“Our family has been fortunate enough to have traveled to some beautiful and interesting destinations, but our trip through the Inside Passage is a unanimous number one favorite for all of us. This certainly has something to do with the magnificent surroundings, the marine life, and the flora and fauna, but, I believe, it has even more to do with you and your crew. There is not one moment I would change…I thank you always making us feel safe, for making us feel welcomed, and for sharing your knowledge of and your respect for all of the wonders that you showed us.” It really was a fabulous trip. I would be happy to speak potential guests if you’d like.
Barbara Sable
Dear George,
I would like to thank you again for a job well done, it's hard to believe that an event like ours utilizing so many different forms of transportation. With so many stops could be accomplished without a hitch. When we arrived at a new destination the people were waiting for us and we had sufficient time to perform our task without being hurried. This is particularly amazing considering my sons and grandsons ranged in age from eight years to 50 years(the ones that were 50 years of age were the most trouble).
I would like to add the following comments about our trip. If I were to do it over again. I think we should schedule events in the a.m. that do not require good visibility, we need to consider that the a.m. in Alaska will normally involve fog and low cloud cover, which makes sightseeing almost impossible. The afternoon gives you the best chance for some clear skies and sunshine.
The real positive aspects of our trip, where many, in particularly:
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The great Alaska fishing lodge was very nice accommodations and great food. The people there were very attentive and saw to our every need, and in a couple of instances went way out of the way to help us.
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When we got to Nome, Alaska our host/guide/gold bigger /and historian hit a home run in every category. I told him before we left that I felt that he had really given my family something that they could take with them and keep and I was right, they are still talking about him.
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The dinner theater at the Chalet was well worth the money and time in both good food and entertainment.
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The train ride would be a most or anyone visiting Alaska, the train was cleaned , food was good and the host in our car kept us well-informed and pointed out all points of interest and where the animals were on the trip up. P.S. I wish we would have scheduled an off day in the middle of our trip to recharge our batteries.
I hope your business dealings with us was both profitable and pleasant, because I really appreciated your patience and effort to make an old man's dream something that his family will remember.
Daniel T. Scully
Dear Travel Partner,
Alaska Airlines has many unique privileges as an airline that services the entire West Coast to the north and southern extremes of North America. One of these is enjoying breathtakingly beautiful area along our route system, and one of these scenic places is Southeast Alaska.
As a carrier we fly people into these beautiful wilderness areas, but that is only the beginning of the experience. Where they stay and what they do is the responsibility of our travel partners, the hospitality and recreation part of the picture. We recognize that some folks do a really outstanding job on that side of the travel business, and that is why we want you to know about Alaska's Inside Passage Resorts.
Alaska's Inside Passage Resorts is a partner we are very proud and happy to be associated with, and recommend their properties to all visitors who are interested in experiencing Alaska at its finest. When the hospitality is the best, the fishing guides are top rated, and the equipment the finest it is an unbeatable combination.
Come fly with us and enjoy the always prevailing "Alaska Spirit" of genuine friendliness, you will have a memorable experience!
Sincerely, LaRue Sume, Alaska Airlines District Sales Manager, Southern Region
"For the last 17 years, Waterfall Resort has been our incentive/business destination of choice. Our benefits include not only improved sales results, but the Waterfall experience itself helps build a camaraderie unlike any other travel destination we have used."
Rich de Frank, South Coast Regional Manager, Ford Motor Co.
"Waterfall Resort is one of those special places that words could never adequately describe. We were truly impressed with the fantastic facilities, wonderful staff, outstanding coordinating of all activities, and gracious hospitality. We look forward to partnering with you to develop ongoing business opportunities between our two organizations."
...Bob Morris, Business Travel Operations, American Express
Here's why our guests keep returning to Waterfall Resort for their own personal memories.
"Since July of 1985, we have been bringing groups of various sizes to Waterfall Resort. I believe we are somewhat like the salmon. We return because of instinct. Our instincts have been nurtured and rewarded by the wonderful staff of Waterfall and the beauty that is southeast Alaska."
