Did You Know?

Dolly Varden trout spend their winters in lakes near the coasts of Alaska, and most spend a portion of the spring and early summer in the ocean, or intertidal zones. Dollys return to the upper reaches of streams during the summer, where their main food source is the eggs of spawning salmon. Dolly's are also common in land-locked interior river systems of Alaska and Canada.

Learn more about our Photography Tours

     

Frequent Questions

Most likely, you'll have several questions about your sailing adventure in Alaska. Here's a few that we're frequently asked:

• What if we have never sailed or kayaked before?
  
  

  Our sailing charters are perfect for beginners. We'll give you a thorough pre-trip orientation before every departure. This includes "man overboard" instruction, a safety overview, and kayaking instruction.

• Why should we choose Alaska Sailing Charters?
  
  

  Alaska Sailing Charters is a locally-owned and operated company that has been leading trips throughout Southeast Alaska for several years. We worked closely with experienced guides to develop many of the trips that we offer. Our extensive knowledge and experience means you will experience the best that Alaska has to offer.

• How do we sign up?
  
  

  Let us know which scheduled trip you're interested in, or if you prefer one of our optional itineraries. We'll send you an invoice. A 25% deposit on the cost of the trip will reserve your space! Another 25% will be due 60 days prior to departure, and the balance is due 30 days prior to sailing. Your deposit can be paid online, or you can contact us for other payment options.

• Do you have an age limit?
  
  

  Alaska Sailing Charters has guided families with children as young as ten years old, and grandparents as old as 75!

• What do we need to bring?
  
  

  Alaska Sailing Charters provides nearly everything that you will need for your trip. This includes motorized inflatable skiff, kayaks and paddles, life jackets, safety gear, food and beverages. You'ill need to bring the appropriate clothing, and a few personal items we strongly recommend in our travel planning checklist, including raingear and rubber boots.
  
  

• How do we get home from our departure city when our trip is over?
  
  

  Alaska Airlines serves all of our departure cities, including Juneau, Petersburg, Sitka and Gustavus. And the Alaska State Ferry also provides regular scheduled service between Gustavus, Juneau, Sitka, and Petersburg. Air Excursions and Wings of Alaska offer several daily flights between Juneau, Petersburg, Sitka and Gustavus.

• What kind of kayaks do you use?
  
  

  Our single kayaks have been in use for several years now, and are great for short paddling trips. They have been tested in the field for quality, safety, and performance.

• Will we see lots of bears?
  
  

  Possibly, depending of course on the trip and the time of year. There is always a very good chance of seeing brown bears or black bears along the shoreline.

• Where will we see the whales?
  
  

  We always see whales on our sailing charters. Depending on the trip and time of year, our captain will sail the Kirsten Anne to the best whale-watching waters, including Frederick Sound, Auke Bay, and Icy Strait. We'll follow the Marine Mammal Code of Conduct, and keep a minimum of 100 yards between our boat and the whales. But sometimes the whales choose to come closer than that to the Kirsten Anne. If they do, we'll enjoy their visit, and let them pass by!

Did You Know?

At the northernmost tip of Chichagof Island, Pt. Adolphus protrudes into Icy Strait — directly across from Glacier Bay National Park. The area is a striking setting for viewing one of the densest populations of feeding humpback whales in Alaska. The tidal currents around the point stir up the herring and krill upon which the whales, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other marine animals feed.