We expect to see a variety of wildlife on all our trips. However, wildlife is wild life and have their own agenda. It is only luck that determines how close wildlife comes to us or how spectacular their behavior is. Our crew is very good at spotting animals; so along with enthusiastic guests, we spend a great deal of time looking. Bring your binoculars. We take a cautious approach when observing wildlife. We do not want to apply any pressure to animals that could result in a change in their behavior.

We offer a variety of walks and hikes on our trips depending on the focus of the trip and interest of the individual. Walks on the beaches are often easier than on the trails, and often there is more than one option at a stop.

We have 6 double kayaks and one single. The distance you kayak is up to you. Our new boats are of modern construction and glide though the water effortlessly. Some may enjoy a solo paddle in a quiet cove while others may want to paddle for longer distances with a guide. Our kayaking portion is diverse and is catered to individual interest. Our crew will be happy to give you instruction and get you started.

If you are intent on getting good wildlife pictures, you should contemplate bringing a long lens. A lens of 300 mm seems ideal, while lenses with lengths of 180 – 300 mm generally give good results. Consider bringing fairly fast film to capture whales breaching and other action photos, and to allow photography in the low light of morning or evening. Digital cameras are also a great way to capture images. A computer is aboard to burn onto your CD if the memory runs out, but you need to bring your cameras cable to link to the laptop.

Cabins on the Snow Goose are irregular sizes to fit the contours of the ship. All our cabins have accommodation for two people in single bunks, mostly an upper and lower style. You will find that you don’t spend much time in your cabin, as there is always something to do or see on deck.

We serve a modest amount of wine during dinner. If you wish, you may bring your own before dinner drinks. We do not carry soft drinks or soda, however juice is always available. We do have an anchor down policy (no drinking during the day).

On most trips we are not able to offer a private cabin to one person. We do not have a single supplement policy that can penalize single travelers unless a single cabin is requested. Single travelers will be paired with guests of the same sex. Guests are welcome to make special requests in advance, and we will try to fulfill them if possible.

Yes, we have regular 110v household current available in the heads and in some cabins when the generator is on (usually in the morning and late afternoon). It is a good idea to bring an extra video battery.

We travel in protected areas most of the time, where there are small waves and little boat motion. Sometimes we cross into open water for short periods of time, or encounter weather that may cause greater motion.

Yes, rubber boots are a necessity. They should be knee height and comfortable for walking. There are very few places that we travel where there is docks so to get ashore you will be stepping into the water to get onto the beach. Your boots will be very useful for walking in west coast rainforest as well. If you are not comfortable hiking in your boots you can change into other footwear once you are on shore.

The Snow Goose is also an education vessel that teaches Marine Science Education in the spring and fall. During this time the Alaska equipment is removed and science equipment comes aboard. 4th -8th grade students combine their classroom science with the Snow Goose program and learn to become stewards of our local waters through hands on experiences. Beyond school programs and Alaska, the Snow Goose works with colleges, universities, and local non-profits in fields such as geology, environmental education, science education, Native cultures, and conservation groups.