Highlights of this 8-day cruise aboard Wilderness Discoverer include exploring the mainland of Alaska — glacial landscapes, old growth, and rainforest. Along the way enjoy wilderness hikes, massive icebergs, and calving glaciers; watch for wildlife and whales in Frederick Sound; kayak, paddle board, and wildlife-watch in Stephen's Passage; explore Tongass National Forest on hikes and shore walks; discover isolated coves and dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument; visit Wrangell's Kiksetti Totem Park and Chief Shakes Tribal House, and; transit Wrangell Narrows and wildlife-rich Behm Canal. Awe-inspiring glaciers, wildlife, and rainforests await you on this Alaska adventure cruise!
Highlights
Explore the glacial landscapes of Thomas Bay
See whales in Stephens Passage, and wildlife in Tongass National Forest
Navigate winding Wrangell Narrows and Behm Canal
Kayak, paddle board, skiff, and hike in glacial landscapes and old growth
Adventure exploration in Misty Fjords National Monument
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.
The scent of the sea greets you as you step aboard the ship. After meeting the captain and crew, take time to get settled into your cabin and explore the vessel that serves as your home for the week. A welcome drink is offered in the lounge before departure. Once the ship leaves the dock, head to the deck with binoculars from your cabin to watch for whale spouts on the horizon.
Day 2: Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier Wilderness Area
Overnight, the ship enters Endicott Arm, a fjord surrounded by steep granite walls rising above pale blue water and drifting icebergs. The landscape shows traces of the last Ice Age, with U-shaped valleys and harbor seals resting on ice alongside their pups. As the ship moves deeper into the fjord, the air grows cooler and the passage narrows. Near the end, a large wall of blue ice—Dawes Glacier—comes into view, marking the day’s destination. Passengers can join a skiff tour for a closer look at this active tidewater glacier in Southeast Alaska.
Humpback whales are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Stephens Passage. You’re in for a boot-sucking, paddle-smacking day of adventure with your guide team. Routes are all mapped, so make your choice and make a move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow, spotting sea stars and shore birds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle or take hike into the legendary Tongass.
Thomas Bay’s glacial landscapes are marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. In this playground paddle or skiff the mineral-rich waters. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. You’ve come a long way as this is the backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness. In the distance, a symphony of water emerges – the resonant flow of Cascade Creek, cutting through the forest in a mesmerizing display of waterfalls. Count the navigational markers as you get a peek into life as only local Southeast Alaskans can relate to. Wrangell Narrows boasts abundant bright red and green navigation lights guiding the way – that may be why it’s aptly nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane.”
The Blashke Islands, located off the southern coast of Alaska, form an enchanting archipelago renowned for its rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. Carved by glaciers and shaped by the relentless forces of nature, these islands boast dramatic landscapes characterized by dense forests. This is your playground today. A full day of choose-your-own-adventure fun. Hiking, Kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and full day yak-n-whack excursions exploring the many islands and their local inhabitants (including otters). Get ready for a full day!
In Behm Canal, it’s all remote waterways and the isolated Tongass National Forest coves, streams, and bays. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike near clear, rushing streams. Opportunities to flex your photography skills for enticing forested shots of Southeast. Wildlife abounds! On land black bears, mink, eagles - and in the water: porpoises, seals, and otters go about their business. Go about yours on a guided paddle in tiny, deserted waterways that feed into the canal or on a meandering trail to experience the flora and fauna.
There are places on the planet that completely overcome you, this is one of them. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water, sheer 3,000-foot cliffs, sea birds, bears and Sitka black-tailed deer all find safe haven here. Choose your own adventure strategy in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay, where you can paddle, skiff to the base of a waterfall for fjord released shower, or sit and float to take it all in. Whatever you choose, you’ll find out why the affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is well deserved. As a fitting end to your Alaskan journey, share a Farewell Dinner with your Captain, celebrating the week's adventures and capturing memories with a photo slideshow presented by your dedicated guide team. It's the perfect conclusion to a week in the wilds of Southeast.
Day 8: Ketchikan | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The ship is hard to say goodbye to, but the time together ends here in Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the World, there are more adventures to be had–ask your crew for suggestions as you depart and wave goodbye to your crew –new friends made along the way. See you again!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,4002-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Navigator
Main Deck, cabins 201, 204-208 and 210. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Trailblazer
Observation Deck, cabins 310-325. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Pathfinder
Observation Deck, cabins 300-309. Outside entry, queen bed, sitting area, private bath with shower and view window.
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.
Initial deposit is 20% of the cruise plus port taxes and fees and 50% of any land services, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard or Discover
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!
