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 Glacier Country aboard the 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer in 2023 and save up to $878 AUD per couple* when booked by 15 February 2022.
Prices for these exhilarating 8-day cruises start from $5,391 AUD per person twin share*.
Departing from Juneau (Alaska), discover the wonders of Tongass National Park, impressive Frederick Sound, beautiful Chichagof Island and 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. Price shown is based on Alaska’s Glacier Country aboard the Wilderness Adventurer (Navigator cabin) departing 07 April 2023 (inclusive of saving). Minimum two people travelling together. Single travellers on request. Strictly subject to availability. Conditions apply.
Tour details
Highlights
- Enjoy one day in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Glacier Bay National Park
- Get close to magical glaciers including Dawes and Margerie
- Explore Fords Terror Wilderness Area
- Search for humpback whales in Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
- Enjoy excursions by kayak, paddleboard, and motorised dinghy (skiff)
- Bush-walk in beautiful Tongass National Park
Inclusions
- Transfers to/from vessel on embarkation and disembarkation day
- 7 nights onboard the Wilderness Adventurer 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
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Gratuities
- Pre/post land arrangements
- Travel & cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
Getting there
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
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 Adventurer departs west towards Icy Strait. D
Day 2
Icy Strait
Wake up to the wonders of the Inside Passage. Make the most of a beautiful morning, perhaps beginning the day with some yoga on the deck or a strong cup of coffee as you watch the wilderness pass by.
Enjoy an invigorating kayak excursion, gliding around in remote bays off Icy Strait through giant bullwhip kelp – which can grow to over 100 ft long. Other options for today might include hopping aboard a skiff (motorised dinghy) to a rocky outcropping to watch sea lions play or stepping into mud boots for a forest hike with a naturalist guide. Your expert guides will have plenty to share about Alaska — including topics such as marine biology, plants or geology – so make sure to ask plenty of questions. B L D
Day 3
Glacier Bay National Park
Today is devoted to exploring the wonders of The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Glacier Bay National Park with a park ranger. Make sure to have your binoculars handy, South Marble Island is 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 John Hopkins Inlet or Tarr 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. If time and daylight allow, take a forest hike around the park’s headquarters in Bartlett Cove. B L D
Day 4
Chatham Strait
Stretching 150 miles into the Tongass National Forest, Chatham Strait offers visitors plenty of chances to explore this beautiful wilderness.
The captain will anchor the vessel just off Chichagof Island in a remote inlet. A morning of adventure awaits, exploring the inlet on a forest walk along the shore or on the water by skiff, paddleboard or kayak. Beachcomb along the rocky shore, looking in rock pools, and make sure to keep an eye out for curious seals. Tonight, enjoy a nightcap on the sun deck and watch the sunset. B L D
Day 5
Kuiu Island
The jagged arms and fingers of Kuiu Island stretch from 25 to just six miles wide. Salmon streams dot the coastline and, where there’s salmon, there are bears.
Despite its slim size, Kuiu Island is home to a very healthy population of black bears. Scope the coastline of Saginaw Bay from a kayak or skiff in search of bears and eagles, that can often be seen fishing or perched on a branch. Alternatively, take an easy stroll amidst the tide pools. You might also have a chance to relax onboard, soaking in your surrounds while taking a dip in the hot tub. B L D
Day 6
Frederick Sound
Frederick Sound is one of the best spots to see humpback whales, who arrive here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton and herring.
Depending on wind and weather, your expedition team has today’s line-up of adventure all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse (Alaska’s oldest light station) as well as The Brothers Islands, where sea lions can be seen napping on rocky outcrops. There may also be opportunities to kayak or hike in Port Houghton or Windham Bay. There is always the chance to see birdlife, including Carrot-Billed Black Oystercatchers, easily identifiable by their bright orange bills. B L D
Day 7
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travellers during a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” from your expedition team. 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 Adventurer
Wilderness Adventurer
Accommodating just 60 guests in 30 comfortable cabins, the Wilderness Adventurer 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 a hot tub and some fitness equipment.
Other facilities onboard the Wilderness Adventurer include: a kayak launch platform, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear, yoga mats and a small library featuring fascinating wildlife encyclopaedias and binoculars for spotting wildlife.
Specification
- 60 Guests
- 30 Cabins
- Length: 160 feet
- Beam: 39 feet
- Crusing speed: 9.5 knots
Facilities
- Wine bar
- Underwater Bow Camera
- Inflatable Skiffs
- Glass-bottom Boat
- Paddle Boards
- Snorkel Gear/Wetsuits
- Hot Tub
- Yoga Mats
