Services
Tours and services on Prince of Wales Island Alaska
The F/V Luna Sea
Tours & Rates
Craig Alaska Wildlife Tour - 3 Hours
Our Craig Alaska wildlife tour stays within about 5 miles of Craig and allows for the most affordable option to get out on the water. Features include beautiful scenery, seals, sea otters, sea birds and sea ducks, a high likelihood of humpback whales, and a possibility of killer whales. Craig is uniquely positioned on the west coast of POW to provide for excellent marine wildlife viewing opportunities, even just a short distance from town. This shorter more affordable tour is perfect for those with a busy schedule or traveling alone. The rate is good for up to 4 passengers, 5 if some are children.
Whales and Waterfall - 4 hours
This tour will spend some time looking for humpback whales among beautiful forested islands. It includes a short hike through the rainforest to the Canoe Point Waterfall which is only accessible by boat. It is best viewed after heavy rainfall, but always fun to see. Dramatic basalt formations create this 130-foot waterfall tucked into the rainforest. This hike takes less than half an hour, and the rest of the time can be spent looking for wildlife. The area near the waterfall has a higher likelihood of seeing killer whales, and especially black bears and sea lions from late July through mid-August when the salmon are starting to go upriver to spawn. Humpback whales can be seen in the area at any time of the year, as well as seals, and a few sea otters.
Price is for the boat with a maximum of 4 adults
Outer Coast Wildlife Excursion - 6 hours
This longer tour goes farther away from town, and can cover a lot of water looking for wildlife. This amount of time allows for a lot of flexibility and customization. We will look for humpback whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters, bears, killer whales, wolves, sea birds and other wildlife. This tour allows for the possibility to visit Cape Addington, which juts out into the ocean and is a sea lion haul-out where hundreds of Steller’s Sea Lions reside. The dramatic cliffs are also home to tufted and horned puffins, and many other sea birds. While access to Cape Addington is weather dependent, this 6.5 -hour excursion can be very exciting even without a visit to the cape.
Whale Watching Tour- 4 hours
This tour has no geographic restrictions and allows for greater flexibility to travel farther out from town and cover a lot of water to look for whales, sea otters, seals, sea birds, and other wildlife. Other possible sightings include killer whales, porpoises, sea lions, bears and wolves. This popular tour allows for a long loop route on the west side of Prince of Wales Island Alaska (weather permitting) which does not back track and allows for a lot of potential wildlife sightings and new scenery along the entire route. This is the most popular tour we offer. The rate is for the boat regardless of the number of passengers, so the rate is good for 1-4 people; it is NOT a per person rate.
Herring Spawn Spring Wildlife Viewing (March 15-April 10 only)
The spring herring spawn in the Craig area is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the region. Dozens of humpback whales, scores of sea lions and seals, hundreds of eagles, and thousands of other birds all converge in the area to gorge on the herring which return to the shallows to spawn. This is some of the best wildlife viewing all year. Whales often bubble feed, lunge feed and can be seen feeding in very shallow waters as they gorge on herring after returning from their Hawaiian breeding grounds. The weather may be cold to cool, but it's worth braving the weather for the amazing activity that takes place!
Transport Rates
(no hunting transports allowed)
from locations other than Craig require trailer transport for $500 .
20 miles-$600
30 miles-$1200
40 miles-$1800
50 miles-$2500
Departure times will be 8 AM unless all parties agree to a different departure time. (Anywhere from 6-9 AM will usually work, but we will coordinate with you a day or two ahead of time once we have a short term weather forecast). Meet at the North Cove Harbor in Craig; the Luna Sea will be waiting for you at the bottom of the ramp. North Cove Harbor is the larger of the two harbors and is the one with more big fishing boats.
We are permitted by the USFS to go ashore at certain locations to go beach-combing, picnicking, hiking or tide-pooling. If you wish to do any of these activities, let us know!
When it comes to short term planning for your tour; we will rely more on a marine forecast than the typical sky forecast that most people are accustomed to. Seeing sun in the forecast does not neccesarily mean "good" weather, as it can often bring strong winds which kick up wind waves . Conversely, overcast skies do not always make for "bad" weather at all; it may be calm and tranquil when overcast!
Bring your cameras and spare batteries and memory cards!! You might easily burn through cards and batteries if the whales are putting on a show. It is a great idea to have a waterproof point and shoot camera and a waterproof case for your smartphone if you plan on using it to take photos or video. Pentax Optio WG and Olympus Stylus TG cameras are both waterproof and affordable point and shoot digital cameras that are recommended. The locals almost all use Lifeproof cases for their smartphones; it is wet around here and these cases provide excellent protection for your expensive phone in our inclement weather. *PLEASE* hang on tightly to your phone, or considere just using a camera with a strap. If a phone falls overboard; its gone.
Binoculars are handy to have as well, especially if you like birds, but they will give a closer look at whales, sea lions, sea otters, and other animals we might see. There will be at least two pairs of quality binoculars on board, but feel free to bring your own if you'd like.
We suggest bringing snacks and drinks if you'd like.
Well, no there isn't. We Alakans are used to this "problem", and sometimes forget that it makes those unused to boat travel a big squeamish. While it is occasionally possible to go ashore for a bathroom break, most passengers opt to hop onto the stern swim-step for some privacy. This is normal and maybe even adds to the adventure so no need to be shy about it!
Cancellations will be fully refunded within one week of your tour. Inside of one week, 50% of deposit will be refunded, until 2 days before the tour. If you cancel within two days you will forfeit the entire deposit.
If Emerald Island Adventures cancels for any reason at any time, a full refund will be issued.