Southeast Alaska is a wonderful destination for a week’s summer vacation and is conveniently accessible with frequent commercial flights from the Pacific Northwest. The magnificence of the harbors and the stunning wildlife can best be appreciated from a smaller boat rather than a large cruise ship. Fortunately, a number of boats such as the Gyrfalcon, profiled below, fill the niche between taking your own boat to Alaska and booking a trip on a large cruise ship.
The Gyrfalcon is an historic 88-foot fantail wooden boat (www.gyrfalcon88.com) built by the US government in 1941 to survey the coast of Alaska. After decommissioning in 1967, she has served as a private vessel in several capacities and has undergone several renovations. There are 3 guest staterooms, each with a double bed, functioning portholes, USB and AC outlets, reading lights, and stowage. The Gyrfalcon has been updated with modern engines, electronics, and other conveniences, but retains the charm of a classic northwest HC Hanson-designed fantail yacht. Guests enjoy viewing scenery and wildlife from the comfortable pilothouse or from the roof or decks, and relaxing and reading in the salon or on the fantail. Meals are prepared by the crew and enjoyed family style in the pilothouse with its 180-degree view of a lovely anchorage.
Onboard equipment includes 4 kayaks, 2 dinghies, fishing gear, crabbing and shrimping pots, and other miscellaneous recreational gear. The boat is also equipped with gear to assure guests’ safety. Activities on the Gyrfalcon reflect the abundance of SE Alaska wildlife and scenery, and include crabbing, shrimping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the coast via dinghy. Each trip is customized based on the activity preferences of the guests. A day can be full of adventure or spent in a cozy chair with a good book. With advanced planning, private fishing and sightseeing excursions can be booked by the crew.
Trips on the Gyrfalcon run from Sitka to Juneau, Juneau to Juneau (around Admiralty Island), or Juneau to Sitka, and are available from mid-June to the end of July. Because these waters are so rich in wildlife, there are often opportunities to see humpback whales (sometimes passing through, sometimes bubble-net feeding), sea otters, sea lions, seals, porpoises, dolphins, bears, and sea birds. The timing of some trips allows guests to bracket their trip on one end or the other with the Sitka 4th of July parade and festivities. One unique benefit of cruising on the Gyrfalcon is that the owners are avid ornithologists and wildlife photographers. You will learn as much as you wish about the birds and wildlife of SE Alaska!
For more information, visit the Gyrfalcon’s website, or email the owners, Nancy and Peter, at info@gyrfalcon88.com
Article & Photos by Nancy Everds
