Sail from Fishermen's Terminal through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks where you're lowered twenty feet into the Salish Sea, one of the earth's largest estuaries. This evening, make your way to an anchorage near the Olympic Peninsula as your Inside Passage small ship cruise gets underway.

Explore quaint Friday Harbor and its fascinating Whale Museum. Shaped and molded by the last ice age, forested islands dot the shores of the Salish Sea. Weave through the inlets of this yachter’s paradise—keeping watch for the resident orca pods—and sail northward into Canadian waters.

Mountains rise higher and fjords become more dramatic. Intricate waterways and fjords alongside temperate rainforests are ideal for sighting orca, seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, porpoise, sea birds, and spotting bald eagles from on deck. Unlock the natural history of the area and discover how Native influences and the fishing and forest industries have shaped these sparsely-populated islands and communities.

Take in the pure, wilderness air and fill your days through the passage with splendid scenery, relaxation, and plenty of onboard activities. Your expedition team aims to entertain and keep you busy with engaging presentations, games, and enlightening narration. Pass the ghost town of Butedale, on British Columbia’s Princess Royal Island, before passing through Prince Rupert, BC and crossing the US/Canadian border into Alaska.

Home to nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska—stunning glacial valleys filled with sea water, untouched wetlands and estuaries, and 3,000-foot vertical cliffs that are a haven for wildlife. Soak in the splendor of the world with an up-close look at this majestic, 2.3 million-acre wilderness.

Alaska’s southernmost city and “salmon capital of the world” also claims fame to having the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. Explore Tlingit culture, and the notorious Creek Street, once a red-light district in downtown Ketchikan.

Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, in El Capitan Passage, high forest and the El Capitan Cave are highlights. If the time is right, stop at Marble Island for freshly harvested oysters and fish from a local family.

Discover living history in Klawock—one of Alaska’s most authentic Tlingit villages. Locals share stories and the importance of carving in Alaskan culture. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on to the local youth.

It’s Captain’s Choice today. Explore intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait’s Kuiu or Baranof Islands.

Lush forest, spectacular views, playtime, and wildlife—they are all in abundance. Watch the coast for birds, wolves, and black bears. Slip into a secluded cove to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak.

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere.

Be awed by blue ice and the calving white thunder at the face of Dawes Glacier. Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror to admire magnificent domes. This evening, join the Captain in a farewell during dinner.

Your Alaska small ship cruise comes to an end as you disembark after breakfast and transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your independent journey.