Quick Details
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our eight-day cruise and kayak journey through the remote and untamed beauty of Alaska. This exceptional expedition offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness, inviting you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience. Indulge in the finest cuisine, including freshly caught fish and shellfish, expertly prepared for your enjoyment. Witness the astounding diversity of marine birds and wildlife, from playful sea otters to regal orcas, as we traverse these pristine waters.
But the heart of this journey lies in the thrill of kayaking, where you’ll paddle near colossal glaciers and navigate through crystal-clear icebergs. Our luxurious motor yacht will be your home as we explore the rugged, untouched landscapes of remote Alaska, ensuring that every moment of this voyage is filled with wonder and adventure. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this wilderness paradise.
For travel insurance, we recommend Allianz Insurance.
Glacier Bear is a beautiful 95′ motor yacht, fully capable of navigating the various water conditions of the Inside Passage. Providing you with comfort and safety while you are aboard Glacier Bear is one of our greatest pleasures.
Like similar small Alaska cruise boats, the size of Glacier Bear not only provides for stability but also enhances flexibility. However, unlike a large cruise ship, Glacier Bear is not limited to sailing in deep waters. She can therefore respond more readily to the interests of our guests.
Glacier Bear can get close to the shoreline for better sightseeing and maneuver into tiny coves where you’ll experience wildlife up close and personal. Glacier Bear can take passengers just about anywhere!
The beautiful interior of Glacier Bear has a fully-remodeled galley, granite counter-tops, imported mirror-finish vanity bowls, highly-varnished teak trim, and newly-appointed staterooms. Glacier Bear includes the creature comforts and aesthetic touches that make for a memorable wilderness experience.
Glacier Bear accommodates individuals or couples in four separate staterooms, each featuring a private bathroom.
Captain:
Neil Nickerson has been working Alaskan waters since 1988, as a U.S. Coast Guard officer aboard Coast Guard cutters and on tugboats and passenger ferries. He is intimately familiar with the waters of the Inside Passage and Prince William Sound. He has sailed north beyond the Arctic Circle and west to Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands.
Neil is a U.S. Coast Guard National Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans or Near Coastal Waters. He can be the Captain for any size vessel on any ocean. Neil is also certified in First Aid and CPR and keeps the ship up to a 5-Star Coast Guard rating for safety. There’s nothing Neil enjoys more than sharing the experience and grandeur of coastal Alaska with visiting guests.
Neil is in charge of the vessel’s safe operation while guests are on board, at sea, or when the Glacier Bear at the dock. He is also responsible for ensuring all guests receive the highest care and consideration during their wilderness adventure at sea. Neil is certified in First Aid and CPR and keeps the Glacier Bear at a 5-Star U.S. Coast Guard rating for safety.
What are the meals like?
Using the finest and freshest ingredients available (including organic food and local Alaskan seafood), the chef ensures that every meal is a food lover’s delight and an excellent way to begin and finish an adventurous day. They prepare complex gourmet dishes with ease, using quality ingredients and specialized cooking techniques. We try to take advantage of natures bounty–and the chef will regularly cook with ingredients caught or gathered.
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
Your day kicks off at 10:00 am as you gather at Aurora Harbor in Juneau, Alaska. As you step on board, you’re greeted by the friendly and experienced crew who’ll be your guides for the whole trip. They begin with a safety briefing to ensure everyone’s well-being during the adventure. With the formalities covered, you set sail, embarking on a breathtaking scenic cruise along Gastineau Channel, taking in the stunning Alaskan scenery en route to the charming Funter Bay.
Throughout the day, there’s a wide range of activities to keep you engaged. You can settle into cozy cabins for a comfortable retreat, and when you arrive at Funter Bay, the onboard chef whips up a mouthwatering dinner amidst the tranquil wilderness.
The adventure doesn’t end with dinner; there’s an opportunity for evening paddling, allowing you to explore the bay’s calm waters, perhaps even spotting local wildlife. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there’s crab trapping and fishing, offering a hands-on experience with the possibility of catching some of the region’s coveted seafood.
Furthermore, fishing and crabbing can be a part of most days’ adventures, adding an exciting element to the experience. The captain and crew can help plan these adventures.
