Silversea Luxury Cruises A KODIAK ISLAND (Alaska)

Explore the diverse wildlife and rugged natural beauty of Alaska during this panoramic, half-day, bear-viewing excursion via floatplane.

Kodiak Island, Flight-Seeing Tour, Bear- and Wildlife-Viewing

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the floatplane base. Upon arrival, receive your safety and flight instructions, and get outfitted with hip-boots. Afterward, board your floatplane and fly to the bear-viewing location. Bear-viewing is one of the most popular activities on Kodiak Island. The best time to see a Kodiak bear is during July, August and September, but they can be spotted as early as May/June, depending on the season and weather. Your bear-viewing experience lasts approximately four hours, including a scenic, approximately 50-minute floatplane ride in search of coastal brown bears on either Kodiak Island or the Katmai Coast.

Native Villages, Commercial Fishing Operations, Bears, Elks, Goats, Deer, Wildlife, Marine Life

During the flight, you are fitted with voice-activated headsets to enable communication with your experienced Alaskan bush pilot. Along the way, see native villages, commercial fishing operations, a variety of wildlife and marine life, and the ruggedly beautiful scenery for which Alaska is renowned. A professional wilderness guide accompanies you along the way. In addition to bears, other commonly-seen wildlife in this vicinity includes elks, goats and deer. Snacks and beverages are provided. Following your bear-viewing experience, re-board your floatplane and head back to the floatplane base. Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 100 yards-200 yards (about 91.4 metres-183 metres), at times over uneven, grassy and wet surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps to access the office for check-in and three steps to board/de-board the floatplane. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with a hat, gloves, scarf and flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship; hip-boots are provided to keep feet dry whilst boarding/de-boarding the floatplane, and are worn for the duration of the tour. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore Kodiak's spectacular beauty and wartime history during this scenic hike through a section of the 183-acre (74-hectare) Fort Abercrombie State Park.

Depart the pier for the brief drive to the headquarters of Ft. Abercrombie State Park.

Ft. Abercrombie State Park

Upon arrival, your guide leads you on a hike along well-maintained natural and gravel trails offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The park's coastline is inhabited by a wide array of diverse seabird species, and whale sightings are frequently reported in this area throughout the season.

Military History

During your hiking tour, you can view World War II bunkers from Kodiak's wartime past. At the midpoint of your hike, a stop is made at the Miller Point Gun Placement, one of the largest bunkers in the park.

Another stretch of your walking tour leads you through forested areas with a 10% to 20% incline, and a 68-step staircase during the return hike to park headquarters. Upon arrival, re-board your transfer bus for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a guided walk of approximately 1.5-2 miles (2.4-3.2 kilometres) over natural unpaved trails, including inclines and 68 stairs. Trails pass ocean-side bluffs. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, including water-resistent outerwear and wear hiking shoes or boots. Transportation to and from the trail head is via school bus. Space is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Whale sightings from the bluffs cannot be guaranteed.

Discover the natural and magnificent beauty that is Kodiak during this 2.5 hour long boat ride along its waterfront and barrier islands. You will be accompanied by a local naturalist guide and accomplished photographer / instructor along with her husband; a retired Harbourmaster, at the helm.

Depart the pier for the short ride to the location of the boat dock. Upon arrival guests will walk approximately 50 yards (46 metres) to board the vessel and commence the tour.

The classic 42-foot vessel boasts large picture windows and 360-degree views which provide guests with perfect viewing and excellent picture-taking opportunities of seabird rookeries, sea lion haul-outs, puffins, playful sea otters, the blue-domed Russian Orthodox Church, and activities along one of the country's busiest and most colourful fishing ports.

As Captain Marty navigates along the coastline sprinkled with spruce trees and wildflowers, you'll see why Kodiak is called Alaska's Emerald Isle. Many of Marion's award-winning photographs were taken along this route and she delights in helping guests take photos along the way. This unique and close-up boating experience also includes fishing vessels made famous by the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" show.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 100 yards (91.2 metres); however it is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guest with limited mobility must be able to manage 3 stairs to get on/off the boat and manage the harbour ramp which varies in incline depending on tide levels. This tour is not suitable for guests who suffer from motion sickness. The minimum age requirement for this tour is 6 years. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers, closed-toe walking shoes and a camera. Adult and child life jackets, binoculars, field guides and refreshments are available on board. The boat has 2 decks with steep steps to access the top; not all guests may be able to manage them. Both levels are enclosed and heated with comfortable seating and with outdoor viewing possible. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed.

Discover Kodiak Island's diverse culture and sites of interest during this scenic, half-day tour of Kodiak City, Alaska's first Russian settlement.

Depart the pier for the drive past Cannery Row and the boat harbour en route to the city. Upon arrival, photo opportunities abound as you explore the city's historic landmarks, and Native American and Russian legacy. Your first stop is a visit to the Baranov Museum.

Baranov Museum

See Kodiak's rich history, from Alutiiq culture and the Russian colonial period to the early American era, WWII and the present day. The Baranov Museum is located within Kodiak's 200-year-old National Historic Landmark building known as the Russian American Magazin, or the Erskine House. Museum employees, along with your guide, are on-hand to assist you as you view Kodiak history through a multitude of displays and photographs.

