From Big Ships to Small Boats: Back Where the Wild Things Are

After a few exciting weeks on the big boat, it’s time to trade the larger decks for smaller skiffs, quiet coves, and the kind of adventures where you never quite know what the day will bring.

My time cruising between Vancouver and Whittier flew by. Getting to make that journey multiple times was an incredible opportunity to see new places, experience different parts of Alaska, and meet so many amazing people along the way. Every itinerary brought something new—from stunning landscapes to fascinating stories shared by guests, guides, and crew.

One of the highlights was getting the chance to explore places I hadn’t spent much time in before, including the beautiful communities of Valdez and Haines. I also got to see new glaciers in College Fjord, which is always a reminder of just how much there is still left to discover in Alaska. But beyond the scenery, some of the best parts of the experience were the connections made along the way. I was lucky to work alongside an incredible team of guides, fellow guest lecturers, and crew members who quickly became friends. Those friendships are one of the things that make this job so special.

Now, it’s back to small expedition boats—and back to a style of guiding that feels like home.

Small boat expeditions are all about flexibility, exploration, and following the excitement wherever it leads. And this time of year, Alaska is putting on quite the show. The salmon are running, which means the bears are out and about taking advantage of one of nature’s greatest seasonal events. Streams are full of activity, and the bears are never far away.

At Hidden Falls Hatchery, we had an unforgettable wildlife experience with at least 15 bears making an appearance throughout the area. Watching these incredible animals take advantage of the salmon run is always a privilege and a powerful reminder of how connected all parts of this ecosystem are.

The wildlife sightings didn’t stop there. Our first week back out brought some fantastic humpback whale encounters, along with a quick but exciting glimpse of Orcas. It’s always amazing how quickly Southeast Alaska can remind you that you’re a visitor in a landscape filled with incredible life.

Of course, expedition guiding isn’t just about what we see—it’s about how we explore. There were plenty of days spent kayaking through beautiful waters, a few exciting hot swaps, and lots of beach walks searching through the intertidal zone for the hidden treasures along the shoreline. Every rocky beach tells a story if you slow down enough to look.

But the highlight of the week for me—and for six adventurous guests—was definitely our snorkel.

Now, I’ll admit it: I am not a person who naturally enjoys being cold. Jumping into Alaska water takes a little convincing, even for someone who spends their summers surrounded by the ocean. But this snorkel was absolutely worth it.

The underwater world did not disappoint. We found tiny cross jellyfish drifting through the water, which made for some incredible photos. We spotted some impressively large crabs, colorful sea stars, and a few fascinating fish hiding among the rocks. We even found a couple of pricklebacks (also called gunnels) and a sculpin that seemed completely unfazed by our presence.

Those moments are exactly why I love expedition guiding. Sometimes the biggest adventures come from the smallest discoveries—a tiny jellyfish, a curious fish, or a hidden world just beneath the surface.

All in all, it feels great to be back out exploring in the expedition style I love most. The combination of wildlife encounters, wilderness exploration, and sharing these experiences with guests is what makes this job so rewarding.

I’m excited to see what this next rotation brings. More whales, more bears, more unexpected discoveries—and hopefully a few more adventures that remind us just how wild and wonderful Southeast Alaska truly is.