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Active Prince William Sound Discovery

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The vast marine wilderness of Prince William Sound offers an abundance of tidewater glaciers, wildlife and solitude - ideal for our style of up close exploration aboard a small ship. This pristine environment is equally as impressive as the famed Inside Passage but much less traveled. View wildlife undisturbed from our small yacht. You will be thrilled by abundant opportunities to view humpback and orca whales, sea otters, sea lions, bear and bald eagles! Each day offers new opportunities for up close nature exploration by small ship, foot and kayak while each night features fine dining, interpretive lectures and comfortable accommodations.

Join us aboard the 12-passenger yacht, M/V Discovery, to experience the enchanted inlets, fjords, glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound. Cruise Alaska and Prince William Sound aboard the small ship discovery. We can also arrange charters for your family or special group.

Save $100 per person when you combine this cruise with our Denali Backcountry Explorer.

Day 1 - Arrive Anchorage

Arrive Anchorage and take a taxi to your downtown inn. The remainder of the day is yours to explore.

Accommodations: Copper Whale Inn or similar
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Anchorage to Whittier, embark Discovery

At 10:00 a.m. enjoy a private van transfer for a comfortable scenic ride along the Turnagain Arm, known for it's tremendous tidal flats and frequent sightings of Beluga Whales. Continue through the Chugach mountains to rendezvous with the captain and crew in Whittier for a warm welcome abroad the Discovery. While the crew prepares for departure, relax in the Discovery's cozy salon and enjoy specially prepared appetizers of fresh seafood chowder, salmon or halibut spread with crackers, fresh baked breads, fruits, and a plentiful selection of fine beverages.

Leave Whittier at 1:00 pm for Port Nellie Juan, Alaska's own un-peopled coastal Yosemite with towering granite mountains, lush rainforest vegetation, countless rivers and waterfalls, and massive thundering glaciers. Upon arrival, the Discovery crew secures a safe anchorage and launches the inflatable "zodiacs" for an "up close" guided exploration of the surrounding shores and colossal tidewater face of the Nellie Juan glacier. Visit with the rich and diverse marine and bird life of Nellie Jaun lake; Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, Arctic Terns, Harlequin Ducks, Surf Scoters, Kittiwakes, and Oystercatchers to name but a few. Step ashore for an "other-worldly" experience of walking about hundreds of huge icebergs, stranded along the lakeside shore by the ebbing tides. Like an outdoor art studio, these sculpted formations exhibit natures artistic hand and beautiful forming processes.

Return to the Discovery for an exquisite dinner waiting of fresh baked local sockeye salmon, halibut fillet stuffed with crab in cheese sauce, fresh breads, rice pilaf, vegetables, fancy dessert dinner wine and other beverages. Meanwhile the Discovery travels to an evening anchorage in one of the Sound's many intimate and secluded coves.

Accommodations: Discovery Yacht
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Chenega Glacier

Mornings aboard the Discovery are usually relaxed and casual. An "open" breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. works well with guests from various time zones and individual morning routines. Enjoy warm fresh breads, muffins, rolls, fruits, cereals, omelets cooked to your liking, juices and other beverages. Underway in the morning, the Discovery cruises through Knight Island Passage and Dangerous Passage towards Icy Bay. Some of the Sound's most frequent Orca and Humpback Whale sightings are found along this route, keep your eyes peeled for dorsal fins and blow spouts.

At mid day the Discovery navigates her way through Icy Bay's, Nassau Fjord. Several miles of icebergs and brash ice (smaller pieces of glacial ice) lay between the fjord entrance and the massive, calving face of Chenega Glacier, named after the local native community of Chenega. The massive 200 square mile Sergeant Ice field funnels ice down a wide mountain valley, forming a one mile long, 200 foot high wall that topples giant blue chunks into the sea. This active tidewater glacier, with its daunting size and mammoth sounds, offer a remarkable opportunity to experience firsthand the tremendous natural forces that move these spectacles of nature. Hundreds of harbor seals make Icy Bay their summer home, using the floating ice as resting platforms and safe places for birthing. The rocky mountainsides around Chenega Glacier support a healthy, frequently visible population of mountain goats, binoculars serve as helpful aids in sighting these skillful mountain climbers.

After lunch, the Discovery exits this ice-laden fjord for Bainbridge Passage, where you can try your luck fishing for Pacific Halibut. (Historically this has been a productive fishing area). Late afternoon and early evening provide opportunities for more Orca and Humpback whale watching. If successful, we'll pass this helpful information on to the local whale researchers of the North Gulf Oceanic Society. Enjoy a relaxing dinner while the Discovery travels south along Knight Island, into the uncharted narrows of Long Channel for the evening's anchorage.

