Alaska - Tongass Forest, Glaciers & Wildlife
United States Small Ship Cruises
Small ship expedition into the Tongass back country of Alaska
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from$4515 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Taking you into the heart of Tongass backcountry, this cruise is all about active adventure, and of course wild Alaska! Featuring 16.7 million acres of icy fjords, hidden bays, old-growth rainforests, snow-capped mountains, mega glaciers, and untamed rivers, Tongass is for the wild at heart.
Made up of 19 wilderness areas, including Misty Fjords National Monument, this is the largest national forest in the United States. The five salmon species that roam the waters here support an incredible array of Alaskan wildlife, with the highest concentrations of bald eagles and brown bears in the world.
Named for the Tongass group of Tlingit people that call this pristine wilderness their home, Tongass is rooted in culture and heritage evident in the totem poles, handicraft, and traditional houses you’ll see.
You’ll be itching to explore by boat, kayak, foot, and paddleboard on one of the many small group guided adventures throughout your cruise. Get front-row seats to Dawes Glacier calving enormous icebergs, granite cliffs shedding lacy waterfalls in Misty Fjords, and smooth waters broken by playful dolphins in Thomas Bay. By journey’s end, we’re sure that a little of wild Alaska will have rubbed off on you!
Highlights
- Endicott Arm Fjord, Dawes, and Twin Sawyers Glaciers
- Humpback and orca whales in Stephens Passage
- Yosemite of the North: Misty Fjords National Monument
- Native Tlingit talk and Kiksetti Totem Park visit
- Explore Tongass by kayak, paddleboard, skiff boat, and on foot
- Spectacular wildlife - whales, porpoises, sea lions, otters, wolves, bears, and eagles
- Navigate winding Wrangell Narrows and Behm Canal
- Small boat, small groups, and small footprint
Combine this cruise with our Glacier Bay National Park Adventure for the Ultimate 15-day Alaskan Cruise!
Itinerary
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical, or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. The captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety even with no advance notice.
Day 1: Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation
Day 2: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Day 3: Stephens Passage
Day 4: Thomas Bay / Wrangell Narrows
Day 5: Wrangell
Day 6: Behm Canal
Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 8: Ketchikan, Alaska – DisembarkationDay 1: Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation
Once you check-in at the hospitality area, perhaps you will have time to explore a bit of Juneau. Surrounded by the rich, green Tongass National Forest, and located on beautiful Gastineau Channel, Juneau is an important port and a popular tourist destination. Unique because it is the only state capital in the United States that is inaccessible by road, Juneau sits at sea level below the steep mountains that are home to the Juneau Icefield and the Mendenhall Glacier.After boarding, grab a glass of bubbly, as the ship picks up anchor and sets sail for the Endicott Arm wilderness.
Day 2: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Let us set the stage: fjord cliffs reach skyward, floating ice scatters the surface and deep u-shaped valleys cut the landscape. As you navigate the Tracy Arm Fjord, you cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. During the summer, you can spot eagles, seals, bears, whales, and even mountain goats showing off their fancy footwork. At the end of Endicott, the blue face of Dawes Glacier is stories high. And in classic fjord form, Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy blue twin Sawyer Glaciers at its furthest reaches. Tides permitting, your skiff driver knows the ins and outs and guides you along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, waterfalls, temperamental currents, and the Coastal Mountains.Day 3: Stephens Passage
Humpback and orca are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Stephens Passage to Port Houghton and your adventure begins. The routes are all picked out. You can slip off the kayak launch and take it slow spotting sea stars and shorebirds. The more energetic can take a long wild paddle to the salt chuck at the back of the inlet. Those who prefer to be on foot can hike into the Tongass, the nation's largest national forest.Day 4: Thomas Bay / Wrangell Narrows
Thomas Bay is known for its glaciers and its abundance of wildlife. Moose, bears, and wolves are just a few of the animals you may see while traveling through this bay. Rich with gold, quartz and lore, Baird Glacier drains into the bay. You can kayak and skiff in water almost as clear as glass. The mirror image of the fjord walls plays on the surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. Later, wind into the Wrangell Narrows, nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane". Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. .Day 5: Wrangell
Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. The powerful Stikine Tlingit tribes inhabited the region for thousands of years and its culture has deep roots here. You will enjoy a morning presentation that brings their stories and legends to life. Today, Wrangell continues to redefine itself. The lumber mills have been upgraded and refashioned into a sustainable forest products industry, and the town has become a unique outpost for tourism. Visit Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House Monument, Totem Park, the Wrangell Museum, or walk among the petroglyphs at Petroglyph Beach State Park for a glimpse into its history.Day 6: Behm Canal
