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A Bald Eagle catches a fish.

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay 2015

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Explorer
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Join the Wilderness Explorer for this 8-day voyage that takes you into the jewel of the US National Park System. Kayak, paddle board, and skiff to explore this majestic region and spend two day in 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 two of the many highlights on this spectacular cruise.
Whale watching from a zodiac in Alaska.Family hiking on a tour of AlaskaKayaking though the Alaskan mountains.Family paddle boarding.A Bald Eagle catches a fish.
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: Embark in Juneau, Alaska

Welcome aboard! Meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates. Within minutes find yourself cruising the scenic channels of the Inside Passage.

Day 2: Glacier Bay National Park

One of America’s crown jewel national parks is yours to explore and marvel at for the next two days. Welcome to Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. A National Park Ranger joins you to explore coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay.

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. Stop in Bartlett Cove for a visit to the Park Service's Headquarters.

Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park

Make the best of this day in this majestic national park. Paddle a kayak and feel awe as you come face-to-face with a massive glacier. Go on a boot-sucking trek through sandbars and rainforest. And ride a skiff along shore for an up-close exploration of Glacier Bay. Find sea lions, mountain goats, sea otters, bears, moose, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops.

Day 4: Icy Strait

Set your course for arguably the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the Captain on the bridge or the Expedition Leader out on deck in search of marine mammals. Camera in hand, begin your land and sea exploration of these remote reaches. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the rugged and wild coastline with eyes set on the shore for possible bear sightings.

Day 5: Chichagof Island / Baranof Island

Meander along the spectacular waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. Marvel at the grand scenery as your crew expertly guides you through unsung, glacier-carved fjords. Anchor in remote waters for an opportunity to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Explore the shoreline on an intertidal walk or forest exploration with your guides.

Day 6: Captain's Choice

Today's agenda is flexible. Perhaps explore a tidal inlet by kayak; feel the burn of a rain forest hike; or maybe find yourself smelling the breath of a humpback while skiffing in a secluded cove. The possibilities are endless and your Captain knows best.

Day 7: Peril Strait / Sergius Narrows

Peril Strait runs 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound. This haven for small boats is scenically highlighted by a very narrow connecting passageway called Sergius Narrows and an opening at Hoonah Sound. This historic and wildlife-rich waterway is a great place to watch the shoreline for bears, the waters for otters and whales, and to look skyward for eagles. The passage narrows to only 300 feet in one spot (24 feet deep). After an adventurous, but “un-perilous” day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your Expedition Leaders.

Day 8: Disembark in Sitka, Alaska

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Explorer

Relax on the sun deck of the Wilderness Explorer.
Wilderness Explorer Bridge
Hot tub on Wilderness Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.
Wilderness explorer Navigator cabin
Navigator Cabin
#215; 302. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Trailblazer Cabin.
Trailblazer Cabin
#105-106; 207-214; 303; 305-306; 309-312. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Pathfinder Cabin
Pathfinder Cabin
#107-114; 202-206. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer Admiral Cabin
Admiral Cabin
#301, 304, 313-314. Sitting area, refrigerator, fixed queen bed, large picture window, and private bath with shower.
Navigator Single
#104. L-shaped twin beds; view window; private bath with a shower

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, 7 Dinners

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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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