...David L. Waugh, Roberts Electronics, Las Vegas, NV
"From the moment we arrive, the warm greetings to the swift disbursement of license, gear, and our assigned boats, are effectively and professionally done. Your trained staff makes every moment at Waterfall enjoyable. The world-class fishing is almost secondary to the accommodations, meals and pleasant manner we are treated with at your "old cannery." Each and every visit to Waterfall brings new friends, more fun fishing stories, and delightful memories."
...Richard Hoffmann, President, Kassel Construction, Inc.
"Our trip was 7/15 to 7/18 and was a trip of a lifetime. I'm sure that is a sentiment echoed many times this year. Everything was 5 star and was everything that a person could ever hope for in a trip to Alaska fishing. This year we fished with Darin Rowe and I caught a 53.7-pound Chinook salmon. Thanks to his expert boat work and guidance, I was able to land a catch of a lifetime. It was a real pleasure fishing with such an expert and a real pleasant person. I hope to return again next year to Waterfall!"
...Gerald Yotsuya
“Having stayed at ‘deluxe flyout lodges’ that cost twice as much, I can honestly say the Great Alaskan experience was better in almost every way… Thanks again for an unbelievable good time!… I’ll be back!”
...Tim Kool
“…Fantastic! Incredible! Thrilling! Relaxing! I could go on and on about our wonderful experiences with Great Alaska!
Your facilities are first class; your guides are the best; the food was tremendous; and above all, the service was exceptional. It is no surprise why your reputation for the finest fishing and adventures is so widespread…”
...guest Thomas Koser
"Just wanted to tell you again how much we, our friends, and our business associates enjoy Tanaku Lodge. The accommodation is world-class, the environment - unique in the world! (Been to most of the great places to be). Best of all, from a personal experience: Harriet catching the 45 pound King salmon, so big that we had to grab her by the belt to keep the fish from pulling her overboard. My 100 pound Halibut. Happy Fishing!"
Steve Zelencik, Senior VP, AMD
"We have been bringing a group to Tanaku for the past three years. Once you have experienced the "Tanaku Charm" it is hard not to come back each year. We have tried different periods from early June to late August and each trip filled our expectations of fishing, food and fun. The staff at Tanaku has made each of our trips a "once in a lifetime" experience!"
Bill Sherwood, Progressive Software Solutions Inc.
"We have traveled and fished a lot of Alaska and can easily say that Elfin Cove is one of the most picturesque areas of Alaska. When you combine this with a superbly run lodge, you have the best of both worlds. Tanaku Lodge is small enough to give you the feeling of intimacy but large enough to offer you the best in guides, fish care and gourmet meals.
Thanks again."
Larry and Ethel Schoenborn
"My first trip to Tanaku Lodge was an executive retreat in 1998. Dennis and Jim's staff was incredibly responsive. The folks at Tanaku were focused on each individuals need and did everything possible to accommodate our group. The lodge is great, the food fantastic, and the crew very friendly. Many of us have since been back a second time, and this July will be our 3rd trip."
David West, Vice President, Marketing, Arrow Electronics
Thank you!! Please pass along to Derek and all of your staff a BIG thank you as they were all very friendly & professional - you have a Great Lodge!!! Based on all of the other lodges I have stayed yours is the best!!!! I look forward to coming back again next year.
...James M. Boone, President/CEO - New England Sheet Metal Works, Inc.
Wow! What an experience El Capitan Lodge was! I don't know where to start - everything being so fantastic! The cabins, the boats, the delicious meals, the hour dourves, the gear, and every single staff member, were without fault. Furthermore, we enjoyed great weather and fantastic fishing as well as scenery and wildlife. If I tried to find a fault in our trip, I could never do so. Thank you for such a great time there! It was a trip we'll never forget, especially Russell's 228# Hali! You obviously have a tremendous gift for hospitality - what a pleasure to enjoy it. Thanks for everything,
...Todd & Russell Dermody Seattle, WA
On behalf of my dad, Tom, and myself, Jack, I want to say "thanks" for an amazing trip. We both had an unbelievable trip to Alaska and you all made that possible from the moment we arrived at the dock to the moment we flew out.
