportunity to enjoy views of fjords and forests from an unusual angle right before touching the water.
• Access to the Wild: The seaplane base is the key, and often the only, quick way to reach local fishing lodges and the large cannery around which the settlement's life revolves.
• Adventure Atmosphere: The absence of complex terminals and procedures creates the feeling of a true expedition in the style of "bush flying," characteristic of remote northern regions.
• Seasonal Rhythm: The life of the air harbour is inextricably linked to the salmon run and the operation of the fish processing plant; in the summer months, the quiet bay comes alive with the hum of seaplanes delivering seasonal workers and tourists.

Since Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base (EXI) is a small landing site in a remote area without permanent staff or a stationary terminal, direct contacts are limited to state administrative services. For prompt resolution of issues related to schedules and flights, it is strongly recommended to contact the air carriers directly.

• Official Airport Website: There is no dedicated website. Technical information is available on the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF) portal.
• Inquiry Phone Number: +1 907-465-1779 (Regional DOT&PF office — infrastructure questions only). For flight inquiries, call the airline (main carrier Alaska Seaplanes: +1 907-789-3331).
• Airport Address: Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base, Excursion Inlet, AK 99850, USA (landmark — the settlement's main pier).
• Email: dot.ask@alaska.gov (General inquiries to the Alaska Department of Transportation).
• Airport Social Media: Official accounts are absent.
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no centralised lost and found office. In case of lost items, you must immediately contact the office of the airline that operated your flight.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support is provided exclusively through the customer service departments of the airlines (Alaska Seaplanes, Ward Air, and private charters).

When planning a route to Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base, it is important to understand the specifics of this place: there are no familiar city streets, traffic lights, or bus stops here. This is a remote outpost in Alaska, where the concept of "transport" most often means a boat or your own feet. The "airport" is a floating dock located in the very heart of a small settlement, so the logistics here are extremely simple and specific.

Public Transport

There is a complete absence of public transport in Excursion Inlet. There are no buses, trains, or shared taxis. Since the settlement is compactly centred around the processing plant and the pier, any movement within the residential zone is done on foot. Distances are minimal: it takes just a few minutes to walk from the seasonal workers' quarters or guest cabins to the seaplane boarding point.

Taxis, Transfers, and Lodge Services

Familiar taxi services (Uber, Lyft, or local taxi fleets) do not exist here. However, if you are flying to Excursion Inlet as a tourist for fishing or nature recreation, the transfer issue is usually resolved by the hosting party:

• Fishing Lodge Transfers: Most lodges (tourist bases) meet their guests directly at the seaplane ramp on their own boats or all-terrain vehicles to transport them and their luggage to their accommodation.
• Water Taxi: Local residents and tourists use private boats to move between neighbouring bays or to get to the seaplane base from remote coastal points.

Car Rental and Parking

There are no car rental points in Excursion Inlet, as the road network is isolated and spans only a few miles, not connecting to the rest of the mainland. Consequently, there is no official parking at the seaplane base. The vehicles you might see at the pier are service pickups belonging to the plant or private ATVs of local residents, left in random order near the shoreline.

How to Get There from Other Regions (Flight Logistics)

Since it is impossible to reach Excursion Inlet by land, the main transit hub for travellers is the state capital. The standard route looks like this: a flight on a major airline to Juneau International Airport, and then a transfer to a local seaplane (travel time is about 25 minutes).

The cost of a one-way flight from Juneau varies between 150–200 USD, but may change depending on the season and flight load.

Nearest Alternative Airports

If weather conditions do not allow flying directly from Juneau, or if you are planning a complex route through Southeast Alaska, it is worth knowing about other aviation hubs within a 300 km radius. They can serve as alternate airfields or starting points for charter flights:

• Sitka Airport (SIT) — located 152 km away. A large regional airport on Baranof Island receiving scheduled flights.
• Kake Seaplane Base (KAE) — located 184 km away, serving a small community on Kupreanof Island.
• Whitehorse Airport (YXY) — a Canadian airport 256 km away, an important transport hub of the Yukon.
• Yakutat Airport (YAK) — a remote airport 270 km to the northwest, known for its harsh conditions and beautiful views.

