Alaska Boat-In Destinations & Attractions

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Imagine a huge landmass of tundra plains and mountainous landscapes with relatively few roads, surrounded by water, and encompassing 44,000 miles of coastline. What do you have?  A scenic adventure wonderland that begs to be explored by boat!  Alaska has by far the longest coastline of any state in the United States and boasts 3 million lakes and 4,000 streams and rivers, including the Yukon River which is almost 2,000 miles long.  Alaska visitors can choose from short wildlife and glacier viewing cruises to multi-day Alaska cruise tours with on-board naturalists and gourmet food.  In fact, many of Alaska’s most fantastic destinations, such as Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and the Tongass National Forest, are perhaps best viewed by water where visitors can see and photograph the surrounding landscapes, learn about Alaska’s fascinating marine life and wildlife and listen to glaciers calving into Alaska’s waterways.

 

For those who prefer to steer their own watercraft, Alaska offers the ideal setting for paddlers – from kayakers to canoeists to rafters - at all levels of experience.  Prince William Sound and the Tongass National Forest offer some of the finest sea kayaking in the world.  Inflatable canoes and rafts can easily be packed in bush planes, making even the most remote arctic river in Alaska a viable paddling destination and creating countless Alaska vacation possibilities.

 

Another great way to explore Alaska by boat is by using an open itinerary on the Alaska Marine Highway System.  State-owned ferries provide regular, year-round service to the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and the Aleutian Islands, as well as Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.  Passengers can travel to various ports, along with their cars, bicycles, kayaks, or backpacks, enjoy local Alaskan attractions and activities, and then take a ferry to a different port and another Alaska vacation adventure.

 

Find Alaska “boat-in” adventures, destinations, and activities:

 

Adventure Kodiak
PO Box 1426, Kodiak AK 99615

www.mvsinglestar.com; Exclusive Wildlife Cruise where Bears, Birds and Whales are our guides! Join us as we meet the Kodiak Bear on its own turf, visit rookeries with thousands of Puffins, Kittiwakes and Bald Eagles. Enjoy whale watching for Humpback, Orca and Fin whales so close you can smell their blow. Photograph the Coastal Brown Bear on our bear viewing cruise. Guided wildlife photography  and ecotours around Kodiak Island and the Katmai Coast.  Watch the Sea Otters, Sea Lions, fox and rare waterfowl and ducks. Alaska Wild Salmon fill the streams. Exclusive fly fishing in remote areas for Silver Salmon and Steelhead by FFF certified casting instrutor and registered guide. Cruise with us in luxiury into the Alaskan Wilderness. Photograph glaciers, volcanoes, snow capped mountains, tide flats overflowing with wildlife and wildflowers. Return to the boat for a gourmet home cooked meal and hot shower. Watch the last bear as he walks along the beach at the end of his day.

 We leave behind only our tracks in the sand until the next tide...

AdventureSmith Explorations
PO Box 1696, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Your big ship cruise alternative! Cruise Alaska up close aboard a selection of over 25 small ships and yachts carrying 6-138 travelers. We are award winning Alaska travel experts specializing in travel by small ships, yachts and wilderness lodges away from tourist crowds. Speak with our professional crew who has lived, worked and traveled at length throughout Alaska. With over 50 years combined experience in Alaska travel we will answer your questions quickly and accurately. AdventureSmith Explorations is a company founded by guides and we believe that a professional, knowledgeable and personable guide is the key to a successful adventure travel and small ship cruise experience. We are committed to sustainable tourism and contributing positively to the individuals, communities and environments encountered by every AdventureSmith traveler. Call our experts today to plan your Alaska small ship cruise today. 