You both know how to entertain while making everything appear effortless. The caliber of the staff and the quality of the service is above our expectations. I tell everyone that will listen about our trip to El Cap Lodge. You both should be very proud of what you have made the place. You're making it better all the time.
We look forward to seeing you all in the future.
...Jack & Tom McCoy San Luis Obispo, CA
The entire team did a first class job! Justin & Trevor should be featured guides in a magazine. Those guys really work. Terrific food and the personalized service, wow! You've redefined a lost art. Thank you for a great adventure. The filets arrived in perfect shape - the final touch.
...Harry Bradley, Brehm Group
It is 5:00 Monday evening, I am home and have all of my fish unpacked. It is always good to be home even after an incredible experience like I just enjoyed over the last few days.
I want to thank you both, your family and your wonderful staff for a wonderful, first class experience of fishing and vacationing. I feel like I have added some new members to my immediate family, but ones that I want to go and visit again and again. :)
I know that you two, with the experience inherited from your own families spearhead the operation, but I also know that you realize that none of it could be possible without the professionalism, personality and warmth of your team members. I refer, of course, to your very capable boat captains, the devoted folks who clean and pack the fish, the good people who clean up after us and keep us well fed with incredible FIVE STAR food, service and libations. This entire support team has been nurtured and created by example and it shows all the way across the board.
If there is anything I can ever do for you please never hesitate to ask. Thanks again for everything. My best to you and your parents as well as your entire team.
My sincerest best wishes, Erik Rosand
"Favorite Bay Lodge is just what the name says...it is our FAVORITE place in Alaska! We have just planned our third visit for 2007 and we are bringing the whole family this time! The accommodations and the meals are outstanding, the guides for the activities go above and beyond their "duties", and the staff are just like family. We have found our home away from home."
Sue and John,Chicago, IL
"This is a very special place, full of luxury and hospitality - a unique experience. The scenery, fish and dining were beyond compare. Thanks to all for the escape."
Linda and Keith, Ambler, PA
"This has been the trip of a lifetime! Wonderful adventures during the day filled with spectacular scenery, fishing, whale watching & foraging. Our nights highlighted by [the chef's] magnificent culinary delights...This lodge is a wonderful place - a little piece of heaven."
Margie, Taylor and family, Monterey, CA
" I wanted to send you this note along with some photos to let you know what a great time my guests and I had on our week aboard the Midnight Sun. The trip was certainly a once in a lifetime experience for all of us. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was spacious and very comfortable and the crew was as gracious and hospitable as can be."
Donald L. Klopcic, Grand Rapids, MI
"Thank you, to you and all your staff, for a wonderful time at your lodge. Our family trip was incredible! The lodge was a perfect setting for our extended family retreat."
Bitsy Kelley Outrigger Hotels
"Wonderful experience . Couldn't have been better. I'd run out of superlatives if I tried to describe our week. Many thanks to you all."
Walt and Ellen Newsom
"Had a great time! Lot's of "firsts" for the girls. An awesome place to bring the family."
S. Boothe
Wow! What a magical spot! Three glorious days in paradise filled with: peace and quiet, clean air (a novelty for us), incredible food, great fishing, helicopter rides and cozy nights by the fire. Thank you ALL for making our stay so remarkable and so wonderful!
...Mary, George, Elizabeth, and Caleb, Greenwich, CT
To Everyone at Winterlake Lodge, There simply aren’t adequate words to express our appreciation for all that you did to make our visit to Winterlake Lodge so memorable. The natural surroundings, the fabulous cuisine, the variety of activities, and -most significant of all- the extraordinary level of customer service all contributed to our stay. We shall never forget you or this special slice of paradise. With Warm Regards,
...Doug and Jackie Price, San Juan Capistrano, CA
All I can say is WOW! We had a great time fishing, kayaking, rowing, swimming, hiking, yoga, massage, stretching, cooking – and spending time with all of you! Hope to be back…
...Marlene Berro, Larkspur, CA
Thank you for everything. We could not have asked for a better setting, staff or experience. The fishing was awesome too! Bailey and I look forward to coming back soon. Thanks Again.
