Houston Travel Buddies!

For more information, see the official cruise page: Dancing Moon Travel Alaska Photography Cruise 2026
Or contact Pat Hand via our Facebook group (our travel agent for this trip).

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

We really outdid ourselves this time. Join PhotoFly on our inaugural adventure throughout the unmatched beauty of Alaska's land & sea. This Alaska Cruise-Tour blends the best of both worlds: five nights deep in the wild heart of Alaska, where mountains, forests, and wildlife reign, followed by an intimate 7-night small-ship journey past calving glaciers and into remote coves. Think whale watching, kayaking, and zodiac landings in spots the big ships never see!

• 12 Nights/13 Days Alaska Small Group Tour
• Quaint Lodge & Hotel Accommodations (land tour)
• 1 Domestic flights INCLUDED!
• Breakfast daily
• 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners Included
• Privately guided adventures throughout
• All taxes, transfers, fees included

Part 1: The Wild Interior - 5 Nights

• The Alaska Rail: Traveling by rail in Alaska is more than just getting from A to B—it’s part of the adventure. The tracks wind past glacier-fed rivers, towering peaks, and endless forests, all while you sit back and soak it in.
• Fairbanks: Alaska’s quirky northern hub, where frontier history meets Arctic adventure. Legendary Gold Dredge No. 8: Pan for treasure at this historic mining site near Fairbanks, where we can relive Alaska’s gold rush era. Discovery II Sternwheeler: Step aboard the Discovery II for a 3½-hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers—rated the top boat tour in North America. Visit Chena Indian Village: Here, Athabascan guides share their traditions and survival skills, offering a rare glimpse into Alaska’s Indigenous heritage passed down through generations. Alaska University Museum of the North (Optional): Discover this treasure trove of Alaskan art, wildlife, and Indigenous culture. From towering totem poles to rare wildlife exhibits, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history and natural wonders.
• Denali: Experience Alaska at its wildest, where towering peaks, sprawling tundra, and abundant wildlife, including grizzlies, caribou, and Dall sheep roam the land. Experience a full-day Denali adventure with breathtaking views of Mt. Denali, wildlife spotting, and optional hikes. Along the way, scan the ridges and riverbeds for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and foxes. Birders are in for a treat too, with over 150 species calling this vast wilderness home. With trails to suit every level, hiking here puts you right in the heart of Alaska’s most celebrated landscape.
• Talkeetna: This quirky, laid-back town with a frontier spirit serves as the gateway to Denali and the Alaska Range. Its historic downtown is filled with colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and local shops, giving visitors a taste of small-town Alaska charm. Take flightseeing tours over glaciers and peaks, or enjoy fishing, hiking, and river activities. The town's stunning views and easygoing vibe make it the perfect base for exploring the wild landscapes of Alaska’s interior.
• Anchorage: Anchorage blends wild Alaska with urban energy, where moose wander greenbelts and the Chugach Mountains rise just beyond downtown. Stroll the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for sweeping inlet views, or dive into local history at the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center. Fresh-caught seafood, buzzing breweries, and easy access to glaciers and wilderness are just a short drive away.

Part 2: Cruising Alaska Off the Path - 7 Nights

Our small-ship adventure cruise is your front-row seat to one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring wildernesses, where thunderous tidewater glaciers calve into icy fjords and humpback whales breach against snow-draped peaks. Unlike the big liners, nimble vessels slip into secluded coves and narrow inlets, giving you access to hidden bays alive with sea otters, puffins, and brown bears foraging along the shore. Days are filled with kayaking beneath towering cliffs, hiking old-growth rainforests, and Zodiac excursions that bring you nose-to-ice with glacial walls—every moment a chance to feel the raw pulse of wild Alaska up close. This is the cruise for travelers who crave intimacy, adventure, and a true connection with nature’s grand stage.

• Juneau: Alaska’s quirky capital, is tucked between snowcapped mountains and the shining waters of the Inside Passage, where no roads lead in or out—just planes and ferries. The star attraction is the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, easily reached from town, while whale-watching cruises, flightseeing tours, and glacier hikes open the door to unforgettable adventures. Downtown, historic saloons, fresh-caught seafood, and a vibrant arts scene give this frontier city a lively, down-to-earth charm.

