Famed Inside Passage - Fall

You'll be met at the airport and transferred to the Safari Explorer where your crew greets you with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Cruise north toward our serene anchorage this evening.

One of America's crown-jewel national parks will be yours to explore and marvel at for the next two days. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before us in the waters of Glacier Bay. If conditions permit, lower the inflatable and weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings paddling your kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. And what will you find? Quite possibly you'll see puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than any place on earth. To top off your trip, celebrate and reminisce together during your festive Farewell dinner.

Spend these two days in the wildest, most pristine corners of Alaska. Paddle your kayaks in remote fjords, hike to natural hotsprings, wander through the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska, and explore some of the most scenic, hidden gems one can find in the inside passage.

Today make a port stop to the quaint Norwegian-style fishing village of Petersburg. Once back onboard, your journey leads you through the ever-so-narrow Wrangell Narrows, a passage that's been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane" for the red and green navigational markers that mark the route. Home to rich salmon runs.

Remote waterways, hidden villages, and wilderness cruising will be your focus. Tour Chief Shakes Island's Tlingit tribal house and call at the true Alaskan town of Wrangell. Continuing on your cruise, keep an eye out for seals and porpoise on your way to a silent, hidden cut between two islands called Canoe Pass. Drop the kayaks for those wanting to use their own power to take advantage of the extremely close-in shores. Later, poke into Meyer's Chuck. Tucked behind a fortress of broken islands, Meyer's Chuck lies undetected by most that pass this way. Pull in for a look at this surprising community made up of a handful of fishermen, artists and bush pilots. Saunter up the cedar-planked boardwalks that are the "streets" of the village, and meet the locals. Spend the night at anchor in a remote cove. There, have time for investigating your surroundings by kayak or inflatable with your Expedition Leaders/Naturalists.

Discover the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska's Tlingit Indians on a guided tour or Saxman Totem Village with local village resident Joe Williams. Before we depart, take time to browse shops or stroll along Creek Street where there's often a good dose of local color to be found.

Prince Rupert is British Columbia’s northernmost port along your route. Here, a historic sightseeing and museum tour introduces you to this scenic community. Stay dockside tonight, so enjoy a walk in town after dinner this evening.

Search for orca whales, seals, sea lions and bears as you leave civilization behind. Your Expedition Leader will lead nature hikes and kayaking excursions, and enjoy a First Nations dance performance in a cedar-planked big house. Further north, step ashore with Naturalists from Raincoast Conservation Society who will tell you about local wildlife and fisheries studies, including little known details on rainforest wolves and the mysterious Spirit bear.

Arrive in US waters today; all eyes open for orca whales! The misty San Juan Islands will greet you this morning. Settle into the rhythm of the sea as you leave your busy lives behind. Beautiful forested islands dot the seascape and wind through the untouched islands in the San Juan's. Today visit the port of Friday Harbor. Here you'll enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the town's many intriguing boutiques and shops, or perhaps the Whale Museum. Depart for Canadian waters this afternoon; all eyes open for orca whales!

During breakfast pass through the Hiram-Chittenden Locks and dock at Seattle's Historic Fishermen's Terminal for a 9:00 am disembarkation. A transfer to the Seattle airport or local hotel is included. Safe travels to all!