Alaska | Tour Code: 12309
Navigate through narrow fjords and remote islands, spot incredible wildlife, and explore the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. With daily adventures by kayak, skiff, and guided hikes, this small-ship experience immerses you in the rugged beauty and untouched wilderness of Alaska.
Highlights
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Marvel at towering glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, witnessing the dramatic ice formations and calving events up close in a truly untouched wilderness
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Discover Alaska's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park
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Experience the intimacy of UnCruise small ships, with personalised service, immersive adventures, and access to remote destinations that larger vessels cannot reach
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Active, small-group adventure including kayaks, skiffs and hiking through remote fjords, glacial outwash fields and old-growth forests led by expert naturalist guides
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Visit the charming towns of Sitka and Juneau, rich in history, culture, and local experiences that reveal the heritage of Southeast Alaska
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Spot humpback whales, sea otters, stellar sea lions, and bald eagles, with expert naturalists guiding you to the best viewing opportunities
Overview
Experience the wild beauty of Alaska on this intimate, small-ship UnCruise adventure, set aboard the luxurious Safari Endeavour, your comfortable home base for a week-long journey through Southeast Alaska. This unique itinerary explores the breathtaking Sitka Sound and Peril Strait and visits the charming historic towns of Sitka and Juneau, each rich in culture and natural beauty. Glide through narrow passages teeming with wildlife, from humpback whales and sea lions to bald eagles soaring overhead, and marvel at towering glaciers, rugged fjords, and pristine islands along the way.
Each day offers guided adventures by kayak, skiff, or on foot, allowing you to explore hidden coves, hike through lush rainforests, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. With personalised service and expert naturalist guides, this cruise delivers an up-close, immersive experience of Alaska’s untouched wilderness, far from the crowds. Every meal, excursion, and piece of equipment is included, ensuring a seamless journey where adventure, wildlife encounters, and authentic connection with nature and local culture take centre stage. Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike!
Inclusions
- 7 nights onboard Safari Endeavour
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
- Explore the breathtaking Sitka Sound and Peril Strait
- Full day in Glacier Bay National Park
- Whale watching in Icy Strait, Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait
- Hike and bushwhack in the Tongrass National Forest
- Kayak, paddleboard, and skiff in Glacial Fjords
- Experienced Expedition Team
Itinerary
Safari Endeavour is a small ship that has wood fixtures, accents that shine, and artwork that highlights the warm and cool waters where it sails. Four decks are fully equipped for comfort and action. From the exercise equipment and lounge chairs in the Bridge deck, to the twin hot tubs on the Upper deck, to the Bow viewing area on the Cabin deck, to the library and dining room on the Main deck, everything you need is easy to reach.
Onboard Features: EZ Dock launch platform; kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles; underwater bow-mounted camera; two on-deck hot tubs; fitness equipment and yoga mats; DVD and book library; wine bar.
There’s nothing like a hearty greeting from your crew and some bon voyage bubbly. With all souls settled in on board, you’re underway. From the bow, Southeast Alaska welcomes you with Coast Mountain views.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour
Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, your captain makes the call. Either choice, go with the flow. The water is fine. The guides help you gear up and lead your adventure along the rocky outcroppings. By kayak or paddle board, take in the size of this wilderness. Bald eagles dot the tree tops. Harbor seals bob up and under. Pods of orcas, the largest in the dolphin family, skim along the water’s surface.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour.
Privilege abounds as you sail through Southeast Alaska west of Juneau. At 3.3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. Orange-beaked puffins, guillemots, and marbled murrelets are just a few possible sightings. Keep a tally, and the list will grow.
Arriving at South Marble Island, you can hear and smell ‘em before you see ‘em, it’s a haulout for sea lions. Perched above around the bend, watch for mountain goats, and lower along shore, foraging bears. Up bay, glacial silt turns the water a milky white. Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, one holding steady, the other retreating. Lounging harbor seals laze on bits of bergs. And if time allows, tuck up in Tidal Inlet. End this very full day with your feet up for the sail into Icy Strait.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour.
Nearly to the Pacific Ocean, Icy Strait is remote and wild. The plan? Whales and marine mammals. Spouts and fin slaps are certain giveaways. More rollicking sea lions and birds. But don’t forget to look straight down. Porpoises and dolphins may hitch a ride on the bow wave. And don’t worry about missing any wildlife; it’s a favorite mission of the crew to point out any creatures they spot. Make a break for it and head for a quiet pocket along the rugged coastline. A different sort of wild than the open strait, muskeg leads to forest bushwhacks. Skiff the shore and down along kelp-threaded channels.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour.
Kick off the morn with on-deck yoga stretches (your guides love it when you join them). Meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then stop. It’s a prime time to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Any bears in there? With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible.
Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. Hiking in the Tongass, it won’t take long to find them. Your eagle-eyed guides lead the pack and pull up the rear. Later, wend along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. Peril Strait runs 50 miles to Salisbury Sound.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour.
Wend along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. Peril Strait runs 50 miles to Salisbury Sound. The shorelines are close and it’s good territory for play. Skiff ashore and hike into the backcountry. Otters back float working to crack snacks resting on their bellies. Opening at Hoonah Sound, the squeeze is back on. Wind into Neva Strait. Watch the scenery change in the late fading light—from the hot tub of course.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour.
There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island. Its western side is spattered with remote, uninhabited islands. These features mean endless opportunities for adventure. Secluded coves. Treecovered islets. Drop anchor, pick your modus operandi, and get going. Kayak, paddle board, or skiff, you’re on the level with curious sea lions and possibly whales.
Rocky intertidal zones make good beach combing. Turn a stone or two to see what’s underneath. There are no groomed trails here, get out on a guided hike John Muir would approve of. Toast your voyage with a Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip. A gift to you, from your expedition team.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Endeavour.
Cruise into Sitka this morning over breakfast. Farewell new friends! Disembark and transfer to the airport or your hotel stay or land tour.
Additional Information
FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.
