Journey into the crown jewel of the U.S. National Park System on this 8-day cruise aboard the Safari Endeavour. Explore Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, via kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, or boat. Highlights include trips to Glacier Bay National Park and Chichagof Islands' waterfall coast, as well as a stop at South Marble Island to see sea lion haulouts. Before disembarking in Sitka, gear up for a guided hike in the Tongass National Forest with your expedition team.
Highlights
Attend presentations by a Park Ranger on board in Glacier Bay National Park
Hike at Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove
Spot bears, otters, and whales in Sergius Narrows.
Discover the intertidal zones of Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds
Observe brightly colored puffins and sea lions at South Marble Island
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.
After a full day of exploring Juneau, Alaska’s capital, you’re warmly welcomed back on board by the crew—with a celebratory drink to kick things off. Once everyone is settled in, the journey begins. Right away, the expedition team is on the lookout for the first whale sighting of the trip. Standing on the bow, you’re greeted by stunning views of Southeast Alaska’s rugged coastline and towering mountains.
Welcome to the backcountry. The Tongass National Forest is vast and full of hidden wonders, ready to be discovered. Each day’s destination is chosen by the Captain and Expedition Leader, guided by the seasons and wildlife activity. Today, calm waters invite exploration. Expert guides assist with gear and lead adventures into the forest, across gentle meadows, or along quiet shorelines. Whether by kayak or paddleboard, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with the water and take in the immense beauty of Southeast Alaska. Bald eagles perch in treetops, harbor seals surface and dive, and—if luck is on your side—whales may appear on the horizon. This begins an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wilderness.
What a privilege. At 3.3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. In the calm of the night, the ship’s crew has taken you deep into Glacier Bay National Park. It’s early in the morning – hot coffee and pastries are out in the lounge – and directly off the bow is Margerie Glacier, or Johns Hopkins Glacier, depending on the time of year and ice access. Less than 1% of visitors to the park have the opportunity you are about to have – get on land with, or kayak in front of, a deep blue, mile-wide chunk of ice. The morning is intimate, calm, and inspiring. Tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, and marbled murrelets are just a few possible sightings. Arriving at South Marble Island, you can hear and smell ‘em before you see ‘em—it’s a haul out for sea lions. Watch for mountain goats and lower along shore, foraging bears. Lounging harbor seals laze on bits of bergs.
The Pacific Ocean flows into northern Southeast Alaska via Icy Strait. This interface between land and sea is remote and wild. The plan for the day? Whales and marine mammals. The northern coast of Chichagof Island is rugged and filled with life. Spouts and fin-slaps are certain giveaways. Sea lions surf in the swell, and birds hover over the water's surface in search of fish. Porpoises and dolphins hitch a ride on the bow of the boat as you move from cove to cove. On land, trees that pre-date the country are tucked just inside the forest edge. Bushwhack through old growth, pausing to appreciate the scope and scale of North America’s Amazon. Skiff along the shoreline searching for intertidal life; paddle along kelp-threaded channels as Stellar sea lions follow your party through blue waters that invoke visualizations of more tropical climes.
Welcome to the west coast of Chatham Strait – one of the largest, longest, and straightest fjords on the planet. You’re deep within a nutrient highway, and endless coves and glacial fjords draw unsuspecting lines along the coast. Chichagof Island is home to the coastal brown bear, supported by the lush meadows, rich berries, and prolific salmon runs. Each cove and bay hold their very own microcosm of the greater ecosystem – and your guides are getting into the granular details of the connections between place, species, and time. The time of year dictates the destination. Spring meadows are filled with wildflowers. Summer salmon runs bring bears to the freshwater cornucopia of the largest return of nutrients from sea to land on earth. There’s no “good” or “bad” time to visit this place – every season brings new surprises.
Baranof Island is the playground for the day. Glacially carved fjords become more exposed as you approach the South Baranof Wilderness. You continue the search for the coastal brown bear and bushwhack up into muskegs that offer sweeping views across Chatham Strait towards Kootznoowoo. Whales transit the coastline in search of schools of herring and salmon that gather here in numbers beyond comprehension. Following the spouts west, you enter Peril Strait – an infamous stretch of water rich in indigenous and Russian history Tight channels and swirling eddies bring marine mammals to the area, here to take their chances at salmon returning to their natal streams.It’s also the perfect time to enjoy an open paddle or stand-up paddle boarding with the calm waters.
There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island. Its western side is spattered with remote, uninhabited islands - endless opportunities for adventure. Secluded coves, windswept shorelines, and cliffs battered by winter storms provide ample habitat for migratory birds. Drop anchor, pick your modus operandi, from kayaking to snorkeling, and get going. Rocky intertidal zones are Alaska’s touch tanks – sea stars and edible kelps abound. turn a stone or two to see what’s underneath. There are no groomed trails here—get out on a guided hike that John Muir himself would approve of.
Welcome to Sitka-by-the-Sea. A quaint fishing town, Sitka is as endearing as it is remote. Enjoy your last meal onboard and wish farewell to your crew, traveling companions, and friends made along the way. Disembark and transfer to the airport or your UnCruise hotel stay or land tour. Not to be missed – a visit to the Raptor Center or a walk through the Sitka National Historic Park. Enjoy your time here; it is a look into life in Southeast Alaska that is honest, inviting, and a perfect bookend to your visit to this corner of the world.
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.
$2,707
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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Navigator Cabin
Feature queen or twin beds, view window or porthole, private bath with shower, desk & chair.
Feature king or twin beds, view windows, private bath with shower, desk & chair.
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Admiral Cabin
Feature king or twin beds, view windows, private bath with shower, refrigerator, desk & chair.
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Commodore Suites
Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with jacuzzi tub & shower, view window and french doors to a small balcony.
Notes
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.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
2 weeks ago
We promptly received the registration materials and found them easy to complete
Richard
3 weeks ago
This place has ruined me! I can never travel with anyone else. They go the extra mile to make sure you get the trip you want that’s within your budget. Their staff works very hard. I’m so impressed.
Beth Crowell
2 months ago
I spent 2 entire days trying to find my Alaska small boat trip, with no success. Then Erin from Adventure Life gave me 4 choices on the same day I contacted her. She was caring and very efficient. I'm very excited about the cruise she found for me.
Janet Houts
3 months ago
The people assisting you have traveled with many of these companies or done the very same trip in the past. That kind of experience in invaluable when selecting a trip for yourself.
Sue Stephens
6 months ago
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
2 weeks ago
We promptly received the registration materials and found them easy to complete
Richard
3 weeks ago
This place has ruined me! I can never travel with anyone else. They go the extra mile to make sure you get the trip you want that’s within your budget. Their staff works very hard. I’m so impressed.
Beth Crowell
2 months ago
I spent 2 entire days trying to find my Alaska small boat trip, with no success. Then Erin from Adventure Life gave me 4 choices on the same day I contacted her. She was caring and very efficient. I'm very excited about the cruise she found for me.
Janet Houts
3 months ago
The people assisting you have traveled with many of these companies or done the very same trip in the past. That kind of experience in invaluable when selecting a trip for yourself.
Sue Stephens
6 months ago
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
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