Alaska Small Ship Cruise and Kayak

Day 1

At 8:30 in the morning, we’ll meet at Bartlett Cove to board the Sea Wolf and begin with an orientation session in the main salon. Your journey begins with a cruise towards Geike Inlet where we’ll embark on our first paddle, but not before a short introduction to kayaking session. Geike Inlet is a stunning fjord where black bears, wolverines and mountain goats are often spotted, together with a variety of seabirds and ducks.

After a leisurely paddle, we’ll return to the ship and cruise towards our anchorage while learning about the natural history of Glacier Bay. Hear about some of the research projects that are being conducted within the national park, as well as the abundant wildlife that you may encounter over the following days. After dinner aboard the Sea Wolf, enjoy an unforgettable sunset overlooking Glacier Bay.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Following an early breakfast, we’ll embark on a hike to the Reid Glacier to get an up-close look at its glacially carved landscape. Your guide will explain the geology of the glacier and its plant and animal succession as you explore its grounded icebergs and hunt for ice worms. Returning to the ship through the intertidal landscape, take time to uncover rocks to see what brown bears, wolverines and small mammals feast on during low tide.

Refuel over lunch as we cruise towards Tarr Inlet where the Grand Pacific and Marjorie glaciers flow, then board your kayak for a picturesque paddle beneath the sheer cliff. Keep your eyes peeled for kittiwakes and puffins that nest along the cliffs before kayaking along the face of the Marjorie Glacier to watch it calve. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll continue cruising through Russell Cut while observing the local wildlife and make our way to our anchorage for the evening.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3

This morning begins with an excursion to Gloomy Knob where we’ll search for mountain goats and other wildlife that resides in the area. Soak up the incredible views across the bay from this elevated location before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely paddle at our anchorage as we make our way ever closer to the entrance of East Arm.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

While you’re enjoying breakfast onboard, we’ll fire up the engines and make our way towards Muir Inlet on the East Arm of Glacier Bay where numerous activities will be available (based on weather, park closures and wildlife). Embark on a spectacular hike beside McBride Glacier or go paddling from Muir Glacier to the Riggs Glacier while spotting bears, wolves, moose and birdlife along the shore.

Once we’re back on the Sea Wolf, we’ll continue towards our evening anchorage for dinner and a night spent stargazing.

*Note: Other destinations for this day may include Dundas Bay, George Island or Idaho Inlet.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

If the tides are right, we’ll begin the day with a morning paddle to North Sandy Cove, an incredibly rich ecosystem that supports black bears, moose and coyotes, not to mention an abundant marine life. We’ll slowly kayak along the shores, then continue paddling over to Puffin Island to explore the low tide vertical intertidal zone. This region is home to a fascinating array of sponges, periwinkles and sea stars, as well as sea cucumbers and urchins awaiting the high tide’s return.

After returning to the vessel, we’ll continue cruising to South Marble Island to observe a large stellar sea lion haul-out and a seabird nesting rookery. We’ll then make our way to Fingers Bay where we’ll spend the night.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before cruising towards Point Adolphus where we’ll spend the morning looking for humpback whales. Around midday, we’ll make the return journey to Gustavus where we’ll be docked by 1 pm. Here, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the Huna Tribal House before being transported to the airport for your flight to Juneau.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 1

At 8:30, you’ll board the Sea Wolf in Bartlett Cove and be greeted by an orientation session in the main salon. We’ll then cruise towards Geike Inlet where we’ll embark on our first paddle, but not before a short introduction to kayaking session. Geike Inlet is a stunning fjord where black bears, wolverines and mountain goats are often spotted, together with a variety of seabirds and ducks.

After a leisurely paddle, we’ll return to the ship and cruise towards our anchorage while learning about the natural history of Glacier Bay. Hear about some of the research projects that are being conducted within the national park, as well as the abundant wildlife that you may encounter over the following days. After dinner aboard the Sea Wolf, enjoy an unforgettable sunset overlooking Glacier Bay.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Following an early breakfast, we’ll embark on a hike to Reid Glacier to get an up-close look at its glacially carved landscape. Your guide will explain the geology of the glacier and its plant and animal succession as you explore its grounded icebergs and hunt for ice worms. Returning to the ship through the intertidal landscape, take time to uncover rocks to see what brown bears, wolverines and small mammals feast on during low tide.