Behm Canal is located in the Alexander Archipelago. Wildlife abounds along this 108-mile long natural channel such as black bears, mink, eagles. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike with wide-stretching views. In the water orca, porpoises, seals, and otters are abundant. A guided paddle will explore the small deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal.Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
There are still a few places left on the planet that can strike awe. Misty Fjords National Monument is one of them. Carved out by the last great North American glaciation, narrow winding granite walls guide the ship deeper into the wilderness. Nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska is represented here. Seabirds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. The area's affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved, and it’s an amazing wrap to your week. Your captain joins you tonight for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a “photo journal” by your crew.Day 8: Ketchikan, Alaska – Disembarkation
After breakfast, this morning, bid adieu to your new friends before you disembark and transfer to the Ketchikan airport or begin your extended stay in Alaska.Day 1: Ketchikan, Alaska – Embarkation
Day 2: Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 3: Behm Canal
Day 4: Wrangell
Day 5: Wrangell Narrows / Thomas Bay
Day 6: Stephens Passage
Day 7: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Day 8: Juneau – DisembarkationDay 1: Ketchikan, Alaska – Embarkation
Arriving in Ketchikan, you are met with a warm welcome. You may have time to take in a bit of the city once you check in at the hospitality area. But after boarding, grab a glass of bubbly as you push off the dock. Set sail for Misty Fjords National Monument.Day 2: Misty Fjords National Monument
There are still a few places left on the planet that can strike awe. Misty Fjords National Monument is one of them. Carved out by the last great North American glaciation, narrow winding granite walls guide the ship deeper into the wilderness. Nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska is represented here. Seabirds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. The area's affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved, and it’s an amazing start to your week.Day 3: Behm Canal
Behm Canal is located in the Alexander Archipelago. Wildlife abounds along this 108-mile long natural channel such as black bears, mink, eagles. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike with wide-stretching views. In the water orca, porpoises, seals, and otters are abundant. A guided paddle will explore the small deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal.Day 4: Wrangell
Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. The powerful Stikine Tlingit tribes inhabited the region for thousands of years and its culture has deep roots here. You will enjoy a morning presentation that brings their stories and legends to life. Today, Wrangell continues to redefine itself. The lumber mills have been upgraded and refashioned into a sustainable forest products industry, and the town has become a unique outpost for tourism. Visit Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House Monument, Totem Park, the Wrangell Museum, or walk among the petroglyphs at Petroglyph Beach State Park for a glimpse into its history.Day 5: Wrangell Narrows / Thomas Bay
Wind into the Wrangell Narrows heading toward the fishing town of Petersburg and Thomas Bay. Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. It’s “Christmas Tree Lane,” of course. Thomas Bay is way back backcountry of Alaska's wilderness. When you come this far, you might as well go all in. Glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. In this playground, it’s all an option today. Kayak and skiff in water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier. Or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest.Day 6: Stephens Passage
On-deck stretches jump-start the day. Humpback and orca are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Stephens Passage to Port Houghton. And you’re in for a boot-sucking, paddle-smacking day of adventure with your guide team. The routes are all picked out. Make your choice and make your move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow spotting sea stars and shorebirds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle to the salt chuck at the back of the inlet. Or, hike into the Tongass. It’s a landscape of hanging waterfalls and shades of green.Day 7: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Let us set the stage: fjord cliffs reach skyward, floating ice scatters the surface and deep u-shaped valleys cut the landscape. As you navigate the Tracy Arm Fjord, you cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. During the summer, you can spot eagles, seals, bears, whales, and even mountain goats showing off their fancy footwork. At the end of Endicott, the blue face of Dawes Glacier is stories high. And in classic fjord form, Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy blue twin Sawyer Glaciers at its furthest reaches. Tides permitting, your skiff driver knows the ins and outs and guides you along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, waterfalls, temperamental currents, and the Coastal Mountains. Tonight, your captain joins you for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a “photo journal” by your crew.Day 8: Juneau – Disembarkation
After breakfast, this morning, bid adieu to your new pals before you disembark and transfer to the Juneau airport or begin your extended UnCruise hotel stay or land tour.Looking for something different? Take a look at our other Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises here.
