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Set along the wild coastline of the Pacific Northwest and Southeast Alaska, this extended small-ship expedition journeys between Seattle and Juneau through one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich waterways on Earth. Travelling aboard Safari Quest, the voyage connects the San Juan Islands, Canada’s Inside Passage and the remote reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest with the glacier-carved landscapes of Alaska. Each stage of the journey reveals a new environment — from sheltered island channels and forested fjords to vast coastal wilderness and glacial bays. Explore by kayak and skiff, walk remote shorelines and watch for wildlife including whales, sea lions, bears and, in rare cases, the elusive spirit bear. Two full days in Glacier Bay allow time to fully experience its scale and dynamic ice landscapes, while the flexible expedition approach enables each day to adapt to conditions and wildlife activity.
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Day 1
Embark in Seattle
Arrive in Seattle and board your expedition yacht at Fishermen’s Terminal. After meeting the crew and settling in, begin your journey north, passing through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks as the city gives way to open water. As you depart, take time on deck to watch the shoreline recede and scan for early wildlife sightings. A welcome gathering onboard marks the beginning of the voyage ahead.
Meals: D
Day 2
San Juan Islands & Sucia Island
Explore the San Juan Islands, with time at Sucia Island Marine State Park, accessible only by boat. Known for its sculpted sandstone shoreline and sheltered coves, the island offers a range of exploration opportunities. Walk coastal trails, explore tidepools, kayak along protected waters or take in views from higher vantage points. The combination of quiet anchorages, varied terrain and limited access makes this one of the most distinctive stops in the Pacific Northwest.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Canada’s Inside Passage
Cruise north into Canada’s Inside Passage, a protected network of forested islands, narrow channels and remote waterways stretching along the Pacific coast. This is a day shaped by the journey itself, with time on deck to take in the scenery and watch for passing wildlife, including whales and seabirds. The pace is more relaxed, offering time to enjoy the vessel and connect with the crew. Learn more about navigation and life at sea, or simply take in the ever-changing coastal landscape as you continue north.
Day 4
Continue north through Canada’s Inside Passage, where rugged mainland coastline meets a chain of forested islands stretching toward the open Pacific. Bald eagles are often seen along the shoreline, moving between treetops as the vessel passes. This is a day to settle into the rhythm of the journey. Spend time on deck taking in the scenery, or relax onboard as the crew navigates the narrow, winding channels. The pace remains unhurried, with time to enjoy the surroundings and the experience of travelling through one of the world’s great coastal passages.
Day 5
Inside Passage Northbound
Continue north through the Inside Passage, following a network of narrow channels and forested coastline as you move closer to Alaska. Remote settlements appear along the shoreline, but the surrounding landscape remains largely untouched. Keep watch for wildlife along the water’s edge, including black bears, as well as birdlife and marine species. This is a day defined by the journey itself, with time to observe the changing scenery as the passage narrows and the sense of remoteness deepens.
Day 6
Misty Fjords National Monument
Explore Misty Fjords National Monument, a vast wilderness of glacially carved valleys, steep granite cliffs and dense rainforest. Sheer rock walls rise directly from deep fjords, with waterfalls and hanging valleys shaping the landscape. Conditions permitting, explore areas such as Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay by skiff or kayak, with the option for longer paddling excursions in more remote settings. The scale and isolation of this region create one of the most striking and immersive experiences along the route.
Day 7
Ketchikan, Alaska
Arrive in Ketchikan, often referred to as Alaska’s “First City” due to its position along the Inside Passage. Set within a coastal rainforest environment, the town is known for its strong connection to Indigenous culture and maritime history. Join a guided walk led by a local Tlingit storyteller, offering insight into traditions, heritage and the relationship between people and place. This visit provides a cultural perspective alongside the natural landscapes explored throughout the journey.
Day 8
Thomas Bay & Wrangell Narrows
Explore Thomas Bay, a glacially shaped landscape of moraines, muskegs and tidal flats set within steep fjord walls. Calm, reflective waters create ideal conditions for kayaking, with options for skiff exploration, shoreline hikes or more rugged bushwalks. Later, transit through Wrangell Narrows, a narrow, winding passage lined with navigational markers and small coastal settlements. This stretch offers a glimpse into everyday life in Southeast Alaska, contrasting remote wilderness with working waterways.
