Discover, Plan & Go!

Alone & apart; in a time and space that exists nowhere else on earth. These are the wilderness waterways of Alaska's Inside Passage. In these waters canoes first sliced through the still surface. In these coves, eagles and bears first gazed at human footprints. And in this place, you will come face-to-face with wonder. Come with us to experience unparalleled in cruise travel. Enjoy an exploration that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness - where sights, sounds and solitude combine to create an enchantment of the human spirit.

From the moment you sail out of Juneau's beautiful Gastineau Channel to the moment you return, you'll experience an entirely new world, a world of wilderness. Calling on only three ports in nine days, the focus on this cruise brings a new dimension of exploration to small-ship cruising. Discover the hidden inlets of Admiralty Island, known to Tlingit people as "Fortress of the Bears". Travel the fjords of Baranof and Chichagof Islands. Spend days of exploration in inflatable excursion craft, going where no schedule will hinder you. Visit tiny Elfin Cove, with a population of just 32 people, no streets, no cars. And even though you'll begin your voyage keeping a log of all the wildlife you see, there will be so much, so close, you'll loose track.

Day 1 - Arrive 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.

Accommodations: Goldbelt Hotel

Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Sail from Juneau

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

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: dinner

Day 3 - Endicott and Tracy Arm

Words can't prepare you for the splendor of these narrow fjords - many travelers consider them the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet from waterline to snowcapped peaks, their sides studded with stunning waterfalls. The sounds of cascading water alone prove that you have left the ordinary far behind. And there's the ice. Conditions permitting, your crew will welcome you into inflatable excursion craft where you'll explore the waters and shorelines amid bouncing bergie bits calved from ancient glaciers.

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Frederick Sound and Wilderness Exploration

The waters of Frederick Sound teem 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 at the moment.

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Sitka

This beautiful little city is thought by many to be the "jewel of the Inside Passage." Its setting alone is breathtaking. But, for you, getting there is half the fun. 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. Take in the historic beauty of the artifacts of St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church. Come face-to-face with majestic birds of prey at the fascinating Sitka Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Then, listen to their cousins in the wild as they cluster and chatter over your head at the beautiful Sitka National Historical Park.

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park

Declared by many to be the most extraordinary place in the world, Glacier Bay National Park shows you the earth in transition. In a timeline unmatched anywhere on the planet, the glaciers here are receding rapidly, leaving in their wake scoured cliffs and deep fjords. You'll witness firsthand as nature moves in to reclaim newly revealed territory. There are far too many highlights to list them all, but a few of the most outstanding are:

The birds and harbor seals of Marble Island; where you'll find life teaming off what appears to be barren rocks.

The 15,000-foot peak of Mt. Fairweather, although not always visible under the clouds that hover around it, represents the steepest climb from sea level in the world.

Massive glaciers of all varieties - hanging, tidewater, and valley - abound here. You'll have an opportunity to watch spectacular calving as the changing faces of the Park's massive tidewater glaciers continue to shape the landscape.

In a full day of exploration, accompanied by the expert guidance of a National Park Ranger who boards your small ship in early morning and stays until evening, you'll travel 65 miles into this primal wonderland, discovering the new revelations around every bend.

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Icy Straight

Watch for the gentle humpbacks as they feast on tiny krill churned by waters from the Pacific Ocean. Today, try to count, not only the whales, but the numbers of behaviors you'll see them exhibit. Spouting, sounding & breaching. Tail slapping, fin smacking & lunge feeding. There is 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 stellar sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, and porpoise.

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Elfin Cove

Tucked on the north shore of Chichagof Island, Elfin Cove gives you a rare look at what it means to "live off the grid." No vehicles are used here because there are no roads. Wooden boardwalks connect the few structures. You'll have time to hike, explore, and maybe even share a friendly chat with the locals while you're here.

Accommodations: Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Endeavour

Included Meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Return to 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.)

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available on the Spirit of Discovery. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates in Categories AA and AAA. Sorry, triple cabins are not available aboard the Spirit of Discovery

Land Cost Includes: One night hotel accommodations, $240 per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected; all airport/ hotel transfers; Alaska cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare to Alaska; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout Alaska will be aboard the Spirit of Discovery. This vessel accommodates 84 guests. Well-appointed staterooms feature comfortable beds, large view windows and private bathroom. Deluxe staterooms also have queen bed, TV/VCR, desk, chair and a refrigerator. The vessel also has a dining room, lounge, sun deck, viewing platforms and more. The vessel is casual - the food delicious - and the staff friendly and helpful.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone seeking to explore Alaska in style.

To Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Denali National Park and more.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.