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Breaching Orca Whale

Alaska Fjords & Glaciers

Juneau to Ketchikan - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Discoverer
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Travel on an 8-day expedition from Juneau to Ketchikan aboard Wilderness Discoverer. Explore Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, navigate Frederick Sound for whale watching, and visit Thomas Bay, the Blashke Islands, Behm Canal, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Experience Southeast Alaska’s fjords, forests, and wildlife through skiff tours, kayaking, and guided hikes. This itinerary combines glacier scenery, cultural history, and coastal communities in a clear, structured journey on this Alaska adventure cruise.
Family paddle boarding.View of Mendenhall glacier on an Alaska cruiseAlaska cruise and wildlife viewing toursElk feeding on the lush grass.Breaching Orca Whale
Highlights
  • Explore Endicott Arm and observe Dawes Glacier scenery
  • Watch humpback whales while cruising Frederick Sound waters
  • Explore Misty Fjords National Monument by skiff
  • Kayak, paddle board, skiff, and hike in glacial landscapes and old growth
  • Navigate Thomas Bay and experience glacially carved landscapes
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Juneau, Alaska | Embark

As you walk the gangway to the Wilderness Discoverer, the trip begins. Meet the captain and crew and settle into your cabin for the week. A welcome drink is served in the lounge. After departing the dock, head to the outdoor deck or use the binoculars in your cabin to watch for wildlife, including possible whale spouts on the horizon.

Day 2: Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier Wilderness Area

Overnight, the ship reaches Endicott Arm. Steep granite cliffs rise above blue water, and icebergs move through the fjord. U-shaped valleys reflect past glacial activity. Harbor seals rest on floating ice with their pups nearby. As the ship slows and the temperature drops, Dawes Glacier becomes visible. Dress warmly and board a skiff for a closer view of the glacier, or join a kayak outing for a paddle, conditions permitting.

Day 3: Frederick Sound Whale Watching

Misty spouts on the horizon signal what is in store. Humpback whales are in the neighborhood. As you navigate whale-rich waters, your expedition team has the day’s adventures ready. Paddle at your own pace, watch for sea stars and shorebirds along the shoreline, or charge ahead on a longer kayak journey or a guided hike into the heart of the Tongass. Skiff tours, snorkeling opportunities, and hikes offer another perspective on this wildlife-filled region. Either way, today is about going big in whale country.

Day 4: Thomas Bay | Wrangell Narrows

Glacially carved Thomas Bay is a mosaic of moraines, muskegs, and shimmering mudflats. Enjoy an open paddle over glassy waters where fjord walls reflect like mirrors, exploring at your own pace. Or join a skiff tour over these waters or a waterfall hike or bushwack. Depending on when Captain sets sail, you may get to witness Wrangell Narrows, nicknamed Christmas Tree Lane for its vibrant red and green navigational lights. It is a peek into everyday life in Southeast Alaska’s backcountry.

Day 5: Blashke Islands

Today, you have space to roam. Remote and rugged, the Blashke Islands are a choose-your-own-adventure playground, where dense forests beckon exploration. Hike, kayak, snorkel, skiff, or opt into a full-day yak-and-whack expedition. Here, you can experience the unique intertidal life that exists between this wonderland of islands. Keep your eyes out for orcas, who frequent these waters.

Day 6: Behm Canal

Winding through remote coves and forested bays, Behm Canal is Southeast Alaska in its purest form. This day offers a choice of low-elevation trail hikes alongside rushing streams, with opportunities to photograph dripping moss, dense forest, and the wildlife that calls this place home, including black bears, eagles, and mink on land, and porpoises, seals, and otters in the water. Calm, protected waters make this one of the best places of the week for open paddling, with options for all-day hikes, kayaking, and skiff tours as you explore the quiet beauty of the canal.

Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument

Some places do not just take your breath away; they leave you speechless. Misty Fjords is one of them. Sheer 3,000-foot cliffs, glacially carved valleys, and rainforest-cloaked slopes cradle every paddle and skiff ride. Explore Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay by water during an open paddle, skiff, or even (if the conditions are just right) a long-drop paddle where you’ll enjoy the experience of feeling truly left in the wilds of Alaska, or float quietly and take it all in. End the day with a festive Farewell Dinner and a slideshow of the week’s best moments, lovingly assembled by your guide team.

Day 8: Ketchikan | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
All good journeys must end, and this one concludes in Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World. After breakfast, say farewell to your crew and fellow adventurers. Ask for local tips if you are staying longer. There is still plenty of Alaska to explore. Until next time!

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Discoverer

Wilderness Discoverer

Wilderness Discoverer is an expedition ship capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. Offering her 76 passengers an exciting array of daily adventure excursions, explore Alaska on this unique small ship.
Wilderness Discoverer
Wilderness Discoverer in the San Juans PNW
Wilderness Discoverer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2027 Alaska Early Booking Discount 27020
Book now and receive 10% savings when you book your 2027 Alaska trip early. *Does not include Aleutians.

This is valid for new bookings, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other discounts. Cruise only, does not apply to land and hotel packages. All offers are capacity-controlled and may expire at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.​
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Alaska 2026: $250 Per Person Savings 27133
Book now and save up to $250 per person on select sailings aboard the Safari Endeavour, Wilderness Legacy, and Wilderness Adventurer.

This is valid for new bookings, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other discounts. All offers are capacity-controlled and may expire at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.​
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Per person starting at
$4,900 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Wilderness Discoverer's Navigator Cabin.
Navigator
Main Deck, cabins 201, 204-208 and 210. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Interior Cabin
Trailblazer
Observation Deck, cabins 310-325. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Wilderness Discoverer's Pathfinder Cabin.
Pathfinder
Observation Deck, cabins 300-309. Outside entry, queen bed, sitting area, private bath with shower and view window.
Wilderness Discoverer's Explorer Double Cabin.
Admiral
Sun Deck, cabins 400-403. Separate sitting area, queen or twin beds, private bath with shower, large picture window with sofa bed/triple.

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
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • Wellness amenities 
  • From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
     
  • Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
  • Entry fees to national parks/preserves
  • Premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines)
  • Exclusive activities and shore visits
  • Onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts
  • Limited Wi-Fi is available in Alaska, with access restricted to 7 pm - 9 am to preserve the UnCruise onboard experience.
  • Port fees & taxes
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Optional excursions and land tours

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