This 8-day cruise aboard Safari Quest gives an in-depth exploration of Alaska. Snug-in your kayak, visit the remote bays off of Icy Strait or join the team on a skiff to watch sea lions play. Have your binoculars ready, and look for puffins, Guillemots, gulls, snoozing sea lions, bears, mountain goats, orca and humpback whales in Glacier Bay National Park, Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait. Aside from all these exciting activities, you also have a time to reflect and enjoy the amazing view of Alaska glaciers.
Highlights
Spend a full day in Glacier Bay National Park, joined by a park ranger
Discover orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
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.
Arrive in Juneau, a former gold rush town surrounded by glaciers. After boarding, the ship departs west toward Icy Strait, marking the start of the voyage.
Start the day with morning stretches and coffee on deck. Kayak in remote bays off Icy Strait, paddling through long strands of bullwhip kelp. Join a skiff ride to observe sea lions on nearby rocks, or take a guided hike through the forest to learn about Alaska’s wildlife, plants, and geology. Back on board, unwind in the hot tub.
Day 3: Chichagof Island: Iyoukeen Cove & Basket Bay
Today, you’ll venture deep into the wilderness of Chichagof Island with a stop at Iyoukeen Cove and/or Basket Bay (weather permitting). Once home to Alaska’s only gypsum deposits, Iyoukeen Cove has long since returned to nature. Now it’s a haven for wildlife, where brown bears roam the shoreline, otters play in the kelp, and humpback whales feed just offshore. Here, you may kayak at the mouth of a river or join a guided hike.
Basket Bay is a quiet and rarely visited spot on Chichagof Island with ties to Tlingit heritage. You may hike nearby at the unnamed “Baby Basket Bay” as the crew refers to it. Part of the creek runs underground through a marble grotto which presents excellent kayaking opportunities. Due to the remoteness of this location, wildlife is abundant, including brown bears, otters, and other species, making it a beautiful place to explore.
Today’s adventures take place on Admiralty Island, known to the Tlingit as “Kootznoowoo,” which translates to “Fortress of the Bear.” Your captain assesses conditions and chooses the best destination among Whitewater Bay, or Takatz Bay.
Whitewater Bay is a designated wilderness area located on the West side of Admiralty Island National Monument, which is protected public land set aside to remain largely untouched. Thanks to the small size of the Safari Quest, you have the chance to explore this remote and pristine area, where it is likely you're the only visitors. Whitewater Bay is perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, with bears commonly seen feeding on salmon during mid to late summer.
Takatz Bay is a deep, scenic bay that offers its own opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, with trails leading to remarkable viewpoints around the surrounding forest and water.
Day 5: Warm Springs Bay & Red Bluff Wilderness Area
Warm Springs Bay is a rare and special destination that few visitors to Alaska ever get to experience. It is home to the small village of Baranof, where there is plenty to explore. You may visit the indoor bathhouse featuring hot springs in individual soaking tubs with vast views over the bay. There is also a hiking trail that leads to the natural outdoor hot springs, offering a relaxing soak in a beautiful setting. Beyond the springs lies Baranof Lake, another beautiful spot you may also have the chance to explore. Due to the small size of the Safari Quest, the ship is granted rare access permits to this unique location that even other UnCruise ships cannot go.
Another option for the day is Red Bluff Bay, named for the striking red hills that surround this narrow, deep fjord. The area is home to several waterfalls, and you'll have the chance to bring the boat close so you can take them in. As a designated wilderness area, Red Bluff Bay remains largely untouched, making it an ideal spot for kayaking and skiff tours.
Humpback and orca are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Windham Bay and Stephens Passage. And you’re in for a boot-sucking, paddle-smacking day of adventure with your guide team. The routes are all picked out. Make your choice and make your move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow spotting sea stars and shore birds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle to the salt chuck at the back of the inlet. Or hike into the Tongass. It’s a landscape of hanging waterfalls and shades of green.
Skiffing up Endicott Arm, harbor seals laze around on icebergs. If the tides are right, slip into Fords Terror, the steep walls of this narrow opening streaked with waterfalls. Back in the Arm, gasp at the deep glacier-carved valleys. It’s at the end where you meet the piece de resistance: Dawes Glacier. Blue ice marches down from the Coast Mountains. With a sharp crack, the white thunder of a calving slice makes a mega-splash. Tonight, celebrate with a festive Farewell Dinner and “photo journal” from your expedition team.
Day 8: Juneau | Disembark
1 Breakfast
It’s your last morning of freshly baked pastries. Eat them up and get in your farewells as you cruise into Juneau to transfer to the airport or begin your UnCruise hotel stay or land tour.
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.
$8,8002-3 travelers
Navigator Cabin
C1, C2, C3, C4, C6. King, queen or twin beds, elevated port holes, private bath.
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
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
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