Alaska Coastal Expedition: Seward to Juneau

Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to Seward, an historic coastal town and gateway to Alaska’s rugged southern coastline. On boarding, settle in and meet your fellow travellers before a safety briefing. As evening falls, enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as the vessel sets sail around 9:00pm. With much of the journey covering remote and exposed coastline, the expedition is designed to undertake longer crossings overnight—maximising daylight hours for exploration and time spent ashore throughout the voyage.

Meals:  D

Wake in the sheltered waters of Driftwood Bay State Marine Park, surrounded by forested shoreline and rich coastal ecosystems. Step ashore for guided walks across remote beaches and through muskeg meadows, offering insight into this unique and delicate landscape. For those keen to get on the water, an introductory kayaking session provides practical guidance before heading out to explore by paddle. The area is also known for its abundant wildlife, with opportunities to spot whales, sea lions and a variety of seabirds.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s destination remains flexible, allowing the expedition team to adapt to weather and sea conditions. Depending on the day, explore either Montague Island or Hinchinbrook Island—both offering striking coastal scenery and rewarding wildlife encounters. At Montague Island, areas such as Zaikof Bay are known for brown bear activity, while Hinchinbrook Island offers the chance to view the historic Cape Hinchinbrook Lighthouse. Opportunities throughout the day may include beach walks, kayaking and skiff exploration, or simply taking in the scale and solitude of Alaska’s outer coast.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend two days exploring the remote and historically significant coastline around Kayak Island. This isolated outpost is linked to early exploration of Alaska and offers a raw, windswept landscape shaped by powerful ocean forces. Conditions here can be challenging, with strong currents and exposed waters influencing anchorage and daily plans. When possible, step ashore for beachcombing along wild stretches beneath Pyramid Peak, or explore the coastline by skiff for a closer perspective. Should weather require, alternative anchorages to the north—such as the Martin Islands or Fox Island—provide equally rewarding opportunities. Here, explore rich intertidal zones, walk remote shorelines and, if conditions allow, follow remnants of abandoned tracks near the historic settlement of Katalla.

Meals:  B,L,D

Following an overnight crossing, arrive in the remote and dramatic expanse of Icy Bay. Surrounded by towering peaks and active glaciers, this region offers a striking introduction to Alaska’s dynamic glacial environments. Spend two days exploring the bay, where the immense Malaspina and Guyot Glaciers dominate the landscape beneath the backdrop of Mount St. Elias. Navigate close to glacier faces by skiff where conditions permit, and step ashore for guided hikes and beachcombing along newly formed terrain shaped by ice and time. This compact yet powerful environment provides exceptional opportunities for glacier observation and wildlife encounters, with each day shaped by conditions within this ever-changing landscape.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enter the dramatic waters of Disenchantment Bay, home to one of Alaska’s most active and impressive glaciers. Here, the immense Hubbard Glacier dominates the landscape—its advancing ice face a powerful force continually reshaping the surrounding fjord. Spend the day observing this dynamic environment, with opportunities to witness glacier calving as ice breaks away into the bay. Activities are guided by conditions, allowing for safe and immersive exploration by skiff or from the vessel, with ever-changing perspectives on this remarkable natural phenomenon.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive in the remote coastal community of Yakutat, known for its strong fishing heritage and relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Set between wild coastline and dense rainforest, this isolated settlement offers a glimpse into everyday life in Alaska. Explore on foot with guided walks through town, with opportunities to meet locals and gain insight into the region’s culture and way of life. This visit provides a meaningful contrast to the surrounding wilderness, connecting the journey to the people who call this remote coast home.

Meals:  B,L,D

We have two days exploring one of Alaska’s most legendary and rarely accessed coastal environments. Lituya Bay is renowned for its dramatic natural history and striking setting beneath the Fairweather Mountain Range, where steep peaks rise directly from the sea. Access to the bay is entirely dependent on favourable weather and tidal conditions, adding to the sense of true expedition. If entry is possible, explore by skiff and on foot, with opportunities to visit Cenotaph Island—home to seabird colonies and sea lion haul-outs—and take in the scale of this powerful landscape. Should conditions require an alternative, nearby anchorages such as Graves or Torch Bay offer equally rewarding exploration, with calm waters, scenic shorelines and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

Meals:  B,L,D

Step ashore on remote George Island, where history and wilderness converge. Discover remnants of coastal defence, including a World War I–era cannon relocated here during World War II, offering a glimpse into the region’s strategic past. Explore the island on foot, with opportunities to take in expansive coastal views and surrounding marine landscapes. Nearby areas such as Cape Spencer may also be visited, known for their dynamic waters and rich marine life. This marks a final stretch of exploration before continuing toward Juneau.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is dedicated to flexibility, with the captain and expedition team selecting the best locations based on weather, wildlife activity and sea conditions. This approach maximises opportunities for memorable encounters in some of Alaska’s richest marine environments. Areas such as Icy Strait and the Inian Islands are known for exceptional wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and seabirds. Activities throughout the day may include skiff excursions and time on deck, as the journey concludes with a final focus on Alaska’s abundant wildlife.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast disembark in Juneau, concluding your Alaskan adventure. 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