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Alaska travel and dall sheep grazing on Alaska hillside

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Safari Explorer
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Join the Safari Explorer for this 8-day cruise that takes guests into the jewel of the U.S. National Park System. Kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and skiff to explore this majestic region and Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikes ashore in Glacier Bay National Park and along Chichagof Island's waterfall coast, as well as visits to South Marble Island to view sea lion haul-outs, are just a few of the many highlights of this spectacular cruise.
Bear sighting in AlaskaFamily paddle boarding.Family hiking on a tour of AlaskaWhale watching from a zodiac in Alaska.Alaska travel and dall sheep grazing on Alaska hillside
Highlights
  • Attend presentations by a Park Ranger on board in Glacier Bay National Park
  • Hike at Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove
  • Observe a bird colony and sea lion haul-out at South Marble Island
  • Discover the intertidal zones of Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Juneau, Alaska | Embark

Nothing compares to a hearty greeting from the crew and some bon voyage bubbly. With all souls settled in on board, the journey begins. From the bow, Southeast Alaska welcomes visitors with Coast Mountain views.

Day 2: Captain’s Choice

Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, the captain makes the call. Either choice, go with the flow. The water is fine. The guides help visitors gear up and lead their adventure along the rocky outcroppings. By kayak or paddle board, take in the size of this wilderness. Bald eagles dot the tree tops. Harbor seals bob up and under. Pods of orcas—the largest in the dolphin family—skim along the water’s surface.

Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park

What a privilege. At 3.3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. Orange-beaked puffins, guillemots, marbled murrelets are just a few possible sightings. Keep a tally—the list will grow. Arriving at South Marble Island, visitors can hear and smell the sea lions before seeing them—it's a haulout for them. Perched above around the bend, watch for mountain goats, and lower along the shore, foraging bears. Up bay, glacial silt turns the water a milky white. Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers—one holding steady, the other retreating. Lounging harbor seals laze on bits of bergs. And if time allows, tuck up in Tidal Inlet. End this very full day with feet up for the sail into Icy Strait.

Day 4: Icy Strait

Nearly to the Pacific Ocean, Icy Strait is remote and wild. The plan? Whales and marine mammals. Spouts and fin slaps are certain giveaways. More rollicking sea lions and birds. But don't forget to look straight down. Porpoises and dolphins may hitch a ride on the bow wave. And don't worry about missing any wildlife; it's a favorite mission of the crew to point out any creatures they spot. Make a break for it and head for a quiet pocket along the rugged coastline. A different sort of wild than the open strait, muskeg leads to forest bushwhacks. Skiff the shore and down along kelp-threaded channels.

Day 5: Chichagof Island | Peril Strait

Kick off the morning with on-deck yoga stretches (the guides love it when guests join them). Meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then stop. It's prime time to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Camera in hand set off on land and sea explorations. Closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Any bears in there? With one of the world's largest populations of bears, it's possible. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. Hiking in the Tongass, it won't take long to find them. The eagle-eyed guides lead the pack—and pull up the rear. Later, wend along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents.

Day 6: Baranof Island | Peril Strait

Wind along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. Peril Strait runs 50 miles to Salisbury Sound. The shorelines are close, and it's good territory for play. Skiff ashore and hike into the backcountry. Otters back float working to crack snacks resting on their bellies. Opening at Hoonah Sound, the squeeze is back on. Wind into Neva Strait. Watch the scenery change in the late fading light—from the hot tub, of course.

Day 7: Krestof & Nakwasina Sounds

There aren't many straight lines along Baranof Island. Its western side is spattered with remote, uninhabited islands. These features mean endless opportunities for adventure. Secluded coves. Tree-covered islets. Drop anchor, pick your modus operandi, and get going. Kayak, paddleboard, or skiff—you're on the level with curious sea lions and possibly whales. Rocky intertidal zones make good beach combing. Turn a stone or two to see what's underneath. There are no groomed trails here—get out on a guided hike John Muir would approve of. Toast with a Farewell Dinner and a "photo journal" of the trip. A gift to you, from the expedition team.

Day 8: Sitka, Alaska | Disembark

Cruise into Sitka this morning over breakfast. Farewell, new friends! Disembark and transfer to the airport or UnCruise hotel stay or land tour.

Ship/Hotel

Safari Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Navigator Cabin
Cabins B3 and B7 - B14. Queen / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Trailblazer Cabin
Cabins B15 and B16. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Admiral Cabin
Cabins B1, C1, and C2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Jr. Commodore
Cabin B2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Commodore Suite
Cabins A1 and A2. Separate sitting area with a step-out balcony. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Single Cabin
Cabin B6. Fixed queen bed, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.

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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • Wellness amenities 
  • From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
     
  • Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
  • Entry fees to national parks/preserves
  • Premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines)
  • Exclusive activities and shore visits
  • Onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port taxes/fees
  • Optional excursions and land tours
  • Onboard wifi

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
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