Current Information for McNeil River

Passengers.


1. Is my departure and pick up time related to the tide and/or weather?

   Yes, travel to and from McNeil Sanctuary is accessed by floatplane only at high tide.  This means only ONE flight per day at high tide (which changes from day to day).  The flight times are scheduled to coincide with high tide and to maximize viewing times.  As a result it is customary to travel one day prior to your first viewing day and depart one day after your viewing period ends.

    There are times when weather does not allow for travel as scheduled.  Given there is only one flight per day, please include an extra day or two in your travel plans for this possibility. 


2. Where do I park my vehicle?

    Free parking is available at Northwind Aviation for McNeil River customers.  Please click on the contact us tab for a map and directions.


3. What type of bags may you bring?

   A few smaller compressible bags are preferable to large and/or hard sided cases. There is not a limitation on size or volume of the contents.  The distance needed to carry your gear to camp varies between 200 feet and a quarter mile depending on conditions when you arrive.  You will need a backpack for viewing days as you will be away from camp most of the day.


4. Cost for the 2012 season:

    Travel to McNeil is based on seat fare only.  Chartering a flight is not available.  The below prices are round trip. 

  1. •    One person:  $700.00

  2. •    Two people: $1350.00 (if purchased together)

  3. •    Three people: $1950.00 (if purchased together)

If two or more seats are not purchased together each seat is $700.00.


  1. 5.Weight limit:

  2. ‣    One seat/person:  The combined person and gear limit is 250 pounds. 

  3. ‣    Two seats/people:  The combined person and gear limit is 500 pounds. 

  4. ‣    Three seats/people: The combined person and gear limit is 750 pounds.


    If the combined weight (person and gear) exceeds the allotted seat fare amount, an additional seat fare will need to be purchased (maximum payload capacity is 750 pounds). 

    Please check in ONE HOUR ahead of departure to ensure adequate time to weigh you and your gear.


6. What method do we use for payment?

    We accept cash, checks and Visa or Master Card.  A 50% deposit will be required at the time of scheduling.  Payment in full is due at the time of departure.


7. Should I schedule my airline travel the same day in and out of Homer?

   No!  You will need to allow for airline cancellation and/or lost bags.  Plan to arrive in Homer the day prior to your departure.  Please allow an extra day or two in your departure schedule from Homer for possible delay in leaving McNeil due to weather.


8. Where can I find more information?

    Please refer to the hand out you received in the mail from Fish and Game for food, water, clothing and other logistical information.   Their web page is:


http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=mcneil_river.main

  K. Tintzman

K. Tintzman

K. Tintzman