Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Fly from Seattle to Juneau. Visit Mendenhall glacier before embarking the ship and dinner. Time at leisure after dinner to explore Juneau before a late evening departure.

Enter Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords with waterfalls cascading from its glacially carved walls and pass the Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier. Wildlife that can be seen from the ship includes harbour seals, porpoises, Arctic terns and Bonaparte gulls. Weather permitting Zodiac trips offer closer views of the glacier.

Head to the small town of St Petersburg on Mitkof Island, looking out for humpback whales en route. Explore the unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem, the "muskeg", with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity for optional flightseeing or bike riding, and a crab feast in the evening.

Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait are prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. Explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Later hike or kayak for up-close exploration.

Hike and kayak among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions and sea otters reside. Search for whales in the rich waters of Icy Strait and, conditions permitting, lower the ship’s hydrophone to listen in on the whales’ communication.

By special permit explore Glacier Bay, where glaciers end abruptly at the water's edge and wildness abounds. Mountain goats and brown bears patrol the shore, whilst harbour seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins live in the ice waters.

Today nature is the guide - there is no specific plan. Perhaps stop at an isolated beach or explore forest trails. Or do some small ship exploring along the shoreline of Admiralty Island, home to the brown bear and highest density of nesting bald eagles in the world.

After breakfast disembark in Sitka. Explore the town and visit the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre before driving to the airport. Note: Certain departures operate in reverse, making all the same stops.