Discover Alaska's Whales: An Educational Voyage with a Whale Institute Expert
Embark on an intimate Alaskan adventure aboard our premier yacht, limited to just eight guests. Explore pristine waters departing from and returning to Petersburg, Alaska, on a personalized journey focusing on humpback and killer whales.
Your guide, Jim Nahmens, is the former president of the Alaska Whale Institute and brings years of unparalleled whale knowledge. This educational cruise offers exceptional opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while discovering other Alaskan highlights, including breathtaking glaciers and relaxing hot springs.
Your Cruise. Your Way.
Discover the untamed beauty of the Inside Passage on your terms. Our flexible itineraries let you choose some of your bucket list highlights and explore destinations that ignite your imagination. Experience the wonders of Alaska with the freedom and flexibility only a private yacht cruise can offer. We collaborate with all eight passengers to ensure everyone experiences their Alaskan dreams. Go home with memories beyond your wildest expectations and newfound friendships.
Wildlife Encounters Guaranteed
With a more extended 8-day cruise, we have the time to search for whales, bears, bald eagles, porpoises, sea lions, birds, and so much more! Our comfortable zodiacs and kayaks allow you to get up close and personal with whales. This is a great time to see the humpback's bubble-net feeding!
Go Where Most People Don't.
While most people sit on their balcony on an Alaskan cruise, you'll have the adventure to explore the fjords and remote islands and take in the wildlife only accessible by boat.
Delicious Alaskan Cuisine
Enjoy the freshest Alaskan seafood prepared by our chef. Hear captivating stories from your local captain and fisherman about the journey from ocean to plate. You might even catch a Dungeness crab or shrimp for dinner! Come hungry.
No Extra Day Excursion Fees
Most cruises require you to pay for your day excursion separately, but it's all included with us! This means less planning, fewer crowds, and a fun and more intimate experience for you.
Exhilarating, Stable & Fun
Our 85-foot expedition yacht is built for Alaskan waters and has stabilizers for a comfortable, smooth ride. If the weather is rough in one area, we jump to another bay or inlet to have fun and experience those hidden gems. We don't want you to be seasick, so our cruises differ slightly depending on the wildlife and weather. And did we mention that we are a darn FUN group to adventure with?
Fun, Local Captain & Crew
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, your experienced local captain will share stories, local history, geological features, and his life as a commercial fisherman and adventure seeker!
Glacial Fjords, Giant Icebergs & Old Growth
Experience calving glaciers before they are gone, and cruise the pristine wilderness of Tongass National Forest, a 17-million-acre expanse—the largest rainforest in the USA.
Please remember the animals are always on the move, and whales have tails, so you never know what will be around the next bend. That is the fun of an Alaskan adventure.
Experience Alaska Like Never Before: Step aboard our 85-foot expedition yacht, designed for comfort and adventure. Our steel-hulled vessel, equipped with NIAD stabilizers, glides effortlessly through Alaskan waters, bringing you closer to glaciers and into remote areas inaccessible to other charters.
With 50 years of expertise and extensive US Forest Service permits granting access to even more remote and untouched areas, we craft handcrafted itineraries showcasing Alaska's most breathtaking sights. Savor the freshest Alaskan seafood, capture stunning photos of wildlife and landscapes, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you're joining a private cabin cruise or chartering the entire yacht, we work closely with all our guests to create personalized Alaskan adventures. For cabin cruises, we collaborate with each passenger to ensure their interests are included. On custom charters, we work with the group to design a bespoke itinerary for custom charters that fulfills everyone's Alaskan dreams.
The M/V Northern Song is 85’ x 26’ x 10’ steel world cruiser with a capacity for 8-10 guests in four staterooms. There is a Master Suite with a queen-sized bed on the main deck with an ensuite bathroom and a separate bathtub stall and shower. There is the ability to add an extra cot in this stateroom.
There are three guest cabins on the lower deck with a full-size bed and a single upper bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a separate shower stall.
You will be picked up at your accommodation at 1:45 pm for a 2:00 pm departure. The boat will return to Petersburg at 2: 00 pm, from which you will be delivered to your lodging.
Please send us a friendly email to let us know you are canceling. If we receive a cancellation notice 150 or more days before the departure date, your deposit will be refunded less a 10% cancellation fee of the total fare cost and any commissions. You may also transfer your reservation to another available date if you choose.
Travelers will not receive a refund if cancellations are made 149 days or less before departure. Therefore we recommend getting travel insurance to protect your fare in case any unanticipated circumstances require you to cancel your trip.
