Located 62 miles southeast of Cordova, Cape St. Elias is one of Alaska’s most exciting and historic destinations. In 1917 the Cape St. Elias Light House was constructed, and for the next fifty-eight years was referred to as a ‘nightmare’ and at ‘the edge of the world’ by light house keepers & USCG personel stationed there. The area experiences rare calm seas and relatively mild winds in early July, which is the only time we offer this particular adventure. Aside from occasional commercial fishing vessels and a monthly helicopter visit from the USCG to the lighthouse there are no other people at Cape St. Elias.
Your trip begin with a float plane ride from the nearest town of Cordova to Kayak Island, where you’ll rendezvous with the Dream Catcher. You’ll be able to explore the Cape St. Elias Light House and hike the beaches, fish, and kayak the protected waters of Wingham Island and southern lee shore of Kayak Island. You’ll traverse the North Gulf Coast south of Cape Suckling by foot or skiff to the immense Bering Glacier (largest in North America) where giant icebergs float in Vitus Lake.
Explore the abandoned town site of Katalla, one of the first oil and coal producing areas in Alaska. Climb aboard the “last train” to Katalla, which now sits abandoned beneath towering mountain peaks. At low tide view the remains of the SS Portland, the ship that carried the first miners bearing Klondike Gold to Seattle, starting the Klondike Gold Rush.
Beneath Pyramid Point on Kayak Island you can explore the area where Vitus Bering, the Russian explorer who discovered Alaska, first set foot on Alaskan shores in 1741. This is also your chance to observe the area’s sea bird and mammal life. At the end of your trip we’ll return you via float plane to Cordova, where commercial flights to Anchorage are available as is passage to Whittier on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Departing Cordova, Alaska
*Based on double occupancy of a Stateroom.
Single Travelers pay 1.5 times Per Person rates above.
Cape St. Elias is located at the northern edge of the Gulf of Alaska, where seas can kick up suddenly. Early July tends to have the nicest weather of the year in the area, and provides an unforgettable experience when weather cooperates. We always do everything in our power to provide the best possible experience for our guests. We cannot, unfortunately, control the weather.
Alaska weather conditions are variable making layers a must, to insure your comfort on and off the boat. Our voyages are not extreme expeditions, that being said you will not need special clothing or gear to enjoy your trip with us. Remember you have full access to the washer and dryer on a daily basis.
You should dress in layers and keep in mind wool and synthetic clothing keep you warm even when they are wet. Cotton, while a wonderful material, which is quite adequate on board, is not recommended for any outdoor activities since it does not dry quickly and offers no warmth once wet. Remember you will only need enough clothes for 7 days on the boat and we do have a washer and dryer for your use. You will find the days can run the gauntlet from warm, sunny, to cold, rainy, overcast and back again in the blink of an eye, so be prepared.
We will provide rubber boots, the commercial fishing variety, which are designed for hard use and comfort. You will need a wool-hiking sock to wear with the boots. These boots work great for shore excursions and kayaking. On board, tennis shoes or sandals will work just fine. Hiking boots, if you have them, increase your comfort level during high meadow hikes.
Because soft bags pack best on board a vessel, we ask you NOT to bring hard sided luggage. Two medium bags are a much better option than on large bag.
A small day pack is almost indispensable or shore excursions. It will carry rain gear, extra clothes, water bottle, snack, cameras, and anything else you wish to take on short hikes.
During your stay with us we will provide high quality commercial rain gear (top and bottoms) by Helly Hanson and Grunden. Please provide your height/weight and shoe size by filling out our Client Information Sheet once you have made your reservation.
Whittier Alaska is the western gateway to Prince William Sound and serves as our home port for Prince William Sound tours. Just an hours drive south of Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport, the sleepy little town of Whittier is the perfect place to start your Alaska adventure cruise. Daily flights into Anchorage are available from all over the country and the drive to Whittier is one of the most scenic in North America. Plus, if you’re interested in extending your vacation beyond your cruise, the proximity of Whittier to Anchorage is a huge advantage.
There’s no reason to compromise when it comes to cuisine aboard your Alaska small boat cruise, and aboard the Dream Catcher we never will. Our commercial style galley would make any land based chef jealous. Double ovens, dual dishwashers, and warming drawers are just some of the tools at our disposal in the 230 square foot galley area. Wrap around seating for 12, three extra large viewing windows and a cozy breakfast bar beckon our guests to enjoy the smells and tastes coming from the galley morning day and night.
Learn MoreThere are six client staterooms. Only two clients per room each having private bathrooms with shower enclosures. For your comfort there is a central forced air heating system and individual electric heaters in each room along with portholes. Each room has ample storage and data connections for laptops.