Accommodations: Discovery Yacht
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Prince William Sound Exploration

Underway at 7:00 a.m., the "unhurried" morning theme of a relaxed and casual breakfast awaits your flexible wake up time. Cruising northwest through more "sea pastures" fertile with whale watching opportunities the Discovery courses toward a noisy and raucous Steller Sea Lion haulout. These entertaining creatures put on quite a display, some show off their graceful water acrobatics while others roar and beller, or recline lazily upon the large rocky shore. After a short visit with the sea lions, travel turns westward towards the impressive Cascade Waterfall, with lunch served along the way. Those wanting to stretch their legs can take the short zodiac ride ashore for a guided hike to the top of this 300 foot high thundering waterfall. Walk through the world's northern-most temperate rain forest, rich with ferns, mosses, and towering Spruce, Hemlock and Cedar trees.

Later in the day travel the remote shores of Eaglek Bay to visit the oyster farm of David and Susan Sczawinski. Oyster lovers will enjoy one of the Sound's most delicious sea products. Upon leaving Eaglek Bay the Discovery makes a brief stop near one of the many small islands, home to a colony of Tufted Puffins, thought by many visitors to be Alaska's most adorable seabird. Continuing westward through Wells Passage enjoy a dinner of fine beef steak, expertly prepared fresh oysters, complimented by vegetables, fresh breads, fancy dessert, dinner wine and other beverages. Set course northward through the quiet and beautiful narrows of Esther Passage to the fringes of College Fjord for the evening's anchorage.

Accommodations: Discovery Yacht
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - College Fjord

Awake to a casual breakfast and an exciting day of some of the world's most spectacular scenery--corridors of breathtaking beauty, sprawling glaciers and a panoramic skyline of mountain grandeur. Harbor seals hauled out on the flotillas of icebergs watch closely as the Discovery navigates the icy, blue waters of Barry Arm. The enveloping mountains of this inlet stretch skyward to nearly 10,000 feet, with glacier after glacier descending the terraced mountain valleys. Alaska's lush rainforest vegetation drapes the hillsides in green as streaming waterfalls fall from the rocky cliffs. Listen to the cracks, pops and thunderous roars of the Cascade, Barry and Coxe glaciers while the Discovery, dwarfed by blue and white walls, drifts silently by these actively calving rivers of ice.

For guests seeking a different perspective, the Discovery crew will launch the inflatable "zodiacs" for a guided exploration of this magnificent area. Touch the impressive face of Coxe glacier, watch the showy Black Oystercatchers strut across the rocky shorelines, sense the presence of the curious Hoary marmots and drink in the bright pinks of fireweed and the intense blues of the alpine lupine. Anchor in the area for the evening.

Accommodations: Discovery Yacht
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Fjords, Glaciers and Bays

Spend the morning exploring the wonders of Harriman Fjord and Surprise Glacier. Hike along the shore among beached icebergs stranded by the ebbing tide. Or enjoy a upland hike at Point Doran, offering broad views of the Chugach mountain range and glacier-valleys.

Enjoy lunch while the Discovery exits this magical place for the gentle waters of Blackstone Bay. Passing through Port Wells you're entertained by families of playful sea otters foraging the shellfish-rich shallow waters of their favorite feeding ground. As a protected species, these otters exhibit little concern for human presence, instead offering great opportunities for photos and up-close observations. Nature offers few chances to see animals in the wild as "cute" and adorable as these mothers with young pups. Enjoy a tasteful dinner while continuing southward to Blackstone Bay, and the evening anchorage beneath the mountain cliffs of Northland Glacier.

Accommodations: Discovery Yacht
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Blackstone Bay, Whittier, Anchorage

Awake today immersed in a wilderness sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty. Flanked by the verdant hills of summer, this beautiful bay hosts seven glaciers, two of which meet the sea, the others hang high among the rocky cliffs. Hundreds of feet up the mountainsides, glaciers avalanche huge ice chunks and pour cascading waterfalls to the sea below, their waves reverberating throughout the narrow confines of the fjord. Thousands of Black-Legged Kittiwakes shadow the sky while flying to and from their cliff-side nests. These spellbinding sights and dramatic sounds leave you humbled and feeling insignificant amidst this powerful living landscape. Relax in the salty ocean breeze and splendor of this special place while sipping a morning cup of hot coffee on the Discovery's deck. After enjoying the beauty of Blackstone Bay, depart mid-day for the port town of Whittier to. Arrive at your downtown Anchorage inn this evening.
Accommodations: Copper Whale Inn or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 8 - Depart Anchorage

Taxi to the airport for your departure.
Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Alternative Itineraries: In addition to the 8 day itinerary listed above, there are multiple variations of this adventure differing in length and activity choices. These alternative itineraries are listed below, please call for a more detailed itinerary.

