Cruise aboard the Safari Quest through the wildlife and glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park, 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords. Explore highlights of the Inside Passage including Icy Strait, Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, Kuiu Island, Frederick Sound and Endicott Arm and this intimate small ship cruise in Alaska.
Welcome to Juneau, the capital of Alaska! Upon arrival, receive a personal greeting from your private driver followed by transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Juneau
(c) Matt Hage. All rights reserved.
Today, after breakfast you’ll be transported by private vehicle to the Safari Quest, where you will meet your crew and shipmates before embarking west on your way toward Icy Strait.
Overnight on the Safari Quest, your home for the next seven nights.
This morning, you’ll awake to find yourself in kelp-lined channels lined with hemlock and spruce forests. Mother nature hosts you today as you explore the area bordering Icy Strait in Glacier Bay National Park! Seals and sea lions enjoy lounging on the rocky outcrops and you may get up close to view and photograph them on a skiff from the boat. You can also choose to explore the rugged shoreline with your naturalist guides all the way to George Island. Whether you take off by kayak, paddle board or skiff, your guides will showcase all this area has to offer.
Tonight soak in the hot tub aboard the Safari Quest after the day’s adventures as you take in the serene Alaska wilderness landscapes surrounding you.
(c) Mark Kelley. All rights reserved.
Continue your exploration of Glacier Bay National Park today in search of wildlife and glaciers. Your ship’s captain will tuck you into Tidal Inlet, stomping grounds for bears, wolves, mountain goats, and eagles with a background that may take your breath away. Sail down the westernmost arm of the park to find Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. You will have front row seats to calving events; the sound is incredible as chunks of ice break away and fall into the sea. During your day look for black oystercatchers and orange-beaked tufted puffins.
Join your captain on the bridge or your guides on the bow of the Safari Quest, and watch for whales and other wildlife before tucking into Port Frederick or other inlets bordering the Tongass National Forest. There are abundant places for the ship to stop for land-based and water-based adventures. Hike, paddle, or skiff your way through this remote corner of Alaska with bears dotting the shoreline, seals bobbing on the surface of the calm waters, and welcoming boughs of moss drip from the trees.
Kuiu Island is home to one of the world’s densest populations of black bears and salmon streams that dot the coastline. Adventure on a kayak or skiff, and keep your eyes on the shore for bears fishing or eagles waiting to swoop in for their catch of fish.
Begin your day with a yoga class as you wait aboard the Safari Quest for humpback whales to make their appearance in Frederick Sound. The whales thrive here feeding on krill, zooplankton, and herring each summer. Your captain will point out Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and the Brothers Islands, where sea lions may be stretched out on the rocks, enjoying the sunshine. Enjoy a kayak paddle amidst calm waters.
Skiff up Endicott Arm where harbor seal can be seen lazing on icebergs and if the tides are right, continue into Fords Terror. At the end of the Arm you will come to Dawes Glacier. Here, blue glacial ice is a sharp contrast against the Coast Mountains.
Back on the boat, there’s a treat in store— your very special farewell dinner on board the Safari Quest and some special memories from your crew.
Enjoy one last breakfast onboard this morning and say farewell to your new friends. Disembark from your vessel in Juneau and receive a private transfer to the airport for your journey back home, or to begin the next segment of your Alaska vacation.
(c) Brian Adams. All rights reserved.
Main Ship
The Safari Quest is an intimate vessel, that sleeps just 22 guests and has theagility to maneuver into the smallest coves and coveted wilderness areas. While the ship is a smaller vessel it hosts a cozy lounge and dining room and plenty of spots to snuggle up and read a book after a long day of adventure. Fully equipped with gear for outdoor adventures and a bow-mounted camera delivers the action to every television. Relax in the spa area, which features a large on-deck hot tub, fitness equipment, and yoga mats.
Cabins
Each guest cabin is spacious and comfortable, with memory foam mattresses, TVs, view windows, and a private bathroom.
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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The scenery and wildlife photo opportunities were beyond awesome. Alaska Private Touring surpassed the concept of customer satisfaction, with each location notified of our arrival, and the hotels were well chosen and of high caliber. We recommend APT to our friends before even discussing our trip.
Jody