Refuel over lunch as we cruise towards Tarr Inlet where the Grand Pacific and Marjorie glaciers flow, then board your kayak for a picturesque paddle beneath the sheer cliff. Keep your eyes peeled for kittiwakes and puffins that nest along the cliffs before kayaking along the face of the Marjorie Glacier to watch it calve. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll continue cruising through Russell Cut while observing the local wildlife and make our way to our anchorage for the evening.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

This morning begins with an excursion to Gloomy Knob where we’ll search for mountain goats and other wildlife that resides in the area. Soak up the incredible views across the bay from this elevated location before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely paddle at our anchorage as we make our way ever closer to the entrance of East Arm.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

While you’re enjoying breakfast onboard, we’ll fire up the engines and make our way towards Muir Inlet on the East Arm of Glacier Bay where a variety of activities will be available (dependent on weather, park closures and wildlife). Embark on a spectacular hike beside McBride Glacier or go paddling from Muir Glacier to the Riggs Glacier while spotting bears, wolves, moose and birdlife along the shore.

Once we’re back on the Sea Wolf, we’ll continue towards our evening anchorage for dinner and a night spent stargazing.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

If the tides are right, we’ll begin the day with a morning paddle to North Sandy Cove, an incredibly rich ecosystem that supports black bears, moose, coyotes, and an abundance of marine life. We’ll slowly kayak along the shores, then continue paddling over to Puffin Island to explore the low tide vertical intertidal zone. This region is home to a fascinating array of sponges, periwinkles and sea stars, as well as sea cucumbers and urchins awaiting the high tide’s return.

After returning to the vessel, we’ll continue cruising to South Marble Island to observe a large stellar sea lion haul-out and a seabird nesting rookery. We’ll then make our way to Fingers Bay where we’ll spend the night.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

While you’re enjoying breakfast, the Sea Wolf will make its way to Admiralty Island, which is home to southeast Alaska’s largest concentration of brown bears. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and migratory birds throughout this morning’s cruise. After anchoring, we will spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding bays, with a highlight seeing brown bears fishing for salmon.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

As you’re enjoying breakfast, we’ll continue down the coast of Admiralty Island en route to the Brothers Islands. This archipelago is an important feeding ground for migratory humpback whales, as well as being frequented by Stellar sea lions. After lunch, we’ll spend time exploring the Brothers Islands by kayak and anchor nearby.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

This morning we will make our way to Ford’s Terror and explore its magnificent wilderness by kayak. Lunch will be served on the beach before we embark on a hike to the top of the mountain for sweeping views across the region. In the late afternoon, we’ll make our way to our evening anchorage.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

It’s an early morning start as we head into Endicott Arm, with breakfast served as we navigate the fjord’s icebergs. At the face of Dawes Glacier, we’ll stop to watch as it calves, with seals and their newborn pups often seen playing in the surrounding waters.

After a relaxing lunch, we’ll launch the kayaks to get an up-close view of Dawes Glacier as we paddle along its face. Continuing down the fjord, we’ll be met by the Sea Wolf.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Begin the day with a paddle around Wood Spit while observing the nesting birds that frequent this area before exploring the ancient rainforest on foot. Back on board the Sea Wolf, we’ll cruise up Stephens Passage while keeping an eye out for orcas, humpback whales and sea birds.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Breakfast will be served as we make our way to Juneau where we plan to dock by 10:00 am.

• Meals included: Breakfast

Day 1

Board the Sea Wolf at 9:00, with time to settle in before our orientation and safety briefing. Our first kayaking excursion will take us down the Gastineau Channel and out into Stephens Passage, en route to our anchorage point at Wood Spit. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a second paddle to explore this spectacular glacial fjord.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

It’s an early morning start as we head into Endicott Arm, with breakfast served as we navigate the fjord’s icebergs. At the face of Dawes Glacier, we’ll stop to watch as it calves, with seals and their newborn pups often seen playing in the surrounding waters. We’ll launch the kayaks to get an up-close view of Dawes Glacier as we paddle along its face, then make our way to Ford’s Terror to explore its magnificent wilderness by kayak or on foot.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

In the morning, we’ll return to Stephens Passage and travel into Frederick Sound, continuing down the coast of Admiralty Island. Along the way, we may spot migratory humpback whales, which come to feed in the waters around the Brothers Islands. Joining them are often Stellar sea lions and eagles soaring in the skies above. After lunch, we’ll spend a few hours kayaking around the archipelago and exploring its coastal rainforest on foot.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

