Wilderness Passages of Discovery
« All Wilderness Explorer cruise options
- Day 1 Seattle, Washington — Embark
- Day 2 Cruising the Salish Sea / Friday Harbor
- Day 3 San Juan Islands
- Days 4-6 Canada’s Inside Passage
- Day 7 Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska
- 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 Islands / Stephen's Passage
- Day 14 Endicott Arm / Ford’s Terror Wilderness
- Day 15 Juneau — Disembark
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||
| Trailblazer Cabin | Pathfinder Cabin | Explorer Cabin | |
- 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 Seattle, Washington — Embark
Sail from Fishermen's Terminal, through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, and on to Deception Pass—a dramatic and narrow cut between two islands.
Day 2 Cruising the Salish Sea / Friday Harbor
Forested islands dot the seascape of this yachter’s paradise. You’ll "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 San Juan Islands
Spend another day weaving through the islands of Washington state before entering Canadian waters.
Days 4-6 Canada’s Inside Passage
Intricate waterways and fjords alongside temperate rainforests and mountains are ideal for sightings of orca, seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise, and birds. Native influences have shaped these sparsely-populated islands and communities. Keep your eye out for orcas and other wildlife as you make your way north through Canada's Inside Passage. Pass the ghost town of Butedale, on British Columbia’s Princess Royal Island, before reaching Prince Rupert, BC and again crossing the US/Canadian border.
Day 7 Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska
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 we 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 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 14 Endicott Arm / 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 Juneau — Disembark
Disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your add-on overnight stay or 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 Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 76
The newly renovated 76-guest Wilderness Explorer is equipped for action, adventure, and exploration. As with her sister “Wilderness” ships, its interior complements the outside and public and private spaces are loaded with amenities. The ship offers a main lounge that evokes the feel of a National Park Lodge or neighborhood pub, dining room, and ample space on deck for taking in the great outdoors.
On board the Wilderness Explorer:
Three accessible decks are fully equipped for comfort and action. Guests enjoy over-the-top views from the bow or from under-the-stars in two hot tubs; on-deck sauna and fitness equipment; and the EZ Dock launch platform makes getting in the water a synch, even for a novice. Onboard are kayaks; stand-up paddle boards; inflatable skiffs; hiking poles; yoga mats; hydrophone for listening below-surface; and a bow-mounted underwater camera pipes the action to the lounge and to your cabin TV.
Guest Accommodations:
The three cabin categories aboard the Wilderness Explorer: Trailblazer, Pathfinder and Explorer provide single and double accommodation. All cabins are above deck with view windows.
Common to all Wilderness Explorer cabins are flat-screen TV/DVD and iPod docking station.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Trailblazer Cabin Feature queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window. |
 | Pathfinder Cabin Feature queen or twin beds, private bath with shower, and view window. |
 | Explorer Cabin Feature a sitting area, fixed queen bed, private bath with shower and large picture window. |
