Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Participate in a wilderness hike on one of the many trails in town. Visit sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Spend the day exploring remote, Inside Passage wilderness. Hike a rainforest trail, featuring towering spruce and hemlock trees and lush undergrowth. Your knowledgeable guide will provide commentary on the indigenous plants and wildlife of the area. Explore Baranof Island’s charming shoreline dubbed “The Waterfall Coast” and savor an opportunity to kayak a protected bay in the area. 

Scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in Frederick Sound. Humpbacks are famous for behavior that lends itself to incredible viewing and photography, such as tail lobbing, lunge feeding, pectoral slapping, breaching, and picturesque dives that showcase their massive flukes. Other opportunities for in-depth exploration include the protected waters or shores of Security Bay, Skanax Bay, Pybus Bay, and The Brothers islands.

Moor on the northern end of Mitkof Island in the community of Petersburg and choose your own adventure! This small, charming fishing town is nicknamed Alaska’s “Little Norway.” One option is to explore the community at your own pace, experiencing its unique Scandinavian culture and small-town lifestyle. Or, you can opt to board a skiff and cross the beautiful Wrangell Narrows for a guided wilderness hike on Kupreanof Island.


 

Enjoy an exciting kayak expedition in Endicott Arm, a glacial fjord in the Tracy Arm Ford’s Terror Wilderness area. Paddle the turquoise fjord water amidst icebergs, guided by a crew member. Board your ship’s expedition skiff for a journey into Ford’s Terror, a narrow fjord that earned its name when a 19th century seafarer discovered the power of its current. View the impressive Dawes Glacier, an active tidewater glacier at the head of Endicott Arm. 

Reverse (Juneau to Sitka) Itinerary:  Day 5 - Exploration Day - A detailed day description will be provided onboard the ship. Exploration Day will consist of activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and getting out for beach exploration. Note: Cruise information is subject to change without notice based on navigating conditions. Itinerary orders are also subject to rearrangement based on permit allocations.

Begin the day with an unscripted exploration of Southeast Alaska. Your captain and crew will search for wildlife, including the area’s famous humpback whales. End the day's adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, an exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy a Tlingit cultural presentation, as well as the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on Alaskan salmon, Alaskan king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire. 

This remarkable national park fjord extends 65 miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a expedition of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day's programanand a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins us to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure. End the day in Bartlett Cove to enjoy a rainforest path, the inspiring Tlingit tribal house, and a fully articulated humpback whale skeleton.

Disembark in Alaska's capital city of Juneau. Transfer to the airport or your hotel is complimentary.