Your Private Exploration of Alaska’s Inside Passage

Explore Alaska on Your Own Private Cruise

With a total capacity of 22 guests, the Safari Quest is one of the finest options for exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage in a uniquely personal way.  Perfect for a small group of friends or a multi-generational family, a charter aboard the Safari Quest offers the opportunity to tailor birthday or anniversary celebrations, while seeing and experiencing the best of Southeast Alaska. With customized itineraries, adventures, amenities, and an board crew dedicated to you, experience Alaska’s Inside Passage on your terms.

Total Exclusivity in Alaska's Inside Passage

Day 1

Arrive in Juneau

Welcome to Juneau, Alaska’s beautiful capital city! Upon arrival, receive a personal greeting from your private driver followed by transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Juneau

Day 2

Explore Juneau Before Embarking on Your Cruise

Breakfast is included at your hotel this morning before embarking on your own customized private tour of Juneau.  Highlights may include a visit to Juneau’s crown jewel – Mendenhall Glacier for photo opportunities or a private guided hike.  For the ‘foodies’ in your group your private tour may include a walking visit of several of Juneau’s culinary highlights.

This afternoon board 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.

Day 3

All the Alaskan Adventure You Could Hope For

Wake up each morning with a new view and a new set of adventures.  Your private vessel is ready for action and equipped with top-of-the-line kayaks, paddle boards, hiking poles, and binoculars.  And your personal crew is always on standby and ready to assist and ensure you get the most out of your time in beautiful, southeast Alaska.

The small size of your private boat allows your captain to maneuver into a number of hidden coves, providing access to innumerable one-of-a-kind experiences.  Try paddle boarding in a calm cove, or spend some time beachcombing or hiking along a wilderness trail.  The options are limited only by your imagination.

This evening 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.

Day 4

Alaskan Cuisine, Created by Your Personal Chef

In addition to your captain and expedition leaders, your private crew also includes a private chef dedicated to preparing gourmet meals with an Alaskan twist.  Fresh and sustainable ingredients are featured in every meal including local produce and seafood pulled from the waters in which you sail.

Dietary restrictions will be provided to the crew in advance of your sailing and will be taken into consideration as the meals are prepared so that you can relax and comfortably enjoy each meal.

As important as the meals are the accompanying beverages and your charter brings all new meaning to the term ‘all inclusive.’  Specialty coffees and teas are always available and wine pairing are common with dinner.  You can even enjoy an Alaskan cocktail out on the deck before dinner.  And nothing says ‘luxury’ like a champagne toast next to a glacier.

Day 5

Whales and Wildlife of Alaska's Inside Passage

Alaska serves as summer feeding grounds for humpback whales, making it one of the most reliable whale watching locations in the world.  Your captain knows these waters well and can help locate these magnificent creatures.  Keep an eye out along the water’s surface for a gush of water spraying in the air from the whale’s blow hole, or a flap of it’s tail as it comes to the water’s surface for a breath. With luck, you may even see whales bubble net feeding or breaching completely out of the water. Keep your binoculars, cameras, and video cameras at the ready to capture these special moments.

Your private vessel also is equipped with submerged bow camera and hydrophone so that even when ocean creatures are not above the water’s surface, you can see – and hear – their underwater movements and communication. Your crew is well versed in these ocean creatures and can help answer questions about the whales or deliver an educational program for younger guests.

While whales are often the featured wildlife attraction of southeast Alaska, many other creatures call this area home.  Marine wildlife includes harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and sea otters.  You may even spot a variety of land animals along the coastlines including brown and black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, beaver, and moose.  Alaska’s Inside Passage is also an ornithologist’s dream as it is home to bald eagles, common and pacific loons, black oystercatchers, harlequin ducks, red-breasted mergansers, tufted and horned puffins, and more!

Day 6

A Wealth of Wellness in Southeast Alaska

The peaceful waters of southeast Alaska provide the perfect backdrop for a time of self reflection.  Whether you are a dedicated ‘yogi’ or a first timer, practice your breaths and relax on the bow or aft deck for a relaxing start to your day.  Or perhaps you prefer a more active start with use of the on-board fitness equipment.  If a focus on nutrition is a priority, schedule a private cooking class with the chef and learn the secrets of creating healthy, yet still delicious meals.

And after each day’s adventure, nothing compares to a relaxing soak in the on-board hot tub, with a glass of wine in hand as you gaze at the star-studded skies above.

Day 7

Exploring Alaskan's Highlights Among the Vast Wilderness

While your private expedition will take you to places rarely seen or experienced, your private voyage also includes a number of well-known Alaskan highlights.  At 3.3 million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is an adventurer’s dream.  As its’ name attests, there is no shortage of glaciers in this remote region of Alaska, nor ways to experience them. Whether from the bow of the ship, by kayak, or via a hike among the thick forest, the choices here are as boundless as the scenery.

Other destination highlights you are likely to visit during your cruise include Frederick Sound – frequented by whales, and the glacier-carved valleys of Tracy Arm Fjord.

Day 8

Life Aboard Your Private Vessel

While Alaskan adventure lies around bend, some may prefer the comforts and amenities found onboard while taking in the magnificent scenery.  The large dining room is inviting and offers a variety of seating configurations.  And the main lounge provides space to relax and watch the scenery go by.  Spend some time on the bridge with your captain and listed to the stories legends are made from.  Perhaps a private tour of the galley and cooking lesson is more your speed.  With other family members out adventuring, you have exclusive use of the observation decks for wildlife viewing while catching up on your favorite novel.  Whatever your dream experience of Alaska’s Inside Passage, you will find it on your private cruise.

Day 9

Disembark and Depart Juneau

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.

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

Main Ship

The Safari Quest is an intimate vessel, that sleeps just 22 guests and has the agility 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.

Customize your adventure

Include a PRIVATE tour to Mendenhall Glacier

Consider including a private tour to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau prior to boarding your ship.

Add a remote lodge stay

Combine this small ship cruise with a stay at an all-inclusive remote lodge to explore a different part of Alaska.

Let's get started.

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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We cannot thank you enough for the planning such a wonderful trip.  We enjoyed everything! …. From the time we began planning with some 19 people in our group, to the time we finally ended up with 6 in our group, Beniece took such good care of us. She was always available... Read more  

Christine Hondo