 
 


 

 


 

 
Alaska Alpine Adventures
2133 Dahl Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading guided Alaska backpacking, alaska hiking trips and adventure vacations throughout Alaska's spectacular national parks and wildlife refuges.  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in both 2008 & 2009, Alaska Alpine Adventures takes adventure seekers on multi-day and multi-sport Alaska hiking tours, rafting tripsAlaska backpacking trips, kayaking trips, and skiing vacations throughout the Last Frontier.  Guided Alaska tours include adventure trips to Lake Clark National Park, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond.  Our brand of sustainable travel has been recognized by Adventure Green Alaska - Alaska's highly regarded sustainable tourism certification program.  Take a trip with Alaska Alpine Adventures and experience the Alaska vacation of a lifetime!

Alaska Fjord Charters
Seward, Alaska

We specialize adventure vacations for people who want personal and tailored travel.  Our passion for discovery, venturing to the remote corners beyond the beaten path, combined with our attention to detail make our trips unique. Our All Inclusive high adventure packages feature one of Alaska's hidden gems - Kenai Fjords National Park.  

Experience Calving Glaciers,  Amazing Wildlife: Orcas, Humpback Whales, Seals, Sea Lions,  Sea Otters, Porpoise, Bears,  and more.  Fish for:   Salmon, Lingcod, Rockfish. 

Adventure:   Kayaking, Beachcombing, Clmb a Glacier, 
Beachcombing, epic Wilderness and Incredible Vistas  
Served up with Gourmet Food by a Great Crew
All In the Comfort of a Yacht Built for Exploring!  AlaskaFjordCharters.com
Contact us today!
Alaska River Adventures
PO Box 725, Mile 48 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing AK 99572

For over 30 years, Alaska River Adventures has hired 'well seasoned' professionals to guide small groups to wild rivers across Alaska.

 

 

Rare permits in Wildlife Refuges and Parks let us show you places few others can -

  • Fishing and photo expeditions on Wilderness Rivers
  • Drift boat fishing on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers.
  • Rafting - from half day to multi day - mild to wild.
  • First class all-inclusive fishing lodge.

 

Alaska Sealife Center
P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664

The Sealife Center, Alaska's only Public Aquarium, is committed to understanding and maintaining the integrity the Marine Ecosystem in Alaska through education, conservation, research & rehabilitation.

 
Alaska Wildland Adventures
P.O. Box 389, Girdwood, AK 99587

Since 1977. Nationally recognized eco-tourism operator features an array of options including All-Inclusive Vacations, wilderness lodges, Sportfishing packages & rafting & fishing day trips; high-quality, small group guided trips allow guests to experience Alaska in the spirit of appreciation. Raft the turquoise Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, seeking out moose, salmon and eagles. Paddle a sea kayak amid glittering glacial ice at  Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and watch for calving glaciers and breaching whales along the dramatic seacoast. Explore Denali National Park and seek out Alaska’s big four: bears, caribou, moose and Dall sheep. In the evening, relax with the authentic Alaskan hospitality of  wilderness lodges and delicious meals. From a two-hour scenic float trip to a two-week all-inclusive vacation, Alaska Wildland Adventures’ range of wilderness adventures and charming accommodations promise a memorable experience in wild Alaska.

 

800.334.8730

www.alaskawildland.com/vwa

Alaskan Alpine Treks
Anchorage, Alaska

Over 10 years guiding small, customized backpacking trips into remote Alaska, where our knowledge and experience allow us to provide clients with an unparalleled adventure. We offer guided backpacking, hiking, camping and nature photography trips in Alaska, specifically Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Katmai National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and more. Browse our website and find the trip that's right for you. 

 

We offer a diversity of adventures, from the perfect family basecamping vacation, to more adventurous and customized rugged backpacking trips for you and your group. Drop us an email or call Carl at 770 952 4549.

Alaskan Tour Guides
6830 Toller Court, Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Experience a sense of wonder and awe.  See Alaska's scenery and wildlife from unique perspectives and discover Alaska with Alaskans.  Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc. leads you on a journey that is fun, educational, safe and eco-minded. We take great care to include sights or adventures we feel are distinctive for visitors seeking a more personal connection with nature and wilderness.  Choose from a wide range of tours, varying in level of difficulty and inetrests.  We are able to provide custom tours for most group sizes.

