The Essentials Alaska Package

The Essentials Alaska Adventure Package

The Essentials Alaska Adventure package has been put together to provide one of the broadest Alaskan experiences possible. To experience Alaska means more than just fishing. With breath taking marine wildlife, some of the most majestic fjords and glaciers on earth, brown bears and black bears, and of course the most amazing Salmon & halibut migrations anywhere in the world.

The Essentials is designed to give you the enormous breadth Alaska has to offer while still giving you plenty of time on the water chasing Alaska’s Fish. The Essentials adventures are based on trips from 3-7 days but if you need more or less days, simply let us know and we’ll customize the trip. The Essentials Alaska Package has also been prioritized around some of the most popular trips (the order in which those adventures are done may change based on a number of factors (river regulations, salt-water regulations, date, etc.)

Day 1: Kenai River Salmon Fishing
Day 2: Halibut Fishing
Day 3: Bear Viewing & Fly In Fishing
Day 4: Kenai National Fjords Marine Tour
Day 5: Exit Glacier Hike
Day 6: White-Water Rafting

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Kenai River Salmon Fishing

We often like to begin our adventure packages with a Kenai River Salmon trip. From May 15 – Oct 15, depending upon the time of year we can target king salmon, sockeye salmon, silver salmon and pink salmon. We provide all the equipment you need including waders/boots, rods/reels and any bait we might be using on the trip. You only need to bring your fishing license, warm clothes, and any snacks and drinks you might like to have with you. You’ll definitely be amazed at the power and speed of the mighty Kenai River and even more so of the salmon fighting up to 82 miles of it to make it to their spawning grounds.

One of the reasons we prefer to do this trip on the front of our adventure is that the techniques that we teach you on the Kenai River to target these salmon can be applied throughout all the river systems the salmon are migrating. After a day of fishing with us for salmon on the Kenai River you'll have all the knowledge necessary to try out some of our other local rivers and streams while on your day trips. The Kasilof River, Anchor River, Ninilchik River, and the world famous Russian River all have similar runs of salmon that can be targeted with your new found skills.

Halibut Fishing

Alaska halibut fishing in the halibut capital of the world is definitely one of the top adventures of the Essentials Adventure Package. There are several reasons why Alaska halibut fishing is such a great adventure. The first is that halibut fishing is extremely productive and limits of halibut are very common. The second is that these fish can get so big that even the average halibut is likely to be the biggets fish most people will catch in their lifetime. Finally, due to productive fishing and very large fish, halibut fishing is one of the fastest ways to fill fish boxes for the trip home. And at an average market price of $25.00 per pound, what other trips can you take that can put hundreds and hundreds of dollars of fish in the freezer?

Most of our trips will originate out of Homer – the halibut capital of the world. These are early start mornings usually leaving around 6:30-7:00AM. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending upon the weather and the type of halibut fishing trip you're interested in. Sometimes we'll stay in relatively close and target 45-50 lb halibut and other times we'll cruise all the way to the barren islands targeting 200 lb and larger halibut as well as rock fish, lingcod, and King Salmon – all in a single trip.

Once we get to our fishing grounds for the day we'll look to anchor the boat, drop down a chumbag full of herring, salmon and other fish oils and scents and then it won't be long before the bite is on! It's not uncommon to have several rods going off all at one time. Once we've motored back to Homer, your fish will be filleted and provided to you in bags which we'll then vacuum seal, label and freeze in preparation for your trip home. We always like to say the fishing trip isn't over until you've stopped by the world famous Salty Dawg Saloon for a cold one and some equally world famous merchandise.

Bear Viewing & Fly In Fishing

Without a doubt this is one of our guests favorite trips of all time. Trip duration will be around 6 hours in length with departure times at various times throughout the day. Generally we can do morning, mid morning, noon, and early afternoon. Many of our days begin with early fishing so this trip is a chance to get a few more hours sleep before the short 15 minute drive to the float plane base. Being able to see the geography of the Kenai Peninsula, Lake Clark National Park, and views that extend hundreds of miles in each direction is breath taking. Departing Soldotna we’ll head across Cook Inlet and head straight at the active volcano Mt. Redoubt with Mt. Iliamna just to the south.

Beautiful Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is one of the nations newest national parks and about a 35-40 minute from from the float plane base.

Being such a remote wilderness area, accessible only by plane, where unspoiled wilderness Alaska is just a 40 minute flight from our location. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is one of America's newest national parks and one of the least visited leaving its wilderness pristine and largely untouched. It also supports an incredibly healthy sport fishery for lake trout, dolly varden, sockeye salmon, and silver salmon. The sockeye salmon rune averages 80,000 fish in July alone and the silver salmon run is non-stop from mid-August through September. We provide all the gear you need and a three fish limit usually lets you return with a lot more than just memories.

