Circumnavigate the Aleutians, a 1900-km chain of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones that form the Pacific Rim of Fire’s northern arc, on this 17-day expedition from Anchorage to Tokyo. This natural boundary separates the Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea—a designated Mission Blue Hope Spot—creating a dynamic environment that supports amazing biodiversity, including caribou, sea otters, Steller sea lions, orca, and gray whales. Landings reveal historical relics ranging from Aleut villages and Russian fur trade depots to remnants of World War II battles and Cold War bases. Every day promises something to fire your passion, especially finishing up on Russia’s spectacular Kamchatka Peninsula.
Highlights
Explore deep fjords of the Alaskan Peninsula, where glaciers shed
Sail through the Aleutian chain of active volcanoes, Pacific Rim of Fire
Enjoy tundra walks amongst wildflowers adding colour to smoking volcanoes
Zodiac cruise near Steller sea lions, humpback and gray whales & sea otters
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your group hotel. Upon check-in at Hilton Anchorage Hotel, the reception staff will provide you with cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow them to deliver your luggage to your cabin. At tonight’s voyage briefing, enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners.
After check-out, discover Anchorage on a sightseeing tour transferring to Seward, where your expedition team welcomes you aboard the Sylvia Earle at approximately 4:00 pm. Have time to settle into your cabin before our important briefings. Set sail for Kenai Peninsula in the evening and meet your expedition team and crew at Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
By ship and Zodiac, explore the wild coastline of Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down from the sparkling Harding Icefield to ice shelves calving into narrow waterways below. Sail deep into the Northwestern Fjord and watch for wildlife at every turn.
The second-largest island in the U.S., Kodiak Island is renowned for its brown bears, king crab and fascinating history. Kodiak became the center of Russian fur trade with Alaska in the 18th century. Visit the Alutiiq Museum, with its collection of art and cultural objects detailing the lives of the native Aleut people who lived here for more than 7,000 years. Hikers can explore the mysterious moss-draped forests, wildflowers and flowing streams, while birders can search for belted kingfishers, varied thrushes, and red crossbills. Later, Zodiac- cruise in to one of Kodiak’s outer islands searching for humpback and fin whales.
Day 5: Geographic Harbor | Katmai National Park & Preserve
Tucked away at the end of Amalik Bay, Geographic Harbor is set in magnificent volcanic scenery. Zodiac cruise amidst spectacular scenery and explore offshore islands searching for bald eagles, marbled murrelets, sea otters, harbor porpoises, and coastal brown bears feeding on salmon, clams, mussels and barnacles. Rising mist reveals stunning volcanic landscapes and early wildflowers in bloom.
Zodiac cruise beneath basalt bird cliffs at Aghiyuk Island, then stretch your legs on tundra hikes amidst colorful wildflowers on Aghiyuk or Chowiet islands. Aghiyuk Island is a haven for more than 2.5 million nesting seabirds. In Zodiaks, we explore the island’s sheltered coastline listening to the cacophony of the seabird colony, which includes murres, parakeet auklets, tufted and horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, and northern fulmars. The surrounding waters abound with sea otters, seals, porpoises and whales.
Day 7: Unga Spit | Shumagin Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Land on Unga Spit to explore the petrified remains of a 25-million-year-old sequoia forest and a picturesque ghost town surrounded by wildflowers. Wander along a spectacular coastline covered with fragments of fossilized wood, all remnants of an ancient Metasequoia forest, dating back some 70-14 million years. Watch for bald eagles, peregrine falcons and a host of seabirds, while otters and Steller sea lions patrol offshore. Explore an eerie village that was abandoned in 1969.
False Pass marks our exit from the Alaska Peninsula and arrival in the Aleutian Islands. Unimak, the largest of the chain, is 93 percent wilderness inhabited by brown bears, caribou, wolves and the odd wolverine. By foot and Zodiac, explore the island, from the bustling fishing port of King Cove to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, where migratory birds arrive in their hundreds of thousands including black brant, emperor geese, Steller’s eider, some 30 shorebird species and many seabirds. In the sheltered coves and bays around Unimak Island, search for orca and humpback whales. Weather permitting, see the near-perfect cone of Mount Shishaldin, the Aleutian’s highest (and active) volcano.
Day 10: Baby Islands | Dutch Harbor | Unalaska Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dynamic tides and whales make for exciting Zodiac cruising among the Baby Islands, none higher than a few meters above sea level, where you’ll be enthralled by whiskered auklets, puffins, petrels, murrelets, guillemots and perhaps even laysan albatross. At Alaska’s busiest fishing port, Dutch Harbour, where more than 600 bald eagles nest near town, find relics of the Japanese invasion during World War II, visit the Museum of the Aleutians and the oldest Russian church in Alaska.
“Where the winds blow and friendships grow” is the motto of Adak, Alaska’s southernmost city on the island separating the Bering Sea from the Pacific Ocean. Not always so friendly, Adak was a military installation that allowed American forces to mount successful operations against the Japanese in World War II and housed a community of some 6000 during the Cold War. Today only a few hundred remain, welcoming visitors to explore a near-ghost town set amongst spectacular tundra, where introduced caribou roam.
When Japan captured Kiska in 1942, it marked the first loss of U.S soil to foreign forces since the War of 1812. Today many war relics remain including a Shinto shrine and a two-man submarine and ptarmigans, Lapland longspurs and bald eagles nest in the shadow of active Kiska volcano.
The westernmost of the Aleutian Islands, Attu marks the site of the only World War II battle to be fought on North American soil and leaving several thousand dead. Today the attraction is birds, with exotic names like Siberian rubythroat, far eastern curlew and Mongolian plover, plus many of the migratory and seabirds you’ve come to love.
Sea days are ideal for editing photos, attending fascinating talks presented by a team of experts, or enjoying a massage at the wellness center, but remember to step outside to enjoy the many seabirds, whales, dolphins, and seals on the show as you approach Russia’s Kamchatka coast. Celebrate the voyage ends at your Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 15: At Sea | Crossing the International Date Line
Disembark in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy where you farewell the crew and expedition team and transfer to the airport to board your charter to Tokyo, where you spend the night.
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.
Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
15 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
1 month ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
Nancy Brown-Koeller
1 month 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
2 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
2 months ago
Personal, knowledgeable service. We felt so informed and supported before our trip. Highly recommend and would use again.
