ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE ADVENTURE VOYAGE: WESTERN COVES
Itinerary Overview Discover the isolated waterways and hidden channels of Alaska's Inside Passage, navigating these waters by small ship where spectacular scenery and pristine beauty abound at every bend. From the comfort of our expedition vessel we encounter wildlife at eye level, meet native Alaskans, enter some of the world's deepest fjords under massive glaciers, hike on wilderness trails and kayak from serene anchorages in isolated coves. The world's largest mammals, the great whales, migrate here and orcas are often found foraging in the bountiful waters along the sheltered coastline. Our expedition naturalists provide exciting interpretation and presentations about Alaskan wildlife, natural history and geology. Enjoy kayaking among icebergs, hiking far-off trails, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, polar bear club swims and observing marine wildlife, bird watching, and glacier walks. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 KETCHIKAN 2 EL CAPITAN PASSAGE AND DEVILFISH BAY 3 KLAWOCK 4 5 6 7 BARANOF ISLAND & PORT WALTER PATTERSON BAY AND DEEP COVE THE BROTHERS, FREDERICK SOUND AND WHALE WATCHING ENDICOTT ARM AND FORD S TERROR WILDERNESS Adventure or Adventure or Adventure or Adventurer or Adventurer or Adventurer or Adventurer or D 8 JUNEAU Disembark B Arrival and check in to your stateroom. Welcome dinner. Kayaking Devilfish Cove. Visit Marble Island to pick up oysters. Onboard visit with local families. El Capitan Cave Spelunking Morning visit to Tlingit village of Klawock. Afternoon kayak or hike. Rigorous hikes, snorkeling & kayaking. Explore former herring community of Port Walter. Explore Patterson Bay by kayak, skiff or guided hikes to giant waterfalls. Snorkeling available. 5-10 mile guided kayak or skiff tour to The Brothers for sea lion viewing. Frederick Sound for whale watching. Kayak or skiff to Dawes Glacier. Explore Ford s Terror. Captain s farewell dinner. Bon voyage breakfast. Transfer to the Juneau airport or begin trip extension. -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KETCHIKAN Welcome aboard! After meeting your crew and settling into your state room, join your fellow travelers in the common room for drinks and a welcome dinner. [D] DAY 2: EL CAPITAN PASSAGE AND DEVILFISH BAY Wake to breathtaking views of the expansive Tongass Forest, the nation s largest national forest, rising on either side of Devilfish Bay. The El Capitan Passage, a 27-mile long waterway dividing Prince of Wales and Kosciusko Islands, offers many ways to get closer to nature. Wind through the high forests of an old logging road. Paddle the scenic, 4-mile roundtrip around Devilfish Cove. And don t miss Beaver Falls and El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in North America. Here, the discovery of ice-age bear, seal, fox, and caribou bones dating as far back as 400,000 years ago contradict the common belief that glaciers and sea ice once buried the area. Kayaks are available all morning for unguided kayaking at your leisure. In the afternoon, we stop by Marble Island, to pick up freshly harvested oysters and fish from a local family. During cocktail hour, family members come aboard to share their unique perspective of life in the Alaskan outback. Then, as the sunset casts its shadows over the Karheen Passage and Tonowek Narrows, relax over a delicious meal and maybe indulge in a sauna or hot tub soak before bed. [] DAY 3: KLAWOCK As the sun rises over the Tlingit village of Klawock, the living history of native Alaska lies in wait. Spend the morning gaining a better understanding about the importance of carving in Alaskan culture, mixing with the locals and gazing up at the twenty-one restored totem poles that color the town. Hear the stories of the totems at the park and at the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on to the local youth. In the afternoon, you may choose to kayak close-in or for distance. Explore the Klawock area on foot or by kayak, keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds and whales. End the day with a short skiff tour to savor the crisp air and breathtaking scenery. Relax with a high quality draft beer in the lounge or indulge in a luxurious massage. Kayaks and skiffs are available all afternoon for touring at your leisure. [] DAY 4: BARNOF ISLAND AND PORT WALTER Anchored along the smallest of Alaska s ABC islands, the day offers many options for experiencing the wondrous landscape. Whether you cheer or paddle, save time for the pre-lunch kayak races! Continue your adventure into the afternoon or take to the water in a new way. Search the depths while snorkeling. Swim through the refreshing port waters. Then show em how it s done during the rope swing and platform diving contests held after lunch, and make sure to sweet-talk the crew who will judge the contest based on style. If you haven t had enough chances to defend your honor already, join in the swim races around the ship. Kayaks are available all day for unguided touring at your leisure. [] DAY 5: PATTERSON BAY AND DEEP COVE While you slumber, we will slip through the waters between Little Port Walter for Patterson Bay. Lush forest, spectacular views, 4000-foot vertical walls, and 2000-foot waterfalls highlight Baranof Island s waterfall coast. View the Cliff Lake waterfall in Deep Cove and slip into the waters of Patterson Bay to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak keeping watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes and challenge your shipmates to a rope swinging contest. Share -3-
