MCCARTY FJORDS EXPEDITION

Explore the Fjords!

If you are looking for an extraordinary experience in Alaska’s coastal backcountry, this is it!  You and your group will meet us bright and early at our floatplane office on Beluga Lake where you’ll climb aboard our de Havilland Otter floatplane.  After a brief warmup, our 10-passenger, 1000 h.p. bush aircraft will leap off the water and into the air, up and through the Kenai Mountains on our way to the Outer Coast.  You’ll experience wild Alaska as we maneuver through mountains with lush green valleys, over turquoise blue lakes, and past the second-largest waterfall in the state.  This 25-minute flight will end in one of the many protected bays right in the heart of the Kenai Fjords National Park where our 100’ transport vessel, the M/V Peregrine, your guides, captain, and crew will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. 

Itinerary:

Day #1 - Guided Glacier Hike

Day #2 - Jet Ski Tour

Day #3 - Halibut/Salmon Fishing

Day #4 - Sea Kayaking/Paddle Boarding
 

Call or Message for Availability!

Jet Ski Tour - Day #2

Prior to leaving Homer on the spectacuar flight over to the Fjords, we'll size everyone up for warm, top-of-the-line dry suits, helmets, gloves and neoprene boots.  Even though you will never be alone on your adventure, safety is paramount in the backcountry, so we provide everyone with linked radio communications, life jackets with water-activated strobes, and emergency locators.  Our guides will walk you through a detailed safety brief and tutorial on how to operate these amazing and powerful machines.  One-by-one we’ll taxi away from the Peregrine as your guide leads you into some of the most incredible bays and coves in Alaska. 

On the 18-mile cruise to the McCarty Glacier along the northwest shoreline, you’ll have the opportunity to see an abundance of sea life and panoramic vistas of waterfalls, beaches, alpine ridges, and rocky pinnacles that will leave you speechless.  At the end of the Fjord is the mighty McCarty Glacier that drops straight into the ocean.  We will carefully navigate and slow roll through a maze of giant blue icebergs giving you plenty of time to take it all in and capture the memories with your camera.   We’ll gather as a group and turn off the machines for a few minutes.  Can you hear it?  The glacier is groaning as it moves at a microscopic pace down the mountain grinding the rocks along the edges and further carving the valley below.  If we experience good fortune in timing, we could be there to watch as house-size chunks of ice calve off and crash into the water.  This is a sound and sight experience you will never forget.  Time to start our cruise back to the boat. 

For the return trip, we’ll cruise along the Southeast shoreline on our way to Moonlight or Surprise Bay.  We’ll explore a myriad of incredible bays and coves along our route of travel, many of which have cascading waterfalls originating from the snowcapped mountains above.   After 25 miles of incredible coastline, we’ll arrive back at the Peregrine where we’ll tie up the jet skis, shed our drysuits, and quench our appetites with a gourmet meal fit for royalty.  For the evening activity, you can relax in the hot tub, make a campfire on the beach, go kayaking or paddle boarding, or just relax on the deck.  Get a good night sleep and awake to the smell of coffee and a hearty breakfast.  Another day of adventure awaits! 

Sea Kayaking/Paddle Boarding - Day #4

Alaska is an incredible destination for sea kayaking and paddle boarding. Surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, glacier views, and abundant wildlife; it doesn’t get any better than this.  As part of your Ultimate Adventure, Destination Alaska offers guided kayaking and paddle boarding for beginner and experienced adventurers. Paddle among sea otters, porpoises and even whales at times. Tide pooling and learning about the local sea life will greatly add to your Alaska adventure. Many of our V.I.P. guests have mentioned kayaking as the highlight of their Alaska vacation. We use single and double person Necky/Old Town sea kayaks that are very stable for beginners while providing the adventure a more seasoned paddler is looking for. Our guides are experienced, knowledgeable, and helpful and are anxiously awaiting your arrival. Let’s go!

After the flight from Homer and you get settled into your stateroom, you'll put on your dry suit, boots, gloves and a personal flotation device.  We want you to ensure that you are dry and comfortable throughout the day. Then…. it’s all aboard the Alaska Endeavor loaded with kayaks, paddleboards, and guides where it will take you from the Peregrine out of Moonlight Bay down the East side of the McCarty Fjords toward to the mighty McCarty Glacier. We’ll unload your kayaks and paddle boards and pull up on a secluded beach where your guide will provide instructions on paddling in a glacier environment and safety. You’ll navigate the pristine waters of the Fjords while watching for sea otters, porpoises, sea birds, and other wildlife. Your guide will customize the outing according to your skills and goals to ensure that everyone has a fantastic trip. While you’re navigating the glacier ice, our crew will be setting up for a full barbeque lunch served around noon. Clothing and proper gear are important. You should bring warm layered clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a brimmed hat. Above all….. don’t forget your camera!