Alaska’s Inside Passage & Glacier Bay

Arrive independently to Seattle, make your way to the designated meeting point and join your transfer to the port to board your vessel. Settle into your comfortable cabin as we set sail either along Seattle’s picturesque waterfront or through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.

This morning is spent sailing around some of the islands in the San Juan archipelago, each one as unique as the next. We will be on a constant lookout for the orcas and harbour seals that frequent the area, and you may wish to partake in your first kayaking or paddleboarding excursion through some of the area’s picturesque coves. Skiff (small boat) rides will take you up-close to scenic delights and there will be ample time for hikes of varying difficulty too.

Over the next two days we will explore along some of the fjords, remote waterways, bays and inlets of Canada’s Inside Passage. Wildlife we will be on the lookout for includes black bears, including the elusive spirit bear, dolphins, porpoises, harbour seals and bald eagles. As we explore you will get up-close to waterfalls, an old abandoned cannery, rocky islets and forested wilderness as we weave through the twisting passages soaking up the sights and sounds and learning all about the area’s natural history and native influences.

Our first stop today will take us to Ketchikan where tribal leader and local legend Joe Williams, known as Ka Xesh X’e in his native language, will take us on a thoroughly captivating and informative guided tour and help us connect with the Tlingit Culture. Hikes of various degrees will be available, from gentle ambles through the surrounding forest to strenuous hikes along trails and boardwalks past cedar, spruce, streams, and waterfalls.

The afternoon takes us to the beautiful Misty Fjords area. A haven for wildlife, we will be hopeful for sightings of deer, salmon and maybe even some black and grizzly bears as we enjoy an exploration on foot and by sea through the largest Wilderness Area in the Tongass National Forest. You may also enjoy a kayaking excursion through the wetlands and bays surrounded by the awe-inspiring backdrops of deep glacial fjords and imposing granite cliffs.

The plan for today will be a flexible one, with your captain choosing the perfect spots for on-shore excursions and explorations within the Southeast inlets. We may explore more of the Tongass National Forest on a bushwhacking walk, kayak in the bays looking for harbour seals, or taking guided walks along the shore.

Today is set to be another hugely enjoyable one as we push further north and the focus switches to ice and lots of it! In this vast wilderness we will approach LeConte Glacier’s iceberg gardens where the glacial works of art are a delight to witness and photograph. If tides are low, you might take a walk to check out the icebergs resting on the mudflats and get a closer look at these wonders of Mother Nature.

In nearby Ideal Cove, you may wish to join a paddleboarding excursion in the quiet cove surrounded by national forest, or walk the winding boardwalk trails through habitat known as “muskegs,” which are boggy meadows of ferns and grasses.

Our attention turns to marine mammals as we enjoy some whale watching in the abundant glacial waters of Frederick Sound and Chatham Bay. Humpbacks are likely to be spotted, along with possibility of orcas, and based on weather conditions your crew will chart the best course for observation opportunities. You will likely cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs.

Kayaking and skiffing through the wild, forested islets is great here, or you might simply enjoy a stroll along the tide pools looking for sightings of eagles and other seabirds.

Next up is the historic community of Sitka where Alaska’s wild natural history lies all around. With access to the Tongass National Forest all around you, this is the perfect opportunity to take a guided hike into the mountains to a clear lake or along boardwalk trails through a temperate rainforest to a waterfall. Alternatively, you may prefer to enjoy a relaxing walk around the picturesque town with its colourful buildings and welcoming shops.

In the afternoon we will sail into Peril Strait and you can join your expedition guides who share the tragic tales of how this passage earned its foreboding name.

The remote passages of Chichagof Island will today bring more opportunities for whale sightings as we sail around in search of the mighty humpback whales that are often spotted here. We will sail into the Chichagof Island inlet to anchor and hop into kayaks, skiffs or paddleboards to explore the waters and search for whales, seals and seabirds soaring above.

Today may well be one of the highlights of your trip as we make our way to the 3.3 million-acre Glacier Bay National Park for some thoroughly enjoyable exploration. The park was completely covered by ice just over 200 years ago but receding glacier activity has made it now easier to access the inner reaches and enjoy a deeper discovery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your onboard naturalists are experts on the glacial activity here, as well as the wildlife habitats that are also a treat to discover. As you get up as close as possible to the stunning Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers, you will also be on the lookout for Steller sea lions and the abundant seabirds that flock here including puffins, common murres, pigeon guillemots, cormorants and much more.

Our last full day will take us through the channels of deep, twisted mangroves of the Icy Strait where we will again be on the lookout for whales and sea lions, as well as smaller marine wildlife like starfish and jellyfish. You can enjoy your final paddles on kayak or paddleboards and in the evening you can join your captain for a special farewell dinner and slideshow presentation celebrating your voyage.

Arrival in Juneau signals the end of your voyage and after breakfast you will disembark and join your transfer to the airport for onward or homeward travel. Should you wish to extend your stay in Alaska, please enquire for options and suggestions.