Map
Boats
- Wilderness Explorer
Comfort Class Boat
Navigating the waterways and fjords of Alaska, Wilderness Explorer offers a small-boat experience for adventure seekers. Carrying just 76 guests, her nimble size allows access to secluded areas where crowds are absent. A favorite spot to look for breaching whales, calving glaciers, and impressive wildlife is from the large viewing deck or nautical-themed lounge at the bow. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in selected cabin
- Onboard meals
- Onboard spirits, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages
- Transfers & baggage handling between airport/vessel
- Entry fees to parks/preserves
- All from-the-vessel activities & equipment
- Expedition/heritage guides & guest experts
- Wellness amenities: hot tub, fitness equipment, & yoga mats
- Port taxes/fees
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from the start/finish
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Juneau to Ketchikan
June 6, June 27, July 18, and August 8, 2021Ketchikan to Juneau
June 13, July 4, July 25, and August 15, 2021Juneau to Ketchikan
May 22, June 5, June 26, July 17, and August 7, 2022Ketchikan to Juneau
May 29, June 12, July 3, July 24, and August 14, 2022Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Sunday departures
Season 1: June 6 & 13, 2021
Season 2: June 27, July 4, 18 & 25 and August 8 & 15, 2021Season 1 Season 2 Navigator cabin $ 5924 £ 3306 $ 5,822 € 3822 NZ$ 6330 kr 38790 $ 4,515 $ 6449 £ 3599 $ 6,337 € 4161 NZ$ 6891 kr 42227 $ 4,915 Trailblazer cabin $ 6842 £ 3819 $ 6,724 € 4415 NZ$ 7312 kr 44804 $ 5,215 $ 7367 £ 4112 $ 7,240 € 4753 NZ$ 7873 kr 48241 $ 5,615 Pathfinder cabin $ 7499 £ 4185 $ 7,369 € 4838 NZ$ 8013 kr 49100 $ 5,715 $ 7892 £ 4405 $ 7,756 € 5092 NZ$ 8433 kr 51677 $ 6,015 Explorer cabin $ 8811 £ 4917 $ 8,658 € 5685 NZ$ 9415 kr 57691 $ 6,715 $ 9598 £ 5357 $ 9,432 € 6193 NZ$ 10256 kr 62846 $ 7,315 Single Navigator cabin $ 9795 £ 5467 $ 9,625 € 6320 NZ$ 10466 kr 64135 $ 7,465 $ 10648 £ 5943 $ 10,463 € 6870 NZ$ 11378 kr 69719 $ 8,115 Charter $ 531785 £ 296796 $ 522,593 € 343113 NZ$ 568256 kr 3482082 $ 405,300 $ 569310 £ 317740 $ 559,469 € 367324 NZ$ 608355 kr 3727795 $ 433,900 Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 492 £ 275 $ 484 € 317 NZ$ 526 kr 3222 $ 375 $ 492 £ 275 $ 484 € 317 NZ$ 526 kr 3222 $ 375 Specials
Valid until February 28, 2021. For new bookings.
