Captain and crew welcome you and your fellow adventurers aboard. Pushing off from the dock, your week of exploration begins as you sail through Stephens Passage!

The western-most point of your journey, Icy Strait is a favored summer stopping point for whales. Watch for tell-tale spray from the bow or join your captain on the bridge for an eagle-eye view. Cruise toward Cross Sound and get up-close to the rugged coast by skiff, keeping a lookout for hidden treasures, including rambunctious Steller sea lions. 

Wildlife searches top your list today. Chichagof’s waterfall-lined coast is home to harbor seals, whales, and porpoises, and deep in the forest, bears. Settle in to one of the island’s “not in the guidebook” quiet coves for a chance to head ashore for an exploratory hike or slip into the water for another paddle in the heart of this wild archipelago.

The eighth largest island in Alaska, Baranof boasts towering waterfalls along its sheer granite walls. Eagles soar off thermals above and sea otters play in the water below. A guided hike through temperate rainforest uncovers the flora and fauna of an intricate ecosystem. Or go for the water on a skiff, paddle board, or kayak. It’s a full day of adventure!

Frederick Sound is a playground for whales, harbor seals, sea lions — and for you too! The odds are high of seeing humpbacks feeding and spouting in the waters of the sound. Located in southeast Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago and surrounded by emerald forests and a backdrop of the looming Coast Mountains, you may even have an opportunity to gear up for an adventurous bushwhack or a guided walk among tide pools.

This forested bay looks nearly the same today as it did for hearty frontier folk a century ago. Lucky for you, you won’t have to battle as rough of extremes — choose to witness this wilderness fjord by skiff or go by foot hiking along a coastal river. Investigate hidden nooks and crannies along the rugged shore by kayak and paddleboard watching for big wildlife and plentiful shorebirds. At the end of this big day of adventure, enjoy a refreshing beverage with your fellow shipmates in the lounge. It’s a tough life!

It’s a landscape that lives up to Alaska’s nickname, The Great Land — peaks that fill the horizon, a glittering blue river of ice, and the booming crack of “white thunder” as ice calves from the face of Dawes Glacier. Take to the skiffs to explore this astounding fjord. Keep watch for local residents — mountain goats, Arctic terns, and seals in repose on the glacier’s “bergy bits.” If tides and conditions allow, navigate through the cathedral-walls of Fords Terror. After dinner this evening, your expedition team treats you to a special photo presentation of your unforgettable week.

Savor a last sumptuous breakfast before wishing your travel companions safe travels. Transfer to the Juneau airport, or to begin another hotel stay or land tour.