Enjoy a small ship Alaska cruise expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle, which provides more flexibility for wildlife encounters and access to tiny coves and inlets. Along the British Inside Passage, visit small communities such as the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island. In wilderness areas including Misty Fjords and Tracy Arm-Fords Terror, Zodiac-cruise and kayak amongst glittering icebergs, keep your camera ready for encounters with whales, harbor seals, and mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles. Explore Cape Saint Elias and its lighthouse by Zodiac. Experience some of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers, including Mendenhall, South Sawyer, Hubbard, and the calving tidewater glaciers in the enormous Prince William Sound. Your cruise ends in the remote fishing port of Seward, where you depart for Anchorage.
Highlights
Experience the Tsimshian indigenous culture in Metlakatla
Explore spectacular Prince William Sound with its countless fjords
Experience Alaska’s iconic glaciers, including South Sawyer, Baird and more
Enjoy the islands around Icy Strait with wildlife viewing
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your group hotel. Upon check-in, the reception staff provides you with cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your luggage to your cabin. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners at our voyage briefing this evening.
On a sightseeing tour, get a glimpse into Vancouver’s main highlights, including Stanley Park, Granville Island, Prospect Point and Gastown, before transferring to the pier for embarkation. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before learning important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Sail the southern stretches of British Columbia’s Inside Passage, navigating through narrow straits and channels that are inhabited by vast pods of orca, while admiring views of cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, temperate forests and the abundant marine life.
On Annette Island, experience the extraordinary history, art, and cultural traditions of the Tsimshian tribe of Metlakatla Indian Community, the only Indian Reserve in Alaska.
The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Yellow Hill Hike , Walking Town Tour & Totem Pole Journey, Skater’s Lake Trail Walk & Totem Journey.
Disembark in historic Wrangell, an important town that was founded by Russians in 1834, and which once thrived on fur and gold trading. Enjoy Wrangell’s main highlights, including a visit to Petroglyph Beach to see ancient rock carvings, and a visit to the city museum to learn about Wrangell’s colorful history. In the afternoon, anchor in Thomas Bay, a wilderness location shrouded in the mysterious local legends, for an exploration around Baird Glacier.
Day 7: Frederick Sound | Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Frederick Sound is a summer feeding ground for the northern hemisphere’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Keep watch for humpbacks, orca, and Steller sea lions. In Tracy Arm, glide along the steep walled fjords of a watery wilderness area that has been likened to Yosemite and enjoy views of snow-covered mountains. Zodiac-cruise or kayak in search of wildlife at the back of the Tracy Arm, home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Spot for harbor seals resting on ‘bergy bits’ which calve regularly from the active tidewater glaciers.
Nestled at the base of towering mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, Juneau’s rich culture, and history is reflected throughout the town and its beautiful attractions. In Alaska’s scenic capital, we visit nearby Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most famous glaciers. The glacier is 2.4 km / 1.5 miles wide and is fed by the Juneau Icefield, and ranks as the largest, most rugged glacier that is accessible by road in Alaska. Hike the trails near the glacier to enjoy panoramic views. Back in town, enjoy free time to explore and learn about Juneau’s local history with a visit to the newly-built Alaska State Museum.
The area around Icy Strait features the Inian Islands, George Island, Point Adolphus and Elfin Cove and offers some of the best opportunities for Zodiac-cruising and kayaking. Here you can find an abundance of iconic Alaskan wildlife, including whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbour seals, bald eagles and brown bears.
As you sail west across the Gulf of Alaska, the expert team entertains you with talks on wildlife, glaciers, and the rich history of Alaska – from indigenous settlement through to the Russian fur trade and the European rush for gold. In the afternoon, arrive in Disenchantment Bay, home to Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater Glacier, search Kittlitz’s murrelet, Aleutian terns and brown bears hunting salmon along the shore.
Kayak Island is the remote, uninhabited spot where in 1741, zoologist and botanist Georg Wilhelm Steller became one of the first Europeans to set foot on Alaskan soil. Serving as naturalist on Vitus Bering’s voyage to explore a sea route from Russia to North America, Steller recorded the first evidence of Alaskan Inuit and cataloged an array of flora and fauna, many of which now bear his name. Weather-dependent, explore Cape Saint Elias and its lighthouse by Zodiac or kayak.
Framed by the impressive Chugach Mountains, spend two days exploring Prince William Sound, an area of rugged coastline that is home to more tidewater glaciers than anywhere else on Earth. Zodiac-cruise among icebergs, and forest-covered islands rich in wildlife including puffins, sea lions and seals. Glacier Island at the opening of Columbia Bay offers great wildlife encounters, vast amounts of sea ice, diverse geological formations and sea caves. Columbia and Meares Glaciers are both extremely active, produce vast quantities of ice where seals haul out on icebergs in front of them. Granite Bay features steep cliff walls where the northernmost stand of yellow cedars is found, and where mountain goats can be seen clinging to the cliff face. Kayak in College Fjord, with several glaciers named after Ivy League universities such as Harvard and Yale, which funded the 1899 exploration and discovery of the fjord.
Day 14: Seward | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Seward and transfer to Anchorage, where you continue your journey.
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.
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Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
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Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
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Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
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Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
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Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
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Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
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Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
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Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
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.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