Early Bird Saving (excl. Master, Navigator, and Mariner cabins): $ 394 £ 220 $ 387 € 254 NZ$ 421 kr 2577 $ 300
Sunday departures
Season 1: May 22 & 29, June 5 & 12, 2022
Season 2: June 26, July 3, 17 & 24 and August 7 & 14, 2022Season 1 Season 2 Navigator cabin $ 5924 £ 3306 $ 5,822 € 3822 NZ$ 6330 kr 38790 $ 4,515 $ 6449 £ 3599 $ 6,337 € 4161 NZ$ 6891 kr 42227 $ 4,915 Trailblazer cabin $ 6842 £ 3819 $ 6,724 € 4415 NZ$ 7312 kr 44804 $ 5,215 $ 7367 £ 4112 $ 7,240 € 4753 NZ$ 7873 kr 48241 $ 5,615 Pathfinder cabin $ 7499 £ 4185 $ 7,369 € 4838 NZ$ 8013 kr 49100 $ 5,715 $ 7892 £ 4405 $ 7,756 € 5092 NZ$ 8433 kr 51677 $ 6,015 Explorer cabin $ 8811 £ 4917 $ 8,658 € 5685 NZ$ 9415 kr 57691 $ 6,715 $ 9598 £ 5357 $ 9,432 € 6193 NZ$ 10256 kr 62846 $ 7,315 Single Navigator cabin $ 9795 £ 5467 $ 9,625 € 6320 NZ$ 10466 kr 64135 $ 7,465 $ 10648 £ 5943 $ 10,463 € 6870 NZ$ 11378 kr 69719 $ 8,115 Charter $ 531785 £ 296796 $ 522,593 € 343113 NZ$ 568256 kr 3482082 $ 405,300 $ 569310 £ 317740 $ 559,469 € 367324 NZ$ 608355 kr 3727795 $ 433,900 Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 492 £ 275 $ 484 € 317 NZ$ 526 kr 3222 $ 375 $ 492 £ 275 $ 484 € 317 NZ$ 526 kr 3222 $ 375 Specials
Valid until February 28, 2021. For new bookings.
Early Bird Saving (excl. Master, Navigator, and Mariner cabins): $ 394 £ 220 $ 387 € 254 NZ$ 421 kr 2577 $ 300
Extra Options
Extra nights
Juneau Double Single April 1 - May 26; Sep 8 to 30, 2020 $ 256 £ 143 $ 251 € 165 NZ$ 273 kr 1675 $ 195 $ 381 £ 212 $ 374 € 246 NZ$ 407 kr 2491 $ 290 May 27 - September 7, 2020 $ 328 £ 183 $ 322 € 212 NZ$ 351 kr 2148 $ 250 $ 518 £ 289 $ 509 € 334 NZ$ 554 kr 3394 $ 395 Ketchikan April - October 2020 $ 282 £ 157 $ 277 € 182 NZ$ 301 kr 1847 $ 215 $ 485 £ 271 $ 477 € 313 NZ$ 519 kr 3179 $ 370 Juneau: Includes a mountain or water-view room (king or two double beds), meet and greet, airport transfers, baggage handling, and taxes.
Ketchikan: Includes water- or mountain-view room, meet and greet, airport transfers, baggage handling, and taxes.
Extra nights
Juneau Double Single April 1 - May 26; Sep 8 to 30, 2020 TBC TBC May 27 - September 7, 2020 TBC TBC Ketchikan April - October 2020 TBC TBC Juneau: Includes a mountain or water-view room (king or two double beds), meet and greet, airport transfers, baggage handling, and taxes.
Ketchikan: Includes water- or mountain-view room, meet and greet, airport transfers, baggage handling, and taxes.
Triple rates are available in designated cabins (refer to deck plan). On request.
When booking extra nights, 50% of the cost will be non-refundable.Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
The cruise has been designed to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. Whether you are looking to take it easy or are up for a challenge, there is something for everyone. Unless the boat is cruising part of the day, there are active adventure options scheduled most mornings and afternoons. Your onboard guides will advise what activities are on offer daily and work to include everyone. Kayaking excursions take the form of guided paddles that can last 1-4 hours and open paddling at your own pace. Hiking range from rigorous treks over rugged terrain for the fit to easy strolls along the beach. Inflatable skiff rides require you to sit back and relax, with little to no effort needed. Paddleboarding and snorkeling (if offered) are your own pace. Morning yoga classes cater to all levels and relaxing in the hot tub is for well everyone.
