Alaska’s Exclusive Inside Passage

Day 1

Embark Vancouver, British Columbia

Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia and embark the ship.

Day 2-3

Inside Passage of British Columbia, Canada

Navigate northward along the pristine coastline in search of whales, dolphins, bear, deer and other wildlife.

Day 4

Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska

Wake up to watch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of clouds drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks while sailing through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs.

Day 5

Totem Bay and At Sea

Explore the rocky coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and go ashore to beachcomb and discover the fascinating intertidal zone with the naturalists. Set sail on the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for humpback whales and pods of killer whales gliding through the clear water around the ship. Fix those binoculars on the banks of Kuiu Island to spot moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as black bears, wolves and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon.

Day 6

LeConte Glacier and Petersburg

Today, maneuver past the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face and get caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Take advantage of spectacular photo ops, practicing tricks and tips from the onboard certified photo instructor. The experienced captain will read the ice and bring the ship as close as possible to the glacier, where all will set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. In the afternoon, visit the small Alaskan fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Stretch the legs with an optional bike ride around town or explore downtown on your own.

Day 7

Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. It’s not uncommon to observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding—as everyone fills the deck and listens to the play-by-play from the onboard expert naturalists. If schedules allow, be joined by conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation who will come aboard and speak about the local whale population.

Day 8

Sitka

This morning, step ashore in Peril Straits in the morning to follow bear trails and salmon streams. The still waters are excellent for kayaking. In the afternoon, explore the former capital—Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Center and stroll the forested trails of the Sitka National Historical Park. Rich in history, the 113-acre park features roughly 20 majestic Haida and Tlingit totems scattered along the scenic coastal trail.

Day 9

West Chichagof-Yacobi Wilderness

Located on the outer coast of Chichagof Island, this wilderness offers a rugged, wave-pounded coastline open to the mighty Pacific Ocean as well as quiet, protected bays and inlets ideal for exploring by ship, kayak and Zodiacs. Western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees blanket the area along with muskeg and river estuaries, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Day 10

Icy Strait and The Inian Islands

Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay; or hiking in the lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies.

Day 11

Kayak Island

This uninhabited island is best known as the location where members of Bering’s Great Northern Expedition of 1741 set foot in Alaska. Here, naturalist Georg Steller found a jay now named for him and recorded over 150 plants new to science. Conditions permitting, hope to make a landing to explore this small, jagged island and to cruise by Zodiac near Cape St. Elias and its lighthouse.

Day 12

At Sea and Hubbard Glacier

Start the morning in the Gulf of Alaska, transiting up the coast to Yakutat Bay. The scenery along the way is rugged and beautiful. Be on the lookout for a glimpse of Mt. Fairweather (over 15,000 feet high). Late in the day, enter the bay and head toward the face of Hubbard Glacier. This mammoth sheet of ice is more than six miles wide at its face and is contained within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Depending on ice and conditions, possibly head out in the Zodiacs to explore.

Day 13

Prince William Sound

Spend the day exploring majestic Prince William Sound which is filled with glaciers and ringed by the Chugach Mountains. Immerse in the incredible beauty while taking advantage of the best conditions and opportunities that arise today.

Day 14

Kenai Fjords National Park

Wake up in Kenai Fjords National Park, known as an iconic location in the region and, for many, a challenging place to visit. The day will be spent exploring the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay by ship and Zodiac. Throughout the day, be on the lookout for horned and tufted puffins; marbled murrelets; black oyster catchers; Steller sea lions; sea otters; and fin, minke and killer whales who make their summer home in the park.

Disembark Seward to Anchorage, Alaska and Depart

Disembark in Seward and transfer by motor coach to Anchorage for your return flight home.