Bay Excursions LLC
P.O. Box 3312, Homer, AK 99603

Custom sightseeing, birding, photography and wildlife viewing trips. Transportation to Kachemak Bay State Park for hiking, backpacking and kayaking. Wilderness cabin and kayak rentals.

 

 
Best Western Kodiak Inn
236 Rezanof Drive West, Kodiak, AK 99615

 

http://www.kodiakinn.com/

 
Chinook Tours
P.O. Box 111853. Anchorage, AK 99511

Booking agency, backpacking, guiding, hiking, kayaking and canoeing,lodging, organization, rafting and river trips, wildlife viewing, winter activities.

 
Discovery Voyages
P.O. Box 688, Whittier, AK 99693

Alaska's finest wilderness cruise- multi-day voyages, naturalist guided, small groups, onboard cabins, shore hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing, custom voyages. Charter boats, bird watching, cruiseships and tourboats, fishing, hiking, natural and cultural history interpretation, photography. Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta.

Good River Bed and Breakfast at Glacier Bay
Box 37, Gustavus, AK 99826

Spectacular GLACIER BAY, ALASKA. Sixteen tidewater glaciers, whales, kayaking, nature walks, wilderness. Elegant log house, comfy beds, handmade quilts, fresh bread ... quality accommodations - reasonable rates.. Custom packages - best value for the lowest cost

 
Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
33881 Sterling Highway, Sterling, AK 99672

Great Alaska Adventure Lodge.   Since 1981 travelers have enjoyed our ground breaking  blend of exciting Alaska sport fishing and adventure travel from  our riverfront lodge on the Kenai River.  Our guests choose from a wide range of itineraries that include world class sport fishing, private fly-in bear viewing, remote sea kayaking, hiking, day cruising, Denali Touring and much, much more. Customized family, group and corporate adventures are our specialty.  Our all- inclusive trips include pickups in Anchorage and range from 2-10 days.

 

Whether your Alaska dream entails double digit Rainbows on your fly rod,  viewing wild bears in their native habitat, rafting the Kenai Canyon, hiking the Chugach Forest or catching your first King Salmon (or better yet, all of the above!) Great Alaska Adventure Lodge is just the place to see those dreams come true.  Come relish the Great Alaska experience with your family or group this summer.

Island Lodge
3100 Bettles Bay Loop, Anchorage, AK 99515

Island Lodge offers 10 years of experience leading outdoor adventures in the wilderness of Lake Clark National Park. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking and river trips, as well as friendly hospitality and delicious meals in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. Island Lodge makes an Alaska dream vacation possible for groups, families, singles, couples and business associates.

Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge
P.O. Box 956. Homer, AK 99603

Achingly beautiful ocean and mountain setting. Charming private cabins and accommodations with full bath, decks with view, and lovely furnishings. Expert, experienced naturalist staff for hiking, kayaking, birding, fishing, and marine mammal viewing.


 

 
Kayak Adventures Worldwide
P.O. Box 2249 - 328 3rd Ave. Seward, AK 99664

We are a small, personal shop that concentrates solely on sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords, with emphasis on environmentally friendly practices and local education. Our professional guides/naturalists are extensively trained, and small groups enhance your intimate experience with the magical surroundings and wildlife.  We offer a wide range of trips:  from 1/2-day trips to multi-day excursions, so we're sure we'll have something that will be just right for you.  No experience is necessary - all you need is a desire to paddle and the enthusiasm to learn and explore!   Check out our photos, descriptions, and pricing at www.KayakAK.com.

 

We also run Bear Paw Lodge, in Seward... our own cozy, welcoming log home that we rent out to travelers.  This is the true Alaskan experience - hand crafted beauty with all the comforts of home!    www.SewardBearPawLodge.com

 

We worked with Travel Channel in 2003 & Discovery Channel in 2008 to produce informational documentaries about the local area and overall climate change.