Exploring the Inside Passage & Glacier Bay National Park
Sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage is a journey through a labyrinth of emerald isles, fjords, and towering mountains, where glaciers calve thunderously into icy waters. In Glacier Bay National Park, colossal rivers of ice spill from the Fairweather Range, creating a landscape alive with cracking ice and echoing roars. Humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins thrive in these nutrient-rich waters, while brown bears and mountain goats roam the rugged shoreline. Few places on earth combine such raw wilderness, cultural history, and wildlife encounters, making this one of Alaska’s most unforgettable voyages.

• Hobart Bay: Paddle tranquil waters by kayak, hike with naturalists to discover hidden flora and fauna, or spot eagles soaring above the treetops. The day winds down with wildlife watching, happy hour, and expert talks back on deck.
• LeConte Glacier: This southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere offers an intimate wilderness experience unreachable by mega ships. Spend the day exploring by kayak or small boat, with the chance to land ashore and wander among icebergs beached like frozen sculptures.
• Thomas Bay: Explore this ethereal, misty bay, where whales surface and Cascade Creek thunders through the forest in a dramatic series of waterfalls. With trails for every level, plus unmatched water access for kayaking, zodiac tours, and wildlife encounters, it’s one of Southeast Alaska’s hidden gems.
• Whale Watching & Kuiu Island: This island’s wild west coast offers calm bays teeming with playful sea otters and some of the world’s highest densities of black bears. Add in the chance to spot humpbacks bubble-net feeding along the reefs, and you’ve got a quintessential Alaskan wilderness experience.
• Snorkeling in Alaska: Slip into one of the warmest wetsuits around and snorkel into a surprisingly vibrant “cold-water tropical reef.” Explore an astonishing variety of sea stars and the Pacific’s hidden underwater wonders in this wild, touchable world.

Glacier Bay National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. In the calm of the night, the ship’s crew has taken us deep into Glacier Bay National Park. Less than 1% of visitors to the park have the opportunity we are about to have – get on land with, or kayak in front of Margerie Glacier, a deep blue, mile-wide chunk of ice!
The Brown Bears of Chichagof Island: A rugged wilderness paradise, renowned for its dense populations of brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer. In the Backcountry: Discover the vast, infinitely discoverable Tongass National Forest where calm waters and gentle shorelines invite kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided hikes amid bald eagles, harbor seals, and the occasional whale spout. With every turn dictated by wildlife and the seasons, this is an intimate introduction to Southeast Alaska’s wild beauty.

Activities & Adventures

• Shore Excursions and Zodiac Cruises: Zodiac rides emphasize active wildlife and nature experiences. Guided shore excursions, walks, wildlife spotting, and Zodiacs to/from landings are all included!
• Hiking: Venture beyond the shore and reach higher ground for more expansive vantages on guided hikes through forests and across glaciated environments. The leadership of certified mountain guides & assistants makes this a safe and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Physical fitness is essential. Special alpine equipment is provided if needed (ropes &/or crampons). *Optional BUT INCLUDED for those interested
• Kayaking & Paddle Boarding: We hope to offer kayaking & paddle boarding on several days in the "passage". Basic kayak experience is welcome but not required. Physical fitness is essential to participate. Kayaks/paddles are provided. *For more details, please refer to the daily itinerary.
• Snorkeling: Try your hand at a snorkel (we have the warmest wetsuits known to man, fear not) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you peruse the most diverse population of sea-stars on earth – a surprise to many who visit this place.
• On-Board Workshops/Presentations: Most of our time will be spent experiencing & photographing the landscapes & wildlife of this Alaskan region. In the evenings, and when cruising from one location to the next, we'll have the option of partaking in a wide range of onboard workshops and presentations. Certain topics may include navigation, astronomy, geology, & botany along with in-depth presentations that explore the fascinating life of the regions' whales, land mammals, birds, and other animals that call this magical realm home.

Encounters with Whales
Whale watching in Alaska is nothing short of breathtaking, with chances to encounter the ocean’s most majestic giants in a pristine, untamed wilderness. From the deck of an expedition ship or the spray-kissed edge of a zodiac, every sighting is unforgettable in its own way.

