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 $750 AUD per couple* when booked by 30 November 2022.
Prices for these exhilarating 8-day cruises start from $5,485 AUD per person twin share*.
Departing from Juneau, 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. 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
Highlights
- 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 and Chatham straits
- Enjoy excursions by kayak, paddleboard, and motorised dinghy (skiff)
- Bushwalk in beautiful Tongass National Park
Inclusions
- 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
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 Discoverer departs towards Tracy Arm. D
Day 2
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 the cliffs. B L D
Day 3
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 is always the chance to see birdlife, including Carrot-Billed Black Oystercatchers, easily identifiable by their bright orange bills. B L D
Day 4
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
Days 5/6
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 7
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 in a remote inlet, where 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 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