Once we depart from the float plane base, we'll fly west-bound directly over the glaciers and land at one of our several lakes and rivers that include Crescent lake, Big River Lake, Kustatan River, Wolverine Creek, and even Brooks Falls range on some of our longer bear viewing trips. Once we've landed we'll transfer to a river boat where you guide will show you around the area. It's not uncommon to see as many as 20-30 bears with cubs just learning to fish the rivers and streams for salmon. Like the bears, we'll fish the same waters for sockeye and silver salmon depending upon the time of year. As mentioned before, the limit is 3 sockeye salmon and 3 silver salmon per person per day and limits usually come pretty easy on these trips making it a spectacular day for pictures with the bears and pictures with your catch.

Once it's time to depart we'll load back into the float plane taking off from the mountain lake and usually flying within just a few feet of the nearby glaciers for a spectacular view. The flight back will take about 35 minutes.

Kenai National Fjords Marine Tour

After our fishing trips and bear viewing The Kenai National Fjords Marine Tour is our next most popular adventure and break from the fishing action. The world-class wildlife and glacier cruises depart from the beautiful town of Seward. These tours range anywhere from 4 to 8.5 hours and explore the glacier carved fjords and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay which is also known as the Gateway To The Kenai Fjords.

Full-day cruises explore the abundant wildlife and tidewater glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. Ranging between 6 and 8.5 hours, these cruises are ideal for those who are interested in seeing tidewater glaciers and want the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and whale watching. Show More The most popular cruise is the 6 Hour Cruise. If you’re a glacier enthusiast, we recommend the 7.5 Hour Cruise that spends amble time at two tidewater glaciers. If you’re a more adventurous traveler, our 8.5 Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise is the cruise for you. This small-vessel adventure cruise takes you to remote areas of Kenai Fjords National Park and is ideal for photographers, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts. While 8.5 hours may seem like a long time, it really isn't – the time will absolutely fly by.

8.5 Hour Tour

8.5 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Highlights

Visit three active tidewater glaciers, including the impressive Northwestern Glacier
Travel to remote areas of Kenai Fjords National Park
Smaller vessel with limited capacity, up to 60 passengers
See wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds
Complimentary deli lunch with a choice of four sandwich options: turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian.

Cruise Overview

The 8.5 Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise travels farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than any other cruise.

Ideal for photographers, birders, and whale-watching enthusiasts, this small vessel adventure cruise explores the remote, untouched area of Northwestern Fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park. This cruise travels with a smaller group for a more intimate cruising experience, providing the best opportunity for up-close views of wildlife including humpback whales, orca whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds, otters, and more.

The 8.5 hours spent on the water will fly by as the captain seeks out the best wildlife viewing in the area. You will spend time in front of the impressive Northwestern Glacier, an actively-calving tidewater glacier, and you will also visit Anchor and Ogive Glaciers. This tour is fully narrated by our experienced captains. The smaller group size gives you the best opportunities to interact with and ask questions of our experienced, knowledgeable crew.

7.5 Hour Tour

Kenai National Fjords 7.5 Hour Tour Route Map

7.5 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Highlights

Visit two active tidewater glaciers – Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier
More time on the water allows the captain to seek out the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the area
See wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds
Our experienced captains will narrate the cruise
Complimentary deli lunch for all guests with a choice of sandwich options: turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian

Cruise Overview

The 7.5 Hour Cruise explores Kenai Fjords National Park, where wildlife is abundant and tidewater glaciers are massive.

Providing a full narration to your journey, our knowledgeable onboard captains and naturalists will be your guide to the spectacular sights while answering any questions you may have. With 7.5 hours on the water, this cruise allows more time for the captain to seek out the best whale and wildlife viewing opportunities in the area, including Steller sea lion colonies and rookeries home to thousands of nesting seabirds. You will also spend time in front of two active tidewater glaciers: Holgate and Aialik Glaciers.

6 Hour Tour

Kenai National Fjords 6 Hour Tour Route Map

6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Highlights

Visit an active tidewater glacier – Holgate Glacier
See wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds
Captain narration and interactive program for kids
Complimentary deli lunch for all guests with choice of four sandwich options: turkey, roast beef, or vegetarian.

Cruise Overview

The 6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise explores the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers found in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Our experienced captains will fully narrate your journey and will point out the spectacular sights while providing information on the area’s wildlife, history, and geology. You will spend time in front of a towering tidewater glacier and watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water.

