WHALES AND OTHER WILDLIFEThe Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska is summer home to feeding
humpback whales -- the largest aggregation of humpbacks in the North
Pacific. In these inside waters, 100 miles from the nearest ocean swell,
the humpback feeds almost continuously on the rich proliferation of
life, produced by the long daylight hours and the cold Alaskan waters.
Other animals share the bounty...the orca, minke whale, Dall's porpoise
and harbor porpoise, and the birds. The red-necked phalarope flitters
from bubble-net to bubble-net created by the humpback, to benefit from
the krill-laden upwelling. Bald eagles soar overhead and flank the shores
to feed off salmon returning to where they were spawned. Steller sea
lions intersperse their lounging about the islands with pursuit of prey,
and sometimes playfully or aggressively interact with other marine mammals,
particularly the humpbacks. THE RESEARCHOur objective is to continue our long-term studies on the feeding ecology
of humpback whales, specifically cooperative feeding whales. This is
a behavior which we were the first to document, and which has continued
to be the focus of our studies. We will photo-document individuals and
behaviors and record the summer songs for comparisons with other feeding
groups and other years. Our studies have been featured in numerous film
productions including National Geographic, NBC, ABC, the Discovery Channel
and in the IMAX film ALASKA - SPIRIT OF THE WILD. THE VESSELOur summer expeditions will be conducted aboard the 65' classic cruising
yacht M/V Princeton Hall. Accommodations are
hospitable and very comfortable for groups of six guests. COSTS AND RESERVATIONSCosts and dates are listed below under Sailing
Schedule and Rates. As space is limited, you should call or e-mail
for space availability. You may fax or e-mail your registration, and
send your check via mail. Refer to additional information about reservations,
cancellations, and other details. THE TRIPAlaska is a wonderful land of unspoiled beauty. To have a safe and fulfilling
voyage, it is essential that travel occur with experienced operators.
Our vessel is operated by a Captain with a 1600-ton USCG master’s license,
indicating exceptional sea time experience. We are able to visit pristine
land sights that are inaccessible to others, because these lands are
privately held, protecting them from the potential of logging. And the
whales, with their specific patterns of behavior and areas of travel,
are well known to the staff, and most are literally on a first name
basis. These are just a few of the considerations that will determine
the quality of your trip. RESERVATION FORMTo reserve your place, print and fill out the Reservation
Form and mail it, along with your check, to Intersea Foundation,
Inc. A detailed information packet will be sent to you upon receipt
of the reservation form. TRAVEL PLANSFor information about departure schedules and transportation to and
from Southeast Alaska, refer to Travel Plans.
SAILING SCHEDULE:With a custom-designed trip for your group, we are able
to offer you a voyage during your time specifications, providing the
dates are available. Please contact us for further details and to check
on your preferred dates. For more information please contact us by e-mail at info@intersea.org
or phone (831) 659-5807. |
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ALASKA, with its abundant wildlife, temperate rainforests, and
glaciated fjords, has become one of the last places on earth left virtually
untouched by man. A visit to this pristine wilderness is more of a journey
on a path of discovery than a trip to the higher latitudes. Many who
visit return again, often repeatedly, to explore with greater intimacy.