Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness
United States Multi-Adventure
Adventure cruise of Glacier Bay National Park, South Marble Island & Tongass wilderness
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Overview
Ticking all the boxes when it comes to iconic Alaska, this small ship expedition delivers spectacular scenery, unique wildlife, and a hands-on experience. Drawing like-minded adventure-seekers on board, you will be in good company as you indulge your explorer instincts.
Topping the list of highlights is Glacier Bay National Park. With its sprawling 3.3 million acres of snow-capped mountains carpeted in rainforest, protected fjords, and of course, impressive glaciers, you will spend two days in this marine haven.
There’s no shortage of wildlife on your sojourn through the Inside Passage of southeast Alaska. Harbor seals basking on icebergs, brown bears nosing rushing waters for darting salmon, and bald eagles soaring the skies above.
Whether you are kayaking the glassy waters in search of a whale tail or catching up with cruise mates on the deck, Alaska will captivate from every angle.
Highlights
- Glacier Bay National Park - World Heritage Site
- Margerie, Grand Pacific, and the Twin Sawyers glaciers
- Abundant wildlife - whales, porpoises, sea lions, and bears
- Excellent birding at South Marble Island
- Whale watching in Frederick Sound
- Natural history presentations
- Small boat, small groups, and small footprint
For more, check out all of our Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Juneau
Day 2: Icy Straight & Neka Bay
Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park
Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park
Day 5: Chichagof Island
Day 6: Frederick Sound
Day 7: Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glaciers
Day 8: JuneauThe 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
After arriving in Juneau, you will be transferred from the airport to the boat. Upon boarding, your crew will greet you with champagne and smiles and then you set sail for a week of scenic channels and secluded wilderness. Surrounded by the rich, green Tongass National Forest, and located on the beautiful Gastineau Channel, Juneau is an important port and a popular tourist destination. 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. Its temperate climate produces remarkable scenery with miles of hiking trails through woods and alpine meadows providing a glimpse of just how rugged the rainforest of Southeast Alaska is. (B)Day 2: Icy Straight & Neka Bay
From kelp-lined channels to hemlock and spruce forests, every inch of this far northwest corner is worth exploring. Today’s adventures promise to be as big as the water is deep! Seals and sea lions haul out on rocky outcroppings, resting before they disappear in the water to search for food. If the tides are right, your guides will load up the skiff for a closer peek along the rugged shore, or perhaps, make it all the way to George Island. Remember that your expedition team guides you in whatever you choose to do: wilderness trekking, skiffing, or paddling. (BLD)Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park
This crown jewel of America’s national parks covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Taylor Bay sea stacks and rocky shores make for a good adventure. You could hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and ice fields is energizing. If you motor over to Dundas Bay, keep your eye out for bears, humpbacks, and if you’re lucky, a wolf sighting. There are several options for activities today such as kayaking in the bay, and trekking into the forest. (BLD)Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park
Today features South Marble Island with its significant seabird colony. Rare sea birds, black oystercatchers, and orange-beaked tufted puffins can be sighted as well as the federally endangered species, the Stellar sea lions. As you tuck into the silent Tidal Inlet - the stomping grounds for bears, wolves, mountain goats, and eagles - the backdrop is spectacular. At the end of the westernmost arm of the bay sits Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. (BLD)Day 5: Chichagof Island
Find a perch on the bridge with your captain, or with your guides on the bow, and watch for whales and other creatures as you wind through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof Coast and Tongass National Forest. Any spot is a good one to pull over and stretch your legs. Hike, paddle, or skiff your way through this remote corner with bears on the shoreline, seals bobbing on the surface, and welcoming boughs of moss in the trees. It’s all yours to explore. Back on board, there’s a treat in store - the farewell dinner and some special memories from your crew. (BLD)Day 6: Frederick Sound
The glacier-fed waters of Frederick Sound, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Coast Range, are abundant with krill, zooplankton, and herring. Humpback whales migrate here from Hawaii to feed on its nutrient-rich water. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. You will cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. (BLD)Day 7: Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glaciers
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, and whales here, and even mountain goats showing off their fancy footwork. The cotton candy blue Twin Sawyer glaciers tower from afar. 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. (BLD)Day 8: Juneau
Today your tour comes to an end. As you enjoy your breakfast, the ship cruises to Juneau. You will then be transferred to the airport or into Juneau. (B)Take a look at our Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises here for more options!
