One of the most breath-taking places in the world
Alaska’s Inside Passage is home to glaciers, pristine forests, towering fjords and amazing wildlife. Explore Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park aboard the 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer in 2023 and save up to $744 AUD per couple* when booked by 03 February 2023.
Prices for this exhilarating 8 day/7 night cruise start from $5,569 AUD per person twin share*.
Departing from Juneau (roundtrip), discover the wonders of Tracy Arm, impressive Frederick Sound and enjoy two-days in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Glacier Bay National Park. Accompanied by expert guides daily excursions include nature hikes, kayaking, paddle-boarding, exploring remote inlets by motorised dinghy and beach combing tidal pools. The region is rich in wildlife and sightings may include humpback whales, harbour seals, sea otters, black and brown bears and a plethora of bird species.
Natural Focus offers a selection of terrific vessels that accommodate between just 22-86 guests – small ships that can easily navigate the narrow channels getting guests closer to the action. Every departure offers passengers plenty of flexibility to adapt daily programs, making the most of changing conditions and highlights. Onboard, guests will get to know their fellow travellers. Each vessel is accompanied by a passionate and knowledgeable crew who are dedicated in creating a journey to life.
These small ship expedition cruises are the best way to explore the famed Inside Passage.
*Valid for select travel dates in 2023 when booked by 3 February. Price shown is based on Glacier Bay Cruise – National Park aboard the Wilderness Discoverer (Navigator cabin) departing 16 April 2023 (inclusive of saving). Minimum two people travelling together. Single travellers on request. Strictly subject to availability. Conditions apply.
Tour details
- Enjoy two days in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Glacier Bay National Park
- Get close to magical glaciers including Grand Pacific and Margerie
- Explore pristine Tracy Arm keeping an eye out for harbor seals
- Search for humpback whales in Icy Strait
- Enjoy excursions by kayak, paddleboard, and motorised dinghy (skiff)
- Bushwalk in beautiful Tongass National Park
- Transfers to/from vessel on embarkation and disembarkation day
- 7 nights onboard the Wilderness Discoverer in a Navigator Cabin (twin share)
- Sightseeing and shore excursions as per the itinerary
- All meals while onboard including wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- All activities and equipment (except snorkelling) including hot tub and yoga
- Services of onboard professional naturalist or escort
- Taxes and port charges
- Airfares
- Gratuities
- Pre/post land arrangements
- Travel & cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
Juneau is easily reached by air from both Seattle and Anchorage. Alaskan Airlines run regular flights from each city to Juneau. Flying time from Anchorage is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes while from Seattle it is roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
Itinerary
Alaska’s Inside Passage
8 days/7 nights
Day 1
Juneau, Embarkation
Your cruise departs today from Juneau, a charming small town first settled during the gold rush of the 1880’s. Toast your voyage as the Wilderness Discoverer departs towards Icy Strait. D
Day 2
Icy Strait & Neka Bay
Begin your morning with on-deck yoga stretches or a strong cup of coffee. There are options aplenty today. Glide around the remote bays of Icy Strait by kayak, through giant bullwhip kelp that can grow to over 100 feet long. Alternatively hop aboard a skiff to explore a rocky outcropping to watch sea lions play. Pull on some mud boots for a forest hike with your naturalist guides who have plenty to share about everything Alaska, from marine biology to geology. B L D
Days 3/4
Glacier Bay National Park
Over the next two days, discover the wonders of The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Glacier Bay National Park. The jewel in Alaska’s crown, the park is 3.3 million acres in size and is a playground of adventure. Cruise into Taylor Bay and witness sea stacks and rocky shores. You might also have the chance to hike into the Fairweather Mountain Range, traversing the outwash field of glaciers. In nearby Dundas Bay you may have a chance to see wildlife such as bears, humpbacks, and if you’re lucky, a wolf sighting. Here you can kayak or bushwalking through the forest. Make sure to have your binoculars handy.
On Day 6, explore South Marble Island – a birder’s paradise home to Puffins, Guillemots and Gulls. Keep an eye out for snoozing sea lions and cruise to the far end of Tidal Inlet to see magnificent glaciers calve into the water. Backed by knife-edged peaks, it’s also possible to see bears forage along the shoreline of Tidal Inlet. At the western-most point of the bay sits impressive Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers, and you might get to see them calving. B L D
Day 5
Chichagof Island
Today, meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. It’s a prime time to lower the kayaks or explore the coastline by skiff – moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible to see them today. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. B L D
Day 6
Frederick Sound
Enjoy the show today. You may find yourself surrounded by feeding humpbacks that travel through and feed in these abundant glacial waters. 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 outcrops. You might want to grab a kayak and paddle into Port Houghton or Windham Bay, or head ashore for a hike. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska. B L D
Day 7
Tracy Arm
Wake up this morning amidst beautiful fjords, with skyward reaching cliffs, floating ice and deep u-shaped valleys. Cruise slowly through beautiful Tracy Arm, keeping an eye out for harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. The cotton candy blue Twin Sawyer glaciers at its furthest reaches are the highlight today. Tides permitting, explore by skiff as your guide points out wildlife and geological wonders – towering walls, the Coastal Mountains and plenty of waterfalls. Keep an eye out for mountain goats high up on the cliffs. Cap off your week with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, and a post dinner cocktail. B L D
Day 8
Juneau, Tour Ends
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard this morning of fresh baked pastries, before saying goodbye to your crew and newfound friends. Transfer to Juneau airport or hotel. Tour ends. B
Please note: Children 8+ welcome on all departures
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Wilderness Discoverer
Wilderness Discoverer
Accommodating just 76 guests in 34 comfortable cabins, the Wilderness Discoverer is the perfect size for adventure cruising through Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. When not out exploring the wilderness on a kayak or paddleboard, the dining room or lounge area is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a drink, read a book or chat with fellow travellers. The Observation Deck also boasts a place to sit outside and spot wildlife, while the vessel also has two hot tubs and some fitness equipment.
Other facilities onboard the Wilderness Discoverer include: a kayak launch platform, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear, yoga mats and a small library.
Specification
- 76 Guests
- 34 Cabins
- Length: 174 feet
- Beam: 54 feet
- Crusing speed: 9 knots
Facilities
- Bar
- Underwater Bow Camera
- Inflatable Skiffs
- Paddle Boards
- Kayaks
- Snorkel Gear/Wetsuits
- Hot Tub
- Yoga Mats
Subscribe below
Sign up to receive updates about exciting journeys, special offers and more.