Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take more than six passengers?
Is it possible for us to add folks to our reservation?
Can you add folks to our party or can we join another party?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can we have our catch shipped home?
Can you take more than six passengers?
Maybe. We are classified by the United States Coast Guard as a "Charter Vessel". Charter Vessels are only allowed to take six passengers on board, does not matter size of the vessel, 24' to 124' or the size of the passenger, even an infant counts (though we might not charge for them). It should also be noted that in South East Alaska no vessel is allowed to fish more than six, there are no "party fishing boats" in South East.
However, We can accommodate larger parties by using two boats (or more). This can be a lot of Fun as we would run the trips together, making for some great photo opportunities. The cost however would be higher, roughly the same as hiring on another boat (i.e. group of eight would be the same rate as two groups of four). If both of our vessels are available, we can give a bit of a break on that but if we have to bring in another charter company, not so much. We would take care of all the coordination.
Is it possible for us to add folks to our reservation?
You are welcome to add more to your party (bearing in mind the rule of six, above). You can add others right up until the last minute, just try to give us as much notice as possible.
Can you add folks to our party or can we join another party?
In the past we have tried to work it out for our customers, but we really specialize in private trips. With different ship schedules, personal schedules and different tours, we found it to be almost impossible to coordinate everyone and it has lead to problems, so we do discourage it. You can often find people to join your party by going on Web Site Boards for your ship. Disney's DisBoards is one. On the Cruise Critic web site, Rollcall board (for your ship) is another. As a business, we are not allowed to post there.
Can we arrange to visit the Mendenhall Glacier, the MacCaulay Salmon Hatchery or The Alaskan Brewery?
Certainly, we can drop you off at any of these locations and help you to arrange for transportation back downtown or to your ship for a minimal charge. Or we can reverse that and pick you up at any of these locations for your trip with us. Please make sure to be aware of your schedule, your ship's schedule and the schedule of the attraction.
Mendenhall Glacier: The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 8am until 7:30pm, the Glacier Park and trails are open from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center has many interactive exhibits, short films and panoramic view of the Glacier and its surroundings. There are many trails around the Glacier Park, most are fairly easy. The trail to Nugget Falls is an 3/4 mile trail. The Trail offers many views of the Glacier and Mendenhall Lake. The Glacier is a US Forest Service Fee Area and can be up to $17 per person.
For transportation back downtown or to your ship, you can catch a Tour Taxi, $35 for everyone (Taxis are there all summer long, but we can help you arrange that ahead of time). *Please note: no food is allowed or sold at the Glacier due to safety issues with the Bears you might have a chance to view there.
The Hatchery has many exhibits on Salmon, their life cycles and aquariums that show off many of the fish, crabs and other invertebrates found in the South East waters. They also offer tours of the Hatchery and there is an easily viewed fish ladder to see the returning salmon. There is a minor entry fee and the Hatchery is open 10am -6pm Mon-Fri, 10am -5 pm Sat & Sun. A Tour Taxi is $15 for everyone back to downtown or your ship and we can help you arrange that.
The Alaskan Brewery: Home of the World Famous Alaskan Beer. They offer tastings of their different brews, there is a very nice gift shop and they do brewery tours at the top of the hour. Open from 11am to 6pm seven days a week. A Tour Taxi is $21 for everyone back to your ship or downtown and we can help you arrange that.
Tour Taxis: The two companies we recommend and use (clean, professional, non smoking) are:
Alaska Taxi & Tours, Maria 907-321-2329
Steve’s Taxi Service, 907-209-0941
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposit refunds are 100% (minus C.C. fees if applicable) for more than 30 day cancellation, 50% for 7 to 29 day cancellation and no refunds for cancellation less than 7 days. Any amount over the 50% deposit will be fully refundable (minus credit card fees if applicable).
If we cancel because of bad weather (rare, wind related) or because of a mechanical problem: full refund.
If we have to cancel your excursion because your cruise ship is seriously delayed or skips the port call; generally a full refund (minus credit card fees if applicable). This is rare, however we are starting to see more of this and it's been making the news recently. We do recommend trip insurance that covers not just your trip but your excursions too. Even though it is our policy to refund, it's not everyone's.
Can we have our catch shipped home?
Certainly. If you are staying local the processor can have it ready to take as luggage (if frozen). If you are shipping your fish home, the processor will ship it FedEx (shipping price varies by location). They will not ship until after you are home. We will gut and head your fish, then take it to the processor for you. Processor asks for a 10lb. minimum.
Due to Customs delays, frozen and smoked can only be shipped to United States and Canada. If Canada is your home you can save a quite bit if you have a location in the States you can ship to.
Fishing Licenses?
Everyone who is 16 or older and who is fishing needs to have a current Alaska or Yukon Territory fishing license. We have fishing licenses for sale on board. A one day (24hr) license is $15, if you are salmon fishing during May or June you'll pretty much need to get a King Salmon stamp, $15. If you are fishing later in the season, the stamp is optional and only if you intend to keep Kings. There are also 3 day, 7 day, 14 day, and year long licenses available on board.
You can get you license ahead of time at the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game web site, however if for whatever reason you don't go fishing, ADFG does not give refunds.