Alaska’s Inside Passage & Glacier Bay National Park
United States Small Ship Cruises
Small ship cruise through Canada’s Inside Passage into southeast Alaska
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length13 days
- Prices from$5800 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Alaska is wild on a grand scale. Bank on big fauna and vast landscapes that will tease your senses. Listen for waterfalls gushing from mountain peaks and the tell-tale blow of humpback whales coming up for air. Breathe in the crisp fragrance of cedar and spruce trees as you feel the water lapping beneath your kayak. Gaze upon ice-blue glaciers and carpets of green forest.
Flanked by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and ice-blue glaciers, your small boat cruise will navigate the network of remote and intricate waterways of the Inside Passage. Stretching from British Columbia to Alaska, your route is sheltered from the Pacific winds and waves by the many forested islands and inlets that dot the area. Calm waters prevail allowing for smooth sailing, creating the perfect playground for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Your cruise experience marries adventure and comfort. Each day a plethora of adventure activities await, whilst back on board, generous cabins, gourmet meals, and luxurious amenities renew mind, body, and soul. Your small boat will take you to out-of-this-world locations; all you need to do is step outside and explore!
Highlights
- Explore the Inside Passages of Alaska and Canada
- Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers
- Tongass National Forest, with Misty Fjords
- Whale watching in Frederick Sound and Icy Strait
- Wildlife haven for bears, eagles, whales, seals, and dolphins
- Wilderness kayaking, paddle boarding, skiffing, and hiking
- Native Tlingit culture and natural history
- Small boat, small groups, and small footprint
For more, check out all of our Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises.
Itinerary
The itinerary may be subject to change due to organizational reasons, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities. For example, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to safe navigation, mooring requirements, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1: Seattle, Washington
Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington & Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 3: Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 4: Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 5: Ketchikan / Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 6: Captains’ choice
Day 7: LeConte Bay / Ideal Cove
Day 8: Frederick Sound / Chatham Strait
Day 9: Sitka / Peril Strait
Day 10: Chichagof Island
Day 11: Glacier Bay National Park
Day 12: Icy Strait
Day 13: Juneau, AlaskaDay 1: Seattle, Washington
Embark from the Emerald City, Seattle. Check-in at the hospitality center and later, board your ship and settle in. Depending on your vessel, depart from downtown Seattle, cruising along the city’s picturesque waterfront. Or from Fishermen’s Terminal and transit historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, where it’s a 20-foot drop into the Salish Sea. Adieu, Seattle. (D)Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington & Canada’s Inside Passage
Each island in the San Juan archipelago is different. Orcas and harbor seals haven’t picked favorites. You could spot them in any passage. Give your arms a stretch. Kayak or paddleboard along a tucked away cove. Sea stars dot rocky outcroppings orange and purple. Curious harbor seals watch your moves. Get in more mileage on a skiff ride to further inlets. There will be time to hike too. Look low and nose around pools for creatures left behind by the outgoing tide. (BLD)Day 3: Canada’s Inside Passage
Mountains rise higher. Fjords get deeper. It’s a day of intricate waterways and cruising for critters. Keep watch for black bears on the shore, including the elusive spirit bear. Civilization slips away as you enter remote waters leading north through British Columbia. Surf-happy dolphins and porpoises like to catch a ride on the bow wave. Your captain and crew are on the lookout and give the call of a sighting. A waterfall and an old abandoned cannery - named Butedale - will come into view. Slow down and take it all in as forested fjords roll by. Aiming to entertain and educate over the next days, your expedition team is at the ready with insights into natural history, Native influences, and their favorite trivia games, too. (BLD)Day 4: Canada’s Inside Passage
