Experience the Majesty of Sitka's Herring Run 

Join us on a 5-day, 4-night cruise departing and returning to Sitka, Alaska. Witness one of nature's most spectacular events: the annual herring run.

Under the watchful eye of Mount Edgecumbe, the serene waters of Sitka Sound transform into a bustling ecosystem. Countless herring return to spawn every year, attracting a symphony of predators.

• Humpback Whales: Watch these magnificent creatures perform their iconic bubble net feeding, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of sound and movement.
• Bald Eagles and Otters: Observe these iconic Alaskan residents as they feast on the abundant herring.
• Commercial Fishing: Gain insight into the local fishing industry as fishermen harvest the herring for generations to come.
• Dr. Adam Pack: Learn from a renowned marine biologist, Dr. Adam Pack, as he shares his expertise on the herring run and its ecological significance.

Beyond the wildlife, immerse yourself in the beauty of Sitka. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, savor fresh seafood prepared by our private chef, and experience the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the raw power of nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. This 5-day, 4-night cruise departing and returning to Sitka, Alaska, featuring scientist Dr. Adam Pack.

We take you through the ice, closer to glaciers, and travel across waters where others can’t go due to the challenges of the sea with our 85 ft custom expedition yacht. This motor vessel is built for Alaska with a steel hull for bumping up against the ice and NIAD stabilizers for a comfortable cruise!

During our 50 years, we have accumulated over 800 US Forest Service permits, so we take you to remote areas other charters can't go.

Our Naturalist will share the facts and history of wildlife and Southeast Alaska. 

You will leave with a newfound experience of the freshest seafood caught from our Alaskan waters, incredible photographs, and, most importantly, the trip of a lifetime!

 The M/V Northern Song is an 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 that includes one queen-sized bed, an ensuite bathroom with 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 Sitka at 2: 00 pm, from where 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.  

 This charter departs and returns to Sitka while we explore the waters of Sitka Sound. Here you can see the milky-colored shores milky-colored filled with herring spawn. The eagles, whales, and wildlife are fattening up on the herring. The commercial fisherman waits patiently for the herring to spawn so they can start seining for the herring.  commercial   

We will explore the waters of Sitka Sound experiencing the humpback whales. The whales have made their long journey from Hawaii where they have spent the winter mating and calving. 

This is a great time of the year to potentially experience breaching or bubble-net feeding as the whales are fattening up on the abundance of herring. 

 Join a whale biologist for your meals and discuss topics on his latest whale and dolphin research. 

Watch the bald eagles as they feed on the herring spawn—an ideal event for capturing incredible eagle photography. 

We will cruise the Sitka Sound exploring the wildlife. You will see Steller sea lions, otters, seals, and other bird species.  We can not predict the wildlife and what we will see, but that is part of the adventure!  

Bring your swimsuit and experience an Alaskan hot spring!

You will leave with a newfound experience of the freshest seafood caught from our Alaskan waters served at your table. 

Our all-inclusive chef will tailor a menu to your preferences. Seafoodod includes halibut, black cod, salmon, king crab, shrimp, Dungeness crab, and whatever else might be in season!

Commercial fishermen gather in Sitka from all over Alaska to harvest herring for their valuable eggs. The eggs are sent to Japan and repacked in small cedar boxes for Christmas gifts.  

Have a glass of wine, play a game, read all the beautiful Alaskan books aboard the boat, edit your incredible photos, or just daydream!