Alaska Mothership Tour (trip)

Alaska Mothership Tour

  • Sitka Airport, Sitka, AK, United States
  • Active & Adventure
Alaska, United States

Contact provider for price7 DaysMay-August
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc 24 people max
Join us for a luxurious week-long mothership kayaking cruise in the spectacular coastal wilderness of southeast Alaska aboard the Ursa Major, a 65' crewed charter yacht. It's a fabulous vessel with spacious indoor as well as outdoor observation areas for viewing whales, sea otters, bald eagles, bears and glaciers in comfort and safety.

On a recent trip in Alaska, we witnessed porpoises riding the pressure wave off Ursa's bow, Humpback whales breaching, sea otters munching seafood snacks and pelagic sea birds soaring close by as we traveled between anchorages. In our cozy coves at anchor, we saw bears on the beach almost daily. The ship carries both extremely stable two-person and single kayaks for exploring the coastlines as well as a small skiff for safety, birdwatching and on-shore activities.

The Ursa Major can take paddlers to the most remote locations and prime whale watching areas far beyond the reach of typical self-supported kayak tours. Cruising only three to four hours each day allows plenty of time for kayaking, hiking, and beach-combing. Throw a fishing line or crab pot over the side of the boat in Alaska and reel in fresh seafood.

A naturalist guide will share his or her knowledge of the local flora and fauna, as well as leading paddling and hiking excursions. Meanwhile, the chef serves up some of the finest cuisine around customized to your tastes. We'll spend the evenings anchored in peaceful coves under starry skies enjoying conversation, good wines and restful sleep.

May is one of the best times in Alaska to cruise Glacier Bay National Park on the Ursa Major. From June to September, Ursa Major explores Alaska's spectacular Inside Passage between Sitka and Petersburg. Travel for seven nights/eight days through this vast coastal wilderness, paddling glacier-fed waters where snow-capped peaks tower majestically above, soak in hot springs and observe abundant wildlife including whales, porpoises, bears and sea otters.

Beginning to experienced kayakers can enjoy these expeditions. Paddling a sea kayak is comfortable, and with the assistance of your guide easy to learn. Each day we'll travel to the best paddling spots wherever your group desires. You always have the option of kayaking whenever you like and there are daily opportunities for longer paddles with the Ursa Major there at the end of the day to pick you up. Kayaking is always optional with many other activities available.

The boat accommodates up to six guests in three comfortable cabins with two shared bathrooms and includes an expansive foredeck, upper sun deck, full galley, elegant salon and congenial wheelhouse. The Ursa's heavy displacement hull, high bulwarks, and stabilizer systems make her a comfortable and safe vessel in fair or foul weather. She combines the tradition and beauty of wood with the comfort of home for your adventures in Southeast Alaska.

Trips include: single kayaks, all kayaking and safety equipment, basic paddling instruction, kayak guide, delicious meals, warm beds, captain and chef, dinghy for safety and on-shore activities, on-board reference library and outlets for laptop computers.  Not Included: Hotel, airfare, gratuities.

Custom tailored itineraries are available for any group desiring kayaking, whale and bird watching, photography and visiting remote islands. Whole boat charters for families or groups, or individual bookings are available for weekly departures.

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Locations visited/nearby

Alaska, United States

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc :

  • Reviewer: Alan M
    "It was my best birthday ever. The scenery was spectacular & the whales did not disappoint. Our guides were exceptionally kind, flexible, accommodating, relaxed & knowledgeable (plants, birds, sea creatures, & stars). The food was way beyond my expectations & abundant. I was even baked a birthday cake (right on the beautiful beach where we were camping) & served cold Champaign. I expected a lot for my 60th BD & this trip far exceeded my expectations. "
  • Reviewer: Arlene Perry
    "Since this was my first trip of this kind, I really didn't know exactly what to expect. However, the whole experience was just great…the people, the first-rate equipment, the area & nature, the guides, the food was wonderful, plus the weather and traveling connections. I especially appreciated the equipment list you sent. It all fit into my backpack and I was ready to go."
  • Reviewer: Arthur Rosenshein
    "The trip exceeded my expectations … outstanding guides, excellent food, well planned, beautiful location. The weather was perfect…blue skies, sunshine and warm temperatures with a light breeze. The kayaking and snorkeling were great."

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Itinerary

Day One -  Depart at noon from Sitka for Klag Bay.   This six hour passage is part inside waters and part outside (about two hours in open water).  The outer coast of Chichigof Island is a National Wilderness Area and has abundant wildlife and very few visitors.  Expect to see humpback whales, many sea otters, sea lions, big coastal brown bears (grizzlies) and all manner or bird life including puffins, herons, falcons, harlequin ducks, bald eagles, hummingbirds, etc. 

Day Two - Cruise through the protected  labyrinth of channels islands and passageways to White Sulfur Hot Springs in the middle of the wildest stretch of coast line imaginable, on the waters edge, soak in a natural mineral hot springs overlooking the boat with the pacific ocean as a backdrop.  Cruise north, again protected by the inner channels, through Lisianski Inlet to the charming fishing village of Pelican.  A very friendly place, with a year round population of 100 people and a summer population of 300, Pelican is a slice of the real Alaska, unspoiled by mega-tourism.

Day Three - If the weather allows, cruise back down Lisianski Inlet and head up the coast to Deer Harbor on the outside of Yacobi Island.  The salmon, halibut and assorted bottom fish are so abundant here that we probably will not spend very much time getting your limit of fish!  Anchor in Inian Cove for the night. If the weather is not cooperating, we can fish our way north through the Inlet and wind through the islands to Inian Cove.   A great place to kayak and explore, there are usually many sea otters and whales nearby as well as lots of unusual bird life.  If the weather is clear we will have many spectacular views of Mt. Fairweather and the Brady Glacier.

Day Four - Cruise through Icy Strait past Point Adolphus This should be our prime whale watching day as these waters consistently have the largest and most active population of humpback whales in Alaska - Anchor for the night in Pavlof Bay or dock in Tenakee Springs

Day Five – Cruise to Hoonah Sound on Peril Strait. This "lost corner" or Southeast Alaska with its many streams and quiet anchorages gives our guests the feeling that they are the first people to explore here. Frequent sighting of Killer Whales and Porpoises, good fishing for giant yellow eye, salmon and shrimp as well as many streams with numerous brown bears makes this a choice spot.

Day Six – Cruise through Sergius Narrows to Kalinin Bay. This perfectly sheltered cove at the edge of the ocean has some of Alaska’s best fishing just a short skiff ride away. We frequently see brown bears, sea otters and many bald eagles while at anchor here.  This is a pleasant place to launch the sea kayaks before dinner.

Day Seven - Cruise into Sitka arriving at eleven am.

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