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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Spirit of Alaska

Itinerary:  Whales & Wilderness

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  Alaska Views

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Our Wilderness Inside Passage journeys are designed to take you far from the mainstream within the hidden reaches of Alaska's magnificent Inside Passage. You will explore spectacular fjords inhabited only by mountain goats, seals, and black bears.

Day 1 : Arrive in Juneau

Transfer to the Goldbelt Hotel. The hotel’s waterfront locale is a perfect base for exploring Alaska’s beautiful capital city – and a great step-off for exciting optional excursions during your time here.

Day 2 : Sail from Juneau

Your small ship sails in late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore Juneau. Once onboard, step out on deck to watch Gastineau Channel glide by as you enter Alaska’s true wilderness. D

Day 3 : Icy Strait

Watch for the gentle humpbacks as they feast on tiny krill churned by waters from the Pacific Ocean. Watch for the behaviors you may see them exhibit. Spouting. Sounding. Breaching. Tail slapping. Fin smacking. Lunge feeding. Even rare bubble feeding if you’re very, very lucky. The tiny Inian Islands stand between you and the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, with enticing opportunities to get out there and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep an eye out for Steller's sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, and porpoise. BLD

Day 4 : Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Declared by many to be the most extraordinary and untouched place in the world, Glacier Bay was first established as a National Monument in 1925 and has since enjoyed the highly protected status of National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Glacier Bay National Park shows you the earth in transition. The glaciers here are receding rapidly, leaving in their wake scoured cliffs and deep fjords. Watch for sea birds and Steller's sea lions off of South Marble Island and admire the 15,000-foot peak of Mt. Fairweather, the steepest climb from sea level in the world. Glide past massive glaciers of all varieties (hanging, tidewater, and valley) and absorb the expert guidance of a National Park Ranger and a Native Cultural Interpreter who board your small ship and stay throughout your visit. BLD

Day 5 : Wilderness Community

For those lucky and hearty few who call this wilderness home, "traffic" takes on a whole new meaning! We will port call at one of a handful of small Alaskan villages to briefly get a taste of what it would be like to be part of a community that rests in the wild and off-the-beaten-path part of the world. BLD

Day 6 : Sitka

This beautiful little city is thought by many to be the “jewel of the Inside Passage.” Its setting alone is breathtaking. While big ships must plow through miles of open ocean and moor far from the tiny docks, your small ship will come to Sitka “through the back door,” threading through beautiful Peril Strait and navigating the delicate passage through Sergius Narrows where tides challenge all but the most expert mariner’s skill. Enjoy the peaceful setting as you stroll amongst the totems at the beautiful Sitka National Historic Park, or choose other optional excursions to further explore the gem of Baranof island. BLD

Day 7 : Frederick Sound and Wilderness Exploration

Frederick Sound teems with the humpback whale’s favorite food – and the whales take full advantage, feeding in the rich waters as they prepare for their long migration south. Once they leave Alaska waters at summer’s end, these giant creatures will not eat again until they return next year. This afternoon you’ll discover the joys of “gunkholing,” a nautical term that means, among other things, “exploring at leisure.” Your Captain and Exploration Leader know these waters intimately – and each voyage is likely to be different, depending on what magic they find to share with you. BLD

Day 8 : Tracy Arm

Many travelers consider these narrow fjords the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet from waterline to snowcapped peaks, their sides studded and stunning waterfalls. And there's the ice. Conditions permitting, your crew will welcome you into inflatable excursion craft to explore the waters and shorelines amid bouncing bergie bits calved from ancient glaciers. BLD

Day 9 : Arrive in Juneau

We’ll say goodbye with regret as you disembark in Juneau this morning. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may have time to explore this charming city a bit more. When you’re ready to leave, we’ll escort you to the airport and send you home with our fondest wishes and a lifetime of unforgettable memories. (Note: The order of destinations on this itinerary may vary in response to conditions and/or opportunities.) B

Ship Description: Spirit of Alaska

click to enlarge
  Spirit of Alaska

Her shallow draft, spacious bow and comfortable cruising speed make for optimum wildlife viewing.

With three Bridge Deck Deluxe cabins, she offers one most unusual cruising feature - view windows both port and starboard, left and right. The Deluxe category is the top end of a wide range of categories available, including economical Lower Deck inside staterooms with private facilities, and Main and Upper Deck cabins which feature large view windows. Other features:
- Cruising speed of 12 knots
- Registered in United States
- American crew
- Equipped for bow landings
- All cabins feature private facilities