Day 1: Sample Itinerary for the Explorer or Ursa Major - Sitka to Sitka
Depart at noon from Sitka for Klag Bay. This six-hour passage is part inside waters and part outside (about two hours in open water). The outer coast of Chichigof Island is a National Wilderness Area and has abundant wildlife and very few visitors. Expect to see humpback whales, many sea otters, sea lions, big coastal brown bears (grizzlies) and all manner or bird life including puffins, herons, falcons, harlequin ducks, bald eagles, hummingbirds, etc. Day 2:
Cruise through the protected labyrinth of channels islands and passageways to White Sulfur Hot Springs in the middle of the wildest stretch of coast line imaginable, on the waters edge, soak in a natural mineral hot springs overlooking the boat with the pacific ocean as a backdrop. Cruise north, again protected by the inner channels, through Lisianski Inlet to the charming fishing village of Pelican. A very friendly place, with a year round population of 100 people and a summer population of 300, Pelican is a slice of the real Alaska, unspoiled by mega-tourism. Day 3:
If the weather allows, cruise back down Lisianski Inlet and head up the coast to Deer Harbor on the outside of Yacobi Island. The salmon, halibut and assorted bottom fish are so abundant here that you probably will not spend very much time getting your limit of fish! Anchor in Inian Cove for the night. If the weather is not cooperating, you can fish your way north through the Inlet and wind through the islands to Inian Cove. A great place to kayak and explore, there are usually many sea otters and whales nearby as well as lots of unusual bird life. If the weather is clear you will have many spectacular views of Mt. Fairweather and the Brady Glacier. Day 4:
Cruise through Icy Strait past Point Adolphus This should be a prime whale watching day as these waters consistently have the largest and most active population of humpback whales in Alaska. Anchor for the night in Pavlof Bay or dock in Tenakee Springs. Go to the bathhouse to soak in the mineral hot springs. Day 5:
Take a morning hike down to the river, picking berries and maybe see some brown bears feeding on returning salmon in the river. Cruise to Hoonah Sound on Peril Strait. This "lost corner" or Southeast Alaska with its many streams and quiet anchorages gives guests the feeling that they are the first people to explore here. Frequent sighting of Killer Whales and Porpoises, good fishing for giant yellow eye, salmon and shrimp as well as many streams with numerous brown bears makes this a choice spot. Day 6:
Cruise through Sergius Narrows to Kalinin Bay. This perfectly sheltered cove at the edge of the ocean has some of Alaska’s best fishing just a short skiff ride away. We frequently see brown bears, sea otters and many bald eagles while at anchor here. This is a pleasant place to launch the sea kayaks before dinner. Day 7:
Cruise into Sitka arriving at 11:00 am. Day 1: Sample Itinerary on the MV Westward or Catalyst - Juneau to Petersburg
Juneau to Wood Spit - Arrive Juneau to overnight night before departure. On Sunday embark onboard the Westward at 11:00 am. Get settled into your cabins, meet your guides and fellow travelers and enjoy a hearty buffet lunch. At 11:30 am, assemble on the foredeck for a safety and orientation meeting. By 12:00 pm you will be under way, headed south down Gastineau Channel and out into Stephens Passage. After about a five-hour run, drop anchor at Wood Spit near the entrance to Endicott Arm and in the evening light and become acquainted with the sea kayaks. The double kayaks are very stable for beginners and the single kayaks allow seasoned kayakers to exercise their skills. Some may also choose to go ashore for beachcombing. L,D. Day 2:
Wood Spit to Dawes Glacier & Endicott Arm fjord - In the morning the aroma of fresh-baked scones beckon you to breakfast. Awake to the heartbeat rhythm of the Atlas Imperial Diesel as you dodge icebergs and wind your way into the fjord. Cruise 27 miles to the face of Dawes Glacier where you’ll linger through lunch and early afternoon to witness the calving and booming of the icebergs that rise vertically out of the sea. Then cruise to North Dawes Cove to drop anchor at a place where grizzlies often come to feed. There there is time to enjoy sea kayaking or a try at the rowing skiff. B,L,D. Day 3:
Endicott Arm to Ford’s Terror - A short cruise of two hours gets you to the next anchorage, Ford’s Terror. It is much like a flooded Alaskan Yosemite - spectacular beyond words. During maximum flood the current flows up to 12 knots through the narrow cut leading into the inner fjord. Wait for slack high tide and just before it reaches its peak, paddle through salt-water rapids beneath 5,000-foot granite rock faces that soar upwards, often into an other worldly mist. Icebergs are also your companions as you paddle about two to three miles to a grassy spit where you enjoy lunch. After lunch, paddle with the falling tide back to the boat. B,L,D. (Those not comfortable kayaking can ride in the motorized rubber dinghy to lunch.) Day 4:
Ford’s Terror to Gambier Bay - Today keep a sharp lookout for whales while heading to Gambier Bay. As well as splendid whale watching, this magnificent area is home to rivers full of spawning salmon running upstream. Where there are salmon, there are bears. Arriving before lunch, there is plenty of free time to explore this rich habitat with your guide on foot and by kayak. B,L,D. Days 5-6:
Gambier Bay to Brothers Islands - The Brothers Islands are a small group of islands in Frederick Sound. The journey to Brothers Islands crosses feeding grounds of Humpbacks and Orcas. Keep your eyes and ears (by using hydrophones) in tune to whales as sightings are common in this area. We will spend two days hiking, kayaking, fishing for halibut, giggling at frolicking sea lions and enjoying the splendor of Alaska while roasting fish over a campfire for dinner. Because there are no creeks or rivers with fish runs, there are no bears on Brothers Islands making it a great place to hike through old growth rain forest of spruce, hemlock and cedar. There will also be an opportunity for some great tide pooling and a visit to an amazing Stellar sea lion "haul out" - a place where as many as 200 sea lions can be congregated on the rocks, including males with their harems. Birders will view fishing eagles, Harlequin ducks, Oyster Catchers, Pigeon Guillemots, Kingfishers, and other sea birds. B,L,D. Day 7:
Brothers Islands to Thomas Bay - The cruise today takes roughly six hours and the exact timing is tide dependant. You may well be on the way before breakfast cruising through areas where there is a high probability of whale feeding activity. Anchor in one of two anchorages in Thomas Bay - either Scenery Cove or Cascade Creek. Both locations offer the chance for more hiking, sea kayaking and, tides permitting, you'll hike on the extensive glacial moraine that lies at the foot of Baird Glacier. Those who prefer may relax onboard and soak in the sheer, peaceful vastness. B,L,D. Day 8:
Thomas Bay to Petersburg - A leisurely morning with time for one last kayak paddle or stroll on shore. Then pull anchor for a two and a half-hour cruise to Petersburg. Situated on the banks of the Wrangell Narrows, Petersburg is nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and is a working fishing town of strong Norwegian heritage. Disembark and bid farewell to the Westward and its crew. Transfer to local hotel if you wish to spend time in Petersburg or to the airport for return flights to Seattle. B,L. |
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