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Map
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Boats
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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
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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
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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
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from the start/finish
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Port taxes/fees
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Comfort Class Boats
Sunday departures
Season 1: May 4 & September 7, 2025
Season 2: May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, & August 31, 2025
Season 3: June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17 & August 24, 2025Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Navigator cabin $ 7590 £ 3826 $ 6,834 € 4592 Ft 1847692 kr 674971 ₪ 17093 ¥ 734125 Mex$ 97866 NZ$ 8405 kr 53562 zł 19145 S$ 6455 kr 51536 CHF 4332 $ 4,725 $ 8393 £ 4231 $ 7,557 € 5078 Ft 2043215 kr 746396 ₪ 18901 ¥ 811811 Mex$ 108222 NZ$ 9295 kr 59230 zł 21171 S$ 7138 kr 56989 CHF 4791 $ 5,225 $ 9839 £ 4960 $ 8,859 € 5953 Ft 2395156 kr 874962 ₪ 22157 ¥ 951644 Mex$ 126863 NZ$ 10896 kr 69432 zł 24818 S$ 8368 kr 66806 CHF 5616 $ 6,125 Trailblazer cabin $ 8393 £ 4231 $ 7,557 € 5078 Ft 2043215 kr 746396 ₪ 18901 ¥ 811811 Mex$ 108222 NZ$ 9295 kr 59230 zł 21171 S$ 7138 kr 56989 CHF 4791 $ 5,225 $ 9357 £ 4717 $ 8,425 € 5661 Ft 2277842 kr 832107 ₪ 21072 ¥ 905033 Mex$ 120649 NZ$ 10362 kr 66031 zł 23602 S$ 7958 kr 63534 CHF 5341 $ 5,825 $ 11124 £ 5607 $ 10,016 € 6730 Ft 2707992 kr 989243 ₪ 25051 ¥ 1075940 Mex$ 143433 NZ$ 12319 kr 78501 zł 28060 S$ 9461 kr 75531 CHF 6350 $ 6,925 Pathfinder cabin $ 9035 £ 4555 $ 8,135 € 5467 Ft 2199633 kr 803537 ₪ 20348 ¥ 873959 Mex$ 116507 NZ$ 10006 kr 63764 zł 22792 S$ 7685 kr 61352 CHF 5158 $ 5,625 $ 10160 £ 5121 $ 9,148 € 6147 Ft 2473365 kr 903533 ₪ 22881 ¥ 982718 Mex$ 131005 NZ$ 11251 kr 71699 zł 25628 S$ 8641 kr 68987 CHF 5800 $ 6,325 $ 12087 £ 6093 $ 10,883 € 7313 Ft 2942620 kr 1074954 ₪ 27222 ¥ 1169163 Mex$ 155860 NZ$ 13386 kr 85302 zł 30491 S$ 10281 kr 82076 CHF 6900 $ 7,525 Admiral cabin $ 11124 £ 5607 $ 10,016 € 6730 Ft 2707992 kr 989243 ₪ 25051 ¥ 1075940 Mex$ 143433 NZ$ 12319 kr 78501 zł 28060 S$ 9461 kr 75531 CHF 6350 $ 6,925 $ 12409 £ 6255 $ 11,173 € 7508 Ft 3020829 kr 1103524 ₪ 27945 ¥ 1200237 Mex$ 160003 NZ$ 13742 kr 87569 zł 31301 S$ 10554 kr 84257 CHF 7083 $ 7,725 $ 14657 £ 7389 $ 13,198 € 8868 Ft 3568293 kr 1303515 ₪ 33010 ¥ 1417755 Mex$ 189000 NZ$ 16232 kr 103439 zł 36974 S$ 12466 kr 99527 CHF 8367 $ 9,125 Charter $ 643 £ 324 $ 579 € 389 Ft 156418 kr 57140 ₪ 1447 ¥ 62148 Mex$ 8285 NZ$ 712 kr 4534 zł 1621 S$ 546 kr 4363 CHF 367 $ 400 $ 723 £ 364 $ 651 € 437 Ft 175971 kr 64283 ₪ 1628 ¥ 69917 Mex$ 9321 NZ$ 800 kr 5101 zł 1823 S$ 615 kr 4908 CHF 413 $ 450 $ 851 £ 429 $ 767 € 515 Ft 207254 kr 75711 ₪ 1917 ¥ 82346 Mex$ 10978 NZ$ 943 kr 6008 zł 2148 S$ 724 kr 5781 CHF 486 $ 530 Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 602 £ 304 $ 542 € 364 Ft 146642 kr 53569 ₪ 1357 ¥ 58264 Mex$ 7767 NZ$ 667 kr 4251 zł 1519 S$ 512 kr 4090 CHF 344 $ 375 $ 602 £ 304 $ 542 € 364 Ft 146642 kr 53569 ₪ 1357 ¥ 58264 Mex$ 7767 NZ$ 667 kr 4251 zł 1519 S$ 512 kr 4090 CHF 344 $ 375 $ 602 £ 304 $ 542 € 364 Ft 146642 kr 53569 ₪ 1357 ¥ 58264 Mex$ 7767 NZ$ 667 kr 4251 zł 1519 S$ 512 kr 4090 CHF 344 $ 375 Triple rates are available in designated cabins (refer to deck plan). On request.
USD750 deposit is required at booking.
Please 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
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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 offered daily and will 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 at your own pace. Morning yoga classes cater to all levels and relaxing in the hot tub is for well everyone.
Airport Info
Fly in and out of Juneau International Airport (JNU).
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight should arrive no later than 2:30 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 8) your flight should leave no earlier than 11:30 am.Local Travel
Transfers to/from Juneau Airport 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 you 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,” aka 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 that are 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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Photos
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Reviews
Reviews
Reviews coming soon!
This tour is brand new, which is why there aren’t any reviews yet. Crafted by trusted local partners and backed by our 25+ years of experience, it’s a journey we’re excited to share.
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