Peril Strait & Sergis Narrows

We depart Sitka Harbor at noon at a predetermined pick up point and head towards the swirly waters of Sergius Narrows. Finding overnight anchorage near or past the narrows is the goal as tide dictates when the vessel can pass. A rather thrilling passage with even a small amount of current. An evening social roundtable under the midnight sun around the upper deck firepit, is in order to get acquainted with the boat and meet your crew! Enjoy your first night relaxing and dialing in to your stateroom and the creatures of comfort available on board.

Day 2 We continue through placid Hoonah sound where humpback whales are plentiful and may find a pod of killer whales too! There are a few good halibut fishing banks we can try out for a while if you want to drop a line. We find anchorage at Eva Lake or Appleton Cove. Excellent fishing and Dungeness crabbing in this area. Join the crew in dropping crab pots, go jigging and to explore the shoreline. These are very protected areas to explore by kayak and watch for critters. You will likely find Sitka blacktail deer grazing above the tidelands and brown bears too. If we want to light a fire on the beach, this place is ideal and tranquil.

Day 3 We head southbound on Chatham Straight and head for the Baronof Warm Springs. After a short ride on the tender to the public dock, lots of boardwalk to explore in this mini community. A 20 minute hike to the natural hot springs is a rather rewarding payoff and experience to feel the rush of a raging waterfall that roars right next to the hot spring. For those who choose a gentler path, you can enjoy the tubs next to the public docks for a relaxing private experience. There is also an excellent opportunity for fly fishing, the upper lake boasts some nice sized cut throat.

Overnight anchorage will be either Red Bluff or Takatz Bay depending on the conditions in Chatham Straight. The most remote area is reached here so brown bear viewing, fishing, shrimping, and crabbing in these areas are best. Once anchored, guests can help the crew drop crab pots, go kayaking, drop in a line for Halibut or just relax around the firepit.

Day 4 Today’s destination leads us to Tenakee Springs, another shore experience in a remote village of about 100 people, on the east side of Chichagof Island. The town features a bathhouse of 106 degree sulphur hot mineral spring for same sex public bathing only during a set schedule. Several large historic structures including Snyder Mercantile, community center, firehall, newly renovated seaplane dock and upgraded boat harbor are all to check out. A wonderful anchorage and the Dungeness Crab fishing is excellent.

Day 5 You can help the crew pull up Dungeness Crab pots or watch the skiff return with the overnight catch. This is the day where the vessel will aim to get closer to Serguis Narrows to get in to position for crossing the next day’s slack tide to cross it. Watch for whale spouts as we cruise up Peril Strait and towards Hoonah Sound. The protected waters comprise the summer feeding grounds of more than 100 Humpback Whales and also support Orca (Killer) Whales, Dalls Porpoise, Stellar sea lion and a variety of sea birds. Chances of encountering Humpback and Orca Whales are high in this area and whale watching is likely to take up a large part of our day. At anchorage, we will snuggle up to our firepit on the upper deck to enjoy a cocktail under the midnight sun.

Day 6 Enjoy a cup of coffee and a leisurely stroll on deck after breakfast, while we cross the narrows to return to North Sound. More whale watching, sea otters, fishing, and kayaking. Dungeness crab and spotted prawn feasts are a sure thing with all that is caught by now! Any fish that guests have acquired should be getting packed up and vacuum sealed and ready to go out in a fish box for your flight or overnight shipments. The finale dinner will comprise of our chef’s creations of our catch on charter. From the ocean to the table, this is our grand finale supper for all to enjoy. A slideshow of your charter experience will make lasting memories, reflecting on your Alaskan adventure.

Day 7 An early start with a family style breakfast underway to arrive at Sitka harbor for guest drop off on the dock. 10 am ETA to give ample time to catch shuttles to airport or alternate accommodations made by the guests. Hugs and farewell to our new friends!

A typical 7 night route from Sitka to Sitka is on this link: