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Bear sighting in Alaska

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Explorer
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Join the Wilderness Explorer for this 8-day voyage that takes you into the jewel of the U.S. National Park System. Kayak, paddle board, snorkel, and skiff to explore this majestic region and Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikes ashore in Glacier Bay National Park and along Chichagof Island’s waterfall coast as well as visits to South Marble Island to view sea lion haul-outs are just a few of the many highlights on this spectacular cruise.
Family paddle boarding.Alaska travel and dall sheep grazing on Alaska hillsideFamily hiking on a tour of AlaskaWhale watching from a zodiac in Alaska.Bear sighting in Alaska
Highlights
  • Attend presentations by a Park Ranger on board in Glacier Bay National Park
  • Hike at Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove
  • Observe a birding colony and sea lion haulout at South Marble Island
  • Discover the intertidal zones of Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Juneau, Alaska

Welcome aboard! Meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates. Within minutes you are cruising the magical channels of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Day 2: Captain’s Choice

Plying the remote waterways of Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, the captain sets the course for adventure! Wake up at anchor and kick off the morn with on-deck yoga stretches. Then slip into a kayak or step onto a paddle board and glide along rocky outcroppings with your guides. While you keep watch for playful harbor seals in these protected waters, bald eagles likely monitor your improving paddling skills from the treetops.

Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park

One of America’s crown jewel national parks is yours to explore—Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. A National Park Ranger joins you to uncover coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. Linger near South Marble Island to spot the many species of rare sea birds that call this area home. Keep your eyes on the water and the island for brightly colored puffins and black oystercatchers. With much to see all around you, you can find sea lions, mountain goats, bears, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay.

Day 4: Icy Strait

Set the course for some of the most remote waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the captain on the bridge or the expedition team out on deck in search of whales and marine mammals. Camera in hand, begin your land and sea exploration of these wilderness reaches. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the wild coastline with eyes set on the shore for possible bear sightings.

Day 5: Chichagof Island | Peril Strait

Meander along the coast of Chichagof Island. In the UnCruise expedition spirit, marvel at the unbelievable scenery as your crew expertly guides you through glacier-carved fjords. Anchor in remote coves for an opportunity to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Explore the shoreline on an intertidal walk or forest hike with your guides. Wend along Peril Strait—a twisting channel known for dramatic currents, Peril Strait runs 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound.

Day 6: Sergius Narrows | Neva Strait

Opening at Hoonah Sound, the aptly named Sergius Narrows—squeezing to only 300 feet wide in one spot and a shallow 24 feet deep—is a great place to watch the shoreline for bears, the waters for otters and whales, and skyward for eagles. The rugged rock fingers of the narrows winds into scenic Neva Strait. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a frosty microbrew or hot toddy.

Day 7: Krestof & Nakwasina Sounds

There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island, but along its western side lay hundreds of remote, uninhabited islands, and endless opportunities for dropping anchor and adventure. With many secluded coves and islands to choose from, discover the region’s intertidal zones, or from your skiff or kayak, watch for whales and sea lions. Gear up for a guided hike with your expedition team for a new perspective of the vast Tongass National Forest. After an active day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your expedition team.

Day 8: Disembark in Sitka, Alaska

  • 1 Breakfast
Gather for breakfast this morning as you cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. Transfer to the airport or begin your hotel stay or land tour.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Explorer

Relax on the sun deck of the Wilderness Explorer.
Wilderness Explorer Bridge
Hot tub on Wilderness Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises.
Wilderness explorer Navigator cabin
Navigator Cabin
#215; 302. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Trailblazer Cabin.
Trailblazer Cabin
#105-106; 207-214; 303; 305-306; 309-312. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Pathfinder Cabin
Pathfinder Cabin
#107-114; 202-206. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer Admiral Cabin
Admiral Cabin
#301, 304, 313-314. Sitting area, refrigerator, fixed queen bed, large picture window, and private bath with shower.
Navigator Single
#104. L-shaped twin beds; view window; private bath with a shower

Notes

Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park and Entrance Fees 
  • Premium spirits, wine, beer & non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port taxes/fees
  • Optional snorkeling: arranged and paid for locally.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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