Board this classic yacht that’s full of character and prepare for an immersive and educational experience in Southeast Alaska. The Snow Goose offers a hands-on space for interested guests to help on deck and navigate the ship. The vessel also acts as a floating science lab to identify plants and animals, whose proceeds contribute to science education for school children in Bellingham, Washington, where the ship overwinters. A seasoned crew is excited to share the wonders of the remote waters, islands and shorelines through which the Snow Goose sails.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Snow Goose review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Alaska. Find the detailed ship description below. Then contact our experts to compare the Snow Goose with other yachts offering Alaska small ship cruises and private Alaska yacht charters.
Choose the Snow Goose for her focus on education, her support of various research efforts and her dedicated, enthusiastic crew. The mission of Snow Goose in Alaska is to deliver a unique and personal experience that’s both adventuresome and environmentally conscious. With her intimate, yet spacious-enough quarters; activity- and education-minded equipment; gourmet cuisine and flexible schedule, the Snow Goose in Alaska achieves this mission wholeheartedly.
Longtime Snow Goose Alaska Captain Dan—an earlier First Mate aboard M/V Catalyst—is passionate about supporting research in environmental, Native cultural and conservation-minded fields, as well as revealing remote Alaska to summer travelers. The Snow Goose ship has therefore participated in various geological and environmental studies conducted by Washington-based colleges, universities and non-profits. She has also acted as a platform for state and federal research into wildlife including sea otters and humpback whales. Each fall and spring the yacht becomes a science lab for some 1,500 public school students via day-long outings. The majority of booking dollars go toward the operation of these school programs.
The Snow Goose Alaska ship features solar panels that power the general battery bank and a diesel-fueled stove that dually heats water for sinks and showers (and often acts as the main heat supply in the common areas). A saltwater bypass system reduces bathroom water consumption and a reverse-osmosis water system can turn seawater into drinking water. Organic, biodegradable cleaning supplies are in use. Finally, the yacht cruises at a slower pace, maximizing its efficiency, and the captain aims to avoid idling the engine when the ship is at rest.
Snow Goose in Alaska is Coast Guard certified and carries safety/rescue equipment above traditional vessel requirements. The ship is equipped with life jackets, immersion suits, life rafts, an electronic position indicating radio beacon, life rings, fire extinguishers, a fire hose and an automatic sprinkler system. The ship meets or exceeds all requirements of a United States Coast Guard inspected vessel.
A cozy ambiance gives the Snow Goose the feel of a floating home, where guests are familiar with the surroundings and welcome to move about freely. At the ship’s center, on the main deck is the combination dining room and salon, adjacent to an open galley. Warm wood, communal benches and large view windows invite guests to come together over meals, lectures, wildlife viewing and learning.
Fresh, gourmet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening appetizers, beer and wine) feature organic vegetables and proteins sourced from local farms, and wild fish and other seafood that’s either caught from the ship or bought from fishermen in port. Juice is always available, however the ship does not carry soft drinks or soda. Spirits may be brought on board. The open galley offers coffee and tea throughout the day, and the first person awake—whether guest or crew member—will typically make the first pot of coffee. Food allergies and special dietary needs can typically be accommodated.
A library, split between the main deck and the cabin deck, offers field guides and books on natural history, plants, animals and local stories, as well as cookbooks and works of fiction. The salon also offers games and puzzles. An onboard computer is available to burn photos onto a CD in order to free up memory cards. Finally, the wheelhouse invites guests to monitor the ship’s operations, with a table that seats four guests.
Regular off-ship explorations are a staple of life aboard the Snow Goose in Alaska, with typically 2-3 optional shore excursions each day. All activities are lead by a naturalist guide with insights into the ecosystem. An evening briefing prepares guests for the following day’s activities.
Hikes in wilderness areas are both all together and in smaller groups, with typically more than one option at each site. Hot spring visits, whale watching and glacier touring are highlights of both on and off-ship excursions.
Kayaks for 12 guests (6 tandem and 1 single) and one Zodiac are loaded from a fixed ladder and swim step at the aft of the ship. Sea kayaking is offered along the shoreline, in protected waters. Additionally, kayaks are made available before and after dinner (also select early mornings) for those who wish to paddle more, without a guide.
Fishing is an option for guests aboard Snow Goose in Alaska, although opportunities are irregular. Deep-sea rods and reels, crab pots and shrimp pots are carried on board. Rods and reels are available to any guest with an appropriate fishing license, while the ship is anchored. The crew is happy to work with anglers to maximize their options, and all are encouraged to help with daily crab pot dropping and pulling.
The Snow Goose Alaska yacht is crewed by a spirited group of 4: a captain, first mate, wildlife naturalist and chef. They’re excited to whet your appetite for adventure (and delicious food) and tickle your curious mind.
All guest cabins (#1-6) are double occupancy with one higher and one lower bunk bed (bunk heights vary by cabin). Each cabin comes equipped with sheets, pillows, blankets and a towel for each guest. A 110-volt power outlet is available, as are portholes that open for ventilation and limited (but adequate) storage. Two guest bathrooms are shared, each with a sink and shower. The ship’s crew can provide many forgotten necessities upon request. Wet towels and outerwear can be dried in the engine room and will be returned to the exterior of each cabin door.