Explore Alaska’s Inside Passage on a compact, 6-day Small Ship Expedition Cruise designed to immerse you in the region's dramatic fjords, misty rainforests, and abundant Wildlife. Journey through steep-sided Mountains and glassy icebergs to iconic destinations including Haines, the Inian Islands, and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Active Exploration in the Inside Passage
This itinerary is built around daily activities that get you off the ship and into the wild. With special permit access, you will hike through the old-growth towering spruce of the Tongass National Forest. Paddle a Kayak or navigate a paddleboard along the rugged coastlines of Baranof or Chichagof Island, keeping watch for Brown Bears foraging along salmon-rich riverbanks and Steller sea lions in the nutrient-dense waters.
Discover Tlingit Culture in Haines
Often referred to as the adventure capital of Alaska, Haines offers diverse ways to experience the frontier. Beyond rafting the Chilkat River or cycling along glacial fjords, you can choose to visit a local indigenous Tlingit Village to experience the traditional Klukwan dance, connecting deeply with the enduring heritage of the region.
Engaging Family Adventures
Summer sailings are ideal for families. Through the onboard Explorers-in-Training program, kids and teens are guided by naturalists to learn about this wild corner of the world – from understanding massive glaciers to identifying local marine life – making it an educational adventure for all ages.
Is a 6-Day Alaska Cruise Right for You?
This voyage is the perfect Alaska escape for those short on time, offering guaranteed spectacular wilderness scenery and excellent chances to spot bears, bald eagles, and diverse marine life. However, we want to ensure you book the perfect trip: if your primary goal is to witness Orcas or the extraordinary bubble-net feeding behaviour of Humpback Whales, we highly recommend exploring our longer Alaska wildlife voyages below to maximize your viewing opportunities.
Contact Us and talk to our expert guides to help you decide the best itinerary for your schedule and wildlife goals.
Click Here to reserve a space on an Alaska Escape experience
Itinerary
Please note that this itinerary is written to provide a flavour of each voyage. The actual route will vary according to choice of vessel, the captain and expedition team in accordance with prevailing ice, weather and sea conditions and opportunities to see wildlife and wilderness scenery.
Day 1 – Sitka
Arrive in Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which date back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Day 2 – Baranof or Chichagof Island
Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof. Both islands are part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines and go hiking through the temperate rainforest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees.
Day 3 – Icy Strait & Inian Islands
Spend today searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, home to a sizeable population of Steller sea lions; kayaking in the protected coves of Chichagof Island; or hiking in lush temperate rain forest where bald eagles dot the canopies.
Day 4 – Haines
A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord, go fly fishing for salmon and Dolly Verdon trout, or choose from an array of world-class hikes. Other options include a visit to the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation before rafting down the Chilkat River. This day brims with options.
Day 5 – Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness. Cruise through this glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board.
Day 6 – Juneau
Have breakfast onboard then disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Dates
Included
- Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and other state-of-the-art gear
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
- Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits. We are also pleased to offer a selection of premium brands available for purchase.
- Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests onboard, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
- Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
