What you should bring to Alaska!

What to Pack:

• Most importantly (and we really can’t stress this enough) Please pack all clothes/gear in “Soft Sided” luggage (like a duffel bag or backpack). We simply do not have the space on board to store hard sided suitcases/roller bags.

• BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS! Please pack a pair of boots that are at least calf high. many of our beach landings(in kayaks and the dinghy,when we go ashore to explore) will be “wet landings”, meaning you’ll be stepping into the water (2-6 inches typically). Boots are the only way to go! If you don’t own boots, there are plenty of places that sell them in Petersburg. Boots are the PREFERRED shoe for hiking (even walking around town) in alaska. Even in the driest of Summers, Southeast Alaska is still part of the second largest Rain forest on earth, and trails can be muddy!

• Walking/Hiking Shoe/Boots. If you have good boots, you won’t need any hiking shoes. However, feel free to bring them if you’d feel more comfortable. On board hopscotch, the best way to be is barefoot or in slippers with grips. Also tennis shoes are great. Flip Flops and sandals are not great on boats as they can easily get caught on things. We ask that you don’t wear just socks (without shoes) because they are slippery on wood flooring.

• Some Essentials:

  • Hat (wool cap or something to keep your head warm/dry)

  • Gloves (just cheap wool gloves are perfect, something to keep the chill off)

  • Rain Jacket/pants. Again, nothing fancy, just lightweight waterproof/resistant pants to keep you warm and dry

  • Shorts! We are always optimistic, and believe it or not, we get plenty of “Shorts days” in Alaska

  • Sunglasses. 20 hours of daylight, reflective glaciers, bright water…you’ll want your shades!

  • Cozy Clothes! Sweatpants, Puffy jackets, Pajamas, etc. On hopscotch we put “Comfort” above “Style” every day of the week. We’d much prefer you look comfy over looking classy (some guests can pull both off:). And there is nO judgement over wearing the same outfit 2 (or 5) days in a row

  • There is no Laundry facility on HOpscotch. we recommend undergarments that are easily hand washed and dried.

  • we have plenty of sunscreen on board, but if you have your own that you prefer, please bring that with you.

  • a GOOD cAMERA! moST SMART PHONES SHOULD DO THE TRICK. bUT IF PHOTOGRAPHY IS YOUR GIG, BRING YOUR ZOOM LENS!

  • bEER/wINE/sPIRITS. wE CANNOT SUPPLY YOU WITH ANY ALCOHOL, BUT WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU BRING IT ALONG. oNCE WE LEAVE THE DOCK, WE WON’T HAVE A CHANCE TO RESUPPLY, SO MAKE SURE YOU BRING ENOUGH:) tHERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES TO BUY lIQUOR IN sITKA/jUNEAU/sKAGWAY.

  • Please DO NOT Bring: Marijuana (of any form) on board Hopscotch. Although The State of Alaska has legalized recreational Marijuana, it is still illegal at a Federal Level in the United States. As we will be traveling through, and in, Federal Land, and (as a commercial vessel) are under regulation by the United States Coast Guard (which falls under Federal Law), the use and possession of Marijuana is strictly prohibited aboard Hopscotch.

Getting to Alaska from the Lower 48 (and internationally)

You can Fly, Float, or drive to Alaska. If your Budget, and Time allow, please contact Capt. Brendan, and He can tell you about options for taking the Ferry From Washington State, or even driving (Through Canada!)! Most of our Guests arrive by plane. Here’s what you need to know:

• Almost all flights going to Petersburg are on “Alaska Airlines”, and ORIGINATE from their hub, Seattle, Washington.

• our trips begin on Sunday, We recommend that our guests fly to Seattle on Saturday and spend the night exploring and enjoying that beautiful City. Then continuing on the short (2-2.5 hour flight to Alaska—Usually with a stopover in Junuea or Ketchikan before arriving in Petersburg) on Sunday Morning. Our first nights (usually Sunday Depending on your trip dates) is always at a hotel in Petersburg, so arriving anytime Sunday into Petersburg is just fine.

• We will arrange for a shuttle to pick you up at the Petersburg Airport on Sunday and take you to the Hotel

• Brendan Will Meet you on Monday Morning in the lobby of the hotel at 10am. Please be packed and ready to go at 10am! Also please be sure to have eaten breakfast. your first meal onboard Hopscotch will be LUnch on Monday Afternoon.

• Most importantly, dont stress, these towns are small and easy. You’ll get to Hopscotch no problem, and We’ll be there to help if needed!