Pacific Catalyst II, inc.

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This cruise offers a diverse experience of Southeast Alask, from fishing towns, to limestone caves to wilderness solitude, through island narrows to open ocean. Our goal is to enjoy the most remote wilderness experience possible 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 rainforest wilderness supports a diversity of wildlife as varied as the landscape. On water there is the probability of sighting humpback whales, Orca, porpoise, sea otters and stellar sea lion as well as numerous sea birds and fish. On terra firma we may see black bear, Sitka deer, and perhaps a wolf. There are some great fishing holes and crab pot drops along the way, and during the right time salmon may be running up the waterways. We average three to four hours of running time per day, allowing plenty of opportunity for exploring by foot and by kayak.

Day 1: Depart Petersburg dock at 1:15 PM and head south down Wrangell Narrows, a narrow and twisting channel between Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands. This 20 mile long passage is among the most intensely buoyed channels in the United States. We emerge from the narrow confines of Wrangell Narrows into the relatively wide open Sumner Straight. As we cross to the north end of Prince of Wales Island, keep a steady watch for the telltale plumes of mist that accompany Hump backed whales. After our open crossing, we will duck into Red Bay, a wonderfully intimate anchorage, in time to take our first kayak paddle as dinner is prepared aboard "Catalyst".

Day 2: Today we have only a short run from Red Bay, around the north end of Prince of Wales Island, and into an even smaller anchorage than Red Bay, aptly named Hole-in-the-Wall. We will kayak along its steep shores, looking for bear sign from our boats. This will be a leisurely day.

Day 3: Up early this morning! We start down El Capitan Passage. This 60 mile long "backdoor" route is one of the most scenic ocean waterways in the world. Narrow (far more so than Wrangell Narrows!) and winding through islands and reefs, this passage requires careful navigation. A few hours into our transit, we can stop at El Capitan Cave. This recently discovered Karst cave is thought to be the deepest in the United States. We will anchor and skiff ashore to take a guided tour. Be aware that this isn't Carlsbad Caverns! There are no lights, no trails, and it can be muddy and cold. The Forest Service offers guide services, so we are in good hands. (Just try not to think of poor Injun Joe!). After returning to "Catalyst" for lunch and dry clothes, we get back under weigh. Another few miles bring us to enchanting Devil Fish Bay, where we will spend the night anchored in its impossibly calm waters.

Day 4: Another early start this morning. We will finish our voyage through El Capitan Passage today, and skirt the edges of Sea Otter Sound. We will pass among literally hundreds of islands as we wander , watching for orca and humpback whales, seals and salmon, eagles and herons, this is a natural wonderland seldom visited by yachts. We will eventually wind our way into small Nossuk Anchorage, where a dozen small islands form a protected bay. A wonderland to paddle through as the sun sets and the moon rises.

Day 5: An option presents itself today; we can stay in Nossuk Anchorage for another day, or weather permitting, we can head onwards to a secluded cove that is tucked in on the edge of the open North Pacific. In any case, our next anchorage is among the scattered islands centered by San Lorenzo Island. This small archipelago forms a barrier to the open ocean waves that assault the northern coasts. We can go ashore and hike to the exposed coast, and perhaps kayak in the ocean swells that slip through gaps between islands. There should be excellent fishing here for halibut and cod.

Day 6: To San Lorenzo Island (if we're not there already). As tonight is our last night together, we will open an extra bottle of wine and tell stories into the small hours at the Captain's Ball.

Day 7: The crew is up early and we are under weigh as our guests enjoy a sleepy morning and have a late breakfast. We still have some dramatic stretches of water to pass before we reach Craig, so the cameras and binoculars should be the last items packed! We will arrive in Craig at about noon. Try and schedule a couple of hours to investigate Craig, and nearby Klawock. This area is the heart of resurgence in Alaskan Native Totem pole carving tradition, and many are on display.

Not available in 2012

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