All that makes Alaska extraordinary—breathtaking wildlife and pristine wilderness on the grandest scale imaginable—can be found along the Inside Passage, the storied corridor of islands and glaciers along the southeast coast. We discover this realm the ideal way, aboard a historic, 11-guest wooden vessel that brings us into hidden places big ships can’t even dream of entering. With our on-board naturalists, we kayak into narrow inlets like amazing Ford’s Terror, whose sheer granite walls are wreathed in ephemeral mists, hike in cathedral-like old-growth forests, and encounter wildlife up close, from humpbacks to bald eagles. At day’s end, we savor the welcoming comfort of our boat and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful anchorage.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Juneau, Alaska / Ford’s Terror / Wood Spit (Southbound Itinerary)

In Juneau, we board our historic vessel and cruise south to Limestone Inlet, where a skiff ride up the river may reveal bear, jumping salmon, and nesting waterfowl. Entering into Endicott Arm, we look for whales as they dive for krill or bubble net for herring. At Dawes Glacier, we linger to watch the glaciers as they calve icebergs into the sea. A treat awaits us at a seldom-visited anchorage called Ford’s Terror, a spectacular natural amphitheater that resembles a flooded Yosemite. We anchor here to explore by sea kayak (no experience necessary), cross saltwater rivers, and paddle beneath 5,000-foot granite walls shrouded in otherworldly mists. Wood Spit offers an introduction to the region’s fascinating geology, Tlingit culture, and Gold Rush history.

Days 4-5
The Brothers / Admiralty Island

Setting out for The Brothers Islands, we watch for humpbacks and orcas in this prime summer feeding ground and listen to their ethereal songs with the ship’s hydrophone. After a hike through temperate rainforest, we head for 100-mile-long Admiralty Island, with its numerous brown bears and bald eagles. From our idyllic anchorage, the sound of breathing whales or the call of an eagle drifts across the evening calm.

Days 6-7
Thomas Bay / Scenery Cove / Petersburg

If the humpbacks are out our front door, we spend time shadowing their movements, then head south for Thomas Bay, watching for black bear on the beaches. Anchoring at Scenery Cove, we take the skiff along the glacial river and hike the glacial moraine of Baird Glacier. On Day 6, we celebrate together at the Captain’s Ball, and the next day, we dock in the charming fishing town of Petersburg, with its mountain setting and Norwegian and Tlingit heritage. Depart on Day 7.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 1+, easy to moderate, according to our trip grading system. The expedition vessel serves as our mobile base camp. We explore remote coastlines and fjords by day, then enjoy the comfort of the ship in the evening for good food, fine company, and a comfortable bunk. Southeast Alaska is one of the few places in North America largely untouched since the first explorers trod through its ancient forests 200 years ago. Following in the wake of the naturalist John Muir, who was deeply inspired by Alaska’s wild grandeur, we cruise a glorious stretch of wilderness where glaciers crackle in lovely fjords and the sea is filled with whales, orcas, porpoises, and sea lions. Along the way, we pass countless miles of old-growth forests of spruce, hemlock, and cedar, home to bears and bald eagles. With just a few hours of cruising each day, there is plenty of time for walking, wildlife watching, or sea kayaking all in the company of an on-board naturalist who shares insights into the local botany, natural history, and native culture.

You should be ready for a variety of weather conditions. Layered clothing works best in the changing weather conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Southeast Alaska. Layers are easier to pack and more versatile than a single heavy coat. Don’t bring down jackets or ski clothes (they don’t dry well in the damp climate). Good rain gear is essential; it will enable you to remain comfortable in the wind or rain. Bring your high rubber boots (or use the ones provided on board) for wading and for use in the kayaks and small boats (you will wear these everywhere we go).

No previous kayaking experience is required. Unlike whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking skills can be learned quickly and easily. The waters of the Inside Passage are protected from the open ocean and are generally calm. It is not our intention to kayak on stormy days or when sea conditions are truly "rough" with high winds and waves (indeed, such occasions are infrequent in these waters during the summer). Nevertheless, unpredictability is the rule for the weather in Alaska, and we cannot guarantee good kayaking weather throughout. And with such a comfortable “mother ship,” we can always opt out of any kayaking or hiking to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and the great views from on board.

Explanation of Trip Levels