Curious whales sometimes circle beneath the Zodiac or even spy-hop, rising to eye you with astonishing intent. Peering into a whale’s gaze, with only a thin rubber hull between you, is a truly unforgettable moment and a vantage point that few get to witness and photograph.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price From: $7,995.00

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/amazing-alaska-small-group-tours/

Kayaking Joy | Autumn on Lake Charlotte

Lake Charlotte Wonderland

Lake Charlotte Spring Wonderland

Lake Charlotte Autumn Wonderland

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CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following current certifications:

ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-2 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid

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PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!

I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!

Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]

www.oakgeosciences.com

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Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?

We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.

Born to Paddle!

For tickets and information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996374594152
IMPORTANT NOTE: CLICKING THE RSVP AND PAY ORGANIZER BUTTON ON MEETUP DOES NOT GET YOU A TICKET/ SPOT. YOU HAVE TO CLICK THE LINK TO THE EVENTBRITE PAGE AND PURCHASE A TICKET THERE. PRICE GOES UP AS EVENT TIME APPROACHES AND MAY SELL OUT SO GET YOUR TICKET ON EVENTBRITE ASAP.

*This is a multigroup event so event responses are only a portion of the total number of attendees
HOUSTON NETWORKING EVENT: You Have To Get Tickets Here Online In Advance. Tickets Not Available At Venue Door
Come mix & mingle at this networking event in Houston. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network. Whether you're looking to expand your clientele, make new business connections, find new investment opportunities, hire or get hired or simply connect with others, have a few cocktails and make new friends you'll definitely want to be at this event.
This Event Is For...
Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Startups, Freelancers, Gamechangers, Investors!, Crowdfunding Experts, Web & Marketing Experts, Job Seekers!, Etc. (and for people just looking to make some new friends).
This event is the perfect opportunity to network with potential business partners, investors, industry professionals and new clients.... Or just come on out and make some new friends! We've witnessed countless business connections and friendships form at our past events.This event is a fun and easy way to connect with others in a relaxed, low pressure environment. There are no speakers or sales pitches. It's just a place to come mingle with like minded people.
ICEBREAKERS TO WIN PRIZES!!!
At the beginning of the event our host will hand you a sheet of paper with icebreaker questions that you can use to get to know the rest of the people at the event. The icebreakers are optional but most people love them because they really help you get to meet people. In the email we send you before the event we'll explain exactly how the icebreaker works but essentially you'll be asking and/or being asked 3 fun and easy but thought provoking icebreaker questions. If you complete the icebreaker you'll be entered into a raffle and one of the event attendees will win prizes!

An email we received about one of our recent events: "Thank you so much for throwing such a great event. The crowd was really great and everyone was super friendly. As a busy professional I don't get that much time to get out and meet people so it was nice to be in such a relaxed environment. Event well done!" - Danielle

Note: There is a one item minimum (food or drink) to help support the bar that is hosting us.
FAQ:

HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING?
It ranges from event to event. We usually have between 30 and 50 people to sign up.

CAN I ARRIVE LATE?
Absolutely. Arrive any time you'd like.

CAN I COME ALONE?
Yes, about 75% come on their own.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
While we don't have a dress code we ask that you please look neat/presentable. What you wear to work or what you'd where for after work happy hour drinks is fine.

CAN I PAY AT THE EVENT DOOR?
We do not accept payment at the event door. We also change the venue at each event and don't give out the location to those who don't sign up. You must pre-pay online.

HOW LONG DOES THE EVENT GO?
The event is 2 hours long. You can arrive any time you'd like.

ARE THERE DRINKS?
Yes, there's a full menu of great drinks you can order at the bar.

IS THERE FOOD AVAILABLE?
Yes you can order food. The venue has a food menu and great appetizers available to order.

WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE?
Anyone of any age who wants to network is welcome

WHO ATTENDS THE EVENT?
Professionals of all sorts and ages

IS THERE A REFUND POLICY?
If you need to cancel, please email us and we can transfer you to a future event. However we do not offer transfers if you cancel on the day of the event or don't show up.

For tickets and information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996374594152