Whale Bay Charters

The Voyage

A typical voyage with Whale Bay Charters will be a seven day, six night adventure through the spectacular inside passage of Southeast Alaska. As we travel from one area to another, guests will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of marine and terrestrial life. We will visit seal and sea lion haul-outs, explore inter-tidal zones, watch whales, hike into old growth forests, and visit sea bird rookeries. Guests can expect to see humpbacked whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, sea otters, brown bears, black bears, an occasional moose, a wide variety of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. Captain Mike Braal will offer a series of on-board presentations and discussions to complement these side trips. As guests explore the marine environment and view whales they will share the unforgettable experience of listening to whales sing and converse through our hydrophone.

Additionally, Mike has worked and studied with many of the marine research biologists who are active in the area. These scientists are a wonderful resource and many of our trips will include visits with Mike’s scientific friends to learn first hand about their research. During quiet moments guests can take advantage of our extensive library, well-stocked with books on the natural history, history and culture of this region.

And, there will be plenty of time for fun. Our boat has crab and shrimp pots and enough gear for casual fishing. Two double kayaks offer our guests the opportunity to take off on short voyages. Beachcombing and exploring tidepools are also popular activities. Three delicious meals per day will feature Alaskan seafood, and whenever possible organic produce from the gardens of Gustavas.

2010 Itinerary

Our trips originate and end in the small Tlingit village of Hoonah, Alaska. You may reach Hoonah with Wings of Alaska, Coastal Seaplanes or the Alaska State Ferry. www.ferryalaska.com. Custom voyages may originate from Elfin Cove. The “Cove” is a unique coastal community that can only be reached by seaplane and boat. www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com

Each day will take us to special places to experience this areas magnificent beauty and incredible wildlife. Last summer we counted 7 baby Humpback Whales in Icy Strait. The Sea Otter and Sea Lion populations are doing well also. We will spend time with the various marine mammals and seabirds in their particular habitats.

Trips can be modified to suit your travel requests and enjoy other options. Other options include:

Land option:
Add an extra day on either end of your trip to enjoy Hoonah and the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Activities include a very interesting native cultural performance, as well as shopping for native arts and crafts. I will treat everyone to a ride on North Americas longest line!!!! It is really alot of fun!!! On our wildlife walks we have the potential to see Grizzly bears and many birds of the forest and muskeg. Also, the plant life is very interesting. To include blueberries, salmon berries, huckleberries, thimble berries and low bush cranberry.
Check out these links: www.icystraitpoint.com and www.visithoonah.com

Special voyages are available into magnificent Glacier Bay.

WHALE BAY CHARTERS – SUMMER 2010

7 day voyages are $2450/person (tax included). This includes all meals, snacks, beverages, kayaks, fishing gear, onshore guided tours and more. (Airfare not included.)
Although all trips are scheduled for 7 days, 5 and 6 day trips can be arranged.

June 5th to 11th
June 13th to 19th
June 21st to 27th
June 29th to July 5th
July 8th to 14th
July 16 to 22nd
July 25th to 31st
Aug 2nd to 8th
Aug 10th to 16th
Aug 18th to 23rd
Aug 25th to 31st

Contact me to book a charter or to get further information regarding these trips and Glacier Bay National Park trips. Click here for helpful links to Air Transportation and Car Rental.

Mike Braal – mike@whalebaycharters.com
P. O. Box 712, Clark, CO 80428 – Winter
P. O. Box 442, Hoonah, AK 99829 – Summer
Phone: 970-879-6544 Cell: 907-723-7122

Clothing & Equipment List

Please remember we are aboard a boat. Try not to bring too much extra stuff. If possible pack your belongings in soft, collapsible duffel bags! Hard suit cases are difficult to store away! Thank you!

• Personal gear
  • camera and film and EXTRA BATTERIES
  • flashlight and extra batteries (we are able to recharge any batteries if you bring your charger)
  • small back pack for kayaking and onshore
  • pocket knife (packed in your luggage while traveling)
  • sunglasses
  • extra contacts and solution
  • extra prescription glasses
  • small travel First Aid Kit to include Aspirin/Aleve, bandages and tweezers
  • allergy medications and antihistamines especially if you have a problem with bee stings, bug bites or certain food intolerances
  • Vitamins and herbs
  • shampoo small size for traveling
  • electric blow driers are on board
  • personal journal
  • BINOCULARS! (Bring your best! We use them constantly! Each person should have their own. If you a making a new purchase and have some questions, please review the information below)
• Binocular Information & Dealers:
  • I recommend these binoculars; Ranger model 8×32, 8×42 or 10×42, Denali model 8×42, Image Stabilized binoculars by Canon 10×30, and Bushnell 10×35. The new binoculars have close focus; some to 3.5 feet and are great for birds and butterflies. Image Stabilized by Canon is great; under $300 for 10×42 or $215 for 8×32. They really hold the image STILL.
    Eagle Optics carries excellent binoculars for very good prices, and I can get an extra 10% off. www.eagleoptics.com
• Clothing list:
  • pajamas
  • socks, preferably wool
  • Hats warm ski type hat and a sun/rain hat
  • t-shirts
  • light pile fleece or wool shirt
  • pile fleece jacket or wool shirt
  • casual long sleeve shirt
  • light rain jacket and pants, Helly Hansen and Impertec are good. (May purchase at Western Auto store in Juneau, which has a good selection. Plastic and Vinyl are not good. They sweat so you get wet from the inside. I do have a few extras onboard for you use also!)
• Shoes:
  • running shoes or deck shoes to wear on the boat
  • Tevas or similar rubber sandals (rubber sandals are very good for kayaking and some onshore walks)
  • Rubber boots mid calf height (May be purchased at Fred Meyers Store in Juneau. Buy the cheap black with the red sole. Also buy or bring an extra pair of inner soles. They will make the boots much more comfortable and fit better!!) (hiking boots do not work well)

Take advantage of 2009 rates on a 2010 trip
by booking before January 1st 2010