Frequently Asked Questions

Onboard the Snow Goose

  • Our boat is one of the few Inspected Smaller Vessels operating in Alaska that carry passengers. This means we are Coast Guard certified and carry safety/rescue equipment above traditional vessel requirements. We have recently undergone a hull inspection and 5 year Certificate of Inspection and passed with high marks.

  • 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.

  • There is limited but adequate storage for the amount of gear you will need on our trips. Soft luggage, like a duffel bag, is most easily stowed, as it is compressible.

  • We serve a modest amount of beer and wine during dinner. If you wish, you may bring your own libations. We do carry some flavored sparkling waters but do not carry soft drinks or soda, however juice is always available.

  • The boat is well designed for our purpose. Guests comment that there is more room than they expected and that they don’t feel crowded.

  • 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.

  • We will consider taking children. It depends on the age and the maturity level of the child. Most of our trips are adult oriented so if children are planning on joining a trip we inform the other passengers in advance. Some of our trips are not open to children. We have a limited number of spaces.

  • Hairdryers and other appliances that require a lot of energy exceed the capacity of the Snow Goose and should be left at home. Cameras and small drawing energy sources are acceptable. It is a good idea to bring an extra video battery.

  • Cellular coverage is poor to non-existent in the areas we travel. Our guests comment on how much they enjoy the simplicity of ship life and a break from technological demands.

  • We carry a good supply of water, and make water with an on board reverse osmosis system, but it is important to remember that a boat is totally self-contained system. We ask everyone to conserve whenever possible, and to not take showers everyday to help conserve water.

Activities

  • We expect to get off the boat at least once a day and up to 2 – 3 times to walk ashore and explore in the small boats, depending on the trip. For example, some trips are advertised as hiking trips where we spend 2- 4 hours a day hiking; others that spend more time watching whales will spend less time exploring ashore.

  • 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.

  • Our crew will be happy to give you instruction and get you started. 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.

  • You do not need boating experience to enjoy traveling on the Snow Goose. If you were interested in learning about boat operations our crew would be happy to involve you in navigation or helping on deck.

  • You need a certain amount of strength and agility climb in and out of small boats, and walk over uneven terrain. You should be able to climb a small stepladder with little assistance. Age is usually not a factor. There is always the option to go with the group or to stay behind.

  • 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

  • On some of our trips, we may stop in small communities where local crafts are available, and credit cards may not be accepted.

  • 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. A computer is aboard to burn onto a CD if your memory runs out, but you need to bring your camera’s cable to link to the laptop.

  • Our trips focus mainly on wildlife and native culture. Sometimes a small number of our guests are interested in fishing with the hope of providing dinner. If time and energy allows, fishing may be possible.  However, our days are so full of other activities there is often little time left to fish. If you wish to try fishing you will need to bring your own gear and purchase a fishing license before you join the trip. Licenses can be purchased upon arrival or prior to your trip through Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Weather, Clothing & Equipment

  • Usually on the Pacific Coast we have a good variety of constantly changing weather. Expect a mixture of sunshine, rain and wind on most trips. On Southeast Alaska trips near glaciers, expect cool temperatures where wearing a hat, gloves and warm jacket is appropriate.

  • 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.

  • If you are prone to motion sickness it is a good idea to bring sea sickness medication.

  • Your rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear and wind. You will need rain pants and a rain jacket (with a hood or rain hat).

  • Yes, rubber boots are a necessity. They should be calf height or higher and comfortable for walking. There are very few places that we travel where there are 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’re on shore.

  • No, a comforter, pillow, bottom sheet, and blanket are provided. We also provide one towel per guest.