Fort Abercrombie

Following your visit, a short drive north takes you to Fort Abercrombie, a historic defense installation for the North Pacific during World War II. At the Bunker Museum, you can take in sweeping panoramic vistas of both land and sea.

Alutiiq Museum

Your tour continues with a visit to the Alutiiq Museum for an in-depth look at Alaska's native culture.

Fisheries Research Touch Tank and Aquarium

This venue provides an up close and personal look at a variety of local sea life, from sea stars to halibut to crab. The touch tank is a favorite of visitors young and old; giving all the opportunity to "meet" a wide array of creatures.

Following your visit, re-board the bus for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, with approximately 15 steps each at the Baranof and Alutiiq museums. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however, guests must be able to embark/disembark the bus via steps. This tour operates in 44-passenger, transit-style school buses, the best equipment available in this port. To avoid congestion at the various venues, the tour sequence may vary. Guides are local residents and are the best available. Dress in warm layers, with water-resistant outerwear and footwear. Remember to bring your camera.

Explore the rugged beauty and history of Kodiak from a unique perspective during this scenic and informative wildlife cruise.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to a small boat harbour. Upon arrival, walk from the harbour ramp to the boat stall. After receiving your boating and safety instructions, embark your boat with your naturalist guide and commence the 2.5-hour, approximately eight-mile (about 13-kilometre) cruise from Kodiak to Long Island. En route, cruise down Kodiak's main channel, and pass by fish canneries and fishing boats.

Upon arrival at Long Island, view several World War II bunkers and gun mounts. Afterward, a photo stop is made to observe Stellar sea lions. As you circle the island your guide points out seabirds and other mammals including; harbour seals, sea otters and whales along with interesting commentary about your surroundings.

The heated, 43-foot (13-metre) vessel U-Rascal is ideal for viewing wildlife, either from the warm, comfortable cabin with easily-accessible restroom or the 360-degree walk-around Observation Deck.

Your tour concludes with a sightseeing cruise around Neal Island and Woody Island before returning to the boat harbour. Upon arrival, disembark your boat and transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, including a 100-yard (91-metre) walk from the harbour ramp to the boat stall, negotiating a ramp that can be steep during low tide, and riding in a rocking boat. This tour is not suitable for guests with back or neck problems, limited mobility, wheelchair users or those who are prone to seasickness. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers, including protective outerwear with water-resistant closed-toe walking shoes and to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera from the ship. This tour is limited to guests weighing less than 350 pound (160 kilograms or 25 stone). Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Tour is conducted in an 8-passenger vessel only. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Kodiak, Sightseeing Cruise, Archipelago, Marine Wildlife, Seabirds, Fish, Whales, Seals

Depart the pier aboard a comfortable, approximately 40-foot-long (about 12 metre-long) boat with a heated cabin and full, walk-around deck, then begin your approximately two-hour marine wildlife sightseeing tour around the surrounding archipelago. During your search of Kodiak's abundant marine wildlife, look for bald eagles, Arctic terns, puffins, sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, and a large variety of seabirds. The waters surrounding Kodiak Island are also home to Alaskan halibut weighing more than 400 pounds, five species of salmon, huge ling cod, a vast array of other rockfish, and several different whale species, including humpbacks and an occasional orca. The vessel provides a safe platform from which to view and photograph Kodiak's wildlife.

Fisheries, World War II Bunkers and Placements

Kodiak is also home to a thriving fishing industry; its many fisheries, along with several historical bunkers and placements from World War II, are easily visible from the water. In addition, learn about Kodiak's cultural and historical facets, and take in the breath-taking natural beauty that surrounds you in this wild island archipelago. Refreshments and snacks are served on board. Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 200 yards (about 183 metres), at times over inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with a hat, gloves, scarf and flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least eight years old to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore Russia's culinary, cultural, and religious influences on Alaska during this scenic and informative sightseeing excursion.

Cannery Row and Russian Orthodox Seminary Chapel

Depart the pier for a brief orientation tour of Kodiak. Along the way, drive down 'Cannery Row' to learn about the importance of the fishing industry to the economy of Kodiak. Your first stop is the Russian Orthodox Seminary Chapel. Kodiak is the first Russian settlement in Alaska and the chapel is a replica of the first Russian Orthodox Church built in Alaska. Circa 1794. During your visit, a priest or a student talks about the Russian Church and the historic role it has played in Alaska.

Russian Tea with Balalaika Band and USCG Base

Proceed for a visit to the Fisherman's Church. Your arrival is greeted with Russian tea and treats such as borscht, Russian teacakes and pirozhokis, and accompanied by traditional Russian music performed by a Balalaika band, composed of talented locals.

"Bear Town Market"

Following the tea head to the "Bear Town Market". A small gathering of local artists and craftsmen where you will have a chance to meet some of the friendly locals.

Following your visit, re-board your island-style van for the scenic drive past the Coast Guard Base, the largest USCG base in the United States, and the Outskirts of the town. Your tour ends up at the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with closed-toe walking shoes and water-resistant outerwear. Bring sunglasses, and a camera from the ship. Transportation is via rugged, island-style van, the best available. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.