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SE Alaska Natural History Cruise: Adventure in Discovery Petersburg to Wrangell
Suggested Itinerary (subject to change):

This cruise offers a diverse experience of Southeast Alaska, from fishing town to wilderness solitude, from islands to glacial fjords. Our goal is to enjoy the most remote wilderness experience possible slightly depending upon the time of the tidal currents, the weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the wishes of our clients while enjoying the amenities of our wandering home. While we have a planned itinerary, each trip differs slightly depending upon the time of the tidal currents, the weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the wishes of our clients.

This glacial wilderness supports a diversity of wildlife as varied as the landscape. On water there is the probability of sighting humpback whales, Orca, porpoise, and stellar sea lion as well as numerous sea birds.

On terra firma we may see black bear, brown bear, and mountain goats. There are some great halibut holes along the way, and during the right time of year there is the possibility for salmon. We average three to four hours of running per day, allowing plenty of opportunity for exploring by foot and by kayak.

This particular trip focuses on the areas that are contiguous to Frederick Sound. Frederick Sound separates the Alaskan mainland, with its mountains and glaciers, from Admiralty Island, which is known as the "Fortress of the Brown Bear". The Sound itself is the summer home for the largest concentration of humpback whales in Alaska.

By beginning and ending this trip in the small fishing villages of Petersburg and Wrangell we are able to avoid the cruise ship generated chaos of Juneau or Ketchikan.

Day 1: Join the boat in Petersburg at 11:30am. Bring the luggage aboard and be escorted to your cabin. After a short introduction to the Catalyst's systems and safety procedures we will get under weigh and head into the eastern terminus of Wrangell Narrows. On larger tides, the currents here can be so strong that we will make very slow headway toward open water. Relax and enjoy a late lunch as we cruise toward our first nights anchorage. At dinner, in a still, quiet cove, we will discuss the next day's activities and give an overview of the rest of our voyage.

Day 2: Glacier day! There are two glaciers near Petersburg, depending on conditions; we will visit either one, or perhaps both, of them. One is a tidewater glacier; the other has receded, leaving interesting examples of post-glacial re-generation. This evening our anchorage will provide an opportunity to launch kayaks and take our first paddle together.

Day 3: Today we cross the full width of the Sound; from the mainland to Admiralty Island. As we travel, we again watch for whales. There are several feeding strategies employed by different groups of whales, and as we move from one area to another we have the opportunity to see these techniques used. We will anchor in time to either hike or kayak (depending on the tide height) up a salmon stream at dusk, where we hope to see Brown Bears feeding on returning Pink or Chum salmon.

Day 4: After breakfast we weigh anchor and head back out into Frederick Sound. The route today is a short one, and puts us at our night's anchorage by mid-morning. Today there are many opportunities, tide pooling, a kayak paddle, and a hike through a moss-draped forest. At the end of the day a beach fire will warm our feet as we watch the evening sky fill with colors unseen in lower latitudes.

Day 5: Back into Frederick Sound we head for a quiet bay on the north side of Kupreanof Island. Porpoises and several species of sea birds will be present as we travel. Day 6: Up early to catch the currents in our favor we pass Petersburg and continue west through narrow and winding Wrangell Narrows. An amazing amount of traffic frequents this challenging channel, from fishing boats to yachts, ferries to small cruise ships all use this water filled short cut to Juneau. We will anchor tonight in a cove on Zarembo Island. Tonight we reminisce with words and pictures, and celebrate our shared voyage.

Day 7: We will make our way to the wonderful fishing village of Wrangell. One of the oldest settlements in SE Alaska, it served as John Muir's base for his explorations of the areas glacier valleys. We will arrive in time to allow departing guests to catch the afternoon plane. But, we recommend that you spend at least one night in town to give yourself an opportunity to see the many sites in and around town.

Trip Offered August 24- August 30, 2008 ( see updated schedule for availability or call )

Trip Rates:
2008: $3400 to $4000 per person (DO, special rates for own cabin, single berths available in some cabins)
Whole Boat Charter: $34,340.