While you’re enjoying breakfast, the Sea Wolf will make its way to Admiralty Island, which is home to southeast Alaska’s largest concentration of brown bears. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and migratory birds throughout this morning’s cruise. After anchoring near Point Adolphus, we will spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding bays, with a highlight seeing brown bears fishing for salmon.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

This morning, we’ll cruise towards Geike Inlet, a stunning fjord where black bears, wolverines and mountain goats are often spotted, together with a variety of seabirds. After a leisurely paddle, we’ll return to the ship and cruise towards our anchorage while learning about the natural history of Glacier Bay. After dinner aboard the Sea Wolf, enjoy an unforgettable sunset overlooking Glacier Bay.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Following an early breakfast, we’ll embark on a hike to Reid Glacier to get an up-close look at its glacially carved landscape. Your guide will explain the geology of the glacier and its plant and animal succession as you explore its grounded icebergs and intertidal landscape.

Refuel over lunch as we cruise towards Tarr Inlet where the Grand Pacific and Marjorie glaciers flow, then board your kayak for a picturesque paddle beneath the sheer cliff. Keep your eyes peeled for kittiwakes and puffins that nest along the cliffs before kayaking along the face of the Marjorie Glacier as it calves. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll continue cruising through Russell Cut and make our way to our anchorage for the evening.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

This morning begins with an excursion to Gloomy Knob where we’ll search for mountain goats and other wildlife that resides in the area. Soak up the incredible views across the bay from this elevated location before returning to the Sea Wolf. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely paddle at our anchorage as we make our way ever closer to the entrance of East Arm.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

While you’re enjoying breakfast onboard, we’ll fire up the engines and make our way towards Muir Inlet on the East Arm of Glacier Bay where a variety of activities will be available (dependent on weather, park closures and wildlife). Embark on a spectacular hike beside McBride Glacier or go paddling from Muir Glacier to the Riggs Glacier while spotting bears, wolves, moose and birdlife along the shore.

Once we’re back on the Sea Wolf, we’ll continue towards our evening anchorage for dinner.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

If the tides are right, we’ll begin the day with a morning paddle to North Sandy Cove, an incredibly rich ecosystem that supports black bears, moose, coyotes, and an abundance of marine life. We’ll slowly kayak along the shores, then continue paddling over to Puffin Island to explore the low tide vertical intertidal zone. This region is home to a fascinating array of sponges, periwinkles and sea stars, as well as sea cucumbers and urchins awaiting the high tide’s return.

After returning to the vessel, we’ll continue cruising to South Marble Island to observe a large stellar sea lion haul-out and a seabird nesting rookery. We’ll then make our way to Fingers Bay where we’ll spend the night.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Begin the day in magical Fingers Bay where we’ll enjoy a full day of kayaking and hiking through its diverse habitats. In the late afternoon, we may continue to Bartlett Cove to spot wildlife around its forested ponds.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

An early breakfast will be served before disembarkation.

• Meals included: Breakfast

Day 1

After boarding the vessel at 9:00 am, we’ll conduct an orientation and safety briefing before launching the kayaks for our first excursion. This will take us down the Gastineau Channel and out into Stephens Passage, en route to our anchorage point at Wood Spit. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a second paddle to explore this spectacular glacial fjord.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

It’s an early morning start as we head into Endicott Arm, with breakfast served as we navigate the fjord’s icebergs. At the face of Dawes Glacier, we’ll stop to watch as it calves, with seals and their newborn pups often seen playing in the surrounding waters.

After a relaxing lunch, we’ll launch the kayaks to get an up-close view of Dawes Glacier as we paddle along its face. Continuing down the fjord, we’ll be met by the Sea Wolf.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

This morning we will make our way to Ford’s Terror and explore its magnificent wilderness by kayak. Lunch will be served on the beach before we embark on a hike to the top of the mountain for sweeping views across the region. It’s then time to paddle back to Wood Spit where the vessel will be anchored.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

In the morning, we’ll return to Stephens Passage and travel into Frederick Sound, continuing down the coast of Admiralty Island. Along the way, we may spot migratory humpback whales, which come to feed in the waters around the Brothers Islands. Joining them are often Stellar sea lions and eagles soaring in the skies above. After lunch, we’ll spend a few hours kayaking around the archipelago and exploring its coastal rainforest on foot.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 & 6

