Alaska's Inside Passage | Micro Cruising

Delve deep into Alaska's Inside Passage

Sea Otter relaxes | Simon Ager

Calving glacier in Alaska | Phillip Stone

Hiking in Alaska's Inside Passage | Tavish Campbell

The Swell in Alaska

A group of brown bears fishing for salmon | Simon Ager

A Harbor seal basking in the sun

The Swell in Alaska

Humpback whales enjoy the spoils of Alaska's nutrient rich waters

Sea Otter relaxes | Simon Ager

Calving glacier in Alaska | Phillip Stone

Hiking in Alaska's Inside Passage | Tavish Campbell

The Swell in Alaska

A group of brown bears fishing for salmon | Simon Ager

A Harbor seal basking in the sun

The Swell in Alaska

Humpback whales enjoy the spoils of Alaska's nutrient rich waters

12 Days

View Inclusions

Activities

Wilderness cruising, hiking & optional kayaking

Accommodation

1 night hotel
10 night aboard Swell

Meals

11 Dinners
10 Lunches
11 Breakfasts

Trip highlights

Experience Alaska from the decks of a ship that has traversed its natural wonder for more than a century.
Journey through sheer-sided glacial fjords, reaching the foot of tidal glaciers. Witness spectacular calving events.
Cruise into Fredrick Sound, a renowned feeding ground for whales. Look out for breaching humpbacks or the playful splash of an orca calf.
Enjoy special access to remote and protected areas like Salmon Creek & Pack Creek, where brown bears gather to feed.
Optional Kayaking included in the voyage cost

On our Alaska small ship cruises, we explore natural wonders aboard a classic, wooden tugboat designed for the ultimate in guest comfort. Expeditions provide an opportunity to personally connect with the natural and cultural history of Alaska’s rugged Southeast, each day becoming more in tune with the rhythm of the coast. The area is home to wildlife-filled fjords and incredible wilderness scenery, undertake guided walks and zodiac cruise through some of the most remote regions on the planet. Travel with just a few guests, guided by the expert crew, naturalist, and guides.

Day 1
Join in Sitka, overnight hotel

Arrive in Sitka, one of Alaska's most fascinating coastal towns, where Tlingit, Russian and American influences have shaped the region's rich cultural heritage. Meet your expedition team and fellow travellers before joining a guided introduction to the town, including visits to key historic sites. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay in Sitka.

Meals: D

Day 2
Sitka, afternoon embark ship

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Sitka at your own pace before boarding Swell this afternoon. As the expedition begins, cruise through the sheltered waters surrounding Sitka while keeping watch for sea otters, seabirds and marine mammals. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore the wildlife-rich waters around St Lazaria Island by zodiac.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3-11
Exploring Alaska's Inside Passage

Over the coming days, Swell explores the wild waterways, islands and fjords of Alaska's Inside Passage. The exact route and daily activities are shaped by weather, wildlife sightings, tides and local conditions, allowing the expedition team to make the most of every opportunity encountered along the way. Highlights may include cruising through the rich waters of Frederick Sound in search of humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and other marine wildlife; exploring the glacier-carved fjords of Southeast Alaska by Zodiac, kayak and on foot; and visiting remote communities such as Meyer's Chuck, where life continues much as it has for generations. The voyage may also include opportunities to navigate the scenic channels of Wrangell Narrows, explore the wilderness of Admiralty Island, and visit Pack Creek, one of Alaska's most celebrated brown bear viewing areas. Along the way, guided walks reveal the region's temperate rainforests, wildflower meadows, waterfalls and pristine beaches, while expert naturalists help bring the landscape, wildlife and cultural history to life. Cruising the dramatic coastline of Baranof Island, guests may visit secluded bays, natural hot springs and wildlife-rich anchorages, while Kruzof Island and St Lazaria offer opportunities to encounter seabird colonies, sea otters and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the Inside Passage. Whether kayaking beside floating ice, watching whales feed in sheltered channels, exploring a remote shoreline by Zodiac or simply enjoying the view from the deck of Swell, each day offers a unique perspective on one of North America's last great wilderness regions.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
Disembark in Petersburg, where trip concludes

After breakfast, disembark Swell in Petersburg. Transfers to the airport or onward accommodation are provided, marking the conclusion of your Alaska Inside Passage expedition. Please note that the itinerary shown is a sample and may be adjusted to suit weather, wildlife activity and expedition conditions.

Meals: B

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Day 1
Join in Petersburg, overnight hotel

Arrive in Petersburg, a picturesque fishing town set amongst the waterways of Southeast Alaska. Founded by Norwegian fishermen and often referred to as "Little Norway", the town retains a strong maritime character and offers an authentic glimpse into life in coastal Alaska. Meet your expedition team and fellow travellers before enjoying a welcome dinner and overnight stay in Petersburg. This evening provides an opportunity to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Meals: D

Day 2
Petersburg, afternoon embark ship

This morning there is time to explore Petersburg and its working waterfront before boarding Swell. As the expedition begins, cruise into the sheltered waters of Alaska's Inside Passage, where forested islands, glacier-carved landscapes and abundant wildlife set the scene for the days ahead. Keep watch for whales, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds as the vessel makes its way through one of North America's most spectacular coastal wilderness regions.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3-11
Exploring Alaska's Inside Passage

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12
Disembark in Petersburg, where trip concludes

After breakfast, disembark Swell in Sitka. Transfers to the airport or onward accommodation are provided, marking the conclusion of your Alaska Inside Passage expedition. Please note that the itinerary shown is a sample and may be adjusted to suit weather, wildlife activity and expedition conditions.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 11 dinners
1 nights twin share accommodation in Sitka or Petersburg
Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of craft beer
Transfers to and from the hotel/airport to the ship in Sitka/Petersburg
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Specialist expedition staff
All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (for guests with a recreational fishing license)
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
Pre-departure information

What's not included

International or domestic flights to the start and end point
Passport, visa and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and or airport departure taxes
Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
Emergency evacuation charges
Travel Insurance
Customary end of voyage tips
Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)
Fishing licenses are not included and must be acquired by guests wanting to fish prior to their trip.

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important 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 around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.

Vessel

Swell

The gorgeous Swell is spacious with amenities offered by no other ship on the coast in her class. Her $4 million refit transformed her from a powerhouse working tugboat to a comfortable passenger vessel. The renovations kept the warm character of her classic wooden construction, and each cabin is panelled with natural wood. The Swell is an authentic, coastal tugboat. She’s the real deal. Her small size and ruggedness, combined with our special access permits and incredibly knowledgeable and well-connected crew, give you an unparalleled experience.

Cabins

Swell

Category 3 cabins

Cedar and Douglas Fir, feature outside doors with opening portholes, large private 3-piece ensuite heads, natural light, and small boat queen-sized beds. Cedar has walls on three sides of the bed, while Douglas Fir has walls on two sides. Both cabins offer storage options and occupy 120 sq. ft.

Swell

Category 2 Cabins (Option 1)

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock are located on the top deck. These cabins offer 80 square feet of space and feature a double bed with an angled foot. Cabins feature an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite. Cabins provide under bed storage designed to maximize comfort and convenience.

Swell

Category 2 Cabins (Option 2)

Arbutus is located on the main deck. This cabin offers 80 square feet of space and features two large up and down bunks. It includes a small desk and an en-suite bathroom. Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed, a practical and comfortable option for guests.

Swell

Category 1 Cabins

Red Alder features an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite head with a separate washbasin area. The cabin also receives natural light through a skylight and sleeps two on up and down small, extra-long single beds (79.5? x 30?). Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed. Red Alder occupies 57 sq. ft.