Western Coves

Day 1 Embark on your adventure in Ketchikan

Prepare to be whisked into your own private Alaska. Once onboard, soak in the sights as you cruise through the Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island (where Ketchikan is located) from Prince of Wales Island, the third largest island in the United States and one of the best-kept tourist secrets in all of Alaska.

Watch for majestic bald eagles and other sea birds perched in shoreline trees, where more than 100 migrating species of birds return every year. Keep your camera at the ready to catch the Sitka black-tailed deer and sea lions, seals, playful sea otters and porpoise. After meeting your crew and getting acquainted with your ship’s features, finish the evening with a delicious meal while keeping an eye on lookout for orca and humpback whales as you cruise through Clarence Strait. Not bad for your first five hours of vacation.

Day 2 El Capitan Passage / Devilfish Bay

Wake to breathtaking views of the expansive Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, rising on either side of Devilfish Bay. The El Capitan Passage, a 27-mile long waterway dividing Prince of Wales and Kosciusko Islands, offers many ways to get closer to nature. Drop crab pots en route to prime fishing waters. Wind through the high forests of on an old logging road. Paddle the scenic, 4-mile roundtrip around Devilfish Cove. And don’t miss Beaver Falls and El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in North America.

In the afternoon, get a taste of life in the remote wilderness. Stop by Marble Island, named for the famous Tokeen Marble Quarry, to pick up freshly harvested oysters and fish from a local family. During cocktail hour, family members come aboard to share their unique perspective of life in the Alaskan outback. Then, as the sunset casts its shadows over the Karheen Passage and Tonowek Narrows, relax over a delicious meal and maybe indulge in a sauna or hot tub soak before bed. Tonight some may choose to kayak and then camp ashore. (additional fees apply, contact us for details)

Day 3 Klawock

As the sun rises over the Tlingit village of Klawock, the living history of native Alaska lies in wait. Spend the morning gaining a better understanding about the importance of carving in Alaskan culture, mixing with the locals and gazing up at the twenty-one restored totem poles that color the town. Hear the stories of the totems at the park and at the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on to the local youth.

In the afternoon, you may choose to kayak close-in or for distance. Explore the Klawock area on foot or by kayak, keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds and whales. End the day with a short skiff tour to savor the crisp air and breathtaking scenery. Relax with a high quality draft beer in the lounge or indulge in a luxurious massage.

Day 4 Baranof Island / Little Port Walter / Mist Cove

Anchored in Little Port Walter, the day offers many options for how to experience the wondrous landscape. In the morning, choose between a half-day fishing excursion, kayaking to Big Port Walter, a glorious hike on Sashin Lake Trail or take it easy with a shorter hike to the site of an ancient native fish weir to explore an abandoned cannery. Later, visit a NOAA field fisheries site and hike in Mist Cove for seemingly never-ending views, until you come face-to-face with an enormous waterfall. Whether you cheer or paddle, save time for the pre-lunch kayak races.

Continue your adventure into the afternoon or take to the water in a new way. Search the depths while snorkeling. Swim through the refreshing port waters. Give your best Tarzan cry on the rope swing or show some style with a platform dive. Then show ‘em how its done during the rope swing and platform diving contests held after lunch, and make sure to sweet-talk the crew who will judge the contest based on style. If you haven’t had enough chances to defend your honor already, join in the swim races around the ship. Back onboard, meet a fisheries expert from Deer Lake aquaculture who joins us for dinner and a presentation.

Day 5 Frederick Sound

Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife – they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

Day 6 The Brothers Islands / Stephen's Passage

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, and sea lions. Tonight, anchor in quiet bay and listen for the call of the wild.

Day 7 Endicott Arm / Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area

On the last full day of your journey, prepare to have your breath taken away by sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountains. Endicott Arm frequently offers respite to seals on the smaller, ‘bergy bits’ and sometimes, it gets a little crowded. Kayak toward the glowing blue of Dawes Glacier face from 6 hours or 1.5 hours away. Or grab your camera and see it all from the ease of a skiff.

During the lunch hour, tides permitting, the ship will move up to Ford’s Terror, a narrow passage named after a naval crewmember who was stranded in the turbulent tidal water for six hours. Armed with tide tables, your ship can safely skiff through Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys and pristine wilderness that surround it. Back aboard, you will be greeted with cocktails and a cheery camaraderie as you join the Captain in a farewell toast. Anchored at Woods Spit, enjoy a wonderful dinner and even better conversations with all the new friends you’ve made on your journey.

Day 8 Juneau / Disembark

When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as your ship voyages into Juneau. A Bon Voyage breakfast ends your ship journey, however there are many enticing ways to extend your journey from here. A flight or helicopter tour over the Juneau Ice Field, trekking over Mendenhall Glacier and exploring the ice caves or dog mushing. Parting can be such sweet sorrow, and if your schedule allows it, please feel free to join your ship as she cruises an entirely different route on the return trip from Juneau to Ketchikan.