Alaska Inside Passage: Ultimate Coves & Passages

Prepare to be whisked into your own private Alaska. Once onboard, soak in the sights as you cruise through the Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island (where Ketchikan is located) from Prince of Wales Island, the third largest island in the United States and one of the best-kept tourist secrets in all of Alaska.

Watch for majestic bald eagles and other sea birds perched in shoreline trees, where more than 100 migrating species of birds return every year. Keep your camera at the ready to catch the Sitka black-tailed deer and sea lions, seals, playful sea otters and porpoise. After meeting your crew and getting acquainted with your ship’s features, finish the evening with a delicious meal while keeping an eye on lookout for orca and humpback whales as you cruise through Clarence Strait. Not bad for your first five hours of vacation.

Wake to breathtaking views of the expansive Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, rising on either side of Devilfish Bay. The El Capitan Passage, a 27-mile long waterway dividing Prince of Wales and Kosciusko Islands, offers many ways to get closer to nature. Drop crab pots en route to prime fishing waters. Wind through the high forests of on an old logging road. Paddle the scenic, 4-mile roundtrip around Devilfish Cove. And don’t miss Beaver Falls and El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in North America.

As the sun rises over the Tlingit village of Klawock, the living history of native Alaska lies in wait. Spend the morning gaining a better understanding about the importance of carving in Alaskan culture, mixing with the locals and gazing up at the twenty-one restored totem poles that color the town. Hear the stories of the totems at the park and at the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on to the local youth.

In the afternoon, you may choose to kayak close-in or for distance. Explore the Klawock area on foot or by kayak, keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds and whales. End the day with a short skiff tour to savor the crisp air and breathtaking scenery. Relax with a high quality draft beer in the lounge or indulge in a luxurious massage.

Anchored in Little Port Walter, the day offers many options for how to experience the wondrous landscape. In the morning, choose between a half-day fishing excursion, kayaking to Big Port Walter, a glorious hike on Sashin Lake Trail or take it easy with a shorter hike to the site of an ancient native fish weir to explore an abandoned cannery. Later, visit a NOAA field fisheries site and hike in Mist Cove for seemingly never-ending views, until you come face-to-face with an enormous waterfall. Whether you cheer or paddle, save time for the pre-lunch kayak races.

Continue your adventure into the afternoon or take to the water in a new way. Search the depths while snorkeling. Swim through the refreshing port waters. Give your best Tarzan cry on the rope swing or show some style with a platform dive. Then show ‘em how its done during the rope swing and platform diving contests held after lunch, and make sure to sweet-talk the crew who will judge the contest based on style. If you haven’t had enough chances to defend your honor already, join in the swim races around the ship. Back onboard, meet a fisheries expert from Deer Lake aquaculture who joins us for dinner and a presentation.

Lush forest, spectacular views, 4000-foot vertical walls, and 2000-foot waterfalls highlight Baranof Island’s waterfall coast. View the Cliff Lake waterfall in Deep Cove and slip into the waters of Patterson Bay to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak keeping watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes and challenge your shipmates to a rope swinging contest. This evening, share your video footage on the lounge's flat screen TV, and toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail. Be sure to watch the sun slowly disappear over the horizon. Kayaks are available all day for unguided touring at your leisure.

There'll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands in Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. And no one will be immune to the wonderful pomp and pageantry of the Stellar sea lions that rest here. Choose between a 5-10 mile guided kayak trip or skiff tour to the southern end of The Brothers where the sea lions bark commands and pal around.

After lunch, move into the waters of Frederick Sound – the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere. Scan the water for movement and thrill as humpbacks, orcas and Stellar sea lions feed, swirl, jump and crash back down to the surface. Learn fascinating facts and behavioral theories about the whales from our onboard naturalists as you watch the action. Later tonight, be anchored inside the glacial Endicott Arm, listening to whales and dreaming of more to come tomorrow.

On the last full day of your journey, prepare to have your breath taken away by sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountains. Endicott Arm frequently offers respite to seals on the smaller, ‘bergy bits’ and sometimes, it gets a little crowded. Kayak toward the glowing blue of Dawes Glacier face from 6 hours or 1.5 hours away. Or grab your camera and see it all from the ease of a skiff.

During the lunch hour, tides permitting, the ship will move up to Ford’s Terror, a narrow passage named after a naval crewmember who was stranded in the turbulent tidal water for six hours. Armed with tide tables, your ship can safely skiff through Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys and pristine wilderness that surround it. Back aboard, you will be greeted with cocktails and a cheery camaraderie as you join the Captain in a farewell toast. Anchored at Woods Spit, enjoy a wonderful dinner and even better conversations with all the new friends you’ve made on your journey.

When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as your ship voyages into Juneau. Some passengers may disembark this day and others may join. Explore this fascinating city before departing Juneau to cruise the scenic channels of the inside passage.

Early morning, you’ll enter Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Here you’ll pick up the National Park Ranger who will be with you to explore coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. One of America’s crown jewel national parks will be yours to explore and marvel at for the next three days. Here in the bay there are sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops.

Linger near South Marble Island and spot the many species of birds that call this area home, keeping your eyes on the water and the island for brightly colored puffins. After searching for more wildlife, stop at the Park Service’s Headquarters at Bartlett Cove for a hike through the rainforest or possibly a native cultural presentation.

Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. Enjoy two consecutive evenings in virtual isolation inside Glacier Bay at anchor in a hidden cove as larger vessels have exited the bay. Conditions permitting, you’ll also have a rare opportunity to hike or kayak or tour via shore boat.

Set your course for arguably the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the Captain on the bridge or the Expedition Leaders/Naturalists out on deck in search of marine mammals, primarily in the Icy Strait/Pt. Adolphus area. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the remote coastline with eyes set on the shoreline for possible bear sightings.

Meander along the waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. In the spirit of expedition un-cruising, marvel at the grand scenery as our crew expertly guides you through the hidden treasures of the region. Anchored in a remote shelter for the evening, there'll be another grand opportunity to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Enjoy another delectable dinner onboard and relax in the hot tub before calling it a day.

Running 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound, this haven for small ships is scenically highlighted by a very narrow connecting passageway called Sergius Narrows and an opening at Hoonah Sound. This wildlife-rich waterway is a great place to explore the shoreline for bear, the waters for otters and whales, and to watch for eagles. The passage narrows to only 300 feet in one spot (24 feet deep.) After an adventurous, but “non-perilous” day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your Expedition Leaders.

Gather for breakfast this morning as you cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. A transfer will be provided to the airport or your hotel.