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Alaska Cruise: Petersburg to Craig
Ship: Catalyst
Days: 7
Passengers: 12
Dates: 7/18/2010, 7/25/2010
Highlights:
Vintage wooden boat, kayaking and hiking excursions, El Capitan Passage, Craig, Prince of Wales Island, guided cave tour.
Summary: This cruise offers a diverse experience of Southeast Alaska, from fishing towns, to limestone caves to wilderness solitude, through island narrows to open ocean. This rainforest wilderness supports a diversity of wildlife as varied as the landscape. On water there is the probability of sighting humpback whales, Orca, porpoise, sea otters and stellar sea lion as well as numerous sea birds and fish. On terra firma you may see black bear, Sitka deer, and perhaps a wolf. There are some great fishing holes and crab pot drops along the way, and during the right time salmon may be running up the waterways. This trip also allows for plenty of opportunity for exploring by foot and by kayak.
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Itinerary - In Brief
Itinerary - Detailed
Day 1:
Petersburg / Embarkation / Red Bay
Depart Petersburg dock at 12:15 PM and head south down Wrangell Narrows, a narrow and twisting channel between Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands. This 20-mile long passage is among the most intensely buoyed channels in the United States. You emerge from the narrow confines of Wrangell Narrows into the relatively wide open Sumner Straight. As you cross to the north end of Prince of Wales Island, keep a steady watch for the telltale plumes of mist that accompany Humpback whales. After the open crossing, you duck into Red Bay, a wonderfully intimate anchorage, in time to take your first kayak paddle as dinner is prepared aboard "Catalyst".
Day 2:
Red Bay / Hole-in-the-Wall
Today, you have only a short run from Red Bay, around the north end of Prince of Wales Island, and into an even smaller anchorage than Red Bay, aptly named Hole-in-the-Wall. Enjoy kayaking along its steep shores.
Day 3:
El Capitan Passage / El Capitan Cave / Devil Fish Bay
Rise early this morning as the boat starts down El Capitan Passage. This 60-mile long "backdoor" route is one of the most scenic ocean waterways in the world. Far narrower than Wrangell Narrows and winding through islands and reefs, this passage requires careful navigation. A few hours into transit, stop at El Capitan Cave. This recently discovered Karst cave is thought to be the deepest in the United States. Anchor then skiff ashore to take a guided tour. Be aware that this is not Carlsbad Caverns. There are no lights, no trails, and it can be muddy and cold. The Forest Service offers guide services, so you are in good hands. Return to the ship for lunch and dry clothes. After another few miles, Catalyst will bring to enchanting Devil Fish Bay, where you spend the night anchored in its calm waters.
Day 4:
El Capitan Passage / Sea Otter Sound / Nossuk Anchorage
Another early start this morning, you finish your voyage through El Capitan Passage today, and skirt the edges of Sea Otter Sound. You pass among literally hundreds of islands as you wander, watching for orca and humpback whales, seals and salmon, eagles and herons. This is a natural wonderland seldom visited by yachts. You eventually wind your way into small Nossuk Anchorage, where a dozen small islands form a protected bay. This is a beautiful wonderland to paddle through as the sun sets and the moon rises.
Day 5:
Nossuk Anchorage or Alternate Secluded Cove
An option presents itself today: You can either stay in Nossuk Anchorage for another day, or weather permitting, head onwards to a secluded cove tucked on the edge of the open North Pacific. In any case, your next anchorage is among the scattered islands centered by San Lorenzo Island. This small archipelago forms a barrier to the open ocean waves that assault the northern coasts. You can go ashore and hike to the exposed coast, and perhaps kayak in the ocean swells that slip through gaps between islands. There should be excellent fishing here for halibut and cod.
Day 6:
San Lorenzo Island
Visit San Lorenzo Island (if you're not there already). As tonight is your last night onboard, you will open an extra bottle of wine and tell stories into the small hours at the Captain's Ball.
Day 7:
Craig / Disembarkation
Enjoy a sleepy morning and have a late breakfast. You will still have some dramatic stretches of water to pass before reaching Craig, so the cameras and binoculars should be the last items packed! Arrive in Craig at about Noon. Try and schedule a couple of hours to investigate Craig, and nearby Klawock. This area is the heart of resurgence in Alaskan Native Totem pole carving tradition, and many are on display.
Notes:
While this is a planned itinerary, each trip differs slightly depending upon the time of the tidal currents, the weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the wishes of the passengers.
Reverse Itinerary: 7/25/2010 (Craig to Petersburg)
Included:
Accommodations aboard the Catalyst; all meals onboard ship; wine and beer; boots; kayaking equipment (Spray skirts, paddle jackets, gloves, rubber boots); nature forays (shore excursions).
Not Included:
Airfare; passport and visa expenses, where needed; travel insurance; gratuities to staff and crew are left to the discretion of the passenger.
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