Explore some of the less traveled, most beautiful, and pristine areas of Southeast Alaska during this unique 9-day cruise on the Island Spirit. This incredible voyage allows travelers to experience areas of the Alaskan wilderness by kayak, foot, from the ship, and even by zip line!
Highlights
Revel over the power of nature when you are up close to Dawes Glacier
Admire wildlife with the possibility to witness bears feasting on salmon
Unwind in Tenakee Springs: visit the bakery and discover local art
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board ship at 5:00 PM (please note, there is no early boarding). Scheduled airport pick-ups are provided. For those coming in a day earlier, a luggage pick-up at in-town hotels can be arranged. Your vacation begins with a tour of the Alaska State Museum (395 Whittier St., Juneau). Please meet your naturalist at the door at 2:00 PM for check-in and tour. Sail this evening for your first wilderness anchorage.
This afternoon you’re off for a native experience. Visit the Icy Strait Point “Historic Salmon Cannery.” Enjoy a “Tlingit” cultural experience arranged for your education and entertainment. There’s time for a forest walk or even a thrilling adventure, as you might embark on the optional, world’s longest zip-line. Later this afternoon depart Hoonah, cruising east for your evening anchorage.
Cruise through Chatham Strait as you make your way to Tenakee Springs. This wonderful village of only 98 people gives you the opportunity to see how a quaint Alaskan town lives. Visit the bakery and 1899 mercantile. Local artist wares are available for sale in this unique setting. This afternoon watch for whales as you cruise to your evening anchorage.
This morning explore Chatham Strait, anchor this afternoon for some kayaking, and take an interpretive walk with your Naturalist. Later cruise during dinner to the Captain’s anchorage of choice.
Depending on wildlife and weather, your Captain plans today’s route. Start your day with a small boat ride to see the large gathering of local favorites, Stellar sea lions. Get up close and personal with these boisterous mammals, and enjoy their singing and snorting as you say hello. Later, stop by Thomas Bay for a little beach walk and glacier viewing. Then it’s on your way to the Scandinavian fishing village of Petersburg, where you can enjoy an evening in port.
This morning enjoy a muskeg walk and scenic stroll overlooking Frederick Sound and Devil’s Thumb. Afterwards, you may choose to visit the local museum and small locally owned shops. Sail this afternoon for Stephen’s Passage. Weather permitting, visit Five Fingers lighthouse, continuing to your evening anchorage in Holkam Bay. Five Fingers lighthouse is occupied by a favorite marine biologist, Fred Sharp. If available, Fred joins you onboard for a discussion of the local humpback whale population, known to frequent this area.
Today visit beautiful Endicott Arm and view magnificent Dawes Glacier from the comfort of your vessel. Watch for harbor seals that rest on the ice. Later today, enter a magical place - Ford’s Terror, named after an early mariner unfamiliar to the lively Alaska waters. This region is some of the most scenic in the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy a full day in Ford’s Terror, beginning the day with brunch, then taking skiff rides with your naturalist, or kayaking to watch nature at its best. Be among a handful on the planet to visit this majestic fjord for 24 hours. It’s one of the most majestic hidden fjords in Southeast AK. Later this evening dock in Juneau, back where you began!
Day 9: Disembark in Juneau
1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast onboard, trade emails, and say farewell to your crew and new friends. Shuttles are provided to the airpor or hotels.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,500
Notes
- A fuel surcharge may be added due to fuel price volatility.
- All rates are quoted in USD and are based on double occupancy.
- Limited special single cabins available on first come first served basis for the same rate.
Initial deposit is $1200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
/454x364.webp)
/454x364.webp)
