Travelers’ Reviews

Rick Sammon is an award winning photographer, author, workshop leader, and a tireless, prolific and inspirational image-maker who has been facilitating cruises with Alaska Sea Adventures for years. Rick, called by some “The Godfather of Photography,” is one of the most active photographers on the planet.

7 Reasons To Travel with Alaska Sea Adventures

By Rick Sammon May 16, 2024

#1 The M/V Northern Song is set up for photographers who are passionate about making awesome wildlife and landscape photographs. You can photograph from the decks and from the skiffs… as well as during the landing. And yes, smartphone photographers can also get great shots during the voyages.

#2 Captain Harley Ethelbah is more than an awesome captain. He is a knowledgeable naturalist who knows the animals and waters like the back of his hand. Here is an interview I did with Harley on my March 2024 trip.

What’s more, Harley is skilled at preparing fresh shrimp and crab legs.

#2a – Yes. The main courses are wonderful… but so are the gourmet desserts!

#3 If you go in the Spring, during the annual herring spawn, you’ll have the best chance of experiencing the magic of bubble net feeding.

#4 The herring spawn not only attracts whales, it also attracts countless bald eagles… also in search of tasty treats.

#5 The wildlife action is usually non-stop on these trips. You may see orcas, too.

#6 Captain Harley knows where the animals hang out, and he gets you into the best position for photographs.

#7 – You’ll come home with not only awesome photographs, but with wonderful memories, as well.

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I joined the Northern Song for a 5-day cruise in the San Juan Islands. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

Watching whales while enjoying yoga on the upper deck is a memory I will forever cherish. The crew was incredible, tailoring the day to what the guests desired; viewing wildlife, hiking, exploring harbors and coves and the food was to die for; elegantly presented and so delicious. Thank you for making dreams come true…hope to see you on a future cruise in Alaska!

By Stacy Walker San Juan Islands October 2024

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Dad and three adult sons decided to charter the Northern Song, an 85ft yacht, to cruise the San Juan Islands for a few days.  After day one on the boat, we all agreed that we had made the best choice ever!

The yacht was provisioned with every amenity imaginable, immaculately clean, and well maintained with beautiful hardwood finishings indoors. Not only were the islands breathtakingly beautiful, but the crew of 4 was fantastic—professional, accommodating, and FUN!

We viewed (and photographed) the scenery and wildlife from the yacht, hiked islands, kayaked, played games, and ate & drank like kings.  The food served was plentiful and as deliciously gourmet as any 5-star restaurant. If you asked, “Would you do it again?”, the answer would be “In a heartbeat”. 

 American Family – Private Whole Boat Charter  San Juan Islands – 4 days / 3 nights, September 2024

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We had a truly awesome experience. Captain Harley & crew of Katy, Ryan, and Bart were highly competent, warm, welcoming, helpful.

Whale expert, Adam Pack, was full of knowledge, enthusiasm, and fun. We greatly enjoyed getting to know the crew, Adam, and the other guests. Our focus was on whales, but we also loved visiting the glacier, hot springs, fish hatchery with bears. Would not change a thing about our experience. Surpassed my expectations, which were high!

By Eric C for “Focus on Whales” with Guide Dr. Adam Pack

Petersburg, Alaska Aug 02, 2024

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Thanks for a wonderful time seeing the San Juan Islands aboard NORTHERN SONG – and even better with exceptional cuisine!

Very enjoyable itinerary – and quite something to combine stops or anchor off Cypress, Orcas, San Juan (Roche Harbor), Stuart, Sucia – and fun to observe the animals on Speiden, all in 5 days / 4 nights!  Highly recommended!

By Michael Sawyer, October 3-7, 2024, San Juan Islands 

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The best Captain and crew! It was like being with family to see bubble-feeding at very close range. Thank you for sharing Alaska with us. We will be back & see you again. We loved it all.

By Paul & Michele Meyers, August, 2024, Alaska

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Thank you Harley, Katie & Fran for an outstanding trip. Looking forward to the next one.

By Juan Pons & Julie, April, 2024, Sitka to Petersburg, Alaska

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I wished for orcas and bears and we got so much more! Bubble-net feeding, bears, bald eagles – Alaska has my heart! Thank you so much to an incredible crew that made the experience possible, and enriching it with their passion, knowledge, and experience!

By Lauren Kleppin, May 6-13, 2023, Petersburg, Alaska

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Thank you to the fabulous crew for an amazing trip.

Thanks for the fair weather, flat water, humpbacks (& baby), bears, loons, orcas (& baby), scooters, eagles, polar plunge, hot spring soak, rain forest walk, & so much more. The Northern Song feels like home (but with more food!)

By Sherry McLean, May 6-13, 2023, Petersburg, Alaska

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Well, after 25 (!) trips, I think that it should be fairly clear that I will continue to come back to see you, the whales, and everything else that Alaska has to offer as long as I am able to draw a breath. Great crew and a terrific set of passengers this year. And SO MANY WHALES—woo-hoo! Thank you so much for allowing me to spend a week in my favorite place on earth!

By Barbara H.

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This was once a once in a time adventure. The crew’s knowledge of the wildlife and nature made it an unforgettable trip. The food was so excellent. Our day with the grey whales is something I will never forget. Thanks for everything

By Arlene Courtney April 17-25, 2023 Sitka, Alaska

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We arrived with very high expectations. And it was better!

By Blair I. August 2023 Petersburg, Alaska

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Always great being in Alaska but this trip was memorable and special. Great bubble netting whales, good eagles and great friends and crew. I couldn’t be with a better group, yacht and superb food! Thank you!

By Tom M., Moose

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This was our second Alaskan trip aboard the M/V Northern Song, and it was even better than the first! We did an unbelievable amount of activities in one week. Some of our favorites were visiting the Hot Springs and kayaking at the glacier. The Hot Springs was one of the prettiest places we’ve ever seen and kayaking at the glacier was a brief view of heaven. A huge thank you!

By Angela, Evan and James G.