How many people can you take?
We take a minimum of four people and a maximum of six. There’s just two of you? No problem, just call us. We may be able to match you with others that share your interests
Who goes on these trips?
Families with children, honeymooners, senior citizens, groups of friends, whale watchers, sea kayakers, photographers, bird watchers, anglers, wildlife viewers and researchers to name a few.
When is a good time to visit?
It depends on your interests. Our season runs from late May to September.
Best Weather?
Often the best weather comes in June, the days are longest then.
Best Whale Watching?
Whales are present all year but the humpback whales show up in large concentrations by mid-June and are here through September. Orcas are around all summer.
Best Bear Viewing?
Early in the season we see more bears on the beaches. By late summer they have started to gather on salmon streams.
Best Fishing?
Late May and June for King salmon. Mid-July through August for Silver salmon in saltwater, during late August and September we can fish them in streams. Halibut fishing is good all summer, although the fish are deeper early on in the season.
How do we fish?
We fish for halibut and salmon right off the stern of the Heron. In inclement weather, the big roof covering half of the back deck is a real plus. We can also troll from our two shore boats. One is a Jet boat that can take us up streams to catch salmon and trout in fresh water.
Can we take fish home?
Fish are cleaned and stored on ice aboard the Heron and taken to town for custom processing at the end of the trip. You can take a box home with you as luggage or have it shipped.
What about sea kayaking?
We carry three kayaks for clients to use, two doubles and one with an open cockpit that can be used as a single or a double. The boats are very stable and easy to use. We provide instruction, and no prior experience is necessary to enjoy this peaceful method of transportation.
What are the acommodations like?
There are accommodations onboard for up to six guests in three staterooms. The forward stateroom has four single berths and its own “head” (marine term for bathroom). The other two staterooms contain double beds and share the head that contains the shower. One of the double staterooms also has a removable bunk. There is ample storage for your clothes and personal gear. Photos of the interior are available on the Heron web page.
What kind of food do you serve?
We are always pleased to be able to serve the freshest seafood on the Heron, since we have access to delicious shrimp, salmon, halibut and crab. However, we cater to your tastes, and if you do not eat fish, we serve alternatives such as steaks on the grill, or chicken baked in sundried tomatoes and capers. There are always fresh muffins or cinnamon rolls and desserts baked every day. I cook with the freshest ingredients possible, and always provide a wide variety of fruit and vegetables at every meal. Meals are healthy and delicious and served family style. Let me know your preferences and I can plan a menu around your likes and dislikes. Check out our sample menus:
How long should our trip be?
Trips are a minimum of five nights. We recommend at least a seven-night trip to have time to enjoy much of what there is to see and do at a relaxing pace. After exploring these waters for thirty years we are still discovering new places!
Who runs this boat?
We are Scott and Julie Hursey, and we started Alaska Passages Adventure Cruises in 1991. Scott moved to Alaska in 1973, joined by Julie in 1981. Since then we have fished commercially and chartered in these waters, gaining the knowledge and experience to guide you safely to remote corners of the Inside Passage. Both of us have a keen interest in Natural History and have been certified as Naturalists by the University of Alaska Southeast. We love this country and enjoy sharing it with other people. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Alaska’s spectacular wilderness!
How about some references?
We are always glad to provide references for future guests. Our repeat clientele and referrals from former guests are a great source of pride for us. Contact us, and we can give you some names and numbers to call. Here is what some of our guests have written in the GUEST LOG:
“My Alaskan adventure has been fulfilled. Listening to haunting sounds from humpback whales, watching flights of eagles..The mountains reaching up to the sky left me in awe..”
“This trip surpassed our greatest expectations! And we have never eaten so well! Words cannot describe your sincerity and enthusiasm for this place. We can’t wait to come back!”
“Thank you for treating my children so kindly and teaching them about nature, enabling them to learn to love it and look at the wondrous things the way you do. They will carry that gift with them always”.
How do we get there?
Alaska Airline stops daily in Petersburg with flights from Seattle and Juneau. There are other commuter airlines providing flights from Ketchikan and Juneau as well. The Alaska State Ferry also stops here.
For reservations and more information call or : e-mail: info@alaskapassages.com
Alaska Passages Adventure Cruises Scott & Julie Hursey P.O. Box 213 Petersburg, AK 99833 1-888-434-3766 (1-888-43-HERON) Toll Free 907-772-3967 Phone & FAX