Day 9
Chichagof Island
Explore the remote coastline of Chichagof Island, an area known for its dense rainforest and high concentration of coastal brown bears. This is one of Southeast Alaska’s most productive wildlife habitats. Activities may include shoreline walks, kayaking and skiff exploration, with time spent scanning river mouths and tidal flats for wildlife. Guided by local knowledge and conditions, the day offers strong opportunities to observe bears and other species within their natural environment.
Day 10
Icy Strait
Spend the day exploring the waters and remote shoreline of Icy Strait, a biologically rich corridor known for its marine life and varied coastal landscapes. Activities are guided by conditions and may include kayaking, skiff excursions, shoreline walks and more rugged bushwhack hikes. With multiple options available, the day is shaped to suit both the environment and guest interest, allowing for a more immersive and flexible exploration of the region.
Day 11
Glacier Bay National Park
Enter Glacier Bay National Park, a vast protected landscape shaped by advancing and retreating ice. Deep fjords, tidewater glaciers and rugged mountain terrain define this remote environment. Spend the day exploring within the park, with activities guided by conditions. Options may include kayaking along glacier-carved shoreline, skiff exploration among ice-strewn waters and guided walks across moraine and coastal terrain. Wildlife is often present, with opportunities to observe seabirds, marine life and species adapted to this glacial ecosystem. With extended time in Glacier Bay, there is the opportunity to experience both its scale and quieter, less-visited areas.
Day 12
Glacier Bay
Continue exploring Glacier Bay National Park, with a second day allowing for a deeper and more flexible experience within this remote glacial landscape. Today offers a range of activity options shaped by conditions, including kayaking through sheltered channels, skiff exploration into quieter inlets and guided walks through forest and along glacial terrain. Longer paddling excursions and moraine walks may also be possible, offering a more immersive perspective of the park. With time to explore beyond the main waterways, this day provides a closer connection to the scale and stillness of Glacier Bay’s wilderness.
Day 13
Disembark in Juneau
Arrive in Juneau and disembark after breakfast. Your journey concludes in Alaska’s remote capital, set between mountains and sea. NB* Itineraries are a guideline and are subject to weather conditions, tides and wildlife opportunities. Your expedition leader and captain will keep you informed during the voyage.
Meals: B
Embark in Juneau
Arrive in Juneau and board your expedition yacht. After meeting the crew and settling in, depart Alaska’s remote capital and begin your journey south through the Inside Passage. As you leave port, spend time on deck taking in the surrounding mountains and coastal scenery, with early opportunities to watch for wildlife.
Meals: L,D
Enter Glacier Bay National Park, a vast protected landscape shaped by advancing and retreating ice. Deep fjords, tidewater glaciers and rugged mountain terrain define this remote environment. Spend the day exploring within the park, with activities guided by conditions. Options may include kayaking along glacier-carved shoreline, skiff exploration among ice-strewn waters and guided walks across moraine and coastal terrain. Wildlife is often present, with opportunities to observe seabirds, marine life and species adapted to this glacial ecosystem. With two full days in Glacier Bay, there is time to experience both its scale and quieter, less-visited areas.
Continue exploring Glacier Bay National Park, with a second day allowing for a deeper and more flexible experience within this glacial landscape. Today offers a range of activity options shaped by conditions, including kayaking through sheltered channels, skiff exploration into quieter inlets and guided walks through forest and along glacial terrain. Longer paddling excursions and moraine walks may also be possible, offering a more immersive perspective of the park. With time to explore beyond the main waterways, this day provides a closer connection to the scale and stillness of Glacier Bay’s wilderness.
Spend the day exploring the waters and remote shoreline of Icy Strait, a biologically rich corridor known for its marine life and varied coastal landscapes. Activities are guided by conditions and may include kayaking, skiff excursions, shoreline walks and more rugged bushwhack hikes. With multiple options available, the day is shaped to suit both the environment and guest interest, allowing for a flexible and immersive exploration of the region.
Explore Thomas Bay, a glacially shaped landscape of moraines, muskegs and tidal flats set within steep fjord walls. Calm, reflective waters create ideal conditions for kayaking, with options for skiff exploration, shoreline hikes or more rugged bushwalks. Later, transit through Wrangell Narrows, a narrow, winding passage marked by navigation lights and small coastal settlements. This stretch offers a glimpse into everyday life in Southeast Alaska, contrasting remote wilderness with working waterways.
