Do I need prior experience?
No. Adults of all ages and experience levels can enjoy our wilderness trips. Our guides will teach you efficient paddle strokes and by the end of the trip you'll be paddling like a pro. Participants on all trips are required to be in good physical condition, which is a prerequisite to any Alaska backcounty travel.

Will I see wildlife?
All of our trips are operated in areas inhabited by many varieties of land and marine life. Wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip. Check our trip descriptions, as some trips emphasize wildlife viewing.

How many people are in a group?
We limit group size to eight to twelve guests and two guides on most of our wilderness adventures.

What's the weather like?
Most of our trips operate in the southeastern "Inside Passage" of Alaska where we enjoy a cool and moist rainforest climate. The summer temperatures usually range from the 50's to the 70's. On our Arctic trips temperatures can dip below freezing or soar into the 80's. On all trips expect a mixture of cool rainy weather and warmer sunny days.

If I'm single, can I still join a trip?
Yes, many of our guests are singles. If there is a same-sex single on the same trip, we will pair you up for tenting or lodging purposes. If there is not a same-sex single, you will be issued a tent to yourself. There is no extra charge for singles on our camping trips. There may be a single supplement charge for persons in single rooms when lodging is included.

Can I do a custom trip?
Yes. If you have a specific place and time in mind you will need to plan well in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your desires. For more information, go to Private Trips on the Mountain Travel Sobek web site.

What is the best month to travel?
There are only slight differences in the summer months. June tends to be sunnier with longer days. July and August are often warmer. In late August and September there may be opportunities for seeing the Northern Lights on clear evenings. June and July tend to be dryer than August and September, although this varies from summer to summer.

Will I get eaten by bugs?
Most guests are pleasantly surprised by how few mosquitoes they encounter. Occasional bug repellent is often all you need. In the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Denali National Park we recommend more liberal quantities of bug repellent.

Can I bring my children?
Some of our trips are great for families. Our Alaska's Denali National Park is for age 8 and up. Our Alaskan Classic and Alaska Gold can accept children 10 and older. And most trips rated "easy" or "easy - moderate" take children 12 and older. Many of our expeditions are designed for persons over the age of fourteen. However, we have successfully taken families with children between the ages of twelve and fourteen who had prior camping experience. Our shorter itineraries are best for families with kids.

What about tips?
Guide gratuities are left entirely to your discretion. While any amount is appreciated, tips often range from 5% to 10% of trip costs and are split among guides.

Many people visit Alaska on cruise ships. Why join an Alaska Discovery trip?
Cruising the Inside Passage certainly provides fine scenery, but so do the nature channels on TV. Alaska's specialty is wilderness, and to touch, feel, hear, and smell the wildness is the essence of what brings you here. Each day in the wilderness gives you another chance to be part of something meaningful. You will come home with your own special moments that you will never forget. You will also return feeling fit, healthy, and revitalized. Dining on cruise ship buffet as the wilderness slides by can't do that for you!