Our journey leads us south from Funter Bay through Chatham Strait, heading towards Pavlov Harbor on Chichagof Island’s southeast coast. Along the way, we’ll keep watch for brown bears along the shoreline. Pavlov Harbor is a photographer’s paradise, often hosting brown bears fishing in its rapids and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for orcas and humpback whales too.
After reaching Pavlov Harbor State Marine Park, we’ll enjoy lunch and an afternoon paddle. Later, we’ll sail west into Tenakee Inlet, approaching the quaint Tenakee Springs community. You can go ashore here for a visit or last-minute essentials. Our evening destination is Corner Bay, just past Kadashan Bay, where we’ll have dinner and the chance to watch bears in their natural habitat.
Upon reaching Warm Springs Bay, a host of exciting activities await. You’ll have the opportunity to paddle your way to the salt chuck lagoon, a fantastic adventure in itself. For those seeking relaxation, the natural hot springs offer soothing tranquility, while berry picking and hiking allow for deeper exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
As evening approaches, a delectable dinner is served on board, providing a satisfying end to a day filled with adventure. With the day’s explorations behind us, there’s ample time for relaxation and unwinding, ensuring a memorable journey through the captivating landscapes of Warm Springs Bay.
We begin our day with a serene morning cruise, passing by the scenic beauty of Red Bluff Bay. As we continue our journey, we’ll enjoy a delightful breakfast on board, setting the tone for a leisurely day ahead.
Our activities for the day include taking in the breathtaking scenery during our journey, savoring a delicious lunch on board, and then venturing onshore for a captivating hike in Pybus Bay.
In the evening, a delightful dinner awaits us, providing a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and natural beauty. As night falls, we’ll have the opportunity to unwind and relax onboard, ensuring a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Morning cruising past Red Bluff Bay, followed by a leisurely day that includes a visit to Pybus Bay.
Following a leisurely breakfast, the Glacier Bear embarks on another day of adventure. Today’s journey is a bit of a transit day, with a special stop at a Stellar sea lion colony along the way. It’s an ideal day to unwind and prepare for the upcoming days of paddling.
As we cruise, we’ll pass by the picturesque Sumdum Islands and venture into the serene Ford’s Terror Wilderness in the early evening. Our evening anchorage is a tranquil spot, offering the perfect opportunity for a peaceful paddle in the turquoise-blue waters while dinner is being prepared. The boat gently anchors and drifts in front of a charming waterfall, creating a picturesque backdrop for a serene evening in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.
Another leisurely breakfast sets the tone as the Glacier Bear resumes its course. The scenery takes a dramatic turn as we glide past the imposing granite cliffs that enclose Tracy Arm, another narrow fjord that meanders through towering mountain peaks. Here, the landscape presents a more barren appearance, evidence that this fjord was sculpted more recently than Endicott Arm. While the number of waterfalls cascading down the granite mountains may be fewer, they remain a spectacular sight. The true marvel, however, lies in the hundreds of icebergs serenely floating in the blue-green waters, creating a captivating contrast.
Our journey continues toward the Sawyer Glacier, situated at the ice-choked terminus of the fjord. This glacier dwarfs the Dawes Glacier in size. As we depart the safety of the Glacier Bear, we join forces with our paddling companions, paddling closer to the glacier’s face in hopes of witnessing active calving – a mesmerizing yet cautious exploration of this icy world, always maintaining a safe distance from the potential danger zone.
As the day unfolds, it’s time to commence our final leg of the journey homeward. Our evening destination is Taku Harbor State Marine Park, where we’ll have the chance to explore the charming small cabins and abandoned buildings, immersing ourselves in the area’s history. We’ll gear up for a serene, reflective paddle within the sheltered and secure waters, a fitting conclusion to our incredible Alaskan adventure.
As our journey draws to a close, this morning finds us cruising back to the familiar comforts of Juneau. Our route takes us north through the picturesque Stephens Passage, and we’ll return to our starting point, docking at Aurora Harbor in downtown Juneau.
The culinary team has prepared a delightful breakfast featuring a mouthwatering salmon quiche and an array of tasty treats. While we savor our morning meal, we’ll have the opportunity to reminisce over the week’s adventures by watching a slideshow of the highlights on the television above the buffet.
