Experience Alaska's remarkable beauty on a cruise through Southeast Alaska—a land of mist-shrouded fjords, tidewater glaciers, and islands teeming with wildlife. Kayak around dramatic icebergs and into protected coves in waters that are among the best for finding humpback and orca whales. Walk through lush forest trails to cascading waterfalls, spend a full day in Glacier Bay National Park, and learn about Alaska's rich Native American heritage.
Our approach during this voyage is one of discovery. We take time to stop and explore up close this beautiful and intriguing land. Our small ship has the flexibility to take you ashore to see places that few others do. And expert naturalists, who have an intimate knowledge of the region, accompany us ashore. The long days of summer allow for viewing wildlife well into the evening hours.
Day 1 Seattle/Juneau, Alaska
Fly from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. Visit the imposing Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum, an excellent introduction to Alaska’s natural history and cultures. There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we embark the Sea Bird in the late afternoon.
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Day 2 Tracy Arm Fjord
Enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord, with waterfalls cascading from its high, glacially carved walls. We maneuver among large icebergs, keeping an eye on the shorelines for feeding black bears and mountain goats on the cliffs above.
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Day 3 Petersburg
Discover the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Founded more than 100 years ago by rugged Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg’s heritage is evident today in the rosemaling (traditional painting in floral designs) that decorates homes and storefronts. A visit to Petersburg provides some insight into the character of a true Alaska town. There is an opportunity for optional flight-seeing via floatplane or helicopter over nearby Le Conte Glacier (weather permitting) and for hikes on forest trails. Later, we cruise out to look for whales in the south part of Frederick Sound, or we may explore Le Conte Bay, a virtual sculpture garden of grounded icebergs.
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Day 4 Exploring Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are often good for whale sightings. Look for Steller sea lions hauled out on the rocky islands that dot the channels. During the day, walk along a quiet forest trail accompanied by our naturalists or go kayaking in the tiny coves in this area.
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Day 5 Glacier Bay National Park
Spend the day exploring magnificent Glacier Bay, seeing the enormous glaciers that flow from the ice fields far above. Watch and hear glaciers calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Venture near islets that are home to seabirds such as puffins and guillemots, and watch for humpback whales and orcas. Walk ashore and walk among towering spruce trees and meadows of wildflowers.
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Day 6 Point Adolphus/Inian Pass
Look for humpback whales at Point Adolphus, a favored feeding area. Cruise along the northern coastline of Chichagof Island, and find playful sea otters. Keep an eye out for eagles, which are commonplace in the surrounding Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S.
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Day 7 Exploring Alaska’s Islands, Bays, and Fjords
Beachcomb, walk forest trails, explore by kayak, or cruise along Admiralty Island, where the massive brown (or grizzly) bear is found, along with perhaps the world’s highest density of nesting bald eagles. If conditions permit, explore the coastlines of some remote islands by kayak. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
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Day 8 Sitka/Seattle
After breakfast, we disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong Russian heritage. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a striking testament to Alaska’s roots prior to the U.S. purchase of the territory from Russia; and the Sitka National Historic Park, where totem poles line quiet wooded trails. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Seattle.
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Accommodating just 64 guests in 32 outside cabins, Sea Bird is large enough to operate in remote environments in comfort, yet small enough to enter ports and narrow inlets inaccessible to bigger ships. She carries sea kayaks and a fleet of Zodiacs, which can be launched at a moment’s notice, providing easy access to coastlines and other places of interest. Each cabin faces outside. All cabins have windows and are attractively and comfortably furnished with lower berths, private bathrooms, reading lights, and individual climate control.
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