snow goose whales and hiking tour

Whales & Hikes

  • Overview

    This trip begins in the quaint Alaskan fishing village of Petersburg – also known as Alaska’s “Little Norway”. Early on in the trip, we have the possibility of hiking to the base of Baird Glacier, which has receded back from the sea and into a stunning rocky canyon. From there, we will head Northwest in search of Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoise and other marine mammals in their summer feeding grounds of Fredrick Sound. We will spend hours floating, watching, and listening to the sights and sounds of the animals that call Fredrick Sound home. We hope to see bears as we explore the shores of Admiralty Island – which supports the densest population of Brown Bears anywhere on earth. We will spend part of a day in the small native village of Kake, where we have a chance to experience a friendly native village and hope to see Black bear feeding on salmon in the streams. By foot, by kayak, and from the decks of the Snow Goose, we will explore the shores of Tongass National Forest, which is the largest temperate rain forest in North America. Evenings will bring us to isolated anchorages with time to relax as we drop kayaks, fishing lines, and crab pots. From Fredrick Sound we will continue north into Stevens Passage and navigate the icy fjords of Endicott and Tracy Arm in Holkam Bay. The grandeur of this area is spectacular – imagine shear granite cliffs extending a thousand feet vertically from the sea into the sky. Here, we will wind our way through ice to the face of a tidewater glacier, where we can kayak among icebergs and watch the massive glacier calve into the sea. Fords Terror, described by John Muir as the “Yosemite of Alaska”, will highlight this journey. We will then continue north to Juneau, the capital of Alaska, where passengers will disembark with opportunities to explore a multitude of hiking trails and experience a true Alaskan city. Highlights: Frederick Sound, LeConte Fjord, Admiralty Island, Baranof Island *Remember: wildlife is wild life, so when it comes to stuff like whales and bears, these ratings show the likelihood of seeing those things as opposed to a guarantee. But that’s nature for ya – and who would want it any other way?

    Duration: 8 days
    Passengers: 12 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Petersburg, Alaska
    Disembarkation Point: Juneau, Alaska
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 0.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1/8 - Frederick Sound, LeConte Fjord, Admiralty Island, Baranof Island

      This trip begins in the quaint Alaskan fishing village of Petersburg – also known as Alaska’s “Little Norway”. Early on in the trip we have the possibility of hiking to the base of Baird Glacier, which has receded back from the sea and into a stunning rocky canyon. From there, we will head Northwest in search of Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoise and other marine mammals in their summer feeding grounds of Fredrick Sound. We will spend hours floating, watching, and listening to the sights and sounds of the animals that call Fredrick Sound home. We hope to see bears as we explore the shores of Admiralty Island – which supports the densest population of Brown Bears anywhere on earth.

      We will spend part of a day in the small native village of Kake, where we have a chance to experience a friendly native village, and hope to see Black bear feeding on salmon in the streams. By foot, by kayak, and from the decks of the Snow Goose, we will explore the shores of Tongass National Forest, which is the largest temperate rainforest in North America. Evenings will bring us to isolated anchorages with time to relax as we drop kayaks, fishing lines, and crab pots.

      From Fredrick Sound we will continue north into Stevens Passage and navigate the icy fjords of Endicott and Tracy Arm in Holkam Bay. The grandeur of this area is spectacular – imagine shear granite cliffs extending a thousand feet vertically from the sea into the sky. Here, we will wind our way through ice to the face of a tidewater glacier, where we can kayak among icebergs and watch the massive glacier calve into the sea. Fords Terror, described by John Muir as the “Yosemite of Alaska”, will highlight this journey. We will then continue north to Juneau, the capital of Alaska, where passengers will disembark with opportunities to explore a multitude of hiking trails and experience a true Alaskan city.

  • Adventure Activities

    Hiking in Alaska

    Along our journey we'll have the opportunity to hike at a number of great locations, including to the base of the Baird Glacier. At the end of the trip in Juneau there is a great selection of hiking trails you may like to explore around the true Alaskan City.

    Included

    Kayaking in Alaska

    As a prior kayak guide, I know how a quality kayak paddles, so we’ve spared no expense on our six Carbonlite 2000 Eddyline Whisper double kayaks. They are great for beginners and advanced kayakers alike and provide the perfect way to peacefully explore remote areas on your own. We provide all the necessary equipment to make your kayaking experience the most comfortable and awe-inspiring.

    Included

    Glaciers

    Alaska is of course well known for its many glaciers and we will explore many of these across our itineraries.

