Trip Leaders
Kevin Loughlin
2012 Dates
June 15 - 24
2012 Cost*
Std Cabin: $6900 per person
Suite: $7100 per person
Prices per person, double occupancy from Petersburg, AK.
Standard Cabin offers two twin-sized beds and private bathroom and shower.
Suite offers Queen-sized bed with private bathroom and shower.
Limit 8 participants.
Full payment required 160 days prior to departure date.
Price based on double occupancy. If a single hotel room is preferred, a single supplement fee will be assessed. Due to limited space, single rooms on board the yacht may not be available, however, for hotel rooms only the single supplement will be $150.
ALASKA: Whales, Bears and Birds
an Inside Passage Odyssey
Humback Whales offer wonderful 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 8 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.
Every day on this trip is a new adventure and we do not adhere to a fixed schedule or itinerary. Instead, we let the weather, tides and especially the wildlife guide our trip!