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Alaska wildlife tours and brown bear fishing for salmon

Western Coves

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Discoverer
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Explore Alaska's “wild and woolly” wilderness on this 8-day voyage! Embark on this adventure through the western coves of Alaska's coast, where you are treated to wildlife and whale watching in Frederick Sound and Stephen's Passage, glacier calving in Endicott Arm, and trekking El Capitan Cave. Discover the region's epic waterways by kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiffing in remote scenic bays. Finally, get a sense of the local culture on a visit to the carving school and totems at Klawock, a native Tlingit Village.
Whale watching from a zodiac in Alaska.Family sitting on a glacier.Kayaking past a waterfall.A pile of old totem poles.Alaska wildlife tours and brown bear fishing for salmon
Places Visited
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: Ketchikan, Alaska / Embarkation

Welcome aboard! Meet your crew, get settled in, and keep watch for eagles as your cruise sets sail through the Tongass Narrows out of Ketchikan.

Day 2: Tongass National Forest / El Capitan Passage

Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska trek winding through high forest on an old logging trail, find your way to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. And if the stars are right (okay maybe it's the tides), you just may get lucky today and snag some organic oysters from a local grower.

Day 3: Klawock Native Village

Discover living history in Klawock—one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Along with its small fishing fleet, this rustic community continues to thrive on the farthest reaches of the wild Alaska coastline. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye for eagles and sea birds.

Day 4: Chatham Strait

It's Captain's Choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait's Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water. Conditions permitting, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel. Snorkeling is optional, but hidden beneath the surface lies a magical array of sea life only seen from below. Take a deep breath and go for it! Today's discoveries will be within some of the most untouched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.

Day 5: Frederick Sound

Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife – they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

Day 6: The Brothers Islands / Stephen's Passage

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, and sea lions. Tonight, anchor in quiet bay and listen for the call of the wild.

Day 7: Endicott Arm / Ford's Terror Wilderness

Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.

Day 8: Juneau / Disembark

Bid adieu to new-found friends over breakfast before disembarking. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your independent journey.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Discoverer

Wilderness Discoverer
Wilderness Discoverer in the San Juans PNW
Wilderness Discoverer

Dates & Prices

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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.
Wilderness Discoverer's Navigator Cabin.
Navigator
Main Deck, cabins 201, 204-208 and 210. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Interior Cabin
Trailblazer
Observation Deck, cabins 310-325. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Wilderness Discoverer's Pathfinder Cabin.
Pathfinder
Observation Deck, cabins 300-309. Outside entry, queen bed, sitting area, private bath with shower and view window.
Wilderness Discoverer's Explorer Double Cabin.
Admiral
Sun Deck, cabins 400-403. Separate sitting area, queen or twin beds, private bath with shower, large picture window with sofa bed/triple.

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.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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