Upon our arrival in Juneau, which is scheduled no later than 12:00 noon, you’ll have ample time to explore the city, particularly the historic downtown district. For those with afternoon flights, rest assured that you’ll have plenty of time to reach the airport. If you plan to stay in town for the night, we extend an invitation to join the Crew for a Happy Hour gathering at McGivney’s Sports Bar and Grill, conveniently located on the Four Points’ main level by Sheraton, providing the perfect way to conclude our unforgettable Alaskan expedition.
Booking your spot for this extraordinary Alaskan adventure is easy and convenient. You can secure your reservation with a deposit right here on our website. Once your deposit goes through, our team will reach out to you with all the trip details you need to prepare for this incredible journey.
Don’t hesitate—act now to guarantee your place on this limited-seating expedition, ensuring you have the first choice for rooms and the best possible experience. Our team is available to assist you every step of the way.
In the event that we do not receive the required payments by the specified due dates, the reservation for your spot on the Alaskan expedition may be subject to cancellation. It’s essential to adhere to the payment schedule to secure your place and ensure the smooth planning of the trip.
To avoid any complications or potential cancellations, we recommend reaching out to our team if you anticipate any challenges in meeting the payment deadlines. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we are here to assist you in finding a solution to accommodate your needs whenever possible.
Our primary goal is to provide you with a seamless and memorable experience on this Alaskan adventure, and we are committed to working with you to ensure that happens. Please don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or special circumstances, and we’ll do our best to assist you accordingly.
Once you’ve made your initial deposit for the Alaskan expedition, your reservation is officially confirmed, and you’re one step closer to embarking on this incredible journey. Here’s what you can expect:
Your deposit not only secures your reservation but also sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through remote Alaska. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and providing you with an exceptional adventure.
The deposit is $500 for the Alaska Paddle and Yacht Trip.
The total trip balance is due May 18, 2024.
Payments may be made with most major credit cards or bank debit cards.
The total trip price includes the deposit and all prices are in USD. Prices may change during the course of the year and most often the best price will be for those who book early. Prices cover land costs only; they do not include airfare to and from the trip nor any required travel documentation, such as passports or visas.
If payment in full has not been received by the due date, the outstanding balance will be charged directly to the payment method on file from the deposit unless otherwise instructed. If final payment cannot be processed within 2 days of the payment deadline, SURFIT USA reserves the right to treat your booking as canceled and the deposit and any other payments will be forfeited.
Cancellation and Transfer Policies:
To qualify for any refunds, you must notify us in writing by email to the trip’s Program Manager or to i[email protected]. Notification of cancellation must be received and acknowledged by SURFIT USA.
SURFIT USA understands how disappointing it can be in the event you need to cancel or change your long-anticipated adventure. Our cancellation policy is not meant to be punitive, however, we plan far in advance for each departure and continuously send non-refundable payments to hotels and other suppliers. We use your payments to prepare for your participation and handle other costs associated with our operations. Therefore, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation and transfer policy for all participants. We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance in the event you must cancel or otherwise change plans. The cancellation date is the date the written notice is received by SURFIT USA.
In the unfortunate event that you must cancel your trip in the days prior to departure, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the terms outlined in the chart below:
| International | Domestic (U.S.) | Cancellation Fee |
| 120 + days | 90+ days | 50% of the deposit* |
| 120 – 60 days | 90 – 45 days | 50% of trip cost** |
| 59 days or less | 44 days or less | 100% of trip cost, no refund |
*Your deposit is fully refundable up to 10 days after you pay, when you sign up 10 days or more before the final payment deadline.
**If you register after the final payment deadline, the entire amount is due within 2 days of booking and the deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Transfers to another trip are only allowed before the final payment deadline. You may transfer one time to another scheduled departure without a fee, after which time the standard cancellation fees apply. All additional transfers from the original booking are subject to the normal cancellation policy. When transferring to a new trip, the participant is responsible for any differences in the deposit and/or trip costs.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information, details, or any questions you may have. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in planning the adventure of your dreams. Don’t hesitate; contact us today to begin your extraordinary Alaskan adventure.