Alaska | Glacier Bay | Small ship active cruising

Explore Alaska on an intimate 22 passenger vessel

Kayaking opportunities throughout the trip get you up close and personal with nature and leaves indelible memories

Ridge hike in Glacier Bay

Alaska offers numerous opportunities for Brown Bear sightings

Take an icy plunge in Alaska

Playful, curious and irresistibly cute — sea otters are one of Alaska’s most beloved wildlife encounters.

With healthy marine ecosystems, Alaska offers regular opportunities to encounter orcas in the wild

Kayaking opportunities throughout the trip get you up close and personal with nature and leaves indelible memories

Ridge hike in Glacier Bay

Alaska offers numerous opportunities for Brown Bear sightings

Take an icy plunge in Alaska

Playful, curious and irresistibly cute — sea otters are one of Alaska’s most beloved wildlife encounters.

With healthy marine ecosystems, Alaska offers regular opportunities to encounter orcas in the wild

Upcoming webinar: Micro Cruising in NZ| Thursday, 16 AprilRegister for free→

NEW

8 Days$10700USD

View Inclusions

Activities

7 days adventure cruising with optional kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking

Accommodation

7 nights aboard Safari Quest

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Trip highlights

Explore Glacier Bay’s dynamic glacial landscapes
Opportunities to see humpback whales, bears, sea lions, otters and birdlife
Observe calving glaciers and ice formations up close
Guided walks through temperate rainforest
Paddle and kayak in sheltered bays and inlets
Access lesser-visited areas beyond the reach of larger ships

Set within the wild waterways of Southeast Alaska, this immersive small-ship expedition explores a landscape shaped by glaciers, rainforest and rich marine life. Sailing roundtrip from Juneau aboard the 22-guest Safari Quest, the journey combines time in Glacier Bay with access to remote island wilderness and secluded coastal environments. From the outer reaches of Glacier Bay to the quiet coves of Chichagof Island and the bear-rich shores of Admiralty Island, each day reveals a new perspective of this vast region. Paddle through sheltered bays, explore by skiff and step ashore for guided walks through dense forest. Encounters with humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions and bald eagles are common, particularly in the wildlife-rich waters of Frederick Sound and Icy Strait. Designed for access and flexibility, the itinerary reaches places rarely visited by larger vessels — including Warm Springs Bay, Red Bluff Bay and, conditions permitting, Fords Terror. With daily activities shaped by weather, wildlife and tides, the experience remains active, immersive and ever-changing.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Embark in Juneau

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s remote capital set between mountains and sea. After boarding your small expedition yacht, meet your crew and fellow travellers before setting sail into the Inside Passage. As you leave port, keep watch for your first glimpses of marine life in these rich coastal waters.

Meals: D

Day 2
Icy Strait

Begin your exploration in the rich waters of Icy Strait and the outer reaches of Glacier Bay. Paddle through sheltered bays fringed with towering kelp forests, explore by skiff along rocky outcrops frequented by sea lions, or join a guided walk through coastal forest. This region offers an active introduction to Alaska’s marine and shoreline ecosystems.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Chichagof Island: Iyoukeen Cove & Basket Bay

Venture into the remote landscapes of Chichagof Island, with time spent exploring areas such as Iyoukeen Cove and Basket Bay. These quiet, wildlife-rich locations are known for brown bears along the shoreline, sea otters in kelp beds and whales feeding offshore. Activities may include kayaking near river mouths, or guided walks through forest and along hidden coves shaped by geological history.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Glacier Bay National Park

Cruise into Glacier Bay National Park, where vast icefields and dramatic fjords define the landscape. Spend the day navigating deeper into the bay, observing glaciers, floating ice and the surrounding mountain scenery, with interpretation provided by your expedition team.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Glacier Bay

Continue your time within Glacier Bay, focusing on lesser-visited areas and quieter inlets. Depending on conditions, explore by kayak or skiff to experience the scale of this glacial environment more intimately, with opportunities to observe wildlife among the ice and along the shoreline.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Frederick Sound

Cruise into Frederick Sound, one of Southeast Alaska’s most reliable whale-feeding areas. These nutrient-rich waters attract humpback whales during the summer months, and time is often spent observing wildlife activity. Exploration may also include shoreline excursions or paddling in protected coves.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Admiralty Island & Fords Terror Wilderness

Explore the wild and remote landscapes of Admiralty Island and the Fords Terror Wilderness area. Known for its dense rainforest and high concentration of brown bears, this region offers exceptional opportunities for guided hikes, skiff exploration and kayaking through narrow fjords and glacially carved waterways.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Disembark in Juneau

After breakfast, disembark in Juneau 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

Map

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Twin share cabin accommodation
Wine, beer, liquor, and craft cocktails
Entry fess to national parks
Use of kayaks and paddle boards
Local guide and crew
Airport transfers

What's not included

International and domestic flights to and from the point of embarkation
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
Tips
Airport & departure taxes
Visas
Travel insurance

What to Know Before You Join Us

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

Vessel

Safari Quest

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.

Cabins

Safari Quest

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.

Safari Quest

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.

Safari Quest

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.

Safari Quest

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.

Departure dates

Notes

Mandatory Port fees & taxes are included in the cabin price

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$10700USD

Options & Supplements*

Pathfinder CabinUSD$13400
Admiral CabinUSD$15600
Comapss Cabin - SingleUSD$16100
Navigator Cabin - SINGLEUSD$18800
Pathfinder Cabin - SINGLEUSD$23500
Admiral Cabin - SINGLEUSD$27300

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Alaska: Glacier Bay & Wilderness aboard Safari Quest trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.