...Alan Berro, Beverly Hills, CA
Dear Winterlake Lodge, We could not have chosen a more amazing place to spend our honeymoon! Thank you so much for everything. The staff is all so wonderful and made our time here unforgettable. We will definitely be back!! Love,
...Lisa and Eric Hunzeker
Dear Winterlake Friends, Thank you for a truly memorable experience! We don’t want to leave and already want to come back. Our expectations were high and you all exceeded them. Thank you for the wonderful excursions, the amazing meals and the unmatched hospitality. We will be back!!
...The Booth Family, Charlottesville, VA
"Dear Linda and Marty, I have just come back from my second August visit to you. I would just like to thank you again for another marvellous week with all of you. As you know, I am a very keen on fishing with flies and I have also been fishing in Norway, Island, Spain and Greenland. Never have I experienced such a fantastic fishing as with Zachar Bay The fishing is just like the one a sport fisherman does in his best dreams at night. As you will have learned, I am rather lazy on household things and I do like to have comfort outside fishing hours. Living in tents is not my big deal. Therefore I have really appreciated the way you are treating your guests. The cabins are real nice, the cooking is outstanding and the service of the staff and you owners could not be better. I have pictures of my salmons in Zachar river in my office, on my computer, and in the house that makes me never forget the fishing experience with you these two last years. Thanks again, all of you."
Harald O. Osvold, Malaga, Spain
"Zachar Bay on Kodiak Island is a great place to spend a week. The fishing is outstanding with many trout and salmon of all species. The scenery is magnificent. The Eaton family and Dawn and Jim Hahn make sure your stay is outstanding."
Don Hunter, Fairview, Pennsylvania
"Our stay at Zachar Bay Lodge in September of 2000 was one of the highlights of our 2+ weeks in Alaska. Not being fishermen, we didn't know what to expect but were very happy with what you were able to offer us. Each day was a new experience, with opportunities to view different wildlife and scenery popping up around each new bend in the waterways. In hind sight, I wish I had tried the fishing because the other guests seemed to really be excite with their experiences. It was a wonderful experience."
Jack Hartman, Cocoa, Florida
"The accommodations and food are wonderful, but what really made our stay at Zachar Bay memorable was the terrific staff. The guides were very helpful and the staff at the lodge very accommodating. The River Rafting trip was fantastic. Beautiful scenery, unbelievable fishing and the thrill of the rapids. It was the most fun experience we have had in Alaska. The entire staff provided us a great week of fishing, sightseeing, and wonderful food. We'll keep coming back."
Alan and Pam Schmeiser, Dixon, California
"Dear Friends at the Zachar Bay Lodge, I haven't written in quite some time....May 30th, 1999, to be exact. I'm not quite so sure that you'll even remember us at this point, but we remember you! We were honeymooning up there, and caught the Kodiaks mating on film! If I (Liz) wasn't on my honeymoon, I would have stayed in Alaska like so many of the people we met there.I hope you are all doing well, Clyde, too! I HAVE to come back again! I miss you all like long, lost relatives and sometimes when I think of this phrase, it reminds me of you...."No distance of place nor lapse of time can ever dissever the friendship of people who are thoroughly convinced of each others worth." Our stay with you all will last a lifetime in memories, but I want to create some new ones, too Send us an email anytime......We hope the winter wasn't too harsh for you, and wish you lots of love!!!"
Liz and Don
"I have been coming to Alaska for my vacation every year for the past five years. My first trip I tried to see everything I could by flying into Anchorage and then driving to Denali, Glennallen, Valdez, and the Kenai peninsula. It was great seeing all these areas but it didn't leave much time for what I really wanted to do in Alaska which was to fish.