    Bears of Alaska

    We hope to see bears as we explore the Inside Passage – which supports the densest population of Brown Bears anywhere on earth, as well as a healthy population of Black bears.

    Whales of Alaska

    This voyage goes in search of Alaska's Humpback whales and we'll spend hours floating, watching, and listening to the sights and sounds of the animals that call Fredrick Sound home.

  • Inclusions

    Great Food

    We shop local, sustainable, and organic whenever possible. Planning and provisioning for the Snow Goose is no easy feat, it takes weeks of ordering, menu planning, and shopping to make your trip run with ease. We focus on organic and pastured meats, sourced from pacific-northwest companies for all of our proteins, with the exception of the delicious, wild fish and other seafood that we either catch ourselves or buy from fisherman in port. We shop Alaskan fair whenever possible to help support the local communities and people we love so much.

    From freshly baked scones and frittatas in the mornings to truffle potato cakes, roasted romanesco, and seared local steak topped with smoked salt, the Snow Goose chefs bring their creativity and love of food into each dish.

    Our chefs cook three squares a day. There’s also a happy hour snack – typically starting at five o’clock – which can be as simple as pickled asparagus and pub mix, to a sweet and savory baked brie with homemade baguette. And let’s not forget about the beer and wine, which is included in your experience aboard the Snow Goose. We are also happy to accommodate folks with food allergies and special dietary needs.

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Items of a personal nature such as; Beverages / Laundry / Medical expenses / Gratuities / Internet & Wifi
    - Travel insurance (mandatory)
    - International and internal flights that are not specified
  • Map
    990
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    SNOW GOOSE

    Built with purpose, the Snow Goose was constructed in Ketchikan, Alaska in 1973 as a private yacht. She was designed by marine architect Ed Monk to cruise the Inside Passage and modified in 1983 to be a US Coast Guard inspected passenger vessel. Captain Dan Liden bought the Snow Goose in 2006 and has been putting her to work in a variety of ways ever since.

     

    The Snow Goose aims to deliver a unique and personal experience for passengers. Guided by our experienced and knowledgeable crew we take you to the remote waters, islands, and shorelines of the majestic and mysterious Southeast Alaska. Along the way we will teach you about marine mammals, wildlife and native vegetation. Whilst always providing a safe and enjoyable environment, the crew specifically aims to differentiate the Snow Goose from other vessels by enabling passengers to become involved in many aspects of boat life. From navigation to identifying plants and animals, we believe an interactive environment helps guests to experience Alaska up close and generates a sense of adventure and stewardship.

     

    In Alaska we rely on many modes of transportation and pride ourselves on the quality of equipment we provide. Our custom aluminum inflatable skiff was built locally in Washington State, specifically for operating in Alaska. The deep “V” hull and 90 hp outboard not only gets us to shore but also opens the door to exploration when on the anchor. As the ‘Gosling’ to the ‘Goose’, the skiff is extremely stable, reliable and a vital link to accessing the remote trails, rivers, and beaches we visit.

     

    As experienced kayakers, we know how a quality kayak paddles. So we’ve spared no expense on our six Carbonlite 2000 Eddyline Whisper double kayaks. They are great for beginners and advanced kayakers alike and provide the perfect way to peacefully explore remote areas on your own. We provide all the necessary equipment to make your kayaking experience the most comfortable and awe-inspiring journey possible.

     

    We explore these waters with the same spirit that the Snow Goose has maintained since 1973 as researchers, stewards, students, and awestruck explorers. It’s with great pleasure that we welcome you aboard the Snow Goose. We want the boat to truly be your home away from home and will do everything we give you the best adventure southeast Alaska has to offer.

    Features & Facilities
    • Wildlife Viewing Deck
    • Outdoor covered area on stern
    • Open floor plan with large windows
    • Second floor observation deck and wheelhouse access
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 12
    Crew #: 4
    Ice Class: NA
    Speed: 8
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 1973
    Length: 19m
    Width:
    Draft: 2
    Tonnage: 97
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets: 2 Flat Prong
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We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
snow goose twin cabin

Twin Stateroom

08 Jun 2018 - 15 Jun 2018
The Snow Goose sleeps twelve guests and four crew members. Each stateroom has quarters for two guests in bunk beds, with personal reading lights and outlets. All berths are below deck, each with portholes that provide natural light. Rooms are cozy and carefully detailed to make the most of the space. As quaint as they are, you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, as there is always something to do or see on deck. If you are traveling solo, we’ll be sure to bunk you with someone of the same gender.
USD$ 5,175pp
USD$ 5,175pp
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