Small Ship Cruises Alaska | Alaska Glacier Bay & Island Adventure

Day 1 Sitka, Alaska | Embarkation Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating historical sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Day 2 Wilderness Bay & Kake Enjoy kayak and skiff exploration in a northern Kuiu or Kupreanof Island bay. Beachcomb or hike along a beautiful secluded coastline of the area. View the world’s tallest totem pole, a carving demonstration, and experience the intriguing culture of the Tlingit in the Native village of Kake.

Day 3 Wrangell Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags and ruled by four nations- the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing state historic park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska.

Day 4 Petersburg, Thomas Bay & Baird Glacier Discover the charming Mitkof Island fishing town of Petersburg. Founded by Norwegian fishermen in the late 1800s, Petersburg is nicknamed Alaska’s “Little Norway.” Experience this Scandinavian culture with a folk dance show by local youth at the iconic Sons of Norway Hall. Later, visit Thomas Bay, a wilderness location shrouded by curious Alaska Native legends and mysterious stories told by early gold miners. Enjoy one of several trekking options in the bay, such as the Cascade Falls trail, Scenery Cove, or the outwash plain leading to the terminal moraine of the Baird Glacier. Witness the power of glacial ice in shaping even the most rugged landscapes.

Day 5 Tracy Arm Fjord & Orca Point Lodge Journey through Tracy or Endicott Arm in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, a place the famous naturalist, John Muir, referred to as, “A wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state. Both of these dramatic glacial fjords offer stunning views of tidewater glaciers. End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, our own exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy a Tlingit cultural presentation, as well as the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on wild Alaska salmon, Alaska king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.

Day 6 Glacier Bay National Park This remarkable national park fjord extends 65 miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day’s program and a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins us to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure.

Day 7 Lisianski Inlet & Pelican Transit Lisianski Inlet, a narrow body of water between Yakobi Island and Chichagof Island. These islands are home to dense populations of coastal brown bears and other Alaska wildlife species. Explore the unique boardwalk “road” of Pelican, Alaska during a port call to this small fishing community of just 60 to 70 year-round residents.

Day 8 Juneau – Disembarkation Disembark in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau. Transfer to the airport or your hotel is complimentary.