Save $350 per person on 2028 Aleutian Islands sailings aboard the Wilderness Explorer when you book by October 31, 2026.
At a glance
- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Start/End:
- Seward to Dutch Harbor (or reverse)
- From:
- $13,600
- Time of Year:
- June - August
Explore Alaska like never before.
Embark on the ultimate expedition into one of the planet’s final, untouched frontiers. Over 11 extraordinary days, navigate the wild, windswept corridor of the Alaska Peninsula and the remote volcanic arc of the Aleutian Islands—a pristine, subarctic wilderness that remains virtually unseen by mainstream travelers.
This is not a passive voyage; it is an active immersion into pure, unscripted terrain. Gear up to launch kayaks directly into tranquil, glass-like fjords, skiff alongside dramatic sea-stack formations, and hike across raw, volcanic tundra where few human boots have ever stepped. Along the way, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of isolated island villages, connecting with communities that have thrived in harmony with this rugged environment for thousands of years.
For nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, this corridor is an ecological holy grail. Scout the nutrient-dense waters for diverse whale species—including humpbacks, orcas, and elusive fin whales—and observe coastal brown bears foraging along isolated beaches. Look out for rafts of sea otters, sunbathing harbor seals, red foxes, and soaring bald eagles, while marine bird cliffs buzz with millions of puffins, murres, and rare pelagic seabirds.
Offering raw beauty, deep exploration, and true wilderness isolation, this is more than a cruise—it is a rare, bucket-list expedition designed for those who measure adventure by how far off the grid they can go.
Aleutian Islands Adventure Highlights:
- Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park
- Visit the booming fishing town of Dutch Harbor and its busy waterfront
- Explore ancient volcanic lava fields on remote islands
- Search for a variety of marine species and land mammals
- Explore beaches, rocky shorelines, villages, estuaries, and grassy knolls
Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor and Kodiak Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Seward, Alaska - Embarkation
Arrive: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Your flight should arrive no later than 1:00 p.m.
Transfer (included): Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to the dock in Seward (~2.5 hours).
Welcome to Alaska! You will fly into Anchorage and then transfer to Seward, a town full of rich history that acts as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Board the Safari Explorer (2027) or Wilderness Explorer (2028) and settle in before enjoying dinner onboard and meeting your expedition team as your journey begins.
Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park
Awaken in a glacial wonderland. Established in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park protects over 600,000 acres of glacial wilderness. The Harding Icefield feeds dozens of tidewater glaciers, carving deep fjords where ice meets the sea. Cruise past towering cliffs, waterfalls, and ice-choked inlets and watch for harbor seals, puffins, and sea otters by kayak or skiff.
Day 3: Kodiak Island
Welcome to Kodiak Island, where volcanic landscapes and pristine waters await. Paddle quiet bays in search of sea otters and bald eagles or hike forested hillsides. This region is also a critical habitat for marine mammals and one of the most significant seabird nesting areas on the Pacific coast. Each cove reveals more of Kodiak’s wild character. Kodiak Island boasts many opportunities for outdoor activities; you will have the option to kayak, hike, or take a skiff tour, depending on conditions.
Day 4: Katmai National Park
Enter a landscape shaped by fire and teeming with life. Katmai National Park, established in 1918, is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and one of the world’s largest brown bear populations. Explore Kukak Bay or Geographic Harbor by skiff or on foot and witness the power of volcanic terrain alongside salmon-rich rivers that draw bears and bald eagles.
Day 5: Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge
The Alaska Peninsula Refuge offers a dramatic blend of volcanic peaks, sweeping tundra, and wave-battered coastline. When the salmon run, Ugashik Lakes and streams attract large numbers of brown bears. Explore this unspoiled wilderness by hiking, kayaking, or skiffing through one of Alaska’s most biologically rich regions.
Day 6: Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve
No lines, no crowds, just wild Alaska. One of the least visited places in the National Park System, Aniakchak is a true geological marvel. Its six-mile-wide, 2,500-foot-deep volcanic caldera formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago. Weather permitting, explore this rarely seen landscape on foot or by skiff and feel the energy of the Ring of Fire beneath your feet.
Day 7: Unga Island Abandoned Village
Step back in time on Unga Island, where petrified logs and stumps from an ancient sequoia forest line the shore, preserved by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Wander through the island’s abandoned village, where weathered buildings tell stories of life on the edge of the Aleutians. Explore by skiff or kayak and keep watch for whales near the Shumagin Islands.
Day 8: Captains Choice
Today’s destination depends on tides, weather, and shifting channels, making every visit to this region unique. Whether paddling past volcanic cliffs, hiking windswept shores, or exploring by skiff, the scenery and solitude are unforgettable. There will also be incredible opportunities for spotting rare bird species in this area.
Day 9: Akutan Island
Akutan Island is home to one of Alaska’s most active volcanoes, Mount Akutan, and showcases some of the Aleutians’ most diverse terrain. Hike wildflower-dotted hillsides, explore hidden coves, paddle rocky shorelines, or take a skiff tour to a sea cave and a tiny local town, keeping an eye out for sea otters, eagles, and whales.
Day 10: Unalaska to Dutch Harbor
Dock in Dutch Harbor to explore the heart of the Aleutian Islands. Visit the Church of the Holy Ascension, the oldest standing church building in Alaska, and explore regional history at the Museum of the Aleutians and the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area Visitor Center. Choose a town tour, skiff excursion, or hike for sweeping views. Dutch Harbor is also known as the home harbor of the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch.
Day 11: Dutch Harbor, Alaska - Disembarkation
Arrive: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Transfer (included): Hospitality area to Tom Madsen (Dutch Harbor) Unalaska Airport (DUT). Your flight should leave no earlier than 9:30 a.m.
After breakfast, disembark the Safari Explorer or Wilderness Explorer and transfer to the airport for onward travel, concluding your Aleutian adventure.
