Sitka Alaska, Peril Straits, Chatham Sound, Icy Straits, Cross Sound, Glacier Bay National Park

Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Edgecombe, on the outer coast of Baranof Island, our trip will begin in the Russian Capital turned the fishing port town of Sitka. From Sitka Harbor, we will enter Sitka Sound in search of Humpback whales, Sea otters, Puffins, Auklets, and other pelagic marine species. From Sitka Sound, we will navigate our way through winding Peril Strait, where we will search the shores of the narrow passageway for the terrestrial creatures that frequent this shoreline.

Our first major confluence of waters where Peril Straits and Chatham Strait intersect will be a focus to search for whales. After hiking, whale seeking, and a cozy night’s rest, the Snow Goose will head north towards Icy Strait.

As we enter the Icy Strait, we will continue to pass through whale-rich waters as these two major bodies of water collide, providing abundant food for these enormous mammals. Scanning the shorelines for bears, one will begin to notice the changing shoreline fauna. Our passage takes us west toward Cross Sound and the Gulf of Alaska with the Fairweather range looming in the background.

Anxious to explore further, we make the journey into Glacier Bay National Park. Since Glacier Bay has just recently emerged from the ice, it is considered a geologically young area. A trip up Glacier Bay is like a trip back in time. Old-growth forests give way to bare rock as we make our way back into the bay's upper reaches. Here, the tidewater glaciers still tremble and roar as they slowly retreat back, dropping huge icebergs into the sea. Magnificent granite cliffs tower above our small ship as we wind our way up the fjord through the ice floes toward the faces of these massive glaciers. Along the way, our expert naturalist and guide will point out the finer points of plant succession, glaciation, local geology, and the interconnectedness of the animals that call this area home. The biodiversity of this place is simply amazing.

Evenings will bring secluded anchorages with time to reflect and share a delicious meal prepared by our Chef in the galley. Many evenings will offer time to quietly explore the shores by kayak or slowly motoring along in the skiff. It's amazing how much can be seen and heard along the shores in the quiet evening time. Before bed, the Captain will bring out the charts to review the day's happenings and make a plan for the following day. The schedule is incredibly flexible to allow for adaptation to the multitude of variables that can be encountered along the way.