Ice of the Inside Passage - Alaska Small Ship Cruise

Welcome to beautiful Sitka—the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. We encourage you to arrive early and explore the community’s rich culture, history, and biodiversity. Then embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Venture into Dundas Bay, within the confines of Glacier Bay National Park’s “Outer Bay.” In this secluded area, you’ll experience remarkable solitude as you paddle a shallow water coastline inaccessible to larger craft.

This remarkable national park fjord extends 65-miles, contains tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array 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, which has been known for its dramatic calving displays.

Spend the day visiting highlights of the scenic capital city of Juneau. In downtown, we’ll tour the captivating Alaska State Museum. There will also be time to explore on your own. The area boasts a vibrant culinary scene with award-winning restaurants and food trucks, local breweries, and distilleries. You can delve into indigenous culture by exploring exhibits, art displays, and a clan house at the Walter Soboleff Center. Other options include the Alaska State Capitol, city museum, Mt. Roberts Tram, and life-size humpback whale statue, “Thaku”.

End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, our own exclusive day lodge on Colt Island*. Enjoy the beautiful beach and a marine life viewing tank. Alaska crab and other delicious fare are served in the lodge, while s’mores are available at our beachside campfire.

*The lodge stop is subject to availability. If scheduling conflicts preclude the lodge, an alternative evening activity will be determined by your captain and guide staff.

Journey through Tracy Arm, a place the famous naturalist, John Muir, called, “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its glaciers, pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state.

Enjoy an exciting kayak or skiff expedition in stunning Endicott Arm-a glacial fjord in the Tracy Arm Ford’s Terror Wilderness area. View the impressive Dawes Glacier at the head of the arm. Later, scout for humpback whales and other wildlife in Frederick Sound.

Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags and ruled by four nations—the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing state historic park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska.

Walk an enchanted forest path laden with intricately carved totem poles to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale-House,— the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States. Inside stand four original house posts, or “Gáats,” that were most likely carved at Old Kasaan in about 1880.

Disembark in Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska’s “First City” and “Salmon Capital of the World.” Transportation to your hotel or the airport is complimentary on the day of disembarkation. We encourage you to spend some time immersing yourself in the rich history and maritime culture of the town. 

Itineraries are subject to change.