Frequently Asked Questions
COVID INFORMATION
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INCLUDES
MOST RECENT
REQUIREMENTS
FOR
travelling to & within
ALASKA
Goodbyes and good memories.
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS: Proof of a recent Covid-19/ Coronavirus vaccination must be submitted with your deposit for each individual on board. We reserve the right to ask for proof of a negative Covid test prior to your boarding the vessel should conditions change and/or warrant.
How do you pronounce Nuliaq and what does it mean?
Nuliaq is pronounced "NEW-lee-ack". (Note it ends in a Q, not a G!) Nuliaq is an Inupiat word that means True Wife, Sea Wife or True Love.
Will I get seasick?
It is extremely unlikely. Nuliaq is a very stable vessel and Prince William Sound has a myriad of coves and
miles of protected waters. If you are prone to motion sickness, we suggest taking Bonine which we usually
carry on board. We also have wristbands and ginger which some people claim help. We can also find a quiet passage if you feel you will be uncomfortable.
How long are your trips?
They can be as long as your schedule allows. We count one day as 24 hours rather than going by calendar
days. We recommend 4 days minimum because of the variety of activities, distances and sights we cover.
Most clients charter for 4 to 7 days their first trip. Repeat clients usually want longer trips after their first
charter with us. Your 24-hour day begins when we leave the dock. For instance, if we leave the Valdez dock
at 4 PM on Monday a 4-day trip would end at 4 PM on Friday.
Will you put us with another group?
No. We do not mix groups. Different people have different agendas. However, we do make an exception for our watercolor workshops by combining people who may not know each other. Our first workshop experience was so positive that we decided to share the experience with others. We believe your days will be more rewarding if you are doing what you enjoy with the people you want to spend your time with - whether it is co-workers, friends, family or those with whom you have a common interest whether you know each other or not.
How many people can we bring?
Now this is a crowd!
Do we have to fish and eat seafood all the time?
Only if you want to. We pride ourselves in our menus and are happy to cook your catch. We can satisfy the health or junk food addict, seafood freak or the meat and potato lover. We just need to know your preferences before we leave the dock.
I have special dietary needs. Will this be a problem?
We have a compact but full-sized galley and have served a variety of foods over the years. Unless you require rare or exotic foods, chances are you will have no problem as long as you advise us ahead of time. Our only caveat is that we do operate out of Valdez which is a small town and sometimes special foods are not available.
Friends prepare for dinner together.
What about bringing children and pets?
No pets. Period. We never know when we might have guests with pet allergies and we want to protect them. We try to provide a pleasant, relaxing cruise in an adult environment.
We prefer not to take young children we do not know. (USCG does require that everyone under 13 years old wears a lifejacket at all times on deck.) Children can feel bored and restricted. Coupled with the confines of a boat, it could make it a difficult trip for everyone.
They found the best viewing spot!
Will I have internet service on the boat?
Internet and cell service are spotty once we leave Valdez. In an emergency we can usually cruise out to a location where we can get service. Typically, we do not have service when anchored in small bays at night. We have plenty of outlets for charging your electronic equipment.
How do I get to Valdez and the Nuliaq?
Another secluded anchorage.
Ravn Air has one 50-minute flight midday to and from Anchorage. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry docks periodically in Valdez. We can also pick up passengers in Cordova (for no extra charge) who fly in on Alaska Airlines. If you drive from Fairbanks (7 hours) or Anchorage (6 hours) be sure to allow additional time for meals, scenic stops and wildlife.
What should I pack?
As with most boats, storage space is limited. We suggest soft-sided luggage. We provide all food, linens and fishing gear. We do not provide liquor. We also have many games and books onboard plus extra binoculars. Bring casual, comfortable clothing that you can layer for temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is cool near the glaciers and can be windy on the water in the afternoons. Waterproof boots are handy, but not essential. If you do not have any waterproof gear, we keep a couple extra rain jackets, pants and boots you may use.
When is the best time to view whales and bears and catch salmon or halibut?
Of course, we can't guarantee you will see or catch anything but we do know that the earlier in the season, the more likely you are to see young wildlife - bear cubs, sea otter pups, young goats, and bird nests or small chicks.
May - Young animal & sea life, halibut, rock fish, bear, birds.
June - Halibut, rock fish, whales, young sea & bird life, bears.
July - Halibut, salmon, bears, whales, sea and bird life.
August - Silver salmon, whales, bears, sea and bird life.
Doe and kid surprised us!
Eagle with chick in nest.
What are your rates for a charter?
We charge a minimum of $1500/day or $600/person/day whichever is greater. We do give special rates for special events, large groups or longer trips. See Workshops page for example. If you want to see if your group fits in this category, please email, text or call us for a price quote.
We do not take credit cards.