Picturesque Year-Round

It is important to understand that Alaska is not the frozen arctic as many in the "lower 48" may believe. This guide will provide you with an idea of what to expect on your voyage aboard the LISERON or MIST COVE.

Protected by tall coastal mountains and warmed by Japanese currents off the Pacific Ocean, Southeast's moist maritime climate is characterized by comfortable year-round temperatures. Average summer days are in the 60's and low to mid 70's. At night the temperature hovers around the mid to low 50's.

For nature enthusiasts, there is no "bad" time to visit Southeast Alaska. On any given day one can see humpback whales, orcas (also known as killer whales), dall's porpoises, sea lions, seals and dozens of different species of bird.

For those who come to Southeast in search of world-renowned fishing, this is the place for you. The fishing season begins in May, trolling for King Salmon in the waters of Southeast. As the summer progresses, the Kings run upstream from mid to late June, Pinks start running in July, and Silver salmon start upstream in early August. The Pink and Silver runs last into September. Halibut fishing is available all summer as these large cousins of the flounder roam the depths year round. Once you have caught your fair share of fish, the crew will clean, vacuum seal, freeze and box your catch for you to take home and, if you like, the chef will prepare some for dinner.

On any given day, guests of The Boat Company have the opportunity to participate in an abundance of activities. We offer fishing, shoreline walks with our trained naturalists, early morning and late evening kayaking, wildlife and glacier viewing, and everything from leisurely beach combing or gentle strolls to vigorous hikes through virgin rainforests. On many excursions you will traverse several different ecosystems in a single outing. Of course, it's OK to curl up with a good book in the salon or on deck and just savor the view.

On the water our guests cruise among pods of whales, capturing unique photographic souvenirs. A stop at The Brothers Islands gives everyone the chance to view sea lions from the safety of the skiffs; experience their rank smell, barking voices and most of all comic behavior. Not uncommon to these excursions are visits from the younger, more curious pups - where a game of peek-a-boo usually ensues.

Even though it's summer, dressing in layers is the key to being comfortable. A light shirt, short or long sleeved, makes an excellent first layer. Over that, something for warmth like a sweatshirt, wool sweater or fleece pullover. The ideal outer layer is a light waterproof jacket, pants and knee high waterproof boots.

May
Historically, May is the sunniest and driest month of the year in southeast. During its many crystal clear days one can see the 12,000' to 14,000' snow capped peaks 50 to 60 miles away. The spring wildflowers are out in all their glory and the non-conifer plants of the forest are turning luminescent green as they don their newest finery. The signs of reawakening and rebirth are everywhere (including bears emerging from hibernation).

June
With upward of 20 hours of daylight, June is the perfect time for those who just can't get enough, whether it be fishing, hiking or kayaking. June 21 is the longest day of the year with almost 22 full hours of sunlight.

By this time the snow has melted out of the middle elevation bogs, called muskegs, making it possible for yet more showy wildflowers to appear up on the hillsides. In the lowlands, the spring grasses have grown high enough that hikes along the shoreline become tracking experiences as guests can now trail deer and bear track by simply following the trodden grass thoroughfares.

July
On calm, sunny days clouds of gulls gather along the mouths of streams and rivers to harvest salmon that have begun to enter the streams to spawn.

This is also probably the best month to view mountain goats. They can be seen grazing on the slopes above the inner reaches of mainland inlets, and are much easier to spot because they have lost their camouflage against the dwindling patches of snow.

August
This is the month of westerly breezes in Southeast Alaska. Out on the water expect to bundle up a little more than earlier in the summer. The outer coast receives a flow of warm and moist air coming in from the ocean. This hits the cold upwelling currents, which also visit Southeast this time of year resulting in the formation of mystical fog banks. These stack up on the western side of Baranof Island and spill like foam over the hills and into the inner passages. One can expect a bit more rain as Fall draws closer, so don't forget an extra layer of clothes and your rain gear, just in case. Incidentally, stream fisherman can now expect a bit of competition (the bears are back gorging themselves against the coming winter).

September
The summer fishing boats are starting to thin out by this time, many packing their nets on deck and heading home, or switching to long line gear for the Chatham black cod season. However this is probably the best time of the year for catching Coho (Silver) salmon. The more frequent rains create magical waterfall spectacles on every steep slope. Every day that passes in September is five minutes shorter than the previous day. The tallest of the mainland mountains usually get their first dusting of snow, just at the tops. Down by the ocean shore it is still mild, but there is an unmistakable hint in the air that fall is not too far off in the distance.