Take your cup of joe to the bow. The world wakes up with you. Bald eagles watch the ship along its course from treetops. Islands to the west, inlet-etched mainland to the east. Your captain and mates navigate twisting passages. Harbor seals spend their days on rocky islets. Breathe in the fresh air and take in miles of forested wilderness. In the lounge, your bartender mixes up the daily special. Take the challenge and play a few friendly hands of cards with your shipmate. (BLD)Day 5: Ketchikan / Misty Fjords National Monument
In Ketchikan, connect with the Tlingit Culture. Tribal leader and local legend Joe Williams, known as Ka Xesh X’e in his native language, guides you on a walking tour. With a rich oral tradition, the Tlingit passed stories from generation to generation - and Joe’s storytelling is captivating! Amble through the surrounding forest on a moderate to easy trail or challenge yourself to a hard-charger hike along trails and boardwalks past cedar, spruce, streams, and waterfalls. Next up, is Misty Fjords - the largest wilderness area in the Tongass National Forest and a haven for wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, salmon, and deer. Calm settles over these parts and all you can hear is nature; deep glacial fjords filled with seawater, wetlands, estuaries, dense forests, and sweeping granite cliffs paint the landscape. Paddle through a bay, silty from the outwash of a mountain river. (BLD)Day 6: Captains’ choice
Just what you need, morning stretches on deck with your guide. Warm those hard-at-play muscles. You know firsthand - conditions in Southeast change one inlet to the next. Your captain is at the helm and your expedition team picks just the right spot. Wherever you head, the adventures are as big as the water is deep! So many hidden pockets in the Tongass National Forest. Give your paddleboard skills a glide. Watch for big-eyed harbor seals from a kayak. Bushwhack into the forest of giants. Your guides know the area’s history and keep it lively. (BLD)Day 7: LeConte Bay / Ideal Cove
If it’s high tide, a skiff ride brings you up-close to LeConte Glacier’s iceberg gardens. Sculpted by the warm summer air, these glacial works of art are a testament to the mastery of Mother Nature. If tides are low, take a boot-sucking walk to check out icebergs resting on the mudflats. Surrounded by national forest, Ideal Cove’s boardwalk trails wind through habitat known as “muskegs,” boggy meadows of ferns and grasses. Or test your balance paddle boarding in this quiet cove. It’s just you and the vast wilderness. (BLD)Day 8: Frederick Sound / Chatham Strait
Humpbacks beeline it to this region each season to feed on zooplankton and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, your expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. From kayak or skiff, scope the intertidal zones of un-named bays and coves. Eagles fish here too, their white noggins give away their perches. Kayak into a seascape of wild, forested islets, or take the pace down a notch with an easy stroll amidst the tide pools. It’s remote and remarkable. (BLD)Day 9: Sitka / Peril Strait
Alaska’s wild natural history surrounds the historic community of Sitka. It’s a quick ride to Fortress of the Bear. Tour this home for orphaned bears and observe their unique personalities. With access to the Tongass National Forest all around you, take the hint and take a hike - your guides know the way into the mountains to a clear lake and along boardwalk trails through temperate rainforest to a waterfall. Later, set sail into Peril Strait and join your expedition guides who share the tragic tales of how this passage earned its foreboding name. (BLD)Day 10: Chichagof Island
Remote passages offer more opportunities for you to search for the mighty humpback whale. Keep your binoculars at hand and watch for the misty spout of these gentle giants as they feed in the waters around you. Anchor in a remote Chichagof Island inlet. Backpacks loaded and adventure toys lowered (skiffs, paddleboards, kayaks), it’s time to go play. Stick to the water in a kayak excursion, and don’t forget to look above and below the surface. A nosy seal could be watching your every stroke. Beachcomb rocky shores. Tiny creatures cling to rocks. Tonight, take a nightcap to the sun deck and watch the sky. (BLD)Day 11: Glacier Bay National Park
