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| Alaska, Walrus Viewing Expedition |
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The Walrus Islands lie some 30 miles southwest of the village of Togiak, and 60 air miles west of Dillingham, where northern Bristol Bay joins the legendary Bering Sea. It is a rugged and forbidding coast, rarely visited except by local native villagers, a few commercial fishermen, and the most dedicated photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The area is as big as Prince William Sound but much less visited by persons and vessels, and even commercial fishing boats are sighted only occasionally. This place isn't "off the beaten track," it's off the track altogether.
The Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary encompasses four islands and three large rocks that lie some miles offshore in Togiak Bay. All are uninhabited by people except for two seasonal biologists on Round Island. The wild and lonely Walrus Islands also are home to sea lions, seals, and hundreds of thousands of sea birds, including two species of puffin. The nearby mainland has salmon streams, huge Alaska brown ("grizzly") bears, and caribou.
We spend our days on Round Island, other islands in the group, and on the mainland coast. If the tide is early enough the first day we may proceed directly to Round Island. If not, we go to another location for wildlife viewing, beachcombing and tundra walking.
The Boat
The vessel normally sleeps two to four guests in two private cabins, and can accomodate up to six. It has a private head with shower, oil heat, 110-volt AC power for recharging batteries, walk-around decks, and carries a hardbottom inflatable shore boat on deck. The vessel has full navigation and communication equipment, including satellite phone, and all safety and survival gear. We travel, dine, and bunk aboard our specially-built 40' (12m) diesel expedition boat.
Fitness Level
The trip is suitable for first time adventurers. For the full experience visitors should be in moderately good health and capable for walking up and down steep slopes for short distances. The island trail is a little over a mile each way, but is hilly and muddy at times. Persons with physical handicaps can enjoy the trip provided they can get in and out of the inflatable, both alongside the main boat, and on sandy and boulder beaches. The minimum age for participation is 10.
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TOUR ITINERARY  |
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TOUR INCLUDING:
- Return flight Anchorage - Dillingham
- Floatplane flight to Togiak Bay
- 2 Nights hotel accommodation
- 2 nights onboard the vessel
- Professional naturalist guide
- All meals onboard the vessel
- Transfers
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Day 01 Anchorage - Dillingham
Fly from Anchorage to Dillingham, where you will stay overnight in one of the hotels. |
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Day 02 Dillingham - Togiak Bay
This morning you will board the chartered floatplane departing Dillingham harbour bound for a remote beach on Togiak Bay, called Nunavachak. Your guide and skipper will meet you upon arrival, help carry your gear to the beach, and ferry you to the boat anchored nearby. After a short orientation of this 40-foot expedition vessel you will cruise along the shoreline looking for bears, seabirds and raptors, including checking particular eagle nests. There will be time for hiking and beachcombing to round out your afternoon until dinner, after which you can get acquainted with your shipmates. |
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Day 03 Exploring Walrus Island
Early the next morning we make the two hour run to Round Island, the centerpiece of Alaska’s wild and lonely Walrus Islands. We will ferry you ashore in the inflatable. This area is little known except among top wildlife photographers. Each summer day hundreds of bull walrus haul out onto the island, providing unparalleled viewing. These huge animals (each the size of a compact car) swim, snooze and joust with one another in a continuing display of undisturbed behaviour. Anticipation will be palpable as the first animals come into view! You will spend a full day on the island hiking and watching wildlife. Keep your cameras and binoculars at the ready! That evening we return to the mainland shore or to one of the other islands to anchor for the night.
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Day 04 Togiak Bay - Dillingham
A second change to visit Round Island or explore some of the other islands. Neighboring islands harbor more seabirds, and several species of whales and porpoises are occasionally seen transiting the straits between the islands. The mainland shore has giant Alaska brown bears as well as barren ground caribou and the occasional moose. Numerous shore birds and raptors, including eagles, live and nest on the adjacent beaches and cliffs. A scenic cruise takes you back to Togiak Bay where you will transfer onshore. From here your chartered floatplane will transfer you back to Dillingham. You then overnight in Dillingham for one night.
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Day 05 Dillingham - Anchorage
Today fly to Anchorage. Optional tour extension. |
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DOUBLE
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5 Day / 4 Nights Walrus Viewing Expedition
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$0.00
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DEPARTURE DATES: Mid June to Mid August
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