NOVA River Runners
PO Box 1129, Chickaloon AK 99674

Since 1975. Scenic and whitewater river rafting trips from class I to V, glacier hikes and ice climbing instruction on the Matanuska Glacier. Day trips near Anchorage and multi-dat trips statewide. www.nova-alaska.com

 
Orca Island Cabins
P.O. Box 1815, Seward, Alaska 99664

Orca Island Cabins, owned and operated by long-time Alaskans Dennis and Susan Swiderski, offers comfortable and stylish overnight accommations (yurts) on a private island in scenic Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay, 9 miles SE of Seward, Alaska. View wildlife from your private deck; kayak; explore tide-pools and a nearby salmon stream and waterfall; fish from the island or its dock; or just sit back and relax.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge
In Kachemak Bay State Park P.O. Box 2265, Homer, AK 99603

ADVENTURERS & ROMANTICS! Leave the crowds and enjoy a full-service, true Wilderness Lodge. Located inside Kachemak Bay State Park, we are a short boat ride from Seldovia, Halibut Cove, or Homer. On-site weddings & honeymoons. Adventures of land, sea, and air. Parties of 6 or more have the entire lodge to themselves. Book early for this option. Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is full-service wilderness lodge and adventure destination inside Kachemak Bay State Park.

Sailwood Adventures
P.O. Box 15342, Fritz Creek, AK 99603

Oceanside, private wilderness lodge for intimate vacation with family or friends. Sea Kayaks make this trip one to remember while viewing bears, whales, sea birds, eagles and sea otters. Hiking, cooking, strolling, relaxing, sailing, enjoying all that Alaska has to offer in beautiful Sadie Cove.

Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures
112 Toivo Circle, Sitka AK 99835

Join us for a guided sea kayak adventure to explore "the coast less paddled". Sitka Sound, and the countless passages extending north & south, comprises one of the most spectacular marine wilderness environments in the world. We offer a range of guided trips & outfitting services to match any schedule, budget, ability and preference. Our specialty is designing custom trips for families and private groups of 6-persons or less. Let's go paddling!

Sitka's Secrets
500 Lincoln St. Unit B-9, Sitka, AK 99835

Whether you're visiting southeast Alaska to fish for salmon or halibut, or to see tufted puffins, bald eagles, sea otters or humpback whales, join us, and we'll share our secrets!

My husband and I are wildlife biologists, and moved to Alaska in the 1970s, working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  We share a perspective acquired through years of education, experience, and a love for Alaska's wildlife.

We invite you to check out our website for more information!

Taquan Air
4085 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, Alaska

Taquan Air provides quality flightseeing and air service in southeast Alaska. 

Too-loo-uk River Guides
P.O. Box 106, Denali Park, AK 99755

Extended wilderness raft trips to Alaska's Arctic; Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic NP, NPR-A 

 as well as trips in Wrangell-st Elias and the Chugach Mountains.  We've been guiding in Alaska's backcountry and on Alaska's remote rivers for over 20 years.  We are Alaska owned and operated and specialize in small groups and personal service. 

Wild Alaska Travel
1115 D. Street Juneau, Ak. 99801

Wild Alaska Travel itineraries revolve around exclusive, authentic and off-the-beaten path adventure tours and extraordinary travel moments in parts of Alaska that most people will never experience. The tours have a strong experiential and learning component.  Our goal is to create a "trip-of-a-lifetime" by taking you to unique locations and provide first-hand opportunities to experience the Alaska you always dreamed about! www.wildalaskatravel.com
 

 

 

Yukon River Lodge
P.O. Box 68049, Ruby, AK 99768

There still remain a few wild places in the world and this is one of them. Nestled at the base of Kokrines Hills, Alaska’s Yukon River Lodge (currently under construction) overlooks the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge and the Yukon River stretched out before it.


 

 

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