Southeast Alaska's Cultural & Historical Past

Archaeology vacation, petroglyph recording

The Pacific Northwest including Southeast Alaska has a rich and ancient maritime history stretching from the canneries of the early 20th century back in time over 10,000 years to the camps of the first people of the Northwest Coast Tribes. Alaska Natives continue their ‘partnership with nature' through preservation of their unique traditional lifestyle. A rich oral history, passed from generation to generation, tells of a presence on the continent from ‘time immemorial'. The rain forested islands of the Inside Passage contain thousands of sites and locations portraying a variety of ancient activities of a culture that has long relied on a seafaring lifestyle in addition to the handful of present day shore side Native villages. European exploration of the area began with Russian voyages in the 1700's and continued with an influx of European cultures. A variety of historical sites in various stages of decay are still evident in some areas with the remains of whaling stations, mines, fish salteries, reduction plants and canneries sprinkled throughout the region.

‘Dr. Keyser inspects Pats ‘stippling' work on a very nice traditional Northwest style petroglyph bear carving'

Hidden within this remote and remarkable rain forest region remain secrets of past occupation, some of which are documented and others yet to be rediscovered.  With utmost respect to Tribal property rights, Alaska Sea Adventures has embarked on a series of voyages providing members of the public a rare opportunity to personally experience this very inaccessible region to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the culture and history of the area. These trips are operated strictly in conjunction with the Alaska Native community, anthropological and archaeological scholars, and government agencies with a goal of assisting in preservation and conservation of these treasures.

Join us to explore remote Alaska on a very unique and exciting, one of a kind learning voyage!

"Being able to connect so intimately with the rocks of Kosciusko Island and Prince of Wales Island was a window in to the understanding of the culture of your people. Savoring the essence via the study and recording of petroglyphs has been an important addition to our life experience" Rick & Liz T. Kew, Australia Rick recording ancient rock art on a project for preservation of Alaska's Heritage

Observing the varied lighting effects on a stunning rock art site