Cruise aboard Safari Quest on this 13-day exploration of Alaska and Canada's Inside Passages and Glacier Bay. Experience wilderness kayaking, paddle boarding, skiffing, and hiking. Learn the native culture and Pacific Northwest natural history, and participate in adventure activities at Hurricane Ridge, Tongass National Forest, and Misty Fjords National Monument
Highlights
Visit Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Experience wilderness kayaking, paddle boarding, skiffing, and hiking
Watch for whales and wildlife in Icy Strait
Tour Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers and LeConte Bay iceberg gardens
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Ah, the Emerald City! Upon checking in at the hospitality center, guests can later board their ship and settle in. Depending on the vessel, departure is from Downtown Seattle, cruising along the city’s picturesque waterfront, or from Fishermen’s Terminal with transit through historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, where there is a 20-foot drop into the Salish Sea. Farewell, Seattle.
Hike in Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by rainforest, old-growth forest, and top of the world 360-degree views. Following this, trekking can be done at Hurricane Ridge or exploring Lake Crescent. During clear days, Canada can be seen across the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Mountains rise higher. Fjords get deeper. A day of intricate waterways and cruising for critters unfolds, keeping watch for black bears on shore, including the elusive spirit bear. Civilization slips away as the journey enters remote waters leading north through British Columbia. Surf-happy dolphins and porpoise often catch a ride on the bow wave. The captain and crew are on the lookout and provide the call of a sighting. A waterfall and an old abandoned cannery come into view - that’s Butedale. Take a moment to slow down and absorb everything as forested fjords roll by. The expedition team aims to entertain and educate over the next days, being ready with natural history, Native influences, and their favorite trivia games as well.
Take a cup of joe to the bow. The world wakes up with the scenery. Bald eagles watch the ship along its course from tree tops. Islands lie to the west, inlet-etched mainland to the east. The captain and mates navigate twisting passages. Harbor seals spend their days on rocky islets. Breathe in the fresh air and absorb miles of forested wilderness. In the lounge, the bartender mixes up the daily special. Take the challenge and play a few friendly hands of cards with a shipmate.
Today, sailing takes you through the northern-most portion of Canada's wild Inside Passage and into Alaska's. The bridge is an ideal spot to look for whales and other wildlife. Discover what the crew has planned for the day. Perhaps there's a cooking or cocktail demonstration or a galley tour. Alternatively, you might have the opportunity to learn more about navigation from the crew and practice tying knots. Anticipation builds as the Alaska portion of the adventure begins tomorrow.
Certain places on the planet have an overwhelming effect. This is one of those locations. The beauty, peace, and strong sense of place envelop you. Misty Fjords National Monument encompasses nearly every ecosystem present in Southeast Alaska, and that alone presents a lot to contemplate. Glacial valleys filled with sea water and sheer 3,000-foot cliffs define the landscape. Various sea birds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, and Sitka black-tailed deer all find a secure haven here. Kayaking in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay reveals that paddling and moving are just as effortless as sitting, floating, and absorbing everything. Alternatively, skiffing to the base of a waterfall allows for a refreshing fjord-released shower. The area's affectionate nickname, "The Yosemite of the North," is certainly well-deserved.
In Ketchikan, connecting with the Tlingit Culture is a must. Guiding you on a walking tour is tribal leader and local legend Joe Williams, known as Ka Xesh X’e in his native language. The Tlingit possess a rich oral tradition, passing stories from one generation to the next—and Joe's storytelling proves to be captivating! Exploring the surrounding forest is possible through a moderate to easy trail, or if you're up for a challenge, opt for a hard-charger hike along trails and boardwalks, passing cedar, spruce, streams, and waterfalls. Later in the day, Traitor's Cove comes into view as you sail. Will you choose kayaking, skiff tours, or hiking? The decision is yours.
In the morning, the ship winds into the Wrangell Narrows, with abundant bright red and green navigation lights guiding the way—affectionately dubbed “Christmas Tree Lane,” of course. In the afternoon, venture into Thomas Bay. When reaching this point, embracing the full experience seems only fitting. This area represents the remote backcountry of Alaska's wilderness, characterized by glacial landscapes adorned with moraines, muskegs, and mud. Within this playground, every option is available today. Kayaking and skiffing on water almost as clear as glass offer an exquisite experience. The mirror image of fjord walls reflects on the surface. Alternatively, hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier, or opt for a more nature-focused walk through a grassy meadow into the forest.
Spend some time on the bow while gliding through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then anchor for more activities. It's time to lower the kayaks and skiffs, allowing for up-close interactions with sea otters or wildlife watching from the kayak. With camera in hand, embark on explorations on both land and sea. Upon closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees extend right down to the water. Are there any bears in the vicinity? Given that it's home to one of the world's largest populations of bears, it's entirely possible. Engage in a search for giant trees and tidal pools. While hiking in the Tongass, it won't take long to discover them. Your eagle-eyed guides lead the way and also bring up the rear.
Bull whip kelp threads through nearby channels like deep, twisted mangroves. The presence of orange and purple starfish and jellyfish might make it hard to believe that the tropics aren't your location. Follow the currents out to where the sea lions flock to remote rock formations. The captain remains on the bridge, while the expedition team is on deck, with all eyes focused on the water and the shore. Vigilance is maintained for the telltale blow of humpbacks. Approach the shoreline by skiff, kayak, or on foot. Sometimes, the smallest things become the biggest wonders. Absorb the evening solitude from the bow or the hot tub. Or enjoy both—why limit yourself to just one choice?
A cool factor exists beyond just the glaciers' appearance. Encompassing 3.3 million acres, this park was under ice until 1795. Since then, glacier recession has opened access to inner areas. Onboard naturalists provide insights into glacial history and wildlife, while South Marble Island hosts nesting spots for various birds and Steller's sea lions. Explore Muir's legacy, from Taylor Bay to Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Keep an eye out for wildlife in Dundas Bay. Kayak, hike, or join the Farewell Dinner tonight, followed by an expedition team slideshow.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,6002-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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Navigator Cabin
C1, C2, C3, C4, C6. King, queen or twin beds, elevated port holes, private bath.
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Quoted rates include all excursions, meals, educational programming, and transfers.
Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
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