Our Tours

TAZ Whale Watching Tours offers two touring options each day, seven days per week (May 28, 2016 through September 5, 2016). Our morning tour departs the Gustavus dock at 8:30 am, and returns at noon. Our afternoon tour departs at 12:30 pm, and returns to the Gustavus dock at 4:00 pm. Our new schedule allow you to take the afternoon tour, and still have plenty of time to catch the evening Alaska Airlines flight to Juneau.

The 50-foot M/V TAZ is an ideal vessel for observing and photographing wildlife. It is extremely stable, with large observation windows which allow for great viewing from both inside or outside on the deck. In addition, our unique hydrophone system allows us to hear the calls of the whales underwater. We also have a comfortable heated interior and enclosed restroom for the comfort of our passengers.

The TAZ and crew are fully certified by the US Coast Guard for your safety. When you join us you will have the best opportunity to see Humpback whales and other marine mammals such as Minke whales, Orcas (killer whales), Stellar sea lions, Sea otters, Dall porpoises, and Harbor porpoises. Bald Eagles, Puffins, Arctic terns, Glaucous-wing gulls, and a wide variety of other shore birds are often observed as well. All tours include quality binoculars for your use, snacks and an assortment of hot beverages. We also offer custom whale watch tours and personalized group charters (up to 28 passengers). Cross Sound Express is an authorized concessionaire in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. We are permitted to enter Glacier Bay from September 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016.

On a group charter, you share your experience with those in your own group. A group charter closes your trip to all other guests. Whales, birding, marine mammals, scenic wonders, wildlife viewing and photography, all in a single day! Our naturalist will explain much of the human and natural history of the area, while doing a boat trip past the mouth of Glacier Bay to Cross Sound, at the northern outlet of the Inside Passage.

We will take in a different view of the majestic Fairweather Range on the outer coast of Glacier Bay National Park, and we can even walk around the quaint board-walk village of Elfin Cove. Back aboard the boat, we'll set out to see a beautiful natural stone arch reaching nearly a hundred feet out of the ocean, visit bird rookeries, and observe sea lion haul outs.

We'll possibly get a close up of commercial salmon fishing operations, or halibut long-liners working their gear. The larger tides in this region create some of the most dynamic ocean currents in Southeast Alaska, and we will experience how they create a feeding frenzy for Bald Eagles and sea lions. Whales, seals, and sea otter are not forgotten — and we will enjoy their presence during much of the trip.

Do you just need a ride? Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in the area. For safety reasons, many paddlers prefer not to do larger crossings, and need a drop-off or pickup at a remote location. Cross Sound Express, LLC offers dependable water taxi service, in a sturdy, fast, vessel designed to carry kayaks and camping equipment.

We specialize in working with large groups of kayakers. Our spacious deck allows The TAZ to easily handle your entire group, boats and gear! We'll maneuver The TAZ into sheltered areas, and then water drop-off and pick-up your group in a single transfer. We can also provide shuttle service using our skiff — whatever it takes to get you kayaking! Please call or email us with your requirements, and we'll provide you with a custom quote. We look forward to working with your group!

For standard dropoffs, you and your gear can be dropped off from the swimstep. For charter dropoffs, we would bring the Zodiac for a beach transfer. We can also schedule a time and place for your pick up, in the same manner. Whether base camping, or doing a longer paddle, check with Cross Sound Express about your needs. Tod Sebens can share his extensive knowledge about camp sites, and what to expect with winds, tides, and currents.