My second trip I decided to concentrate only on fishing. I spent part of my time in Valdez and the rest on the Kenai river near Soldotna. This is where I found out what combat fishing was like. I decided after that I was going to find a place that was not accessible by roads to get away from the crowds.
I wanted to be able to fish for salmon and halibut but not have to take a long boat ride to get to the halibut. I did some research in the Alaska State Planner and found Zachar Bay Lodge on Kodiak Island.
It fit the bill for what I wanted in my vacation. It was remote with fly in access only. Halibut and salmon fishing was done close to the lodge and many times right in the same bay the lodge was in. I could also fish both fresh water rivers and saltwater for salmon. There was also plenty of wildlife to see while fishing in these remote areas. That first trip to Zachar Bay sold me. I came in the first week of July in 1998 and caught pink salmon until my arms hurt. I caught pinks in Zachar bay from the shore, chums in the Zachar river, and halibut in the bay and adjacent bays. I also did a couple of fly outs to the Frazer river to watch bears and a fly out to Uganik lake for pinks. The meals were incredible and everyone makes you feel at home during your stay.
After that trip all my vacations to Alaska have been to Zachar Bay. The following year I came out in late August to fish for silvers and halibut and was not disappointed. Last year I decided to try for kings and reds and visited in late June. I tried fly fishing for the first time on this trip and came away with plenty of bear stories.
I have already booked my trip for this year (fourth time) to Zachar Bay for early September. I'm looking forward to doing some more silver and halibut fishing and also to try fly fishing for silvers in the Zachar river."
Joseph Ventline, Columbus, Ohio
"I have made eight trips to Alaska and each has been a little different.
This trip has been the best of all by far. The accommodations and the
customer service couldn't have been better. Thank you very much for one of
the best weeks of my life."
Mike Deming, CEO Sportsman's News
"I have been on 11 Alaskan and B.C. adventures on boats. Your service,
professionalism and true integrity are the best - bar none. 100% effort -
100% of the time."
Tred Barta "The Best and Worst of Tred Barta"
"Thanks for the best vacation I've had in many years. Thanks for helping me
get the whopper - 45- pound king salmon."
Marcella R. Nine, Mile Falls, WA
"A fantastic week! Your company and friendship was better than the fishing
which is hard to beat. Thank you. See you next year."
Sam B. Okuma
"My best description of this experience is summed up with this smiley face :)"
Jack Morris
Former Major League Baseball Player
"Trip of a Lifetime! The sights, the sounds, the fun and especially the
people make this trip exceptional. We will be back."
Derek and Sofia R.
Las Vegas, NV
"Thank you for a wonderful time in Alaska. Fantastic fishing, great food and
accommodations - most of all great people. This was one of the best weeks
we have had anywhere. We will be back."
Shawn and Lisa M.
Lake Lotawana, MO
"We are having a difficult time coming up with words to describe how much we
enjoyed spending a week with you. It was great fun. The fishing was just
outstanding. Our best trip yet to Alaska. Everything about the "package"
you offer is first rate. It is just a "kick" and then there is all the
fresh crab and shrimp and salmon and halibut. The food - Yum! And the
scenery, so up close, and the whales and the sea lions and eagles. A
photographer's delight!"
Marlene and John J., Eagan, MN
"Wild Alaska Cruises is my best memory to date. Yes, I'm only 22, but I
wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Thank you for something so
incredibly amazing."
Shannon B.
Boise, ID
"Thank you so much for another wonderful adventure. I caught the biggest
fish of my life - 190-pound halibut."
Annie and Joe S., Pinedale, WY
"Thank you for an absolutely fabulous trip. You completely exceeded our
expectations. The Wild Alaska Cruise experience is the best deal going in
Alaska and we will not only recommend this trip to everyone, we will be
back. You created a special memory for all of us. Can't wait to do it again."
Steve, Caroline and Dave M., Wayzata, MN
"What a wonderful adventure. The fishing was outstanding and the hospitality
on the Perseverance was the greatest. First Class all the Way!"
Steve and Pat A.
Coeur d'Alene, ID