moderate
4–6 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; some standing and light lifting required when handling fishing gear.
Experience world-class halibut fishing in Alaska’s Valdez with Big Alaska Fishing Charters. Expert guides, a sturdy boat, and abundant fish await for an unforgettable day on the water.
Dive into the fascinating world of hops with our immersive course and tasting experience. Explore diverse hop varieties, learn their unique flavors and uses in brewing, and enhance your homebrew skills. Engage in a guided tasting of aromatic and bittering beers, deepening your appreciation for these essential brewing ingredients.
Our dedicated course and accompanying tasting will engross you in the wonderfully complex world of hops which are the delicate, cone-like flower giving many of your favorite brews their delicious and complex aromas and flavors.
Hops are wonderfully diverse and are used for multiple purposes. Each variety imparts a uniquely different scent and flavor – from spicy, citrusy, pine-like, earthy to floral. Our course will comprehensively treat each hop variety from every angle, covering its essential properties and nature: you will learn how to distinguish between hop varieties and their origins as well as how to harness them throughout the brewing process to produce a perfectly balanced homebrew. Learn how hops are used for flavoring, bittering, and preserving beer and leave with a deeper appreciation for the world of hops.
During the second half of the course, we’ll conduct a tasting to give you an experiential understanding of hops and their properties. Taste, identify, and discuss hop varieties at work in six aromatic and two bittering beer examples.
Each ticket type can optionally include A copy of “For The Love of Hops” (our unofficial textbook) at a discounted price. Space for this class is limited and it will sell out, therefore all sales for this class will be final.
Please note that we're offering all of our classes virtually via Zoom.
Ensure to arrive at the Valdez harbor dock at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for gear setup and safety briefing.
Alaska’s coastal weather can change quickly; wear moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof outerwear to stay comfortable.
If you are prone to seasickness, take preventative medication before boarding as sea conditions can sometimes be choppy.
Wildlife sightings and scenic landscapes are common; have your camera or phone accessible for spontaneous photo opportunities.
Valdez is historically significant as a critical supply port during the Alaska Gold Rush and later as the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
Big Alaska Fishing Charters practices sustainable fishing and catch limits to protect halibut populations and critical marine habitats in the Gulf of Alaska.
Protects against unexpected rain and sea spray for a comfortable day on the water.
summer specific
Provides safety on wet boat decks during fishing and boarding.
Helps with handling fish and gear without losing grip or damaging hands.
Reduces glare off the water, making spotting fish and protecting eyes from UV rays easier.
summer specific