Unfettered Exploration in Alaska
Explore with Captain Brian Falconer
In 2024, we operated a custom Southeast Alaska expedition, exclusively curated and hosted by Brian. It was such a success that we are excited to be offering it again in 2025. His captivating storytelling, passion for marine exploration, wealth of knowledge on coastal ecology, and wildlife conservation sets the “Brian experience” apart from the rest.
What better way to experience this incredible landscape than with our Alaska specialist, Captain Brian Falconer?
Route and Notable Stops
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. Below is a sample of the route you may take on this custom Southeast Alaska Explorer expedition.
Board in Prince Rupert
We start our adventure by sailing inland to spend a day in the Khutzeymateen Inlet and Kwinamaas River (Ksi X’anmaas) area. These adjacent inlets provide excellent spring feeding for a dense population of grizzly bears.
The spring and early summer months of May and June are peak season for grizzly viewing in the Khutzeymateen (K’tzim-a-deen) and Kwinamaas (Ksi X’anmaas). Bears are attracted to the intertidal zone for its abundance of protein rich Lyngby Sedge which is an important spring food source. As this is also mating season, large, more reticent male grizzlies may also be seen searching for females in the estuary.
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
We will spend a day bear viewing in Khutzeymateen Inlet, which is a protected area and is jointly managed by BC Parks, Coast Tshimshian First Nations, and the Gitsi’is Tribe collaboratively. At its head is Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, also known as Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary, which adjoins the more recently declared Conservancy lands along the inlet’s length.
In Khutzeymateen Inlet, viewing focuses on bear viewing in the Conservancy along the shores of the Inlet, and into the Sanctuary where only a few operators are permitted. After anchoring, we’ll proceed by zodiac as we take care to spot the bears. The bear population here is not hunted and the bears display a general indifference to our presence. Still, in order to minimize our impact, we will maintain a respectful distance that allows them to engage in their natural behaviours.
Enter Alaska and clear US Customs
Continuing north, the entrance to Portland Canal marks the border between Alaska and British Columbia. Cruising up Revillagigedo Channel, we will stop briefly at Ketchikan to clear US Customs.
The itinerary remains flexible to allow for weather and tides – but wildlife viewing options await as we navigate northwards.
Frederick Sound, Chatham Strait, & Stephens Passage
Journeying through this area, we keep an eye out for large spouts and hope to witness spectacular behaviours like breaches, pectoral slaps, spy-hopping, and possibly bubble-net feeding. We will take the time to observe these amazing, 15-metre-long creatures whenever the opportunity arises. Keep your eyes open for sea otters!
Adventures await. The salmon are running this time of year bringing bears to the estuaries to fish. Small group bear viewing at Pack Creek to see brown bears and Anan Creek where we see primarily black bears. An intimate and unforgettable experience.The tour to visit Le Conte tidal glacier and its massive calving into the sea – iconic Alaska at its best!
Ketchikan, AK
The trip concludes mid-afternoon upon our arrival in Ketchikan. After clearing customs, passengers can fly to Seattle to continue their journey home or spend extra time exploring the town.
In the late 1800’s the lucrative cannery industry earned Ketchikan the title of “Salmon Capital of the World”. Before flying home, guests may wish to enjoy some of the many activities Ketchikan offers. From walking along the old boardwalk “streets” of Creek Street, to visiting the Totem Heritage Center to see their collection of original totem poles collected from now uninhabited Tlingit and Haida Villages, to touring the town via amphibious duck boat, there is something for everyone!
3 Exclusive Bear Viewing Opportunities
On this custom itinerary, explore remote outer islands while traveling between 3 exclusive access grizzly bear viewing areas and prime cetacean feeding grounds.
Tidewater Glaciers
Glaciers are one of the iconic sights of Alaska. We will encounter both hanging and tidewater glaciers as they calve into the ocean with mega force!
Humpback Whales
Foraging humpback whales are commonly seen daily. We hope to witness their co-operative feeding technique called bubble-net feeding.
The “Brian Experience”
Truly a highlight of this rare opportunity to explore the Alaskan Panhandle!
Limited Availability
We only offer this itinerary once a year – contact us today to secure your spot on this unqiue travel opportunity. All prices are listed in Canadian and are subject to a $200 sustainability fee. This trip is tax exempt.
Book Now| Date | Start / Finish Location | Days | Vessel | Price | Trip Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21 – Jul 3, 2025 | Prince Rupert BC – Ketchikan AK | 13 | Island Odyssey | $12,200 CAD | Open |
| Jun 21 – Jul 3, 2026 | Prince Rupert BC – Ketchikan AK | 13 | Island Odyssey | $12,475 CAD | Booked |
Prepare for Your Adventure
Feel prepared and equipped for traveling to and living aboard our vessels. Learn more about guest expectations, amenities onboard, and what to bring along to make the most out of your once in a lifetime eco-tour.
Get ReadyYour Nautical Accommodation
An aquatic home away from home
Island Odyssey is a custom 68-foot ketch, motor-sailor. She is a Canadian licensed passenger vessel that was launched in 1984. There are 6 double occupancy guest cabins and 3 shared bathrooms with hot showers. In addition to a well-equipped galley and comfortable salon with an excellent natural history library, the large wheelhouse above deck provides comfortable seating in all types of weather.
Island Odyssey
Frequently Asked Questions
Although planning for all of our Southeast Alaska adventures is the same, this itinerary does stand out with an additional bear viewing opportunity, the chance to explore the outer islands of the Panhandle, and it is the longest expedition in Bluewater Adventures’ quiver of trips.
Explore ALL FAQsBrian can easily be described as one of the most experienced Captains on the west coast. Dating back to the 1980’s he started leading eco-tours with his own company and fell in love with the wildlife and hidden gems of Southeast Alaska. He has built an enviable reputation coastwide while working with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation conducting whale and bird research, trophy hunting bear tenure buyouts, all raising the importance of conserving the BC coast. Brian has been leading expeditions with Bluewater Adventures since 2003 and is often specifically requested by charter groups.
Lots! On this custom expedition, we will have the opportunity to visit 3 exceptional bear viewing areas in both BC and Alaska. While underway, we will keep our eyes out for the spouts of whales that can be seen from a distance. We will be on the lookout for foraging humpback whales and hope to witness bubble-net feeding – a cooperative feeding technique that is a very unique behaviour to specific individual whales. Orca are commonly seen and sea otters are on the comeback. Weather permitting, we will sail to Cormorant Island where migratory birds are known to be present in very large numbers.
Yes – Guests embark in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. On day 3, Island Odyssey will cross into Alaska with Ketchikan being our next port. It is here where guests and crew will clear customs in advance of this Alaskan adventure. Guests must travel with their Passports and some travellers will need to complete an ESTA application online for travel into the USA, prior to joining the trip.
Yes – any time we are at anchor, and it is safe to do so, guests are welcome to explore by our stable sea kayaks. We have both solo and double kayaks to choose from so you can go in search of solitude or paddle with a friend.
This itinerary offers a lot of opportunities for shore excursions, whether it be to a bear viewing area, a rainforest walk, or even some paddling the shoreline. For any shore excursion we take, guests will need to be able to get in and out of the zodiac – both into/out of the zodiac from the boat as well as in/out of the zodiac onshore, which is usually from a pebbly or rocky shoreline. The walks we take onshore will vary both in length and terrain, though will usually be minimal in elevation gain or loss.
Learn More About Southeast Alaska
Browse through our collection of blog posts reflecting information, thoughts on, and experiences in Southeast Alaska – written by our seaworthy and knowledgeable staff & crew.