Recommendations for Travellers: When planning a departure from Excursion Inlet, always allow a buffer of time. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable, and fog or strong waves in the bay can delay the arrival of a seaplane for several hours or even days. It is best to wait for the flight inside the local store or lodge, as there is no dedicated waiting hall on the pier.

Terminal Structure and Airport Layout

Travellers accustomed to massive airport complexes should be prepared for something completely different. Excursion Inlet Airport (EXI) is a classic Seaplane Base, where the concept of a "terminal" is quite nominal. There is no familiar division into zones, no jet bridges, or luggage belts here. All infrastructure is extremely functional and adapted to the harsh conditions of Alaska.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

In fact, the airport consists of one main floating dock (pier), which acts as a single terminal for all operations. It serves both arrivals and departures, accepting small aviation flights (seaplanes like the De Havilland Beaver or Otter). There is no stationary terminal building with waiting halls directly on the water; the space of the pier and the adjacent shore area serves as the "terminal zone".

Map and Navigation

Navigation in Excursion Inlet is intuitively simple and requires no maps or diagrams. The logistics are as follows:

• Boarding/Disembarking Zone: This is a wooden or metal deck on the water. The seaplane moors broadside to the pier.
• Transfer to Shore: A single ramp (gangway) leads from the floating dock to land, changing its angle depending on the tides.
• Landside Zone: Immediately after stepping ashore, passengers find themselves on a gravel road leading to the settlement's main building (General Store) and the residential quarters of the fish processing plant.

Departure, Arrival Zones, and Luggage

Due to the compactness of the facility, departure and arrival zones are not physically separated. Passenger flows are separated by time: first, the disembarkation of arrivals takes place, then the boarding of departures.

• Luggage: There is no luggage claim area. Handing over and receiving items happens hand-to-hand right at the plane. The pilot unloads bags from the floats or fuselage onto the dock, where passengers collect them immediately.
• Waiting for a Flight: There is no specialised waiting room on the pier. In bad weather, passengers usually await the plane's arrival under the canopies of nearby buildings on the shore or inside the local store, descending to the water only after the aircraft has landed.

Transfers Between Terminals

Since there is only one dock, there is no need for transfers. If your route involves transferring to another seaplane (which happens extremely rarely in this location), it takes place within the same pier: you simply wait for the next aircraft on the spot.

Check-in and Pre-flight Procedures

Procedures at Excursion Inlet are maximally simplified but require discipline:

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to be at the pier 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Planes fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and may arrive slightly earlier or be delayed due to wind.
• Check-in: Takes place verbally with the pilot or airline representative on the dock. You will be asked for your surname to check against the list.
• Weighing: This is the most important procedure. For the balance of a small plane, the pilot needs to know the exact weight of passengers and luggage. Be prepared to step on scales or state your exact weight.
• Security Check: There is no classic security screening (like TSA) here, which saves significant time. However, the pilot has the right to inspect luggage if there are suspicions regarding the transport of prohibited dangerous goods.

Navigation and Safety Recommendations

It is important to exercise caution when on the seaplane base territory. The dock surface can often be slippery from water and seaweed, and the lack of railings requires attentiveness. Hold on to handrails when ascending the ramp, especially during low tide when the angle becomes steep. Always follow the pilot's instructions: approach the plane only after the propeller has come to a complete stop and the command is given.

The history of Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base (EXI) is not a chronicle of building massive terminals, but a fascinating record of exploring the inaccessible corners of Alaska. The fate of this air harbour is inextricably linked to the history of the settlement itself, which has gone from a secret military facility to a peaceful fishing centre.

