Experience the best of Alaska with ABC Coastal Excursions and us - your local Alaskan hosts, Jeren & Brian Schmidt. We offer long range, custom cruising in beautiful Southeast Alaska on our 72’ motor yacht, the Silver Lady. Perfect for friends and families, we create a guest experience that is all about reconnecting with what matters most. The backdrop for our adventures is the epic Last Frontier and our range encompasses Southeast Alaska with our local area known as the ABC’s - Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof Islands. The M/V Silver Lady’s home port is in Sitka, Alaska on Baranof Island - and with regular jet service to and from the Lower 48 on Alaska Airlines, this small seaside community is ready to greet you with modern appeal, cultural heritage, and historic charm. We can’t wait to show you our Alaska.
EXCURSIONS & SPRING SPECIAL
ABC Coastal Excursions can host up to 6 guests on multi-day adventure cruises. Departing from Sitka, Alaska and cruising the coastal areas around Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof Islands, adventure begins aboard the Silver Lady and continues with opportunities for daily excursions and activities. Our most popular trip is the 5-day Classic Cruise with custom activities and destinations. Guests can choose to add additional days if desired. No matter the length of your trip, we always ensure there is plenty of time for our guests to enjoy excursions on land and sea.
KAYAKING, BEACHCOMBING AND HIKING
Kayaking is still one of the best ways to explore Southeast Alaska - and the Silver Lady carries enough kayaks to outfit every guest. Beachcombing is a wonder for all ages. Guests can find countless creatures in tidepools, walk miles of coastline with amazing views, spot hundreds of shells and even find treasures from across the ocean like a vintage Japanese glass ball. There are a number of lovely, and well maintained, trails on Baranof Island that are easily accessible from downtown Sitka. While out on the Silver Lady, we will also have time to explore more remote areas with guests who like to spend some time off the beaten path.
FISHING
Captain Brian has spent a lifetime fishing the waters around the ABC Islands and guests are provided with all fishing gear and onboard processing. Fishing licenses are required and the fee is included in your booking - we can print your license for you while onboard. The ADF&G Sitka Area Sport Fishing Report is a good place to get information about current regulations in effect and species-specific information. Salmon season typically runs May through September, Lingcod season changes a bit every year, it opens May 15th and runs through November, and rockfish can be caught year-round. Depending on our location and season, we may also set shrimp and crab pots during our trips so guests can experience the absolute freshest seafood while aboard.
WHALES & WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CRUISE IN THE SPRING
Southeast Alaska, and Sitka in particular, come to life in the spring. With the return of the herring every March, so come the whales! This time of year is much loved by the locals. And for those adventurous souls that travel north during herring season (when weather can range from rain, to hail, to snow, to peeks of stormy sunshine), they are rewarded with the opportunity to witness countless whales, sea lions, sea birds, eagles and otters as they all converge here for the arrival of the herring. You may even get to witness the famous bubble net feeding as pods of humpback whales encircle thousands of herring in a net of bubbles before surfacing with mouths open in a magnificent display of baleen, silver and birds.
THE BOAT ~ THE SILVER LADY
The Silver Lady is a 72’ motor yacht built by Carter Machine Works Limited and designed by naval architect William Garden. She is equipped for adventure and outfitted for your comfort. With a beam of 18’ the boat has ample space to stretch your legs and move about while underway. Opportunities for taking in the view are plenty, with windows all around the salon and galley, a seating area in the wheelhouse, a covered aft deck for dining, and a fully covered fishing deck.
STATEROOMS & HEADS
Below deck, the Silver Lady features four staterooms, three of which are typically designated for guests, with one reserved for crew. Guest accommodations include the Master Suite with a queen bed and private head, the VIP Suite with a full bed, and the Bunkroom with two cozy, ship-style twin bunks; the VIP Suite and Bunkroom share a bath. For parties of three couples, the fourth stateroom is the V-berth and may be made available, offering additional flexibility. In total, the vessel has two full heads with showers and one-half bath. No matter which stateroom you choose, each bed is appointed with luxury linens, warm duvets, extra pillows, and throw blankets.
COMMON SPACES
The Silver Lady has comfortable spaces to enjoy your morning and evenings and everything in between. The galley features a 4 burner gas range, subway tile, granite counters, and full bar seating. The salon is home to very comfortable leather furnishings including a full sized sofa, loveseat, and oversized chair. The wheelhouse is also available to guests, with a generously sized settee for taking in the view. The aft deck has a custom made yellow and red cedar dining set for favorable evenings where guests can enjoy a meal or drink on deck.
OWNERS
Captain Brian Schmidt : Born and raised in Sitka, Brian serves as the Captain of their 72-foot motor yacht, the Silver Lady.
Jeren Schmidt : Originally from Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula, Jeren is Iñupiaq. With a background in culinary arts, she oversees the onboard dining experience, featuring local Alaskan flavors.
RATES & OPTIONS