THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Book a private-day escape from Sitka to Mertz Island for exclusive beach access, short forest hikes, paddleboarding, and a curated picnic with a beachside bonfire. This small-group experience blends wildlife viewing and calm-water paddling with hands-on island time.
Book a private-day escape from Sitka to Mertz Island for exclusive beach access, short forest hikes, paddleboarding, and a curated picnic with a beachside bonfire. This small-group experience blends wildlife viewing and calm-water paddling with hands-on island time.
A low-slung skiff cuts through kelp-dark water as Sitka recedes behind; gulls carve arcs above and the forested rim of Mertz Island grows, sudden and personal. On this private-day excursion the sea leads, and the island answers — a four-acre stand of spruce and hemlock ringed by cobble and a narrow beach that invites small-group exploration. Guests step from the tender onto a shoreline that smells of salt and cedar, then disperse: some head for a short forest walk, others paddle the sheltered cove, and a few stay to watch for seals and otters hunting the shallows.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bumble Expeditions · Sitka, Alaska
A low-slung skiff cuts through kelp-dark water as Sitka recedes behind; gulls carve arcs above and the forested rim of Mertz Island grows, sudden and personal. On this private-day excursion the sea leads, and the island answers — a four-acre stand of spruce and hemlock ringed by cobble and a narrow beach that invites small-group exploration. Guests step from the tender onto a shoreline that smells of salt and cedar, then disperse: some head for a short forest walk, others paddle the sheltered cove, and a few stay to watch for seals and otters hunting the shallows.
The islands around Sitka are carved from the same glacial and tectonic history that shaped the Alexander Archipelago: bedrock, glacial polish, and drift logs left by Pacific storms. Tlingit people have used these channels and islets for generations; today small private-island outings sit alongside guided wildlife tours and subsistence fishing in local maritime culture.
Practically, this is a half-day, low-elevation experience that mixes light hiking with calm-water paddling. Expect uneven ground, wet rocks, and short stair or ramp transfers into and out of the boat. Guides provide kayaks, paddleboards, safety gear, and a curated picnic with a beachside bonfire.
Plan for layered waterproof clothing, secure footwear, and motion-sickness prevention for the crossing. Timing matters: morning light brings glassy water and active wildlife; afternoon offers warmer air and languid tidelines. For travelers seeking privacy, wildlife, and a compact taste of Southeast Alaska’s maritime wild, a private island day from Sitka delivers an intimate, well-supported coastal encounter.
moderate.
4–5 hours.
Moderate fitness for short hikes, getting in/out of boats, and basic paddling; suitable for reasonably active travelers
The full excursion runs about 4–5 hours, including wildlife viewing by boat, transfer time, and island activities.
No prior experience is required; guides provide instruction and safety equipment—the water in the cove is typically sheltered.
Yes—appetizers, a gourmet boxed lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, and a dessert (including gourmet s'mores at the bonfire) are included.
Yes—pick up and drop off from the cruise terminal are provided; confirm pickup logistics when booking.
The islands in the Sitka area lie within Tlingit homeland and have long been used for travel, fishing, and seasonal camps; modern tours operate within that living cultural landscape.
Operators limit daily visits and emphasize pack-in/pack-out practices to protect fragile shorelines and intertidal habitats; guests should avoid disturbing nesting birds and marine mammals.
Bumble Expeditions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A low-slung skiff cuts through kelp-dark water as Sitka recedes behind; gulls carve arcs above and the forested rim of Mertz Island grows, sudden and personal. On this private-day excursion the sea leads, and the island answers — a four-acre stand of spruce and hemlock ringed by cobble and a narrow beach that invites small-group exploration. Guests step from the tender onto a shoreline that smells of salt and cedar, then disperse: some head for a short forest walk, others paddle the sheltered cove, and a few stay to watch for seals and otters hunting the shallows.
A low-slung skiff cuts through kelp-dark water as Sitka recedes behind; gulls carve arcs above and the forested rim of Mertz Island grows, sudden and personal. On this private-day excursion the sea leads, and the island answers — a four-acre stand of spruce and hemlock ringed by cobble and a narrow beach that invites small-group exploration. Guests step from the tender onto a shoreline that smells of salt and cedar, then disperse: some head for a short forest walk, others paddle the sheltered cove, and a few stay to watch for seals and otters hunting the shallows.
The islands around Sitka are carved from the same glacial and tectonic history that shaped the Alexander Archipelago: bedrock, glacial polish, and drift logs left by Pacific storms. Tlingit people have used these channels and islets for generations; today small private-island outings sit alongside guided wildlife tours and subsistence fishing in local maritime culture.
Practically, this is a half-day, low-elevation experience that mixes light hiking with calm-water paddling. Expect uneven ground, wet rocks, and short stair or ramp transfers into and out of the boat. Guides provide kayaks, paddleboards, safety gear, and a curated picnic with a beachside bonfire.
Plan for layered waterproof clothing, secure footwear, and motion-sickness prevention for the crossing. Timing matters: morning light brings glassy water and active wildlife; afternoon offers warmer air and languid tidelines. For travelers seeking privacy, wildlife, and a compact taste of Southeast Alaska’s maritime wild, a private island day from Sitka delivers an intimate, well-supported coastal encounter.