Military Heritage and First Flights

Although the official registration of the civil seaplane base occurred later, aviation communication in this bay originated during World War II. In 1942, the US Army chose Excursion Inlet for the construction of a major logistics terminal (Excursion Inlet Terminal). During that period, the bay received military seaplanes delivering officers and urgent cargo for the base's construction. It was then that the foundations of air navigation in this area were laid.

Post-War Transformation

After the war ended, in 1945–1946, the need for the base disappeared, and the military facility was disbanded. Part of the infrastructure remaining after the massive dismantling was purchased and repurposed into a fish cannery. From this moment, the civil history of the airport began. It became the main transport artery for seasonal workers and equipment delivery. In the mid-20th century, with the development of small aviation in Alaska ("bush flying"), flights here became regular, definitively cementing the status of the bay's water surface as a runway.

Infrastructure Development

Unlike classic airports, Excursion Inlet did not undergo stages of capital building construction. Its "modernisation" consisted of maintaining and updating the floating docks. An important stage was the inclusion of the facility under the jurisdiction of the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT&PF), which took responsibility for the safety of the pier and slipway. Over decades of operation, the wooden decks have been replaced several times with more modern structures resistant to the harsh marine environment, yet the general appearance of the airport has remained practically unchanged since the middle of the last century.

Interesting Facts from History

• POW Camp: The historical context of the place is unique: in 1945, hundreds of German prisoners of war were held here. Contrary to popular belief, they did not build the base, but participated in its dismantling, helping to liquidate military structures before the territory was handed over to civilian owners.
• The "Vanishing" City: In the airport's history, there were periods when it served thousands of people, and then emptied for years. After the closure of the military project, the population shrank to almost zero until the fishing industry breathed new life into this place (and into aviation operations).
• Route Stability: Despite technological progress, approach routes and landing points in the bay have remained unchanged for over 70 years, as they are dictated by the geography of the fjord and prevailing winds.

Passengers heading to Excursion Inlet should prepare in advance for the fact that EXI is not a typical airport with a developed service sector, but a basic access point to the Alaskan wilderness. Familiar comfort attributes characteristic of city terminals are completely absent here. The level of service is defined by the "expedition" format, so travellers are recommended to be fully autonomous and bring everything they need with them.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

On the pier itself and in the landing zone, there are no catering establishments: no cafes, snack machines, or coffee shops. The only opportunity to purchase food is the local General Store, located in the settlement near the pier. The assortment there is limited to basic necessities, canned goods, and drinks. Full hot meals are available only to guests of fishing lodges, where food is included in the tour package and prepared in the complex's kitchen.

There are no Duty Free shops or souvenir stalls at the airport. It is better to purchase all necessary tackle, clothing, or medicines in Juneau in advance.

Connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Electronics

Excursion Inlet is a place for a digital detox, often forced. There is no public Wi-Fi on the pier or in its vicinity. Mobile connection may work unstably and depends on your operator (best coverage with GCI or AT&T, but the signal often drops). Charging stations are absent; a power socket can only be found inside the store or lodge, so it is strongly recommended to carry fully charged power banks.

Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points in the settlement or at the seaplane base. Bank branches are also absent. The local store may accept credit cards, but terminals often depend on satellite connection. It is critically important for travellers to carry a sufficient supply of cash US Dollars, especially small bills, to pay for minor expenses or tips.

Waiting Areas and VIP Services

The concept of a business lounge is not applicable here. While waiting for a seaplane, passengers stay in the open air on the pier or under the canopies of nearby buildings. In case of bad weather, the store premises or the lobby of the hosting lodge serve as shelter. The natural "VIP zone" can be considered the benches overlooking the bay, where one can observe wildlife in silence.

Medical Services

There is no medical centre or pharmacy at the airport. Hospitals are absent in the settlement. First aid can be provided by the cannery staff or lodge guides who have basic first aid kits. In case of serious injuries or acute illnesses, emergency medical evacuation (medevac flight) to a hospital in the city of Juneau is required.