your video footage on the lounge's flat screen TV's throughout the evening. Toast another day's amazing adventures with a cold microbrew or cocktail. Be sure to watch the sun slowly disappear over the horizon. [] DAY 6: THE BROTHERS, FREDERICK SOUND AND WHALE WATCHING The Brothers, a pair of islands in Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska s most abundant wildlife. And no one will be immune to the wonderful pomp and pageantry of the stellar sea lions that rest here. Choose between a 5 mile guided kayak trip or skiff tour to the southern end of The Brothers where the sea lions bark commands and pal around. After lunch, we move into the waters of Frederick Sound the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere. Scan the water for movement and thrill as humpbacks, orcas and stellar sea lions feed, swirl, jump and crash back down to the surface. Learn fascinating facts and behavioral theories about the whales from our onboard naturalists as you watch the action. Later tonight, we will be anchored inside the glacial Endicott Arm, listening to whales and dreaming of more to come tomorrow. [] DAYS 7: ENDICOTT ARM AND FORD S TERROR WILDERNESS AREA The sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountain views will take your breath away! Kayak toward the glowing blue of Dawes Glacier face or grab your camera and see it all from the ease of a skiff. During the lunch hour, tides permitting, the ship will move up to Ford s Terror, a narrow passage named after a naval crewmember that was stranded in the turbulent tidal water for six hours. Armed with tide tables, we can safely skiff through Ford s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys and pristine wilderness that surround it. Back aboard, you will be greeted with cocktails and a cheery camaraderie as you join the Captain in a farewell toast. Anchored at Woods Spit, enjoy a wonderful dinner and even better conversations with all the new friends you ve made on your journey. [] DAYS 8: JUNEAU - DISEMBARK When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as we voyage into Juneau. A bon voyage breakfast ends our journey; however there are many enticing ways to extend your journey from here. A flight or helicopter tour over the Juneau Ice Field, trekking over Mendenhall Glacier and exploring the ice caves or dog mushing or consider joining us for the return trip from Juneau to Ketchikan on our entirely different itinerary through the equally beautiful Eastern Coves. [B] END OF SERVICES -4-
PRICING CABIN TYPE LOW SEASON* HIGH SEASON* SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Navigator $2295 $2895 $1200-$1500 Trailblazer $3095 $3695 $1500-$1900 Pathfinder $3495 $4095 $1600-$2000 Explorer* N/A $5995 NA *Low season: 6/2-6/9; 8/25-9/1 Explorer Cabins available on only. All rates are per person, double occupancy. Single rates available for select cabins. Triple accommodations are available in cabins with a Pullman berth or sofa bed. The third person receives a 25% savings off the double occupancy rate. In 2012, children 12 and under on select Family Discoveries aboard the Adventurer: 6/23, 7/21 and 8/4 travel at a 25% savings.. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions Use of kayaks*, paddle boards, wetsuits, rubber boots Naturalist guides Land and sea transportation where indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES Airfare to Alaska Tips and gratuities Airport-hotel transfers Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation $167 per person port charges & fees. Any other items not mentioned above *Kayaks on board are primarily tandem, high performance Necky Looksha models, with some Necky Manitou II that are ideal for families with small kids. There are also a few assorted single Neckys, as well as tandem Easy Rider and brands which accommodate persons with larger frames or beginners who may appreciate the greater stability of these wider kayaks. A couple of Laird soft top paddle boards are also available. -5-
Accommodations WILDERNESS ADVENTURER & WILDERNESS DISCOVERER The small ships of InnerSea Discoveries are expedition ships capable of nimble exploration through nature s most dramatic hideaways. The shallow draft and hull design allow easy access to Southeast Alaska s wildlife-rich shores and glacially-fed inlets and serve as ideal launching pads for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. A fully-equipped fishing boat also travels with each small ship. The interior spaces offer contemporary colors and brushed metals that complement the wilderness outside and both the public and private spaces are loaded with special amenities. Completely refurbished in 2010, the cabins and public interior spaces are designed in contemporary colors and loaded with amenities. On the Main Deck, an updated galley is equipped to prepare a variety of fresh cuisine with plenty of Alaskan seafood, as well as special dietary requests including favorite dishes for kids and young adults. Large picture windows in the dining area allow you to enjoy the scenery and watch for wildlife while you dine. Choose among five different cabin categories; all cabins feature private bath with shower including storage, posts for drying gear, a sound system, and a flat screen TV monitor to view daily activities or to watch your favorite movie from the library. A PA system connects your room directly to hear the captain's announcements for activities or the on-board naturalist's alerts for wildlife sightings. The main lounge evokes the character of a National Park lodge and a quaint neighborhood pub featuring select northwest beers on tap, wine and other spirits. The Lower Deck on the stern is the activity center designed for easy loading of kayaks on board and quickly launching skiffs for hikers going ashore. This is especially comfortable for novice kayakers who will appreciate the stability of slipping into their kayak and getting fully prepared on deck with the crew's assistance before they easily launch you at water level. With covered and open area the Observation Decks provide plenty of space for viewing wildlife and scenery, lounging in the Alaskan sun, and enjoying a Jacuzzi under the northern constellations. -6-
Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 1 or more: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -7-
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