Northern Passages and Glacier Bay
Small ship cruising with UnCruise Adventures
• Juneau • Admiralty Island • Baranof Island • Glacier Bay National Park • Sitka
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$6,500
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$6,500
|
Days
8
|
Nights
7
|
Introduction
Skiff, kayak, and paddle board through fjords and inlets as wildlife greets you from land and sea.
Explore Tongass and Glacier Bay National Parks with UnCruise Adventures, enjoying days of play and relaxation. See wildlife in its natural habitat; enjoy wilderness hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkeling; exploration by expedition vessel or boutique yacht, and even by skiff…..rain or shine!
Your Ship: The UnCruise fleet of small expedition vessels has a shallow draft making them capable of nimble exploration giving access to places big ships cannot go. Most vessels offer narrative interpretation; meals; spirits/wine/beer; non-alcoholic beverages; book/DVD library; casual atmosphere; attentive service; fitness equipment; open bridge; kayaks and EZY Dock launch platform. Cabin features include: TV/DVD player; hair dryer, conditioning shampoo and body wash; binoculars; reusable water bottles.
Safari Endeavour: Polished, unwavering, and upscale, the 84-guest Safari Endeavour may be the workhorse of the fleet but it’s her zest-for-life persona that’s remembered most. Not to mention her roomy lounge, dining room, and undisputed sun deck.
Safari Explorer: The 36-guest Safari Explorer is designed for upscale comfort in the pursuit of adventure. Aboard this boutique yacht, three public decks provide room for mingling, relaxing, and enjoying the fresh air – with exploration in the spotlight.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Juneau
There’s nothing like a hearty greeting from your crew and some bon voyage bubbly. With all souls settled in on board, you’re underway. From the bow, Southeast Alaska welcomes you with Coast Mountain views.
Day 2 : Captain’s Choice
Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, your captain makes the call. Either choice, go with the flow. The water is fine. The guides help you gear up, and lead your adventure along the rocky outcroppings. By kayak or paddle board, take in the size of this wilderness. Bald eagles dot the tree tops. Harbour seals bob up and under. Pods of orcas – the largest in the dolphin family – skim along the water’s surface.
Day 3 : Glacier Bay National Park
What a privilege. At 3.3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. At Bartlett Cove, a park ranger joins in on your day’s exploration and shares the park’s history. Orange-beaked puffins, guillemots and marbled murrelets are just a few possible sightings. Keep a tally – the list will grow. Arriving at South Marble Island, you can hear and smell ‘em before you see ‘em – it’s a haulout for sea lions. Perched above around the bend, watch for mountain goats, and lower along shore, foraging bears. Up bay, glacial silt turns the water a milky white. Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers – one holding steady, the other retreating. Lounging harbour seals laze on bits of bergs. And if time allows, tuck up in Tidal Inlet. End this very full day with your feet up for the sail into Icy Strait.
Day 4 : Icy Strait
Nearly to the Pacific Ocean, Icy Strait is remote and wild. The plan? Whales and marine mammals. Spouts and fin slaps are certain giveaways. More rollicking sea lions and birds. But don’t forget to look straight down. Porpoises and dolphins may hitch a ride on the bow wave. And don’t worry about missing any wildlife; it’s a favourite mission of the crew to point out any creatures they spot. Make a break for it and head for a quiet pocket along the rugged coastline. A different sort of wild than the open strait, muskeg leads to forest bushwhacks. Skiff the shore and down along kelp-threaded channels.
Day 5 : Chichagof Island > Peril Strait
Kick off the morning with on-deck yoga stretches (your guides love it when you join them). Meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then stop. It’s a prime time to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Camera in hand, set off on land and sea explorations. Closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Any bears in there? With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. Hiking in the Tongass, it won’t take long to find them. Your eagle-eyed guides lead the pack – and pull up the rear. Later, wend along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. Peril Strait runs 80 kilometres to Salisbury Sound.
Day 6 : Sergius Narrows > Neva Strait
There’s an eerie, enigmatic feeling in these woods. Morning fog catches like cotton balls on trees. The aptly named narrows squeezes to only 91 metres wide in one spot and a shallow seven metres deep. The shorelines are close and it’s good territory for play. Skiff ashore and hike into the backcountry. Otters back float working to crack snacks resting on their bellies. Opening at Hoonah Sound, the squeeze is back on. Wind into Neva Strait. Watch the scenery change in the late fading light – from the hot tub of course.
Day 7 : Krestof > Nakwasina Sounds
There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island. Its western side is spattered with remote, uninhabited islands. These features mean endless opportunities for adventure. Secluded coves. Tree-covered islets. Drop anchor, pick your modus operandi, and get going. Kayak, paddle board, or skiff – you’re on the level with curious sea lions and possibly whales. Rocky intertidal zones make good beachcombing. Turn a stone or two to see what’s underneath. There are no groomed trails here – get out on a guided hike John Muir would approve of. Toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip. A gift to you, from your expedition team.
Day 8 : Sitka
Cruise into Sitka this morning over breakfast. Farewell new friends! Disembark and transfer to the airport.
*Itinerary also operates in reverse.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
Safari Endeavour | |||
Navigator from |
US$6,500 |
– |
|
Trailblazer from |
US$7,100 |
– |
|
Pathfinder from |
US$7,700 |
– |
|
Admiral from |
US$8,400 |
– |
|
Commodore from |
US$11,900 |
– |
|
Single from |
– |
US$8,500 |
|
Port taxes |
US$375 |
US$375 |
|
Please enquire for other cabin categories |
Departs
2024 |
Safari Endeavour - Juneau to Sitka |
27 Apr |
11, 25 May |
8, 22 Jun |
6, 20 Jul |
17, 31 Aug |
14 Sep |
Safari Endeavour - Sitka to Juneau |
4, 18 May |
1, 15, 29 Jun |
13, 27 Jul |
10, 24 Aug |
7, 21 Sep |
Included
• Small ship cruise onboard either the Safari Endeavour or Safari Explorer
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Onboard meals, spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages
• Transfers and baggage handling between airport and vessel on embark/disembark days
• Entry fees to parks and preserves
• Exclusive activities and shore excursions
• Sightseeing and entrance fees
• Wellness amenities on board
Not Included
• Port taxes and fees
• Gratuities
Important Notes
• Please note amenities and inclusions vary by vessel – contact us for further details
• Pricing varies seasonally, please enquire
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions