Trip: Wetpixel Alaska Expedition 2011
Dates: June 11-23, 2011
Trip Leaders: Jason Bradley
Boat: Nautilus Swell, http://www.nautilusswell.com/

Photographer Jason Bradley leads a 13 day diving expedition to Alaska in June of 2011. Our itinerary starts in Juneau and ends in Sitka. See some photos from Eric’s trip in 2007 (similar itinerary).

The planned schedule:

11 June, 2011 @ 6pm: Board the Nautilus Swell in Juneau
12 June - 22 June, 2011: Diving, diving, diving! (11 full days)
23 June, 2011 @ 9am: Disembark in Sitka

Actually, that’s Eric Cheng, but it could be you!

The Boat: Earlier this year, Nautilus announced the Nautilus Swell, a new boat in their liveaboard dive fleet. The Swell holds 14 divers total, but we will run it with 12 divers including trip leader. The Swell includes 2 “superior” suites (4 pax), 3 standard staterooms (6 pax), and 2 singles.

We are thrilled to announce that we have completed the purchase of a beautiful vintage vessel, the Swell – soon to be the Nautilus Swell. Having recently undergone a $3.5 million, bow-to-stern refit, this heritage boat seemed like the perfect fit for a sister ship to the Nautilus Explorer. Its a gorgeous classic boat with 7 ensuite staterooms.

The 90 foot ship will be based in the Pacific Northwest year-round with a full Alaska/BC schedule. It will cater to up to 14 divers. The new vessel has the same ownership, management, crewing and exceptional luxury levels of service as the Nautilus Explorer. Our beloved 38 foot dive skiff INDE will be paired up with the new ship.

Diving Style: Dives will be conducted off of a large aluminum skiff, where all dive equipment will stay for the entire diving schedule. The majority of dives are done during slack tide and typically last from 45-60 minutes. All dives are strictly timed; for safety, you must be on the surface at the end of pre-determined dive times. Water temperature ranges from the low 40s to the low/mid 50s F.

OH HAI

Photographic Subjects: Amazing Alaskan topside scenery, underwater kelp forests, white plume anemone forests, Steller’s sea lions, rockfish, anemones, crabs, shrimp, amphipods, ratfish, and much more. Reef walls are nearly 100% covered in bright orange, red and yellow invertebrates!

Other Activities: Topside Alaska is absolutely gorgeous, and kayaks are available for those who want to skip out on diving. We will likely be stopping at small towns on the way, doing short hikes to lakes and hot springs. Also, there is a hot tub on the top deck, and while hot water and diving are normally not suggested, it can be nice to warm up after a day in the cold ocean.

Accommodation: The Nautilus Swell features 2 double-occupancy superior suites and 4 double-occupancy staterooms. We will be taking 11 guests plus Jason for a total of 12 divers. See the ship tour on Nautilus Swell’s website for full details.

Cost/ Person: [FULL!]
4 spots, superior suites - US$5350
7 spots, staterooms - US$4650

Balance is refundable upon cancellation only if we fill your spot with a paid guest.

Trip cost includes live-aboard boat accommodation, scuba diving, tanks, air fills, weights, weight belt, food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Not included is airfare, local accommodation, and alcoholic drinks.

Payment schedule (per person):
$1,500 deposit, non-refundable
$1,500 payment due Dec 11, 2010
Balance due Feb 11, 2011

Contact Person for booking: Jason Bradley or Nautilus Swell (direct). Please let them know that you’d like to book the June 11 expedition with Wetpixel.

Getting There: Guests must arrive in Juneau, Alaska with plenty of time to board the Nautilus Swell at 6pm on June 11, 2011.

A beautiful kelp forest