Services for Passengers with Children

Specialised mother and child rooms or play areas are not provided. Parents should be extremely attentive: the seaplane base is an open pier on deep water without high railings. Due to the lack of amenities (changing tables, food warming), travelling here with infants requires thorough preparation and a supply of all hygiene products.

Accessibility

The infrastructure of the seaplane base presents difficulties for passengers with reduced mobility. The transfer from the shore to the floating dock is via a sloping ramp (gangway). During low tide, the angle of inclination becomes very steep, making independent movement in a wheelchair impossible. There are no special lifts or hoists. If you require assistance with boarding, you must notify the airline in advance — pilots and lodge staff usually help passengers board, but conditions remain rugged.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly at the "airport," as it is integrated into the village. Accommodation in Excursion Inlet is oriented towards targeted tourism (fishing and eco-tours):

• Excursion Inlet Lodge: The main place of residence for tourists. Offers comfortable rooms, meals, and fishing organisation. Located within walking distance or a few minutes' boat ride from the seaplane landing spot.
• Staff Housing: Seasonal workers are accommodated in factory dormitories, inaccessible to ordinary tourists.

Business Services

Conference rooms and business centres are absent in Excursion Inlet. This place is intended for a break from work, not for business meetings.

The culinary scene at Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base (EXI) fully corresponds to its status as a remote outpost in Alaska. Passengers should not look for familiar chain coffee shops, fast food, or restaurants overlooking the runway directly on the pier. Since the "terminal" is an open pier, all dining options are located outside it — in the settlement itself, but their selection is also extremely limited.

Restaurants and Cafes: Where to Eat

There is no division into "sterile" and "public" zones with food outlets at the airport. In fact, travellers have only two options located within walking distance from the seaplane boarding spot (Landside zone):

• General Store: The only place accessible to all transit passengers and local residents without exception. This is not a cafe, but a classic rural store. There is no hot kitchen, tables, or table service here.
• Dining Hall at Excursion Inlet Lodge: The main place where you can find hot food. This is a canteen/restaurant attached to the tourist base. It is important to consider that the establishment is primarily oriented towards resident guests. Outside visitors may be served only if there are free seats and by prior arrangement with the administrator.

Local Cuisine and Specialities

If you manage to get lunch or dinner at the lodge, you will be introduced to authentic Alaskan cuisine. The menu here is simple, hearty, and seasonal. The main gastronomic hit is freshly caught fish. Depending on the season (usually in summer), they serve:

• Steaks of Chinook (King Salmon) or Coho Salmon.
• Fried Halibut in batter (Halibut & Chips) — a local analogue of the popular British dish.
• Dungeness Crabs (during the catch season).

Options for a Quick Snack

For those with little time before departure, the only solution remains the General Store. The assortment is typical for the American hinterland: crisps, jerky, chocolate bars, biscuits, and bottled drinks. Ready-made sandwiches or fresh pastries are usually not available here.

Dietary Food (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Travellers with strict dietary restrictions, including those observing Halal or vegan diets, should be prepared for difficulties. In the store, the choice is limited to canned fruit or nuts. At the lodge, the menu is fixed (set menu), and although chefs may try to accommodate, guaranteeing the availability of Halal or vegan dishes is impossible. Gluten-free options are also extremely rare. Strong recommendation: if you follow a special diet, bring the necessary supply of food with you from Juneau.

Prices and Opening Hours

The price range in Excursion Inlet is above average due to the complex logistics of delivering products by sea or air.

• Average Bill: Snacks and drinks in the store will cost 10–15 dollars. A full dinner at the lodge (if available) will cost from 30 to 50 dollars per person.
• Opening Hours: The store usually operates from 8:00 to 17:00 or 18:00 but may close for a break in the middle of the day. The kitchen at the lodge works strictly according to schedule: breakfast (around 6:00–8:00), lunch (12:00–13:00), and dinner (18:00–19:30). It is impossible to buy food at night or late in the evening.

Pre-flight Recommendations

Considering the unpredictability of the weather and possible flight delays, the best strategy for EXI passengers is autonomy. Be sure to take a thermos with hot tea or coffee and a hearty snack before flying to Excursion Inlet. Rely on the village infrastructure only as a last resort.

