Alaska Islands, Whales, and Glaciers

Explore the Wildlife of the Inside Passage!

Explore Southeast Alaska aboard an intimate vessel that is high on both adventure and guest service. You’ll enjoy a casual atmosphere aboard while you depart Sitka and explore Eastern Baranof Island, Icy Strait and Glacier Bay National Park. Hike through rainforests, soak in natural hot springs and delight in whale watching throughout your cruise in the Gulf of Alaska off Alaska’s Panhandle.

Small Ship, Big Experience!

Day 1

Arrive in Sitka

Arrive in Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces open ocean waters. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and receive a private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Sitka.

(c) Mark Kelley. All rights reserved.

Day 2

Sitka to Hoonah Sound in Peril Strait

This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before receiving a private transfer to your cruising vessel. Meet the crew and get settled into your cabin on the M/V Misty Fjord as the ship makes its way into the waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Anchor for the evening in Hoonah Sound, a protected body of water in Peril Strait. The ship has an open-wheelhouse policy so take time to visit the bridge and chat with your knowledgeable Captain.

Overnight on the Misty Fjord, your home for the next five nights.

Day 3

Explore Eastern Baranof Island and Baranof Warm Springs

The next day, your ship will navigate the remote, eastern coast of Baranof Island situated in the northern Alexander Archipelago in the Alaska Panhandle. This area hosts many intimate coves and inlets, making it ideal for exploration with opportunities such as Hidden Falls, Takatz Bay, and Cosmos Cave. Hop off the ship to explore a beautiful rainforest path to a natural hot springs where you can soak in the steaming pool and enjoy unobstructed wilderness views.

That evening, enjoy a gourmet meal featuring locally sourced seafood that was caught in the same waters you have spent the day exploring.

Day 4

Icy Strait and Glacier Bay National Park

The Misty Fjord will pass through the waters of Icy Strait, an area known by locals for incredible humpback whale viewing before sailing into Glacier Bay National Park. Your voyage through Glacier Bay will offer stunning views and the opportunity to explore the shoreline and culture of the area with a guided beach trek and a visit to the Huna Tribal House.

Day 5

Margerie Glacier and Wildlife Viewing

Glacier Bay National Park covers 3.3 million acres, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and is a pristine habitat for a wide array of wildlife. Brown and black bears can be found within the park, as well as wolves, mountain goats, and humpback whales. Today guests will get up close to Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. Your onboard naturalist guide can share the biology and geography of the park while the True Alaskan Guide aboard will share information about the lifestyles and legends of the cultures that call Southeast Alaska home.

Day 6

Venture Out into Lynn Canal and William Henry Bay

Join your naturalist on a skiff adventure or take out one of the ship’s kayaks to explore scenic Lynn Canal. The Canal is the deepest fjord in North America and one of the longest and deepest in the world. Marine life is abundant in this area, humpback whales call the canal home during the summer months and Orcas, Dalls Porpoise, Harbor Seals, and Stellar sea lines can be found here year-round.

Later in the day visit an exclusive, private property at William Henry Bay. The property is set against the dramatic Chilkat mountain range and includes an expansive beach and old forest that are just waiting to be explored.

Day 7

Disembark and Depart Juneau

Breakfast is included onboard the M/V Misty Fjord before the ship docks in Juneau for debarkation. Say goodbye to your crew and receive a private transfer to the Juneau Airport for your departing flight.

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

Price range:  $1500 - $2000 per person, per day

Main Ship

The 60-foot M/V Misty Fjord was specifically designed for in-depth wilderness exploration of Southeast Alaska. Her hull is based on the design of well-proven Alaska commercial fishing boats for supreme comfort and stability while sailing the waters of the Inside Passage. The onboard experience features a plush interior with an elegant teak finish, aft salon, a spacious wheelhouse, and an outer deck engineered for optimal wildlife viewing.

Cabins

A total of 5 staterooms can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Each room is approximately 85 square feet. All rooms have a private head and shower, and can accommodate 2 guests. Cabins include pillow-topped mattresses, fresh towels and linens, complimentary use of binoculars, daily room service, including evening turndown, and complimentary Alaska-made body washes and shampoo.

This small ship cruise begins in Sitka, which is only accessible by air or sea and offers and derives its names from the Tlingit phrase meaning “People on the outside of Baranof Island”. The area known as downtown Sitka was originally settled by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago.

Meals feature a variety of menu options, including meat, seafood, and vegetarian selections. Much of the seafood you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy will have been caught just days prior by local fishing vessels. The catch is immediately chilled and delivered to buyers, preserving its superior flavor and texture. Such locally harvested specialties include king salmon, halibut, rockfish, shrimp, and crab- cooked and prepared to a standard any Alaskan would recommend. Guests can enjoy early-riser pastries every morning as well as appetizers prior to dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, and one complimentary glass of house wine or beer at dinner.

The itineraries are filled with opportunities for active exploration, both in intriguing ports of call and in remote wilderness areas. The M/V Misty Fjord carries expedition craft that enables the ship to get even closer to the land and sea. The Demaree Inflatable Boats (DIBs) are rigid bottom inflatables, which are called upon for shallow-water and glacial fjord exploration. These nimble vessels are also used as beach landing craft to allow remote hiking opportunities in areas not accessible to larger craft. Guests can use the complimentary Alaskan gear onboard such as rain jackets, rain pants, and rain boots.

Enrichment

A deeper level of understanding is exactly what is needed to gain a true appreciation of this unique region. To this end, the vessels are staffed with knowledgeable expedition leaders who act as personal guides on every voyage. Our naturalists focus on the biology, geography, and ecology of the Inside Passage, while our Cultural Heritage Guides are well versed in the lifestyle, legends, and practices of Southeast Alaska’s intriguing cultures. Having these guides by your side for every step of your journey – from kayak expeditions to dining – ensures no question will ever go unanswered.

Cultural Heritage

Your itinerary will offer an opportunity to discover three distinct Native cultures: the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, through visits to intriguing villages. These communities are among the least traveled places in Alaska, and a visit can be a powerful experience. As you walk the streets and forests of these communities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy several planned experiences, from dance shows to carving demonstrations. You may even witness several events unique to village life: a hunter’s return after a successful hunt of seal or deer, families working together to hang their harvest of sockeye salmon in a smokehouse, or a ceremonial potlatch.

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