There’s a cool factor, and it’s not just coming off the face of the glaciers! This 3.3 million-acre park was covered by ice as recently as 1795. Since then, the park’s receding glacier activity has made it easier to access those inner reaches. Glacial history, retreats, advances, moraines. They come with expert insight from a park ranger and your onboard naturalists, so bring on the questions. Pigeon guillemots, puffins, common murres, and cormorants colonize and nest at South Marble Island. One good whiff and a few loud barks give away one of its mammalian residents - Steller’s sea lions. It’s a full day in the bay exploring Muir’s legacy - all the way to Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Celebrate with a toast to nature’s handiwork. (BLD)Day 12: Icy Strait
Bull whip kelp threads through nearby channels like deep, twisted mangroves. And you know better, but orange and purple starfish and jellyfish make it hard to believe you’re not in the tropics. Follow the currents out to where the sea lions flock to remote rock formations. Your captain is on the bridge, the expedition team on deck and all eyes are on the water and the shore. Everyone is on-watch for the telltale blow of humpbacks. Come closer to the shoreline by skiff, kayak, or on foot. Sometimes the smallest things are the biggest wonders. Take in the evening solitude from the bow, or the hot tub, or both - why choose just one? Tonight, join your captain for the farewell dinner. As a special treat, your expedition team shares a slideshow of your journey. (BLD)Day 13: Juneau, Alaska
Disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the Juneau airport or begin your overnight stay or extended land tour. (B)Day 1: Juneau, Alaska
Day 2: Icy Strait
Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park
Day 4: Chichagof Island
Day 5: Sitka / Peril Strait
Day 6: Frederick Sound / Chatham Strait
Day 7: LeConte Bay / Ideal Cove
Day 8: Captains’ choice
Day 9: Ketchikan / Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 10: Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 11: Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 12: Canada’s Inside Passage / San Juan Islands, Washington
Day 13: Seattle, Washington* Itinerary details are the same as the Seattle to Juneau tour direction.
Map
Boats
- Safari Endeavour
Premium Class Boat
Geared to those looking for adventure but with the added creature comforts, Safari Endeavour will ensure guests have the best of both worlds. Designed to navigate the narrow and remote wild reaches of Alaska, this sleek vessel boasts a thrilling range of outdoor activities. Stunning scenery begs to be explored on daily kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiff boat rides. Shore excursions like hiking and wildlife viewing will take you inland and beyond the waters. Back on board, spacious… Read More
- Safari Explorer
Premium Class Yacht
Sailing exclusively around the islands of Hawaii throughout the year, the Safari Explorer is designed to reach wild areas where big ships can’t. Lovingly called “the Bulldog”, the performance-built rugged construction and maneuverability of this boutique yacht means access to faraway regions. Read More
- Wilderness Discoverer
Comfort Class Boat
The maiden vessel in the ‘Wilderness’ boat fleet, the Wilderness Discoverer was built in 1992 and renovated in 2012. Designed to get you into remote places, off-limits to bigger boats, this small boat is all about getting out and about. Read More
- 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
- Wilderness Legacy
Comfort Class Boat
Fondly nicknamed the ‘Whale Whisperer’, this small boat is geared to adventure and expedition cruising. Taking on the appearance of an early 20th-century coastal steamer, Wilderness Legacy, not only exudes vintage charm but is a stalwart vessel in the fleet, capable of sailing remote waters. Equipped with a portable activity launch platform - aka Sea Dragon - taking part in kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiff rides is a breeze. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 12 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
