Alaska Sailing Expedition | Micro Cruising

Delve deep into Alaska's Inside Passage

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 beautiful schooner 'Maple Leaf'

A group of brown bears fishing for salmon | Simon Ager

A Harbor seal basking in the sun

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 beautiful schooner 'Maple Leaf'

A group of brown bears fishing for salmon | Simon Ager

A Harbor seal basking in the sun

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11 Days$8200USD

View Inclusions

Activities

Wilderness cruising, hiking & optional kayaking

Accommodation

10 night aboard Maple Leaf

Meals

10 Dinners
10 Lunches
10 Breakfasts

Trip highlights

Experience Alaska from the decks of a yacht that has traversed its natural wonder for more than a century
Sail sheltered channels and narrow waterways deep within Alaska’s Inside Passage
Enjoy zodiac cruising, kayaking and short shore walks through rainforest and intertidal zones
Explore glacier-carved fjords and anchor in quie bays

On our Alaska sailing cruises, we explore natural wonders aboard a classic coastal schooner, providing access to remote landing sites and secluded bays. 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.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Ketchikan, embark ship

Depart Ketchikan harbour and head into coastal wilderness waters. On deck wildlife watching en route, followed by a shore excursion to introduce the intertidal and rainforest environment. Anchor in a quiet cove for the night.

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Sailing & Intertidal Discovery

Motor-sail through scenic channels with abundant bird and marine mammal spotting. Zodiac or shore excursions to explore intertidal life and remote coves. Evening kayaking in sheltering waters.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
South Etolin wilderness

Continue north into South Etolin wilderness. Explore remote shorelines for bears, intertidal organisms and island habitats. Shore walks and zodiac exploration deepen connection with the wild coast.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Wrangell Narrows

Navigate the narrow channels and tidal waterways of Wrangell Narrows. Lookouts on deck for passing marine life, scenic forested shores and rich coastal ecosystems.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Rainforest Walk & Wildlife

Anchorage near lush temperate rainforest. Shore walks explore rainforest ecology, while boats scan the waters for whales and sea lions. Gentle beach access and time ashore for interpretation.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Fjord & Glacier Approaches

Cruise to a spectacular fjord with views of tidewater glaciers and icebergs. Wildlife watching remains central — marine mammals, seabirds and ice-edge phenomena. Optional small-boat or shoreline excursions where safe.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Admirality Island explorations

Explore around large island wilderness with a focus on brown bear habitat and estuarine shorelines. Zodiac and beach excursions reveal coastal ecology and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Warm Springs Bay & Baranov Island

Continue cruising through protected waterways. Visit natural hot springs and small settled outposts where possible. Rainforest and wetland walks enrich understanding of coastal processes.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Chatham Strait & Fredrick Sound

Head back through broad straits, combining open water cruising with dedicated time for humpback whale watching and other pelagic wildlife. Wildlife interpretation and deck time emphasised.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
Tongass National Forest

Sail through forested passages within the vast Tongass National Forest. Seabird colonies, sea otters and the rhythms of the intertidal come into focus. Final anchorage beneath pristine coastal forests.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
Disembark in Petersburg, where trip concludes

After breakfast we disembark the ship in Petersburg. NB* Weather, wildlife and navigation conditions may influence the route and daily activities.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of craft beer
Shared 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

Maple Leaf

Maple Leaf is a legendary coastal schooner. From her days as a luxury racing yacht, to her reign as tough highliner of the Prince Rupert halibut fishery, Maple Leaf is one of the coast’s most capable, most elegant ships. To travel on her is like being the dinner guest of a well-known explorer with amazing tales, who most people will never get to meet. At 92 feet overall, she accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 semi-private sleeping areas, with 3 shared washrooms, and a crew of 4 or 5. Maple Leaf is a sea-kindly vessel with a long range. She can take you to the coast’s wildest, remotest corners more comfortably and safely than most other vessels. Her sails and 40,000-pound keel keep her steady, and her crew’s warmth and culinary delights keep your soul soaring.

Cabins

Maple Leaf

Shared Sleeping Quarters

The main cabin accommodates eight guests with divided sleeping areas, each featuring large comfortable beds, storage space, reading lamps, and cozy bedding. There are three washrooms with hot water showers.

Departure dates

Notes

Mandatory Sustainable travel fee is payable and is NOT included in the cabin cost

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

$8200USD

Options & Supplements*

Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)USD$150

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Alaska Sailing Expedition: Ketchikan to Petersburg 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.