At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Vancouver, British Columbia to Sitka, Alaska
- From:
- $9,065
- Time of Year:
- May - September
Embark on a transformative 8-day expedition into the wild heart of Southeast Alaska, where every day is filled with discovery and breathtaking natural wonder. From the moment you set sail through the serene waterways of the Inside Passage, you’ll feel the rhythm of the untamed north; mist drifting over fjords, dense spruce and hemlock forests rising steeply from turquoise waters, and towering mountains that seem to guard this still-wild land.
Throughout your voyage, seasoned naturalists and expert guides will open the door to Alaska’s rich tapestry of wildlife and ecosystems. Glide quietly through glassy coves in Zodiacs, keeping watch for humpback and orca whales breaching in quiet bays and harbor seals bobbing among ice floes. Paddle a kayak along narrow forested backwaters where moose quietly sip at the water’s edge and bald eagles wheel overhead, their piercing calls echoing through the still air. On shore excursions, stretch your legs on rugged trails threaded with wildflowers, and listen as knowledgeable expedition leaders share stories of glacial geology, indigenous cultures, and the forces that shape this extraordinary environment.
As the expedition pushes deeper into Alaska’s remote reaches, the landscape grows even more dramatic. Navigate through secluded inlets and sheer fjord walls, where the air is scented with salt and spruce, and every bend in the water reveals another breathtaking vista. In the Misty Fjords National Monument, pristine wilderness unfolds in near-silence, with waterfalls cascading down moss-draped cliffs and sea birds wheeling in the crisp coastal breeze.
The highlight of the journey — and a moment you’ll remember forever — comes with your approach to the mighty Hubbard Glacier. Stretching miles across the horizon, this colossal river of ice is one of North America’s most impressive natural wonders, its luminous blue face towering above the water. From the deck of your expedition vessel and aboard smaller Zodiacs, watch in awe as chunks of glacial ice thunderously calve into the sea, sending up plumes of spray and resonating with a deep, ancient voice that speaks to glaciers’ enduring power.
Back on board, savor the camaraderie of fellow explorers and the warmth of thoughtful hospitality. Relax in the top-deck hot tubs under the glow of the midnight sun, where 360-degree panoramas of Alaska’s majestic wilderness unfold without interruption. Each evening, gather for storytelling and reflection, sharing sightings of bears, eagles, and whales, and marveling at the spectacle of a sky that never quite grows dark.
This expedition isn’t just a cruise, it’s a fully immersive journey into one of the most spectacular wildernesses on Earth, designed for curious travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing to truly experience the raw, living power of Alaska.
Alaska’s Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada / Embark Ship
Arrive in Vancouver by early afternoon. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Trace the wild and scenic coastline of British Columbia, exploring inlets and islands and watching for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. As the ship sails toward Alaska, enjoy talks from your expedition team or relax with a book in the lounge or on the observation deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska
Cruise through the serene waters of Misty Fjords National Monument, where sheer cliffs soar more than 2,000 feet above the deep, blue fjord. Wisps of cloud drift along the winding waterway, draping over emerald peaks and creating the ethereal mists that give this remarkable landscape its name. Explore by Zodiac or kayak to get closer to the forested shoreline and the many dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the towering cliffs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Wrangell Narrows
Navigate the Wrangell Narrows, a spectacularly scenic waterway inaccessible to larger ships. Explore the coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and venture ashore to follow bear trails through the lush temperate rainforest. Along the way, naturalists share insights into this vibrant ecosystem.
In the evening, cruise Frederick Sound, watching for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea lions weaving through the clear water around the ship. Train your binoculars on the shoreline to scan for moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as the black bears, wolves and bald eagles drawn to the salmon-rich banks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today, nature is your guide as you venture out with the flexibility to follow wildlife sightings and take advantage of shifting weather conditions. Explore spectacular bays and secluded inlets, tracing bear trails and salmon-rich streams. Or head inland for a peaceful walk through the forest, listening for the calls of bald eagles echoing from the towering spruce and hemlock trees. If conditions allow, paddle a kayak near the intertidal zone to search for the fascinating creatures that thrive there.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Hubbard Glacier
Enjoy a relaxing morning on the Gulf of Alaska as you trace the rugged coastline north toward Yakutat Bay. Keep watch for the towering summit of Mt. Fairweather, rising more than 15,000 feet into the sky. This afternoon, the ship enters the bay and makes its way toward the mighty Hubbard Glacier—a six-mile-wide expanse of ice within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. If ice conditions allow, there may be a chance to Zodiac cruise for up-close exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Chichagof Island
Explore the breathtaking bays of Chichagof Island, part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. This remote island hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of brown bears and supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. Conditions permitting, paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along rugged shorelines, or venture into the temperate rainforest for a rewarding hike.
After lunch, spend time on deck with the naturalists as you cruise along the outer coasts of Chichagof and Baranof Islands, keeping a keen eye out for the marine and terrestrial wildlife that frequent these shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sitka / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
