Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Inside Passage Voyage

Where can you wake to the cry of a soaring eagle, watch tons of ice thunder from the face of a glacier, walk in a spruce forest, and observe lunge-feeding whales, while small ship cruising in comfort through protected waters on a nimble ship? In Southeast Alaska - a land of fjords and islands teeming with wildlife. Since 1982, this Alaska tour has explored the magnificent Inside Passage with a small number of guests in the company of naturalists. Walk forest trails to cascading waterfalls, taking time to birdwatch and identify wildflowers as you go. Enjoy Zodiac and kayaking forays, and learn about Alaska's rich Native American heritage. A full day is spent in Glacier Bay National Park.

Day 1: Juneau, Alaska/Embark Ship
Your Inside Passage Voyage begins with a morning flight to Juneau, Alaska's state capital. Visit the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, which spans approximately 12 miles, and the Alaska State Museum, an excellent introduction to Alaska's natural history and cultures. There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we board the expedition ship for your Alaska cruise in the late afternoon.

Day 2: Tracy Arm
Today's destination is Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord, with many waterfalls cascading from its high, glacially carved walls. Pass by the infamous "true blue" Sawyer Glacier, or the towering Dawes Glacier. If weather permits, zodiacs will provice up close views of the glacier. Keep a look out for harbor seals, porpoises and shore birds.

Day 3: Petersburg
Visit the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Petersburg was founded more than 100 years ago by rugged Norwegian fishermen, and this heritage is evident today in the attractive rosemaling (traditional painting in floral designs) that decorates the tidy homes and store fronts. There is an opportunity for an optional flightseeing trip via floatplane or helicopter over nearby Le Conte Glacier (weather permitting), and for biking through town or hikes on forest trails. Cruise out to the south part of Frederick Sound to look for whales, or to explore the mouth of Le Conte Bay, which is often a virtual sculpture garden of grounded icebergs. In the evening, head back to the ship for a Dungeness crab feast.

Day 4: Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are often good for whale watching - humpbacks and orcas. You might also find Steller's sea lions hauled out on one of the small rocky islands that dot the channels. During the day, go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail accompanied by naturalists, or perhaps go kayaking.

Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park
Spend the entire day in magnificent Glacier Bay, and see the enormous glaciers that flow from the ice fields far above. Some of these end abruptly at the water's edge, and you can watch and hear them calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Venture near islets that are home to unusual seabirds such as puffins and guillemots, and watch for humpback whales and orcas.

Day 6: Point Adolphus and Inian Pass
The waters just off Point Adolphus are consistently one of the favored summer feeding areas for humpback whales. Spend the morning whale watching and then cruise along the intricate northern coastline, where you might find playful sea otters.

Day 7: Exploring Southeast Alaska's Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. Perhaps a stop at an isolated beach to observe tide pools, comb the beaches, walk a forest trail or enjoy the numerous bald eagles that call this area home. And if conditions permit, venture out for kayaking!

Day 8: Sitka/Disembark Ship/Seattle
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong Russian heritage. Visit Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the Raptor Rehabilitation Center and the Sitka National Historic Park, where totem poles line quiet wooded trails. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flights home or to Anchorage to start your next adventure with Alaska Wildland Adventures.

Note:
We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure travel, there may be itinerary changes unforeseen and out of our control. Please read the Alaska Wildland Adventures Disclaimer of Liability.

Trip Length:
8 Days / 7 Nights

Departures:
May 12*, 13*, 19, 20, 26*, 27*
June 2, 3, 9*, 10*, 16, 17, 23*, 24*, 30
July 1, 7*, 8*, 14, 15, 21*, 22*, 28, 29
August 4*, 5*, 11, 12, 18*, 19*, 25, 26
* Indicates that this is a reverse itinterary.

Trip Price*:
Category 1: $5,990
Category 2: $6,790
Category 3: $7,890

Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy.
Solo supplement pricing available upon request.

*Trip price includes accommodations aboard ship, all meals, all shore excursions and sightseeing, use of kayaking equipment, entrance fees, group transfers as indicated in above itinerary, tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges, and services of Lindblad Expeditions' natural history staff. Trip price does not include beer, wine, or liquor or gratuities to ship's crew.

This trip is recommended but not operated by Alaska Wildland Adventures. Prices and dates are subject to change without notice.