This tour encompasses some of the best of Prince William Sound has to offer. Glacier Island is a wilderness gem known for its incredible wildlife viewing while Columbia Glacier, the sound's largest tidewater glacier, never fails to astonish the viewer with its breathtaking scenery. Watch for sea mammals and a wide array of bird life including the elusive Horned and Tufted Puffins. Visit the endangered Steller sea lion colony at Bulls Head; camp on secluded beaches and explore large sea caves, sheltered coves, stands of ancient forest, and kayak in front of Columbia Glacier amid towering icebergs. This multi-day tour is not one to be missed!
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet at our office for a pre-trip safety briefing, paddling lesson and equipment fitting. Load boats and gear on our specialized water taxi and sit back to enjoy. The boat ride out to the to Glacier Island is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Eastern part of Prince William Sound. Once we reach Chamberlain Bay we will organize our equipment, pack our boats and begin our expedition. Our first stop is Bull’s Head, made famous for the enormous Steller Sea Lion colony that inhabits the area. Learn from your guides all about these friendly aquatic creatures as you will see first hand the way they play, fight and frolic on the rocks. On the paddle to our first camp site, keep a close eye out for the Horned and Tufted Puffins that have colonized the same area. Once on our beach, one of the most beautiful and secluded on Glacier Island, we will set up camp while continuing to watch the wildlife just offshore. Prepare yourself for a meal set in one of the most beautiful places we know.
Day 2: Wake up to the sound of water lapping at the beach’s edge and enjoy a hearty breakfast with all the goodness of home. After relaxing on the beach with a good cup of coffee, we begin packing our boats for the day's exploration. Heading west across the south side of Glacier Island, we explore one of the most dramatic and rugged coastlines there is. Viewing its crystal clear waters and rock pinnacles, you will experience the same pristine nature as the first explorers did. We will stop at another beach ripe for combing and visit the secluded and beautiful Jackson cove. After lunch and some exploring, we continue on with our paddle, heading toward another quality camping site on the south side of the island. Watch the sunset from your camp chair while settling in to your evening meal or hike in the forest immediately behind your tent. Whatever you feel, this place will inspire the poet within!
Day 3: The next morning we will be departing early and heading for the waters and scenery of Columbia Bay. This is the place to paddle with ice. Weave through the bergs and watch for otters and seals who have hauled themselves out on the ice. There are numerous campsites to choose from, all with fantastic views of Columbia Glacier. We will paddle our way to the moraine and pick a spot for lunch. This is also the gateway for a great hike among the beached bergs and the perfect place for photo opportunities. With the pack ice permitting, we may be able to get all the way to the terminal moraine, hike up a mountain ridge and look down onto the true terminus of Columbia: A truly amazing experience. Upon returning to camp relax as your guide prepares some fine cuisine of true sea kayaking fare.
Day 4: Wake up and enjoy breakfast and coffee as you look out at the scenery in front of you. We’ll then pack our boats and head out to Heather Bay. Again we’ll trace ancient paddle strokes as we move through the ice toward Heather Island. After lunch on a small island surrounded by beautiful beaches, we will make our way into Emerald Cove and our pick up destination. No experience is necessary; easy to moderate paddling. Be prepared for both intense periods of sunshine and for cold rainy days. Prince William Sound has a warm and wet coastal climate, typical of temperate rain forests. Temperatures range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but abnormally cold spells can happen when night time temperatures drop to the below 40s. You should come prepared for wet or dry weather. Sea kayaking fortunately is a sport that can easily be pursued while raining. Provided you are adequately dressed, seas tend to be calmer and wildlife is more easily approached. You should follow standard layering techniques in your choice of clothing. No experience necessary.
We recommend you bring minimum of 2 sets of warm clothes:
First Set:
- Pants/Long Johns: preferably wool, fleece, or polypropylene - they are excellent sources of warmth even when wet. I recommend fleece clothing because it dries very quickly and retains
its warmth when wet. Synthetics do dry faster than wool.
- Upper body: 3 layers of wool/polypropylene/or fleece, (i.e., long john top, shirt, jacket) and a windbreaker.
- Feet: Warm socks, one pair per day and 2 additional pairs. We recommend polypro and wool blend socks with standard high top rubber boots (called break-up boots in Alaska) for getting in and out of the boat, for hiking and tide pooling. I strongly recommend that you bring your own boots, so as to assure proper fit. However we do have a supply of boots available for you to use. Please let me know the sizes you need in ample time so that we can have them available.
- Hands: We provide pogies for fully guided clients. Polypro or wool gloves are also very good with rubberized dish washing gloves to put over them on rainy days Please bring at least 2 pairs of gloves.
- Head: A ski cap and baseball cap.
- Rain Gear: Good rain gear is essential for protection from both rain and wind. It should fit well and be sturdy if you have a dry suit, paddling pants, jacket and/ or booties- bring them along.
Additional Set:
- This can be additional warm clothes in case you get too cold or wet & should include: a wool sweater, wool or fleece pants (or light weight wind pants), a wool gloves and/or mittens, wool or fleece hat.
Additional items:
- T-shirt, shorts, thin loose pants;
- Thin loose long sleeve shirt to prevent sunburns, sun glasses;
- Comfortable camp shoes (ex. Tennis shoe, sandals, camp moccasins);
- Sun screen 15-25 rating;
- Insect repellent and or mosquito headnet, small day pack for hiking;
- Croakies for sun glasses or glasses, water bottle;
- Pocket knife, watch;
- Waterproof flashlight or head lamp, extra batteries.
Your personal toilet items should include:
- Towel Toothbrush/paste;
- Biodegradable soap, hand towel for tent;
Camping Equipment: Note: We will provide these items for fully guided clients (if necessary)
- Sleeping pad;
- Sleeping bag –3 season. Down is not recommended;
- Tent – a full cover rainfly is recommended.
Optional Items:
- Camera, film and replacement batteries, binoculars;
- Books, umbrella;
- Fishing license: can be purchased anywhere in Alaska. Licenses can be purchased for a day, week, month, or year.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Minimum age: 12.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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