Questions and Answers

DO I NEED PRIOR SEA KAYAKING, CANOEING OR RAFTING EXPERIENCE?
No. Neither experience nor age are factors in determining how well you can enjoy our wilderness trips. Our guides will teach you efficient paddle strokes within the first hour of arriving on the beach and by the end of the trip you'll be paddling like a pro. Participants on all trips are required to be in good physical condition. Excellent health is a prerequisite to venture anywhere in Alaska's backcountry.

WILL I SEE WILDLIFE?
All of our trips are operated in areas inhabited by many varieties of land mammals and sea life. Paddling kayaks, canoes or rafts, is a silent mode of transportation that often allows for intimate wildlife encounters along Alaska's shorelines. Wild animals are unpredictable, and sightings vary from trip to trip. Our Bears, Marine Mammal, and Arctic trips usually offer considerable wildlife viewing opportunities.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A GROUP?
The total number of people we take on most sea kayaking or canoe trips is ten guests and two guides. Our Arctic trips are limited to 8 or 9 guests, and our Pt. Adolphus trips may have up to 12 guests. On the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers we take a maximum of twenty guests with five guides (4:1 ratio). We believe our small group size allows people the best opportunity for wilderness encounters and good conversation.

I'M SINGLE, CAN I STILL JOIN A TRIP?
Yes. Over one third of our guests are singles. If there is a same sex single on the same trip, we will pair you up for tenting purposes. If there is not a same sex single, you will be issued a tent to yourself.

WHAT MONTH IS BEST TO TRAVEL?
There are only slight differences between the summer months. During our June and July trips you will experience longer daylight hours due to the summer solstice. In fact, on some of our earlier Arctic trips, the sun never sets. In August and September there may be opportunities for seeing the Northern lights on clear evenings especially in the Arctic. In Southeast Alaska, May and June do tend to be sunnier and dryer than August, although this varies from summer to summer. We assure you that no matter what time of year you travel, you will enjoy your adventure.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Most of our trips operate in the southeastern "Inside Passage" of Alaska where we enjoy a cool and moist maritime climate. Summer temperatures usually range from the 50's to the 70's, although we have been known to withstand heat waves in the 80's. On our Arctic tours you can expect temperatures to be in the high 60's and 70's at times with cooler days in the 50's, although temperatures in the 30's and the 80's are possible.

WILL I GET EATEN BY BUGS?
Contrary to the rumors, most guests are pleasantly surprised by how few mosquitoes they encounter. A little bug dope and, at times, use of our head-nets is all you need. In the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, we recommend more liberal quantities of bug repellent.

CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN?
Alaska Discovery trips are designed for persons over the age of 14. However, we have successfully taken families with children between the ages of ten and fourteen who had prior camping experience. We have several shorter itineraries that are excellent choices for families with kids: Bears of Admiralty, Moby's Paradise, and Coastal Escape. Please call our office staff with requests for child reservations.