Alaska summers are short but intense, with days that last all night long, thanks to the Midnight Sun. What you’ll see and experience on your adventure depends greatly on when you sail. To learn more about the ideal time for your cruise aboard the MV Single Star, contact us.
Early summer (mid-May to June)
Summer is just beginning in Southwestern Alaska, and the bears have awakened from their winter hibernation. Expect long days, fresh green vegetation, snow-capped mountains, and aggressive boars. During the longest days of the year, brown bears flock to the coast to mate and feast along the tidal flats of the Alaska Peninsula, the only place in the world where bears are known to dig for clams. Play, mating, and sparring behaviors are at their peak.
Midsummer (late June to July)
As the summer continues, wildflowers come into full bloom, setting the stage for spectacular photos. Mating season is winding down, and we expect to see more females with young cubs. Near the end of July, the first fresh sea runs of pink and chum salmon enter the rivers, providing non-stop fly fishing action in both fresh and salt water.
Late summer (late July to late August)
The salmon runs are in full force by August, and bears of all sizes congregate in rivers and streams to feast on fish. At times, the streams are so choked with salmon headed to their spawning grounds, you could practically walk from one bank to the other across their backs. Keep an eye out for bald eagles nesting with their young. Out on the open water, expect to see lots of marine life, including whales.
Early fall (late August to late September)
As fall colors begin to appear, the bears continue their feeding frenzy, providing photographers with spectacular action shots. Look for lots of birds in full plumage. For fishing action, plan a cruise to Afognak and Shuyak Islands for the year’s first silver salmon, one of the most exciting fish to take on a fly. We’ll stop along the way to watch for sea otters and sea lions.