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.
Welcome aboard! Meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates. Within minutes you are cruising the magical channels of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Plying the remote waterways of Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, the captain sets the course for adventure! Wake up at anchor and kick off the morn with on-deck yoga stretches. Then slip into a kayak or step onto a paddle board and glide along rocky outcroppings with your guides. While you keep watch for playful harbor seals in these protected waters, bald eagles likely monitor your improving paddling skills from the treetops.
One of America’s crown jewel national parks is yours to explore—Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. A National Park Ranger joins you to uncover coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. Linger near South Marble Island to spot the many species of rare sea birds that call this area home. Keep your eyes on the water and the island for brightly colored puffins and black oystercatchers. With much to see all around you, you can find sea lions, mountain goats, bears, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay.
Set the course for some of the most remote waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the captain on the bridge or the expedition team out on deck in search of whales and marine mammals. Camera in hand, begin your land and sea exploration of these wilderness reaches. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the wild coastline with eyes set on the shore for possible bear sightings.
Welcome to the west coast of Chatham Strait – one of the largest, longest, and straightest fjords on the planet. We’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 lush meadows, rich berries, and prolific salmon runs. Each cove and bay holds its 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. Fall colors in the alders beckon the return of the Aurora Borealis. There’s no “good” or “bad” time to visit this place – every season brings new surprises.
Baranof Island is our playground for the day. Glacially carved fjords become more exposed as we approach the South Baranof Wilderness. We continue our 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, we 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. This area offers endless opportunities for open paddles - hop on a kayak or SUP and explore the area.
There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island, but along its western side lay hundreds of remote, uninhabited islands, and endless opportunities for dropping anchor and adventure. With many secluded coves and islands to choose from, discover the region’s intertidal zones, or from your skiff or kayak, watch for whales and sea lions. Gear up for a guided hike with your expedition team for a new perspective of the vast Tongass National Forest. After an active day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your expedition team.
Gather for breakfast this morning as you cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. Transfer to the airport or begin your hotel stay or land tour.
Passport required. Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.
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.
$4,9002-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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.
Admiral Cabin
Feature king or twin beds, view windows, private bath with shower, refrigerator, desk & chair.
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.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
2 months ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
Nancy Brown-Koeller
2 months ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
3 months ago
From the initial booking all the way through the trip, this was by far our favorite trip. Small boat travel is the only way to see a location. The excursions were so much more than I could explain. The locations were remote and awesome.
Lori I
3 months ago
Personal, knowledgeable service. We felt so informed and supported before our trip. Highly recommend and would use again.
