Wilderness Passages of Discovery
« All Wilderness Adventurer cruise options
- Day 1 Sail from Seattle, Washington
- Day 2 Crusing Salish Sea/ Friday Harbor
- Day 3 Exploring the San Juan Islands
- Days 4-6 Canada’s Inside Passage
- Day 7 Misty Fjords National Monument
- Day 8 Ketchikan
- Day 9 El Capitan Passage
- Day 10 Klawock Native Village
- Day 11 Chatham Strait Exploration
- Day 12 Frederick Sound
- Day 13 The Brothers Island / Stephen's Passage
- Day 14 Endicott Arm and Ford’s Terror Wilderness
- Day 15 Arrive in Juneau — Disembark
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Navigator | Trailblazer | Pathfinder | |
- All rates are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy.
- Rates do not include port taxes and fees, which vary by itinerary.
- Children 12 years of age or younger receive a 25% savings on Family Departure dates.
Deposit & Payment - Rates do not include port taxes and fees, which vary by itinerary.
- Children 12 years of age or younger receive a 25% savings on Family Departure dates.
Day 1 Sail from Seattle, Washington
After transfer from the airport, you will cruise northward from Seattle's historic Fishermen's Terminal passing through the Hiram-Chittenden Locks and into Puget Sound. You will continue on through Deception Pass, a dramatic and narrow cut between two islands, before dropping anchor in a quiet cove for the night.
Day 2 Crusing Salish Sea/ Friday Harbor
Forested islands dot the seascape of this yachter’s paradise. Youll "gunkhole" close to shore by skiff or kayak. Explore quaint Friday Harbor and its fascinating Whale Museum. Keep watch for the resident orca pods.
Day 3 Exploring the San Juan Islands
The Pacific Northwest is where the term "gunkholing" originated. Today you'll "gunkhole" close to shore, spending hours getting even closer by skiff, kayak and by foot on islands such as tree-lined Sucia. As you depart for Canadian waters in the afternoon, all eyes are needed on deck to keep lookout for orca whales!
Days 4-6 Canada’s Inside Passage
As you head northward, fishing communities give way to forested mountains and intricate waterways. Search for orca whales, seals and sea lions, dolphins and porpoise and you'll be able to observe migratory birds. Learn about native influences which shaped the history of these remote and sparsely-populated islands such as Cormorant Island, home to the tiny community of Alert Bay and the world's largest totem pole. Pause for an up-close view of the dilapidated buildings of the former cannery town of Butedale as they silently and slowly edge toward the icy waters of Princess Louisa Channel. A short distance beyond Prince Rupert, B.C. lies the U.S./Canadian border. The first night in the United State's continuation of the Inside Passage will be spent anchored near Misty Fjords National Monument.
Day 7 Misty Fjords National Monument
Home to nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska—glacial valleys filled with sea water, and steep walls are a haven for wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world.
Day 8 Ketchikan
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 the Saxman Totem Village, Tlingit culture, and the notorious Creek Street, once a red-light district. Watch for eagles as you cruise out of Ketchikan.
Day 9 El Capitan Passage
Get closer to nature in El Capitan Passage. Hike through high forest on an old logging trail or trek to El Capitan Cave. Stop at Marble Island for freshly harvested oysters and fish from a local family.
Day 10 Klawock Native Village
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.
Day 11 Chatham Strait Exploration
It’s Captain’s Choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait’s Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water. Conditions permitting, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel. Snorkeling is optional, but hidden beneath the surface lies a magical array of sea life only seen with a snorkel swim. Take a deep breath and go for it! Today’s discoveries will be within some of the most un-touched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.
Day 12 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 13 The Brothers Island / 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 14 Endicott Arm and Ford’s Terror Wilderness
Be awed by blue ice and the white thunder of calving ice at Dawes Glacier. Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror to admire magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness. Join the Captain in a farewell toast this evening.
Day 15 Arrive in Juneau — Disembark
A Bon Voyage breakfast ends your ship journey; however, there are many enticing ways to extend your journey. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or arrange for an add-on overnight stay or an extended land tour.
Itinerary Notes
Included in your fare:* Educational programming - interpretive lectures, guest speakers, narrative
* All meals aboard the ships
* Kayaking, guided hiking, and small boat exploration
* Onboard Expedition Leaders
* Airport transfers
Not included in your fare:
* Airfare to and from your home city
* Liquor, beer, wine
* Discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare
* Travel insurance
* Select optional onboard excursions, payable on board.
* Optional pre- or post-night hotel stays or land extensions
* Fishing excursions, caving, jet boat trips or guided overnight trips
* Port charges, taxes and fees
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $950 for one week cruises, $1700 for two or three week cruises, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | Half of deposit |
| 90-61 days | Full deposit |
| 60-46 days | 55% trip cost |
| 45-31 days | 80% trip cost |
| 30-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Wilderness Adventurer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 60
The small ship, Wilderness Adventurer, is an expedition ship capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. The shallow draft and hull design allow easy access to Southeast Alaska’s wildlife-rich shores and glacially-fed inlets and serve as ideal “launching pads” for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. A fully-equipped fishing boat also travels with each small ship.
Life aboard the Wilderness Adventurer
The interior spaces offer contemporary colors and brushed metals that complement the wilderness outside and both the public and private spaces are loaded with special amenities.
Large flat screen TVs in the main salon are available to show personal videos captured during the excursions while everyone gathers together at night - spawning lively discussion on the most amazing encounter or the best "fish story." A large selection of micro-brews, wine and spirits are available for purchase at the bar while reliving the day's activities. Educational presentations from the onboard Naturalists are also broadcast on certain nights in the salon and into the cabins.
Evenings onboard ship offer opportunities to relax with a good book, rejuvenate with a massage or rejoice with your fellow adventurers. Each day offers a cocktail hour followed by a delicious and healthy meal, plus opportunities to learn from locals and onboard Expedition Leaders/Naturalists.
While comfortable public areas encourage engaging conversations and cozy relaxation, you may also choose to retreat to your cabin to watch a DVD or view videos taken during the day by your fellow shipmates as they are piped in from the central control station.
Each ship has a large resource library and hundreds of DVD titles.
Cabin Amenities
Each cabin offers private facilities and view windows. Each cabin also has an iPod docking station. The bathrooms feature a hair dryer and sundries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion.
The ships are equipped with flat screen TVs/DVDs in each cabin. All cabins are linked electronically so that videos shot during each day can be shared across the ship on designated channels.
Daily Excursions
Wilderness Adventurer provides most of the gear required for your explorations. Each ship is equipped with kayaks, drysuits, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, inflatable boats, trekking poles, reuseable water bottles and overnight camping gear.
Ship Specifics
Capacity: 64
Crew Complement: 16
Draft: 6.5 feet
Length: 156 feet
Beam: 38 feet
Cruising Speed: 10 knots
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Navigator Main Deck, cabins 200-208, 210. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window. |
 | Trailblazer Observation Deck, cabins 301-302, 307-320. Queen bed or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window |
 | Pathfinder Observation deck, cabins 303-306. Outside entry, queen bed with small bench seat, private bath with shower and view window. |