Ketchikan
Inside Passage Southbound
Continue south through Canada’s Inside Passage, navigating a network of narrow channels, forested coastline and scattered coastal communities as you move toward Washington State. This is a day shaped by the journey itself, with time on deck to observe the changing landscape and watch for wildlife along the shoreline, including black bears and birdlife. While settlements begin to reappear, the surrounding environment remains largely wild and remote.
Continue south through Canada’s Inside Passage, where rugged mainland coastline meets a chain of forested islands extending toward the Pacific. The route winds through narrow channels and open stretches of water, offering ever-changing coastal scenery. This is a relaxed day shaped by the journey itself. Spend time on deck watching for wildlife, including bald eagles and marine life, or enjoy the onboard atmosphere as the vessel navigates this intricate passage.
Continue south through the Inside Passage, navigating a network of forested islands, narrow channels and remote anchorages along the Pacific coast. This is a relaxed day shaped by the journey itself. Spend time on deck watching for passing wildlife, including whales and seabirds, or enjoy the onboard atmosphere as you move steadily toward Washington State. The pace remains unhurried, offering time to take in both the landscape and life onboard.
Explore the San Juan Islands, with time at Sucia Island Marine State Park, accessible only by boat. Known for its sculpted sandstone shoreline and sheltered coves, the island offers a range of exploration opportunities. Walk coastal trails, explore tidepools, kayak along protected waters or take in views from higher vantage points. The combination of quiet anchorages, varied terrain and limited access makes this a fitting final day of exploration before returning to Seattle.
Disembark in Seattle
Arrive in Seattle, transiting the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks before docking at Fishermen’s Terminal. Disembark after breakfast, concluding your journey through the Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska. NB* Itineraries are a guideline and are subject to weather conditions, tides and wildlife opportunities. Your expedition leader and captain will keep you informed during the voyage.
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious, capable travellers—not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and snorkels, it’s essential to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently on a small vessel—especially in changing weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and activities may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding zodiacs and moving around the vessel may require balance and agility, though assistance is always provided. Our snorkelling and kayaking program is designed for guests looking for a deeper connection with the places we visit. Of course, all activities are optional—and you’re welcome to enjoy the boat at your own pace. Not sure if this trip suits you? Please get in touch with our team—we’re here to help you choose the experience that’s right for you
Safari Quest is an intimate expedition yacht designed for immersive exploration of Alaska’s remote wilderness. Carrying just 22 guests, the vessel offers a highly personalised and social onboard atmosphere, with the flexibility to access narrow waterways, secluded coves and rarely visited coastal regions. Compact and agile, the yacht is ideally suited to navigating areas beyond the reach of larger vessels, allowing for deeper exploration both on and off the water. Despite its small size, Safari Quest provides comfortable accommodation, welcoming shared spaces and a relaxed onboard style that encourages connection with both the environment and fellow travellers. With a strong focus on active adventure, the vessel is equipped for kayaking, paddleboarding, skiff excursions and guided hikes, making it ideal for those seeking close-up encounters with nature.
Admiral Stateroom - 4 cabins
Size: approx. 13–15 sqm / 140–160 sq ft
Beds: King, queen or twin configuration
Admiral Staterooms are located on the Bridge Deck and offer the best views onboard, with large windows and, in some cases, sliding glass doors opening to narrow balconies. Each cabin features a private ensuite bathroom with shower, heated tile flooring, individual climate control, desk space and storage, creating a comfortable and light-filled retreat.
Pathfinder Stateroom - 1 cabin
Size: approx. 12–13 sqm / 130–140 sq ft
Beds: Queen bed
The Pathfinder Stateroom is located on the Main Deck and provides convenient access to shared spaces. The cabin includes a private ensuite bathroom with shower, heated tile flooring, individual climate control, desk and storage space, offering a practical and comfortable base.
Navigator Stateroom - 4 cabins
Size: approx. 11–13 sqm / 120–140 sq ft
Beds: Queen or twin beds
Navigator Staterooms are located on the lower deck and feature elevated windows that allow natural light into the space. Each cabin includes a private ensuite bathroom with shower, heated tile flooring, individual climate control, desk and storage space, providing comfortable accommodation in a compact layout.
Compass cabin - 1 cabin
Size: approx. 8–9 sqm / 85–95 sq ft
Beds: Single bed
The \Compass Cabin offers a compact and comfortable option for solo travellers, featuring a private ensuite bathroom with shower, heated tile flooring, individual climate control and storage space.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
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