The health and safety of each guest is WhaleCoast Alaska’s first priority. One important Covid-19 safety measure we are once again implementing for 2025 is to require all guests to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before May 1, 2025; this includes any booster shots that are recommended by the CDC. WhaleCoast Alaska does not require participants to submit proof of vaccination in advance of the tour, but participants are instructed to bring their original vaccination cards with them to the program to demonstrate proof of vaccination, including all recommended boosters. We recognize that many may not have proof of recent vaccination boosters because vaccination cards aren’t being used frequently anymore. We will use the trust system in these instances. We will follow the CDC guidelines in effect at the time of each tour, including mask wearing, sanitation, and social distancing. Purchase N95 face masks for the best protection while on flights and when inside with large groups, and bring two self-tests per person. Your tour directors must also be vaccinated. You may be required to take a COVID-19 test, either prior to the tour or during the tour itself. If you are unwilling to test, show proof of vaccination upon check-in at the tour orientation, and follow recommended Covid-19 safety recommendations, you should not register for a 2025 WhaleCoast Alaska tour.

Prior to the tour, participants are instructed not to travel to Alaska if they are sick, have symptoms of illness, or have recently come into close contact with someone who is Covid positive. If a guest reports feeling ill and has symptoms consistent with Covid-19, or is observed to be exhibiting such symptoms, the guest will be asked to mask, test, and self-isolate immediately, or as soon as practically possible. Guests who test positive for Covid-19 may not participate in any tour activities and must coordinate their own lodging and travel during their isolation. They cannot rejoin the tour until they test negative for COVID-19 or are evaluated by a medical professional who determines they are not contagious, and clears them resume group activities. If traveling with a roommate or traveling companion, that guest can continue on the tour so long as they do not feel ill or exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19. However, they will be required to wear a mask for the remainder of the program, or until their sick/symptomatic roommate tests negative for COVID or is cleared by a medical professional. If the traveling companion is not comfortable remaining in the same room as their sick traveling companion, they may move to another room if one is available, but if they choose to do so they may incur additional expense.

Your Tour Director will contact you approximately three weeks prior to departure to provide you with specific information regarding updated safety and health measures and protocols you can expect on your tour.

WhaleCoast Alaska has again modified our cancellation policy for 2025. We will allow guests who cancel their reservations through March 1 (for the National Parks Tour) or March 15 (for the All-Alaska Tour) to get their deposit refunded (minus a $12 processing fee to cover PayPal costs). By that time, you will have more information regarding the public health situation outlook for the summer. If you have questions about our Covid-19 safety and policy, please contact WhaleCoast Alaska.