Frederick Sound, just a few hours from Petersburg, is humpback whale heaven. Join us as we learn about these giant creatures with special insights from our guide, whale photographer Jim Nahmens.
Humpback whales congregate here to feed on massive schools of fish and krill. With some luck, we may see these endangered giants as they use bubble nets to execute their cooperative feeding attacks. Our guide will introduce you to the world of the humpback whale - its life cycle, anatomy, behaviors, migration, feeding strategies and current research. He will also share the secrets of getting great whale photos.
Although whales are the focus of this trip, we will also hike in vast rain forests, stroll on secluded beaches, and visit spectacular bays, using both skiffs and kayaks. We’ll keep our eyes out for other wildlife too-killer whales, seals, porpoises, bears, bald eagles and other birds. And we’ll visit a raucous Steller sea lion haul out and salmon spawning streams. Along the way, our guide will introduce you to Alaska’s natural history, geology, native culture, flora and fauna.
Join us for this incredible journey. Each day is a new adventure with a backdrop of beautiful forested islands and snow-capped peaks. This all inclusive excursion includes three gourmet meals per day, cozy accommodations, hot showers, all beverages including select wines with dinner, sea kayaks, skiffs, and the fun-loving company of our guide who is simply nuts about humpback whales and Alaska.
The cruise departs from the small community of Petersburg, which is centrally located in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. The excursion is limited to a maximum of 8 guests in 4 private cabins! It's an adventure of a lifetime and you can contact us for more details and reservations.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: We recommend that guests arrive at least one day prior to our departure. 2 pm board Alaska Adventurer and depart to Thomas Bay where we will set crab and shrimp traps and launch sea kayaks for exploration.
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Day 2: Get up early to hike to Baird Glacier for a walk on the glacier itself! Later we will check our crab and shrimp traps to collect our catch for an amazingly delightful dinner prepared by our on-board chef. We'll then load up and head for some of the best whale watching areas found anywhere on the globe!
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Day 3: Frederick Sound is the summer home of some of the largest concentrations of humpback whales. Most of these whales spend winters in the waters off Hawaii where the young are born and breeding occurs. They do not feed until they return to the rich waters of Alaska's Inside Passage.
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Day 4: One of the behaviors unique to the humpback whales of this area is cooperative 'bubble-net feeding'. We have optimized the dates of this trip for observing this amazing event.
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Day 5: An extra day has been added to this normally 7 day cruise to allow us to visit Tracy Arm with the spectacular Sawyer Glaciers.
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Day 6: Each day is a new adventure. Hike through a vast rain forest. Marvel as house-size chunks of ice calve from a glacier. Stroll on a remote beach. Count bald eagles in unbelievable numbers. Stop by a raucous sea lion rookery. Visit a native village. Try your luck at fishing.
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Day 7: Experience the best whale watching in the world. Humpback whales congregate here to feed on massive schools of herring and krill. Watch their complex feeding strategies unfold as they use bubble nets to herd prey. Get a special insight into their world from our expert naturalist/photographer, Jim Nahmens.
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Day 8: We will reluctantly return to Petersburg around 4 pm.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
All inclusive fares are $3,870 - 4,600 p.p.d.o. depending on cabin selection. All inclusive whole yacht custom charters also available beginning at $3,200 per day for 6 persons.
Availability Details for July, 2009:
* 1 cabin open July 5th – July 12th ‘Focus on Whales’ photography adventure.
* 1 cabins open July 14th – July 21st ‘Focus on Whales’ photography adventure.
Dates Details:
[June 9 – 16] Open for custom charter
[August 27 - September 2] Open for custom charter
Contact us for details.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
Boating and Sailing
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