Meals are prepared by our chef, wine with evening meals, and beer throughout your day. Meals include Alaskan seafoods Black cod, halibut, salmon, and crab! Dietary needs can be accommodated.
All cabins include towels, bed linens, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair dryers and select sizes on Alaska boots.
Outside on our top deck is an eliptical machine to excerise.
Sea kayaks are available for excursions in the bays and near the glaciers.
We have a reference library filled with maps and books on Alaska, whales, and local history for you to enjoy in our lounge.
Sales tax is included in these rates.
There are two tender boats for exploring and getting to shore for beach walks and hiking.
Jim Nahmens will introduce you to the world of the humpback whale-it’s life cycle, anatomy, behaviors, migration, feeding strategies, and current research.
We have a hydrophone that goes in the water to listen to the whale song then we can gauge when they will surface or potentially bubble feed, so you are ready to capture those incredible photos.
Alaska Airlines is the only commercial airline that flies into Southeast Alaska.
Our crew will help you with purchasing any licenses.
Guests may have the opportunity to go flight seeing near Mount Edgecumbe Volcano and see the whales and herring fisherman from above. We highly recommend this experience. It is weather permitting.
We recommend a gratuity of 10-20% to show your appreciation for exceptional service. Our staff strives to provide the highest level of service.
We can help with hotel recommendations as we encourage you to come the day prior to boarding and stay the night you depart the boat and then fly out.
Wine is provided with dinner and beer is available throughout the day. If you would like any additional spirits, we can pick them up prior to departure or you can bring them aboard.
We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your trip in the event of an emergency.
Wi-Fi is available to purchase if you would like to use it for work or you can unplug and relax!
Your 8-day Alaskan adventure is designed around you. We don't have a fixed itinerary because we believe in maximizing your experience. If the whales are congregating, we'll go there. If the weather is perfect for a specific fjord, that's where we'll be – all tailored just for you. This cruise is heavily focused on experiencing the whales!
Humpback whales congregate here to feed on massive schools of fish and krill. With some luck, you may see these endangered giants as they use bubble nets to execute their cooperative feeding attacks. Our guide Jim Nahmens will introduce you to the world of the humpback whale-it’s life cycle, anatomy, behaviors, migration, feeding strategies, and current research. He will also share the secrets of getting great whale photos!
You will go in search of all the amazing wildlife, but remember, we can not predict the wildlife and what we will see, but that is part of the adventure!
Photo by Richard Sandor
Explore Alaska's glacial wonders from a unique perspective aboard your private yacht. Cruise through stunning fjords, discovering hidden coves and witnessing the raw power of nature's icy giants.
From the pristine Alaskan waters to your plate, our all-inclusive chef will craft a menu featuring the freshest seasonal seafood – halibut, black cod, salmon, crab, shrimp, and more – tailored to your tastes. Enjoy this "from sea to table" experience with your local captain and discover the importance of sustainable fishing. We happily accommodate all dietary preferences. Unless otherwise requested, a delicious seafood dish is featured at one meal daily.
We will cruise Frederick Sound exploring the wildlife. You will see Steller sea lions, otters, seals, porpoises, and multiple other bird species. We can not predict the wildlife and what we will see, but that is part of the adventure!
You can explore the beaches and bays in a kayak, and our Whale Guide Jim Namens will take you on adventures in the tender boats.
The rocky shorelines, saltwater marshes, bogs, and woodlands of Southeast Alaska comprise a birder’s paradise. The diversity of habitats ensures a wide variety of birds can be seen nearby, including large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds. Bald eagles are common in the Southeast; their numbers are measured in the thousands. Photo by Richard Sandor
Bring your swimsuit and experience an Alaskan hot spring!
Cruise to the iconic Five Finger Lighthouse, a historic beacon perched on a rocky islet. The lighthouse offers picturesque views and a glimpse into Alaska's maritime past. The dramatic scenery surrounding it is truly breathtaking.
Have a glass of wine, chat with whale expert Jim Nahmens, play a game, read all the beautiful Alaskan books aboard the boat, edit your incredible photos, or just daydream!
Petersburg, nicknamed "Little Norway," is a charming island community in Southeast Alaska. Founded by a Norwegian immigrant, Petersburg boasts a rich Scandinavian heritage and a thriving fishing industry.
Travelers will depart from Petersburg via Alaska Airlines or the Alaskan Marine Highway Ferry.
