Fjords, Mountains and Wildlife - Expedition Cruise to Alaska and Haida Gwaii
Small-Ship Cruise
13
US$
days from
10595
After an overnight and sightseeing in Sitka, board your expedition cruise vessel and set sail for Icy Strait where we will take to Zodiacs and kayaks looking for the amazing wildlife in this area: whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbour seals, bald eagles and brown bears.
We explore Alaska’s scenic capital Juneau and walk the trails to 2 ½ km wide Mendenhall Glacier.
More glaciers and wildlife await in Tracy Arm, lined by granite cliffs and snow-capped mountains, where we again take to Zodiacs and kayaks, cruising among the icebergs that calved off the nearby Sawyer Glaciers.
Misty Fjords National Monument, nicknamed "Yosemite of the North" for reasons that will become apparent, we will encounter bears fishing for salmon, marine wildlife playing the waters and take to the shore for a hike.
Next is Annette Island where you can choose from a selection of guided walks and hikes during which you will learn about the art, history and culture of the Tsimshian tribe of the Metlakatla Indigenous Community.
For three wonderful days we will be hosted by the Haida people of Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) and they will engage us in story telling, cultural performances and of course take us on wildlife excursions, walks and hikes to explore the area. Naikoon Provincial Park and the celebrated Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay are on the programme, while you can opt to take a trip to Gwaii Haanas Natural Park Reserve to see the fallen longhouses and carved poled of the Haida, set among splendid spruce forests. You will encounter bald eagles and we hope to see bears looking for salmon on wild beaches. The ocean around Haida Gwaii is rich in marine life including whales, porpoises and sea lions and our explorations show you expedition cruising at its best.
As a final highlight we explore Dean River Channel. Rarely visited it is a haven for grizzly bears and you will be among the privileged few to take to Zodiacs to look for them.
We then sail the straits and channels of the Inside Passage to Vancouver, keeping a look-out for pods of orca and marvelling at the incredible scenery of snow-topped peaks, tumbling waterfalls and towering forests.
Activity / Theme
Country
Expedition Cruise, Hiking, Nature & Wildlife
United States, Canada
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Luxury
Leisurely . Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
Purpose-built small luxury expedition ice-strengthened cruise vessel
Luxury triple and twin cabins or suites with balcony, all with private facilities
Months of Operation
May, June
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
This cruise is southbound - a port side cabin will get you the best views of the mountains
Itinerary
DAY 1 Join in Sitka
DAY 2 Sightseeing Sitka, board ship
DAY 3 Cruising the islands of Icy Strait
DAY 4 Juneau and the Mendenhall Glacier
DAY 5 Glaciers and wildlife of Tracy Arm
DAY 6 Wildlife & fjords of "Yosemite of the North"
DAY 7 Hikes with the Metlakatla Community
DAYS 8–10 Culture and nature of Haida Gwaii
DAY 11 Grizzly bears of Dean River Channel
DAY 12 Inside Passage scenery
DAY 13 Disembark in Vancouver
Inclusions
Transfer from airport to hotel on day 1
One night’s hotel accommodation on day 1, breakfast included
Sightseeing tour and transfer to the vessel on day 2
Group transfer from ship to airport on day 13
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
All shore excursions
Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Gratuities for ship crew
Photo credits:
Breaching humpback whale - Liz Gifford, Aurora Expeditions
Nooya Lake - Dale Dudley, Shutterstock, Aurora Expeditions
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators