two Guests
Trip overview
On our five-day Icy Strait photography charter, you'll photograph the magnificent humpback whales at Pt. Adolphus. The Maggie Sea offers the perfect platform for photography. You’ll also capture images of brown bears, eagles, orcas, and sea lions. Nothing matches the flexibility and freedom of our private cabin cruiser. Our mobile base provides us with unparalleled access to wildlife. You’ll have endless opportunities to see Alaska's magnificent whales.
Trip itinerary
Arrival
Plan to arrive in Juneau at least one day before your trip departure.
DAY 1
Our journey begins with a 9:00 am departure from Aurora Harbor. We sail south through Gastineau Channel, and cruise around Douglas Island, heading north toward Mansfield Peninsula. Then we continue around the point and turn south, entering Chatham Strait. Next we head west into Icy Strait, and anchor in Excursion Inlet.
DAY 2
We’ll depart for Dundas Bay, and along the way we’ll photograph the amazing whales in Icy Strait. After our arrival in Dundas Bay, we'll hike along the beach. Then we’ll cruise back into Icy Strait, and reach the Inian Islands in late afternoon. We’ll anchor in this small island group.
DAY 3
Weather permitting, we'll cruise to Pelican today. The Gulf of Alaska often has rough weather, so we'll check the forecast before we depart. Gray whales, orcas, and humpback whales are frequently seen in the Gulf. The scenic community of Pelican is in Lisiankski Inlet.
DAY 4
After a stop in Elfin Cove, we’ll sail the Maggie Sea to the entry of Mud Bay. Then we’ll cruise into Icy Strait, north of Chichagof Island. We’re heading toward Pinta Cove to stretch our legs. Then we’ll sail toward our evening destination, and anchor in a small cove in Funter Bay.
DAY 5
Our photo workshop concludes today. We'll retrace our route around Admiralty Island and continue to Aurora Harbor in Juneau, arriving by 1:00 pm. Our guests will have ample time to catch afternoon flights.
Trip route
What's included in your charter?
Each multi-day charter includes:
- The Maggie Sea, our 40' custom cabin cruiser.
- Operating costs of the Maggie Sea during your charter, including fuel, fees, and permits.
- A 16' powered skiff that lets us ferry our guest
- An experienced crew, including Alaska-licensed captain and deckhand.
- Chef-prepared meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- All beverages, snacks, and appetizers.
- Fishing tackle for guests who have purchased an Alaska fishing license.
- Your catch of the day, superbly prepared by our chef.
- Processing and freezing of fish for the flight back home.
Additional trip costs
We have priced our charters for two people. There are also variable costs for any custom charter. These costs depend on fuel surcharges, the number of guests, and meal preferences. An invoice for these supplemental expenses will be provided before your departure.
- Meals and beverages for additional guests.
- Beer, wine, and alcohol.
- Fishing license and bait.
- Unanticipated fuel price spikes.
Trip deposit
We require a 50% deposit for your charter at the time of booking. The unpaid balance is due 90 days before the trip departure date.
Trip cancellation
Please be sure to buy trip insurance when you book your charter. A good option is www.insuremytrip.com. Our trips are planned several months before departure. With the limited operating season in Alaska, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation/refund policy:
- Cancellation 151 days (or more) before departure. You will receive a refund of 80% of the deposit. Your loss is equivalent to 10% of the charter cost.
- Cancellation 91-150 days before departure. You will receive a refund of 50% of the deposit. Your loss is equivalent to 25% of the charter cost.
- Cancellation 31-89 days before departure. Forfeiture of the entire deposit. Your loss is equivalent to 50% of the charter cost.
- Cancellation 1-30 days before departure. Forfeiture of the entire cost of the charter.
Crew gratuity
We advise clients at their discretion to plan for a 15 to 20 percent gratuity—given to the captain and shared with the crew.
Included in your charter
Douglas Island
Spend the day with us on our Douglas Island charter. You'll fish for salmon and observe humpback whales in Auke Bay and Favorite Channel. The Maggie Sea offers the perfect platform for wildlife observation. You’ll also have the chance to view bears, eagles, and sea lions.
Tenakee Springs
On this four-day Tenakee Springs adventure, we’ll visit small Alaskan coastal communities, see ancient rainforests, and observe orcas and whales in Alaska’s Inside Passage. The Maggie Sea provides unparalleled access to quiet coves and quaint fishing villages.
Excursion Inlet
On our three-day Excursion Inlet adventure, you'll fish for Sockeye salmon and Dungeness crab, and observe the magnificent humpback whales in Icy Strait. The Maggie Sea offers the perfect platform for wildlife observation. We’ll also view bears, eagles, orcas, and sea lions.
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