13 Day Spring Wildlife and Photography Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Cordova, van transfer to Orca Adventure Lodge
Day 2-3: Copper River Delta
Day 4: Cordova Hartney Bay
Day 5: Board the M/V Discovery, cruise into Sheep Bay
Day 6: Eastern Prince William Sound
Day 7: Southern Barrier Islands
Day 8: Hinchinbrook Island
Day 9: Montague Island
Day 10: Western PWS/Knight Island
Day 11: College Fjord
Day 12: Barry Arm/Whittier Harbor
Day 13: Depart, or extend your stay in Alaska

9 Day Hike and Kayak Voyage Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage, make way to Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Board Discovery, partake in first kayaking excursion
Day 3: Icy Bay's Nassau Fjord
Day 4: Knight Island
Day 5: Fjord & tidewater Glacier exploration
Day 6: Extra day for enjoyment of Prince William Sound
Day 7: Shore side hiking
Day 8: Kayak the Southern shores of Harriman Fjord; Overnight in Anchorage
Day 9: Enjoy morning at your Bed & Breakfast; Depart Home

7 Day Hike and Kayak Voyage Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage, make way to Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Board Discovery, partake in first kayaking excursion
Day 3: Icy Bay's Nassau Fjord
Day 4: Knight Island
Day 5: Fjord & tidewater Glacier exploration
Day 6: Shore side hiking; Over night in Anchorage
Day 7: Enjoy morning at your Bed & Breakfast; Depart Home

5 Day Discovery Voyage Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage, make way to Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Board Discovery, partake in first kayaking excursion
Day 3: Rainforest hike or kayak & Eaglek Bay oyster farm
Day 4: Harriman Fjord and Surprise Glacier; Overnight in Anchorage
Day 5: Enjoy morning at your Bed & Breakfast; Depart Home

       Date                      Days        Price   

May 4 - May 16, 2012         13         $5,550
May 23 - May 30, 2012	 8          $3,200
Jun 7 - Jun 14, 2012            8          $3,500
Jun 13 - Jun 17, 2012 	         5	     $2,200
Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2012	         8	     $4,150
Jun 22 - Jun 28, 2012          7          $3,900
Jun 27 - Jul 3, 2012 	         7          $3,900
Jul 2 - Jul 6, 2012 	         5	     $2,200 
Jul 5 - Jul 12, 2012  	         8   	     $4,150
Jul 11 - Jul 19, 2012  	         9          $4,500
Jul 18 - Jul 25, 2012  	         8	     $4,150
Jul 24 - Jul 28, 2012  	         5	     $2,200
Aug 2 - Aug 9, 2012            8          $4,150
Aug 8 - Aug 15, 2012          8          $4,150
Aug 14 - Aug 18, 2012  	 5          $2,200
Aug 17 - Aug 23, 2012  	 7	     $4,000
Aug 22 - Aug 28, 2012 	 7          $3,900
Aug 27 - Aug 31, 2012         5         $2,200
Aug 30 - Sep 6, 2012           8          $3,500

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Private Charters: You can charter the Discovery for your special family or group. Call for details.

Single Travelers: There is a 60% Single Supplement for single travelers wanting a dedicated single cabin. For those single travelers willing to share with a same sex traveler no supplement is applied even if no room mate is found.

Land Cost Includes: Two nights Anchorage accommodation, round trip transfers from Anchorage to Whittier, shipboard accommodations, entrance fees, leadership, crew, all meals, local guides, and permits. Rubber boots for exploration will be provided aboard the Discovery as well as high quality rain gear. If you are traveling in Alaska before or after your cruise you will want to bring some rain gear for your additional travels.

Not Included: Airfare to Alaska; airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: Your Prince William Sound Discovery cruise begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Plan to arrive at the Anchorage airport (ANC) at any time on Day 1 and take a taxi to your downtown Anchorage B&B. You will return to Anchorage on the evening of Day 6 or Day 7 for a final overnight. Plan your return flights home at any time the following day.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A special Deposit and Cancellation policy applies to this, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. Deposit amount is 50%. Cancellations received 90 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. Please note that within the 90 day limit all deposits are forfeited. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is required for this trip. Consider Travelex Select or Max policies to ensure the best level of coverage. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout Alaska will be aboard the M/Y Discovery. This 65-foot yacht offers charm and style to up to 12 guests in 6 comfortable cabins. The cabins share 2 bathrooms w/ hot showers.

Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Denali National Park and more.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com