Cordova is Alaska’s “Hidden Treasure”. Situated in the eastern Prince William Sound, at the head of Orca Inlet, Cordova is surrounded by beautiful wilderness. Every year Cordova hosts the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival. As many as 5 million shorebirds stop over here during their Spring migration. As the festival website states, this is an epic migration with over 30 species of shorebirds. We will spend our days working with the birds and following good birding etiquette. Also in the area, there are 5 glaciers within an easy drive of town - one of which is Child’s Glacier, which actively calves into the Copper River. Also, Miles and Sheridan Glaciers are possible destinations. This wilderness is home to many wild animals; from moose to black bear, along with eagles and the many varieties of shorebirds.

Transportation (included from Anchorage). Starting in Anchorage, we will drive the length of the Turnagain Arm, pass by Portage Lakes and Glacier, then through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel into Whittier. We will then be taking the high-speed ferry from Whittier to Cordova. The ferry ride is an amazing journey in itself. We start in the sleepy harbor town of Whittier, but quickly move out into the sheltered waters of the Prince William Sound. The Sound is home to a huge amount of wildlife; everything from gray and humpback whales, orca, porpoise, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, and so much more. We will also pass by huge tidewater glaciers, that are actively spilling icebergs into the bays they have carved out over the millennia. Watch the shorelines for beautiful waterfalls plummeting from the melting snow in the mountains, down through the lush Chugach Forest, and onto rocky beaches. Prince William Sound is one of our favorite places in all of Alaska, and this is a great introduction to its many wonders.

Lodging (included) will be at the Reluctant Fisherman Inn, and each participant will have their own room overlooking the harbor.

Meals (although not included) will be a great time to share stories and pick the brains of both of your guides, as well as fellow participants. Use this time to get to know each other, share all the great photographs you’ve taken, and just have a good time. Our tours are not only about photography, but also about making friends and building relationships.

Limited to 16 clients

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1
Meet in Anchorage at (MEETING POINT TO BE DECIDED) for introductions and orientation. Drive to Whittier and catch high-speed ferry to Cordova.

Days 2-5
We will spend all available daylight photographing the migratory birds as well as the beautiful landscapes so abundant around Cordova. Regardless of the weather, this is aphotography intensive tour - rain or shine, we’ll be out in it.

Day 6
We leave on the return ferry trip to

Whittier, and then on to Anchorage.

Requirements & Recommendations
All participants must be in Anchorage the day prior to the tour.
Any emergency evacuation needs are not included in the cost of the tour and will be the responsibility of each participant.