Two daily tour times 8AM-2PM and 11:30AM-5:30PM

4 Hour Tour

4 Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise Highlights

Cruise the calmer, protected waters of Resurrection Bay
“Captain’s Choice” route based on recent wildlife sightings and reports from other vessels
See wildlife such as orca whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles, and many species of seabirds
Great cruise option for families traveling with small children

Cruise Overview

Search for whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, bald eagles, puffins, and many other types of marine birds as you cruise the protected waters of Resurrection Bay on this 4 Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise. Show More Our experienced captains will explore the area’s wildlife hot spots to maximize your chances of viewing whales and other wildlife. This cruise is fully narrated by our knowledgeable captains. Depending on weather, you may see alpine glaciers tucked in the surrounding Chugach and Kenai Mountain Ranges and cruise by Bear Glacier, a piedmont glacier and the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Exit Glacier Hike

You know those moments in your life where you see something so amazing you rush to get your camera out, snap the picture, only to be disappointed that the photo didn’t even come close to recreating the moment in that photograph? Well that’s what you should think about when you see pictures of Exit Glacier. Photos of Exit Glacier don’t even come close to capturing the magnificence of the glacier.

Exit Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in the world. It descends about 3,000 feet in just a few miles and for those willing to hike to the top of the trail you can literally witness the Harding Ice Field as far you can. Exit Glacier is the only portion of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by road.

Self Guided Hiking

Exit Glacier hiking can easily be done self-guided and there is a hike for just about every level of fitness. Just a short 15 minute drive from the beautiful town of Seward. There is a well marked trail at the parking area and you can choose how far up the trail you'd like to go. From paved shorter loop trails to whole day adventures, you won’t be disappointed as any hike in this spot will drop your jaw on the floor.

The Harding Icefield Trail is the most popular hiking trail. This is an 8.4 mile round trip (4.2 miles to the top), all day hike where you ascend up past the Exit Glacier onto the Harding Icefield. The large expanse of this majestic landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. Hiking the 8.4 mile round trip is definitely a work out but is easily accomplished in 1 day. It's not necessary to do the full 8.4 mile to the top as Marmot Meadows at mile 1.4 and Top Of The Cliffs at mile 2.3 are great vistas in themselves. You definitely want to prepare for both hot and cold as you may want to be in shorts and T-shirts at the bottom but by the time you even reach the midpoint you'll be wanting long sleeves, pants, gloves and hats.

Guided Ice-Climbing and Hiking

If you'd like to get up close and personal with the glacier we strongly recommend a guided hike. The glacier is constantly changing and being with an experienced guide is crucial. The trip begins with a 90 minute hike through a long incline before going down a 45º rock garden as we reach the surface of the glacier. Moose, bears, marmots, and other wildlife are often seen.

Once on the ice you'll change into crampons, harnesses, and a helmut. Waterfalls, giant crevasses, deep holes (moulins), and other extraordinary features are everywhere. Blue canyons filled with crystal clear water meander across the surface of the ice and frequently cross our path as we explore. Ever heard the sound of a glacier? Well you should, and you will!

White Water Rafting

Sixmile creek is one of the greatest whitewater runs in North America. In addition to amazing whitewater, Sixmile creek is a pristine natural waterway. Four of the five species of pacific salmon call Sixmile home. Bears, moose, eagles and other wildlife rear their young and live their lives in the Sixmile drainage. Carving its way through the Chugach national forest, Sixmile creek is an amazing trip even without the whitewater, but don’t forget to bring your “A game” because this is a true whitewater adventure!

One thing to keep in mind is that this adventure is big water.

This isn't one of those trips where a few rollers splash you a little bit. This is paddle hard, high-side, helmuts on, and there is a swim test because this is one of those trips where getting really wet is a real possibility.

Alaska's Most Exhilarating Whitewater Rafting Trip

6 mile creek is no creek, don't let the name fool you. Six Mile Creek is, perhaps, Alaska's most accessible technical whitewater run, well suited to kayak or paddle raft, mostly Class IV and one class V canyon. Each of the three canyons is beautiful and challenging surrounde by green rainforest walls. A truly world class section of whitewater that happens to be half-day accessible and gives a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure in just a few hours. This creek cuts right through the gorgeous Chugach National Forest and then pours into the pacific ocean at turnagain arm just south of Anchorage. Due to it's location we will often schedule this trip on either your arrival day or departure day – especially if you have one of the common late night departure times. It makes for a great ending to your Alaska vacation as you head for the airport.

Both 2 canyon and 3 canyon raft tours include a mandatory (yet fun) in-river swim test before the start of the tour. This also is to help demystify the experience of being in the moving water and currents, to practice self-rescue, and check everyone’s swimming abilities prior to the trip launch. Sixmile Creek is one of the highest quality and highest adrenaline experiences you can have.

Two White Water Rafting Trip Options

There are two different Sixmile Creek rafting options: Both start and end at the same check-in and pick up location.

The first option is the two to three hour, 2-canyon, whitewater run with predominantly class IV rapids and has a 12 year age minimum. The second option includes continuing through the the third canyon which has a 16 year age minimum. It is possible to drop off youth at the end of the 2nd canyon before continuing on. The 3rd canyon is generally considered 100% Class V rapids.