Airport Info
Fly in/out of Juneau International Airport (JNU) or Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) depending on your tour direction.
Juneau to Ketchikan
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Juneau should arrive no later than 2:30 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 15) your flight from Ketchikan should leave no earlier than 11:30 amKetchikan to Juneau
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Ketchikan should arrive no later than 2:30 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 15) your flight from Juneau should leave no earlier than 11:30 am.Local Travel
Transfers to/from Juneau and Ketchikan Airports are included in the tour price.
Climate
Southeast Alaska enjoys a comfortable maritime climate. You can expect mild temperatures in summer, with it getting cooler over the spring or autumn months. Being largely rainforest, be prepared for light mist and rain at any time. From early April into May, Southeast Alaska awakens from a long winter. Bears, baby animals, migrating grey whales and birds, budding forests, snow-covered peaks, gushing waterfalls, and Aurora Borealis sightings can be part of your experience. Plus, it’s crowd-free. Long days of Alaskan summers mean extra playtime. Temperatures are warmer, so there’s better access to higher elevation hikes. And humpbacks are back en masse. Come summer’s end and into early fall, wildlife gets busy - mating, migrating, and feeding up for winter.
Day of Rest
Any day can be a day of rest on board! You can decide how your day plays out.
Recommended
Rubber or hiking boots
The wilderness areas we explore on foot can get pretty muddy, plus most skiff landings are wet landings where there’s no dock at all. Having proper footwear and ankle support is absolutely essential. Both hiking and rubber boots are good, but if you only have space to bring one, we would recommend rubber boots (aka the “Alaska tennis shoe,” also known as Xtratufs, Wellingtons, gumboots). Many of our guests add insoles for support and hike all week in their rubber “mud” boots. For the best fit and availability, bring your own rubber boots, although you may find a very limited supply for shared use on board (but these can’t be guaranteed). Youth-size boots are not available aboard any of our vessels so you need to bring your own children’s boots.
Charters
If you have a large group and would like to charter an entire boat, please contact us for available dates and boats. In addition to the scheduled dates listed (please see pricing), further dates may be available on request. All dates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Itineraries can be customized to suit your individual needs and as safety and operational constraints allow. Please send us your preferred destination, dates, boat, and the number of people (adults and children under 13) in your party, and we will work on providing you with the best available options! The relevant charter terms and conditions will apply.Remarks
A variety of activities are included in this tour.
Hiking:
A range of hikes - of varying difficulty and terrain - are available throughout your tour. Ranging from easy beachcombers to harder mountain scrambles. A good pair of hiking or gumboots are recommended. Hiking poles are available.
Kayaking and paddleboarding:
Our small ships are stocked with paddleboards and tandem sea kayaks. Open paddling is offered but most outings are short guided trips lasting one to four hours. It is a great way to get up close to wildlife and explore the area.
Skiff rides:
These are small boat rides that take you further and faster. Your skiff captains are pros and rides will be full of adventure and exploration. Minimal effort is required. Good gumboots or waterproof hiking boots are recommended for wet landings.
Learning about Alaska Native cultures:
Your itinerary may also offer you the opportunity to delve into Alaska Native cultures. Visit Take, A Tlingit town Kupreanof Island featuring a 132-foot totem pole, or the Kiksetti Totem Park in Wrangell and nearby Chief Shakes Tribal House, carved entirely using traditional Tlingit methods. Presentations by local islanders bring Tlingit culture and history to life.
Polar plunge:
For those a little more daring, take a giant leap off the fantail into the frigid 40-50 degree Fahrenheit Alaskan waters. At those temperatures, you only stay in for a minute before scrambling on deck, wrapping yourself in a warm towel, and heading off to the hot tub.
Northern Lights:
Also called Aurora Borealis, this exquisite natural phenomenon is best seen in April and September. One needs clear skies and just the right conditions to witness nature put on this show. Your crew will gently awaken you in the wee hours when the time is right.Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
For US citizens, documents for travel to/from Alaska are the same for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Alaska within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
For Non-U.S. citizens a passport is required. Please research documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by UnCruise Adventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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