Travelling through Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base (EXI) is radically different from the experience in major international hubs. There is no hustle, queues, or strict regulations, but there are the harsh rules of the Alaskan wilderness. To ensure your visit goes smoothly and safely, use the following recommendations compiled specifically for "bush flying" conditions.

Optimal Arrival Time

Do not arrive at the airport too early. There are no comfortable waiting lounges in Excursion Inlet, and standing in the open wind on the pier is not the best start to a trip. It is recommended to be on site 20–30 minutes before departure. This time is quite sufficient for the pilot to mark you on the list, weigh your luggage, and prepare the plane for departure. If you are flying as a group or with a large amount of cargo, add another 10 minutes.

Check-in and Safety: Weight is Key

Forget about shoe scanners and metal detector frames. The security procedure here comes down to the pilot's visual control and passenger honesty.

• Exact Weight: It is critically important to tell the pilot your real weight (in clothes and boots). This is a matter of flight safety and the balance of the small aircraft. You may be asked to step on scales right on the dock.
• Dangerous Items: Rules for carrying sharp objects are softer here (a knife in a jacket pocket is often permissible), but there is a strict taboo: bear spray. It is categorically forbidden to take it into the cabin, as accidental discharge in flight could lead to a catastrophe. Be sure to warn the pilot about the spray — it will be stowed in the plane's float.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

There are no pre-booked seats in seaplanes. Seating is directed by the pilot based on weight balancing. However, you can politely express your preferences:

• Co-pilot Seat: If weight and balance allow, this is the best seat in the plane with a panoramic view. Do not hesitate to ask if you can sit there.
• Windows: In most seaplanes (De Havilland Beaver or Otter), every seat is a window seat, so everyone gets views.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

The main tip for luggage on seaplane flights: use soft bags. Rigid plastic suitcases are difficult to place in the limited space of luggage compartments and floats.

• Weight Limit: Usually, the luggage allowance is stricter than on scheduled flights (often around 15–20 kg). You will have to pay extra for excess weight, and it may be sent on the next flight if the plane is overloaded.
• What to Take in the Cabin: Camera, sunglasses (glare from the water is very bright), and noise-cancelling headphones (seaplane engines are very noisy).

Connections and Transfers

Excursion Inlet is the end point of the route, and all connections occur through Juneau International Airport. When planning your return flight to the "mainland," leave a buffer of at least 3–4 hours between the seaplane arrival and the departure of your main flight from Juneau. Weather in Alaska changes instantly, and flight delays from the fjord due to fog are a common occurrence.

Customs Control

There are no border or customs services at EXI, as all flights are domestic. If you are an international tourist, you will go through passport control at your first point of entry into the USA (for example, in Seattle or Anchorage). Nevertheless, always keep your passport or ID with you — the pilot is obliged to check documents before boarding.

How to Save Time and Money

• Transfer: Arrange with your lodge (tourist base) in advance. There are no taxis here, and if you are not met, you will have to walk with your luggage.
• Food and Drinks: Prices in the local store are high due to complex logistics. Buy snacks, water, and necessary supplies at a supermarket in Juneau before flying to Excursion Inlet.
• Group Charters: If you are flying as a large group (4–6 people), renting an entire plane (charter) may turn out to be more economical than buying individual tickets for a scheduled flight.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays due to weather conditions are part of life in Alaska. If fog covers the bay:

1. Do Not Panic: Pressuring the pilot or dispatcher is useless — they do not risk lives for the sake of a schedule.
2. Stay Connected: There is a landline phone in the store if cellular service is not working.
3. Shelter: Wait inside the General Store. Do not wander far into the forest so as not to miss a "window" of good weather and the sudden arrival of the aircraft, and also to avoid encountering wild animals.
4. Backup Plan: Always have a book, a charged power bank, and a small supply of food with you in case of a long wait.