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from the start/finish
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Port taxes/fees
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Seattle to Juneau
April 17 & April 24, 2023Juneau to Seattle
September 9 & 30, 2023Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Comfort Class Boats
Wilderness Legacy
April 17, 2023Navigator cabin $ 8811 £ 4714 $ 7,899 € 5489 ₪ 21617 ¥ 821969 NZ$ 9710 NOK 64446 kr 63920 $ 5,800 Trailblazer cabin $ 9875 £ 5283 $ 8,853 € 6151 ₪ 24226 ¥ 921172 NZ$ 10881 NOK 72224 kr 71634 $ 6,500 Pathfinder cabin $ 10786 £ 5770 $ 9,670 € 6719 ₪ 26462 ¥ 1006203 NZ$ 11886 NOK 78891 kr 78247 $ 7,100 Explorer cabin $ 12002 £ 6421 $ 10,759 € 7476 ₪ 29443 ¥ 1119579 NZ$ 13225 NOK 87780 kr 87063 $ 7,900 Junior Commodore cabin $ 13825 £ 7396 $ 12,394 € 8612 ₪ 33916 ¥ 1289641 NZ$ 15234 NOK 101114 kr 100288 $ 9,100 Owner's cabin $ 16711 £ 8940 $ 14,981 € 10410 ₪ 40997 ¥ 1558907 NZ$ 18415 NOK 122226 kr 121227 $ 11,000 Single Navigator cabin $ 15496 £ 8290 $ 13,892 € 9652 ₪ 38015 ¥ 1445532 NZ$ 17076 NOK 113337 kr 112411 $ 10,200 Charter On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 1025 £ 549 $ 919 € 639 ₪ 2516 ¥ 95660 NZ$ 1130 NOK 7500 kr 7439 $ 675 Premium Class Boats
Safari Endeavour
April 24 & September 30, 2023Navigator cabin $ 9723 £ 5201 $ 8,716 € 6056 ₪ 23853 ¥ 907000 NZ$ 10714 NOK 71113 kr 70532 $ 6,400 Trailblazer cabin $ 10634 £ 5689 $ 9,534 € 6624 ₪ 26089 ¥ 992032 NZ$ 11718 NOK 77780 kr 77145 $ 7,000 Pathfinder cabin $ 11394 £ 6095 $ 10,214 € 7097 ₪ 27953 ¥ 1062891 NZ$ 12556 NOK 83336 kr 82655 $ 7,500 Admiral cabin $ 12457 £ 6664 $ 11,168 € 7760 ₪ 30561 ¥ 1162094 NZ$ 13727 NOK 91114 kr 90369 $ 8,200 Commodore cabin $ 17623 £ 9428 $ 15,798 € 10977 ₪ 43233 ¥ 1643938 NZ$ 19419 NOK 128893 kr 127840 $ 11,600
Single Navigator cabin $ 12761 £ 6827 $ 11,440 € 7949 ₪ 31307 ¥ 1190438 NZ$ 14062 NOK 93336 kr 92573 $ 8,400 Charter On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 1025 £ 549 $ 919 € 639 ₪ 2516 ¥ 95660 NZ$ 1130 NOK 7500 kr 7439 $ 675 Safari Explorer
September 9, 2023Navigator cabin $ 12002 £ 6421 $ 10,759 € 7476 ₪ 29443 ¥ 1119579 NZ$ 13225 NOK 87780 kr 87063 $ 7,900 Trailblazer cabin $ 13217 £ 7071 $ 11,849 € 8233 ₪ 32425 ¥ 1232954 NZ$ 14564 NOK 96670 kr 95880 $ 8,700 Admiral cabin $ 15648 £ 8371 $ 14,028 € 9747 ₪ 38388 ¥ 1459704 NZ$ 17243 NOK 114448 kr 113513 $ 10,300 Junior Commodore cabin $ 17167 £ 9184 $ 15,390 € 10693 ₪ 42115 ¥ 1601422 NZ$ 18917 NOK 125559 kr 124533 $ 11,300 Commodore cabin $ 20205 £ 10809 $ 18,114 € 12586 ₪ 49569 ¥ 1884860 NZ$ 22265 NOK 147782 kr 146575 $ 13,300 Single Navigator cabin $ 16863 £ 9021 $ 15,117 € 10504 ₪ 41370 ¥ 1573079 NZ$ 18582 NOK 123337 kr 122329 $ 11,100 Charter On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 1025 £ 549 $ 919 € 639 ₪ 2516 ¥ 95660 NZ$ 1130 NOK 7500 kr 7439 $ 675 Triple rates are available in designated cabins (refer to deck plan). On request.
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 ranges 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 at your own pace. Morning yoga classes cater to all levels and relaxing in the hot tub is for well everyone.
Airport Info
Fly into/out Seattle International Airport (SEA) or Juneau International Airport (JNU) depending on your tour direction.
Seattle to Juneau
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Seattle should arrive no later than 2:00 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 13) your flight from Juneau should leave no earlier than 11:30 am.Juneau to Seattle
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Juneau should arrive no later than 2:30 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 13) your flight from Seattle should leave no earlier than 12:00 pm.Local Travel
Transfers to/from Seattle/Juneau 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.
Recommended
Rubber or hiking boots
The wilderness areas explored 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, or 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 on any of the 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.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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