Trip Leaders
Kevin Loughlin
2009 Dates
June 24 - July 3
2009 Cost*
$5495-$5995 from Petersburg, AK
Prices per person, double occupancy.
*Lower price is for Standard Cabin (2 standard cabins, shared bath)
Higher price is for Suite (1 suite, private bath)
Limit 6 participants.
Full payment required 160 days prior to departure date.
Price based on double occupancy. If a single room is preferred, a single supplement fee will be assessed.
Hotel Room Only: $300
Hotel and Boat: +90% of trip cost
ALASKA: Whales, Bears and Birds
an Inside Passage Odyssey
Humback Whales offer spectacular behavioral treats on every trip!
Alaska’s Inside Passage is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, which covers most of Southeast Alaska. Our nation’s largest national forest it is also the largest remaining temperate rainforest in the Northern Hemisphere. Where mountains meet the ocean we find unique opportunities to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, whales, and the breathtaking vistas of “wild” Alaska.
The grand scale of this Alaskan land and seascape can be overwhelming and is often best enjoyed through the details. Though often hidden by a veil of clouds, color is everywhere. From vivid orange mushrooms and bright green moss on rocks scraped clean by glaciers, to a tide pool rich with purple sea stars and red anemones, to the majestic Sitka Spruce, 400 years old and covered in soft green Old Man’s Beard lichens, color is everywhere. Life is everywhere.
The cold waters are rich and teeming. The forests and shores are full. The Tlinkets have no word in their language for “starvation.” No concept of going hungry. They have a saying, “When the tide is out, the table is set.” Our table is set as well... for fun, for adventure and for discovery. Look within... look around. Breath the crisp air. Listen to the sounds of rain on the water, waves on the shore and a not so distant Humpback whale as it takes a its breath...Inaccessible to most, the wonders of the vast wilderness of Southeast Alaska are brought close at hand to a maximum of 8 guests (plus two leaders) for this exciting adventure within the mosaic of islands and protected channels that make up Alaska’s Inside Passage.
This area is home to the largest summer population of humpback whales found anywhere! It is also a breeding area (in June) for many species of migratory shorebirds and seabirds. In July and August, during the peak of the salmon runs, black bears and brown bears are frequently seen taking advantage of the feast of low tide.
Life aboard ship includes four comfortable private guest cabins, large covered deck, salon with entertainment center and a library of reference books and video selections. Gourmet meals made fresh from the galley often include fresh caught fish, crabs and prawns. Below is a sample itinerary for this trip. Since we are not committed to a strict schedule, we can take advantage of new discoveries that we make along the way—stopping to enjoy a new arrival of birds or whales, or enjoy a magnificent Alaskan sunset—whatever opportunities may be presented to us. Adjustments may also be made for weather conditions.
Participation, Skill & Fitness Level: Maximum 6 Participants of any skill or fitness level—All hikes will be optional and may be muddy and/or rocky. Kayaks will be available at all times for those interested. Motorboats with a crew member will be available for those who do not wish to kayak.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Petersburg in time to enjoy dinner and short orientation to the Inside Passage and our trip.
Day 2
After an early breakfast we will explore Mitkof Island by van and on foot to learn many of the plants and wildlife of the area. This will be a great intoduction (and tease!) to what we will be seeing throughout our boat trip during shore excursions. We will take a picnic lunch with us to enjoy at one of our stops. There will be many photo opportunities and wildlife viewing opportunities thoughout the day.
Dinner back in Petersburg.
Day 3
Just after lunch we will board the Alaska Adventurer and after a brief orientation, the mooring lines will be cast off and we’ll cruise out Wrangell Narrows onto Frederick Sound. Turning northwest toward the mouth of Thomas Bay, we’ll find Baird Glacier, the location for the next mornings hike.
By late afternoon we’ll be anchored in either in Scenery Cove or at Cascade creek where we’ll have a chance for an evening paddle or hike.
Day 4
After breakfast we will take a leisurely hike near Baird Glacier to observe wildlife and magnificent scenery. After lunch back on the boat we will motor out of Wrangell Narrows onto Frederick Sound where we’ll head west in search of the first groups of whales—both humpback and orca! By late afternoon or early evening depending on wildlife encounters, we’ll be anchored at Cape Fanshaw where we’ll have time for an evening kayak paddle or stroll on the beach.
Days 5 - 8
The following days adventures are dependent upon weather and wildlife cooperation. It will be up to the guides and participants to decide what the preferences and priorities are for these five days. Each day will include one or more of the following activities, in no particular order:
Humpback whale observation and photography, from ship, motorboat and kayak:
This area has a very significant population of whales numbering in the hundreds. Our group will decide how much of each day is devoted to whale observation, which is some of the best found anywhere on the planet. It may be possible to witness the rare cooperative bubble-net feeding behavior which is exclusive to the whales of this area. Orcas and dolphins are also common in these waters.
Brothers Island:
There is a Steller sea lion haulout here which typically has hundreds of animals. It is a great photographic opportunity! Here we will also do some hiking in the beautiful temperate rainforest, with no bears, making it a safe location to wander with a camera.
Gambier Bay:
A beautiful remote bay on Admiralty Island which is a National Monument and home to the highest concentration of brown bears in the world—averaging one bear per square mile. It’s possible to film bears feeding on salmon in streams.
Eliza Harbor:
Another beautiful bay on Admiralty Island for hiking, kayaking, wildlife observation and photography.
Baranof Island:
Beautifully rugged island and location of Warm Springs Bay—natural hot springs and incredible beauty.
Fishing:
There will also be fishing opportunities everyday for prawns, crabs, halibut, salmon and rock fish.
Kayaking:
Kayaks are available anytime to paddle with the whales or to explore rivers and shorelines.
Skiff Excursions:
Two Boston Whaler motor boats will be at the ready at all times to explore, photograph, fish, whalewatch, etc.
Day 9
After a final morning of hiking or paddling, we will head back to Petersburg. Dinner at our hotel and an evening to relax and prepare for our return home.
Day 10
Return flights throughout the day.