We run on our own schedule, finding the routes that fit the needs and whims of the passengers and the predilections of the wildlife. Our only requirement is that we arrive at and leave designated ports on schedule. Sometimes we reserve visits at various bear reserves well in advance and must honor that obligation. Of course, with our years of experience, we know where the best photo opportunities are and thus we gently stick to that itinerary.
Pricing for 2009 has just become available, and because of rising fuel costs, it looks like prices will be increasing about $400 per person. So if you have a chance to go now, do it! The 2009 trip goes from Wrangell to Juneau from July 31-August 8 and costs $4395. Expect incredible scenery, great food, bear closeups and lots of humpback whales! This trip of a lifetime is worth every penny.
This is the best trip of the season, starting in the small "real-Alaska" town of Wrangell and ending in Juneau, Alaska's bustling capital. In between we have all sorts of adventures. We'll go to Pack Creek, a protected area on the north end of Admiralty Island where brown bears congregate each summer for salmon meals. Only a few visitors per day are allowed into this magnificent reserve. As we travel in Frederick Sound, we will be certain to see humpback whales. These gentle giants of the marine world congregate here by the hundreds for their summer feeding. Here, too, we'll cruise by raucous Steller sea lion colonies and with luck, we might see orcas. Near the beginning of the trip we spend the day at Anan Creek, a bear reserve where black bears (and occasional brownies) scoop up salmon at a series of waterfalls. Well-designed blinds enable us to get within ten feet of the bears. And of course we'll spend time enjoying wilderness beaches and the moss-draped temperate rainforest. In Wrangell we'll take an exhilarating jetboat ride up the legendary Stikine River to Shakes Glacier. Here, steep cliffs and waterfalls surround a lake with house-sized icebergs.
Take a look at some of our past trips.
2008 (Glacier Bay, Hoonah to Juneau)
2007 (Juneau to Wrangell, similar to the trip above)
2003 (Ketchikan to Petersburg)
Some great photography, digital and Alaska books recommended by Betty can be found here.
