Juneau to Ketchikan ~ Whale, Bear and Glacier Photo Tour
I chose these dates after speaking to our Captain. He said that the whales have been coming later and later and that August was a good time. I think after carefully considering everything, this itinerary will give us the best photographic opportunities, especially with a visit to Anan Creek for bears!
Dates: August 1 - 8, 2022 , 7 nights, 8 days
Price: $7599.00pp based on double occupancy, All Inclusive
Limited single supplements available $1000.00 additional
Limit 10
Exploration and adventure awaits on this cruise from the spectacular fjords and glaciers of the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness area into Frederick Sound to search for Humpback Whales & other marine life. We’ll navigate the infamous “Wrangell Narrows” and an overnight stop in one of Alaska’s frontier towns of Petersburg or Wrangell often fits into the schedule before another trip highlight, a visit to Anan Creek Bear Observatory. Then sit back and relax as we make our way down Clarence Strait to Alaska’s gateway city of Ketchikan.
Day 1 – Into the Wild
A world of natural beauty unfolds as we leave civilization behind and cruise south in Stephens Passage. The atmosphere onboard is one of excitement and anticipation. Our destination for the evening is a small cove nestled beneath a hanging glacier at the edge of the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness. Icebergs often float into this bay and there is time to kayak or beach comb before guests join the Captain in the dining salon for a delicious 3 course evening meal.
Day 2 – Tracy Arm Wilderness (Fjords, Glaciers & Icebergs)
Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and take a stroll on deck before breakfast. Today we will cruise the length of spectacular Tracy or Endicott Arm Fjord. Nature is still raw here and you will be awed by the scale and grandeur of Alaska’s rugged beauty as we cruise beneath sheer granite walls with cascading waterfalls. We’ll navigate our way between glittering blue icebergs in the hope of reaching a massive tidewater glacier that calves regularly into the sea.
Watch for Bear, Mountain Goats, Bald Eagle, Harbor Seals with pups on icebergs and their nemesis the Orca (Killer) whale.
Day 3 – Whale watching in Frederick Sound
We will spend most of our time today cruising in Frederick Sound, searching for and watching Humpback Whales. The protected waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage support large numbers of these magnificent and graceful creatures during the summer feeding season and it is not uncommon to see more than a hundred individuals on any given day.
Our journey continues south to Admiralty Island. A National Monument and pristine wilderness area this island has the densest population of Brown Bear in the world and is a popular nesting site for Bald Eagle. We’ll visit a Sea Lion haulout along the way and fish for Halibut if time allows.
Day 4 – Admiralty Island to Petersburg
Today begins at a leisurely pace and keen kayakers have time for a paddle before breakfast. After breakfast we’ll don rubber boots and skiff to shore. This particular bay has a pretty hike to a salmon stream where we hope to see Brown Bear. The surrounding mountains provide a spectacular backdrop and you will not run out of photo opportunities as the trail winds through a grassy meadow and tidal flats on the way back to our skiff.
Watch for Humpback Whales, Orca, Dalls Porpoise and Sea Otter too as we cross Frederick Sound in the afternoon!! We may do a spot of Salmon fishing before continuing to the frontier Alaskan community of Petersburg that is situated at the northern entrance of the infamous Wrangell Narrows. With a proud Scandinavian heritage, canneries and a commercial fishing fleet it is an interesting and convenient overnight destination.
Day 5 – Wrangell Narrows to Anan Creek
The bench seat in front of the wheelhouse is a popular vantage point this morning as we cruise through the Wrangell Narrows. A winding, 22 mile long channel between Mitkof Island and Kupreanof Island this passage has 65 navigational markers and is in places barely wide enough to accommodate the Alaska State Ferry.
We will cruise to Fools Inlet, an anchorage that situates us well for an early start to an exciting day of bear viewing tomorrow. Help the crew set crab pots, drop a line in for Halibut and if time allows there is always the option to explore by kayak or go on a skiff tour.
Day 6 – Bear viewing at Anan Creek Bear Observatory
Today we will visit Anan Creek Bear Observatory. A short hike through beautiful temperate rainforest along Anan Lagoon leads to the viewing platform by a waterfall where predominately Black Bear congregate to feast on spawning salmon. Resident Brown bears, bald eagles, several species of gulls, and harbor seals are also attracted to this seasonal abundance. A covered photo blind is located at creek level to get you even closer to the action.
Day 7 – Clarence Strait to Behm Canal
We have a scenic days cruise today down Clarence Strait to our final anchorage and one last dinner to celebrate adventures shared and new friends made. There are some good fishing spots along the way and wildlife rich Behm Canal is another place to watch for the tell tale spouts of Humpback and Orca Whales.
Day 8 – Cruise to Ketchikan and disembark
It’s the final morning and a short 2 hour cruise into Ketchikan where we aim to be docked (after breakfast) by approximately 10am.
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Will will be cruising through the Inside Passage on a beautiful 87 ‘ yacht that will afford us some fantastic photographic experiences. Unlike the large and sometimes huge cruise lines that go through the passage we will be on a private yacht full of old world charm and modern conveniences. This classic luxury yacht is set up perfectly for wildlife viewing. Wide, covered side decks allow uninterrupted access all around the boat . Our small skiff allows us to get to shore or closer to wildlife.
As far as flights essentially unless coming from the North all flights go through Seattle. To and from Seattle are one-way tickets in and out of SE Alaska. You can book it as RT but the cost is the same as two one ways. Between the fishing and cruising industry it is very common to fly in and out of different ports. Juneau being the Capitol has the most flights a day but Ketchikan has several flights a day. It’s easy getting to and from Seattle and plans from there of course could be the standard RT.
Trip Includes:
• All linens, towels, meals, a selection of non-alcoholic beverages (soda/water/coffee/tea) and wine served with
4pm Hors d’oeuvres & Dinner.
• All activities and excursions including Park Permits where required.
• Saltwater fishing tackle, bait, crab pots.
Trip does NOT include:
• Pre/post cruise accommodation, Airfares & Airport taxes, Passport/Visas, Travel Insurance
• Alaska State Fishing License (if desired).
• Beer, hard liquor, additional wine. You can purchase liquor and bring it on board with you.
• Crew tip, approx. $600.00pp
Deposit Info
A non-refundable $2,000/person to save a spot. Please be sure to check your schedule carefully before committing to the trip. I also urge you to purchase travel insurance (see below). Your balance will be due on February 28, 2022. Please make your check out to “Denise Ippolito LLC” If I do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date I will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. If your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance. Please don’t book your airfare until this trip is confirmed that it is a go, thank you.
I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance.
There are many other companies out there that offer travel insurance, some folks use Allianz Travel Insurance Co or InsureMyTrip. With any travel insurance, it is best to check out the company thoroughly. I have no allegiance to these companies and do not make one cent from the referral or sale of the insurance.
* A detailed PDF file will be sent upon registration.