(c) Brian Adams. All rights reserved.
This exclusive 7-day cruise out of Juneau, in Alaska’s Inside Passage, showcases the beauty and wonder of Alaska marine life, seacoast and wilderness. Cruise through Tongass landscapes and Glacier Bay National Park aboard the nimble Safari Explorer on an intimate small ship journey. Enjoy land-based fun from hiking through the Tongass Rainforest, beach combing along inter-tidal zones to keeping an eye out for bear, sea otters, seals, and more. This unique exploration of the northern passages of Alaska by cruiseship provides an up-close, hands-on adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Arrive in Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, and receive a personal greeting followed by a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Juneau.
(c) Matt Hage. All rights reserved.
After breakfast, you’ll be transported by private vehicle to your cruise ship, the Safari Explorer, and meet your fellow cruisers and crew for the start of your exploration of Alaska’s Northern Passage and Glacier Bay National Park.
Overnight on the Safari Explorer, your home for the next seven nights.
Join your captain on the bridge or your naturalist guides on the bow, and watch for whales and other wildlife before tucking into Port Frederick or another inlet bordering the Tongass National Forest. There are lots of spots all along your cruiseship’s route to stop for adventures. You can choose to hike, paddle a kayak, or hop in a skiff as you explore this remote corner of southeast Alaska watching for bears on the shoreline, seals bobbing on the surface of the water, and welcoming boughs of moss in the trees.
Continue your exploration of Glacier Bay National Park today in search of wildlife and glaciers. Your captain will tuck your vessel into Tidal Inlet, the stomping grounds for bears, wolves, mountain goats, and eagles and with wilderness views that may take your breath away. You’ll sail down the westernmost arm of the park to find Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers and front row seats to glaciers calving right near you. The sound is incredible as chunks of ice break away and fall into the sea. During your day look for seabirds from black oyster catchers and orange-beaked tufted puffins.
This morning awake to find yourself in Icy Strait with kelp-lined channels bordered by hemlock and spruce forests. Mother nature is yours to explore today! Seals and sea lions enjoy the rocky outcrops and you can get up close by boarding a skiff for a personal “meet and greet”. You can also explore the rugged shoreline with your guides all the way to George Island. Whether you take off by kayak, paddle board or skiff, your guides will show you and teach you about all this area has to offer. Tonight, enjoy a soak in the hot tub after the day’s adventures as you take in the serene sites around you.
(c) Brian Adams. All rights reserved.
Begin your day today with a yoga class as you wait for humpback whales to make their appearance. The day’s itinerary is yours to plan and your options include exploring both Chichagof Island and Peril Strait. Consider a coastline kayak tour, travel in search of whales, or hike through remote Alaskan wilderness. Chichagof Island’s coast is dotted with glacier-carved fjords that are perfect for exploring. End your day sharing a gourmet meal and stories with your fellow shipmates.
(c) Mark Kelley. All rights reserved.
The Sergius Narrows lives up to its name, at 300 feet wide and 24 feet deep this zig-zag channel provides a shortcut for vessels traveling to Sitka between Baranof and Chichagof Island and leading into Kakul Narrows, Salisbury Sound, and the Pacific. Cruising through these waterways provides stunning views of remote and serenely forested islands, and gives you the opportunity to spot Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and abundant marine wildlife.
(c) Reinhard Pantke. All rights reserved.
Your final full day on the ship will not disappoint you and your companions. The Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds are dotted with uninhabited islands that are prime opportunities for exploration. Head out on a skiff with the crew, or paddle a kayak to the shore. Meander through inter-tidal zones searching for sea creatures, make your own trail through the brush to truly explore off the beaten path. Enjoy one last gourmet dinner with your new friends before settling into your cabin for your final evening on board the Safari Explorer.
Cruise into the port of Sitka while you enjoy breakfast onboard. Say goodbye to the crew and your new friends before receiving a private transfer to the Sitka Airport for your flight home.
(c) Mark Kelley. All rights reserved.
Main Ship
This high-end SUV of a ship is nimble, strong, and loving. The Safari Explorer has what mariners call “feet” that take her into wild areas most other ships aren’t certified to visit. Her performance-built rugged construction means access to faraway regions. But it’s what’s on the inside that makes this yacht the prize of the fleet. And with only 36 guests on board, the feel is decidedly exclusive.
The Safari Explorer is adventure equipped: kayaks; paddle boards; inflatable skiffs; and hiking poles and a full-beam swim step for easy access in the water. A hydrophone provides the opportunity to listen to below-surface sounds and bow-mounted underwater camera pipes the action to the lounge and to TVs in each cabin. The spa area includes a large on-deck hot tub (Alaska only), fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage.
Cabins
Each guest cabin is spacious and comfortable, with memory foam mattresses, TVs, view windows, and a full, private bathroom with heated tile floors.
This small ship cruise is roundtrip from Juneau. The capital city of Alaska is located off the road system but is Southeast Alaska’s main air transportation hub with daily flights from major airlines.
All gourmet meals are included during your cruise tour and every meal is handcrafted by executive chefs to highlight the flavors of southeastern Alaska. Not to mention the fine-picked wines, microbrews, and small-batch, house-made cocktails available onboard.
Each morning begins with fresh fruit, hot pastries, and a full breakfast. Lunches range from hearty salads, sandwiches, and homemade soups. Dinners are served over several courses and often include fresh local seafood and meat. Vegetarian dishes are also available at all meals.
For each day of this cruise tour, you can choose from a variety of activities based on your particular interests and abilities.
For the active and adventurous, embark on a guided kayak or skiff boat tour at each destination for close up views of wildlife. Consider hiking into the wilderness of remote islands for panoramic views, or try your hand at paddle boarding.
If you would rather relax, there will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing from the cruise deck. Keep your eyes out for a glimpse of seals, otters, sea lions, whales, and other species.
Tell us what interests you most about this itinerary and any changes you might like to see, including change in duration, activities, etc. We will personalize your activities, accommodations and destinations to your specifications, research availability, and get back to you with options for a fully-customized itinerary and associated costs.
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You did an amazing job arranging this trip for a bunch of spoiled, whining Californians. Each of our guides, activities and accommodations gets 5-star ratings. Tutka was especially appreciated; our only regret being we couldn’t stay longer. Everyone wants to go back. Steve our driver was a very cool dude. And everyone from... Read more
David Cutler