While you’re enjoying breakfast, the Sea Wolf will make its way to Admiralty Island, which is home to southeast Alaska’s largest concentration of brown bears. Over the next two days, we will explore its bays by kayak and on foot while spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and migratory bird species. A highlight is undoubtedly seeing brown bears fishing for salmon.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

This morning, we will head to Thomas Bay, hopefully accompanied by sightings of humpback whales and a variety of other marine mammals. After anchoring near Scenery Cove, we will take the skiff over to Baird Glacier and hike across its moraine till to step foot on the glacier itself.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

In the early morning, we’ll make our way through the Wrangell Narrows, with this 22-mile-long channel providing safe passage for small vessels. After passing the picturesque community of Petersburg, we’ll navigate through 60 different markers and anchor at the end of the passage in the evening.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Today begins with a cruise through the serpentine Eastern Passage, which takes in ancient forests along its route. Our kayaking excursion for the day may be accompanied by eagles and whales, as well as black and brown bears fishing along the banks of Anan Creek. If possible, we will hike along the Anan Creek boardwalk to its observation area.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

After a morning kayak, we will embark on a hike on Etolin Island before making a beeline for our evening anchorage.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Breakfast will be served as we make our way to Ketchikan, hopefully with a spot of whale watching along the way. If all goes according to plan, we will dock in Ketchikan by late morning.

• Meals included: Breakfast

Day 1

Fly into Ketchikan Airport and jump aboard the water taxi that will whisk you from the airport to Ketchikan. From here, it’s just a short taxi ride to where the Sea Wolf is moored. After settling in, we will hold a brief orientation meeting as we head toward our evening anchorage.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Dinner

Day 2

It’s an early start today as we cruise towards the Eastern Passage and our first paddle out into the southeast Alaskan wilderness. Along the way, we may encounter a variety of marine mammals and migratory birds that inhabit the ancient forests along the shores.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

This morning will be spent exploring Etolin Island by kayak and on foot, with a scenic hike taking us to Kunk Lake. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Roosevelt elk, as well as brown and black bears. Our anchorage this evening is just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Wrangell Narrows.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

In the early morning, we’ll make our way through the Wrangell Narrows, with this 22-mile-long channel providing safe passage for small vessels. After passing the picturesque community of Petersburg, we’ll navigate through 60 different markers. Depending on the tides, there may or may not be an opportunity to kayak/hike today. Our anchorage this evening is at aptly-named Scenery Cove.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Today begins with a leisurely paddle through Scenery Cove, followed by an afternoon hike along the plains of Baird Glacier. If you prefer not to hike, you can opt for a skiff tour to see the colony of Arctic terns at Thomas Bay. In the late afternoon, we will make our way to our evening anchorage at the Brothers Islands where orcas and humpback whales are regularly spotted.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

After breakfast, we’ll spend time exploring the Brothers Islands by kayak, hopefully accompanied by sightings of Stellar sea lions, whales, and a variety of birdlife. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Gambier Bay, which is renowned for its resident brown bears.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

After crossing Stephens Passage, we will make our way to Ford’s Terror and anchor in a protected cove near its entrance. Spend the day exploring this magnificent wilderness area by kayak, with a picnic lunch served in the middle of the day. If you don’t want to paddle the whole day, there will also be the option for a skiff tour.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Begin the day with a short hike to see Ford’s Terror from above before continuing to Dawes Glacier where we hope to arrive by lunchtime. Dine while listening to the sound of icebergs calving off the glacier before launching the kayaks for an up-close view. Today ends anchored at Wood Spit, which offers magnificent views of Sumdum Glacier.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Begin the day with a paddle around Wood Spit while observing the nesting birds that frequent this area. As we cruise towards Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier, lunch will be served onboard. Spend time marveling at this natural wonder before we continue to our anchorage near the mouth of Endicott Arm.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Today will be spent cruising and spotting a variety of marine mammals, with these waters known for their whale sightings. Our destination for the night is an anchorage not far from Juneau.

• Accommodation: Sea Wolf Ship
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard as we cruise into Juneau where taxis will be waiting to whisk you to the airport by around 10:00 am.

• Meals included: Breakfast