Ketchikan to Petersburg : Alaska Small Ship Cruise

Via Misty Fjord National Monument and South Etolin Wilderness area

$2975 per person available May - August 2011
(7 days, 6 nights)

Confirmed Cruise July 17-23 SOLD OUT

Cruising from Ketchikan to Petersburg introduces us to the diversity of the Inside Passage. Traveling up Clarence Straits provides an opportunity for chance encounters with Humpback and Killer Whales. Alaska Native culture is highlighted when we stop at the fishing community of Wrangell, with it's Tlingit clan house and totems. A stop at the unique small fishing community of Meyers Chuck gives us a look at a simpler life along the Inside Passage.

A visit to Petroglyph Beach gives a glimpse of mysterious art work, some carvings possibly thousands of years old. A day and night is spent exploring South Etolin Island Wilderness area. If ice conditions allow, included is a stop at Shakes Glacier. From Wrangell we travel up the amazing Wrangell narrows, known for it's large number of navigational aids which guide us around and through many twists, turns and shoals. Your trip concludes in the colorful Norwegian fishing community of Petersburg.

7-Day Sample Trip:

Ketchikan to Petersburg Small Ship Cruise

Sample Trips are a good guide but trips will vary depending on weather, tides, guest requests and wildlife opportunities.

~ Day 1: Foggy Bay ~

Photos from Left to right: M/V Misty Fjord underway south of Ketchikan; Kayaking to white Sands beach, Sunset from remote anchorage in Foggy Bay. Map Background: Showing Foggy Bay on right

Welcome aboard!  Meet your crew and fellow travelers. Enjoy lunch as we head south through Ketchikan's busy harbor bound for the southern reaches of Misty Fjords National Monument. Our first destination is Foggy Bay, discovered abruptly in dense fog by Captain George Vancouver in 1793.

With kayak and skiff, we explore this diverse area. Islands with sandy white beaches form a protective screen from ocean swells. Beginner kayakers will find adventure in the protection of the numerous islets. Experienced kayakers can travel to the outside of the islands and experience the exhilaration of the ocean swells coming through Dixon Entrance. Beachcombers can cross the small islands to the exposed side to check through piles of driftwood for Japanese glass floats. A salt water lake, called a “salt chuck” can be explored by skiff.

~ Days 2 & 3: Misty Fjords National Monument Cruise ~

Pictures left to right: Crewmate Bill plotting out course for the day, Kayaking at the head of Rudyerd Bay, Waterfalls of the Misty Fjords, Venturing off for a beachcombing mission on New Eddystone Rock, Native Pictograph marking a Tlingit shamans cave burial site.

We head north toward Behm Canal into Misty Fjords, passing through narrow and scenic Shoal water Pass with it's large sun pictograph. Out in the center of Behm Canal is the iconic New Eddystone Rock, an ancient volcanic plug towering from the depths to 237 feet. If the tide level allows we stop at a natural soda springs and  make our own soda drink with Kool-Aide. Tonight we anchor in Punchbowl cove, at the base of the Punchbowl Wall towering 3000 ft. from the water's edge, kayaking before and after dinner.

In the morning, we hike to Punchbowl Lakes on a switchback trail along side of a scenic waterfall. The rest of the day is spent exploring the heart of Misty Fjord, Rudyerd Bay, with its towering cliffs, misty waterfalls and emerald green waters. A pictograph marking a Tlingit shaman's cave burial reminds us of early inhabitants of the area. Kayaks are in the water at the head of Rudyerd where we anchor for the night and watch for brown bear on the estuary.

~ DAY 4: Round Revillagigedo Island to Helm Bay ~

Pictures from Left to Right: Beachfire in Helm Bay, Black Bear & Bald Eagle passing near salmon hatchery, Captain Dale sharing his knowledge of local history and native culture.

On this day we cover a lot of distance, first heading north, then turning left as we arrive at the north end of Revillagigedo Island. The gradual changes in color of the sea water from deep green to a milky blue tells us we are approaching the Chickamin and Unuk rivers which drain the high mountain glaciers on our right. Helm Bay is our anchorage for the night. A nice beach provides a excellent site for an evening camp fire.

~ DAY 5: Meyers Chuck, South Etolin Wilderness ~

Pictures from left to right: Kayaking the waterways of the South Etolin Island Wilderness area, Humpback whale breaching right out of the water in Clarence Straits, Meyers Chuck a small fishing community with a pioneer spirit.

Clarence Straits is our route, taking us to Meyers Chuck a small fishing community where folks live a pioneering lifestyle. We anchor in the South Etolin Island Wilderness Area.  Its many small islands, lagoons and interconnecting waterways make this a kayaker's delight.  Captain Dale had a major role in creating this protected area. Later, we cruise west through Sumner Straits, our destination is a small fishing town. We explore the community and later drift among humpback whales nearby.

~ DAY 6: Glacier Day ~

Pictures left to right: Kayaking amongst the icebergs, LeConte Glacier (the most southern tidewater glacier in North America, Jetboat will take you through icebergs to the face of LeConte Glacier.

This day has us heading north through Wrangell Narrows, past Petersburg on our way to Le Conte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Alaska. A jet boat takes us to the face of the amazing glacier. We anchor for the night in a nearby cove, for an evening of kayaking and our final night.

~ DAY 7: Arrive in Petersburg ~

A leisurely morning with kayaking and brunch on the way to Petersburg concludes your magnificent journey.