Alaska Inside Passage | Expedition Cruise

Dramatic scenery and rich in wildlife & marine life; the Inside Passage is a network of fjords and islands running along the southernmost Panhandle of Alaska to Canada’s western province of British Columbia. Historically, these fjords have been significant for transport of indigenous groups pre-colonisation and steamships during the gold rush of the 1890s.

This voyage will explore this incredibly varied coastline, whose mountains often bring dense rainforest to the water’s edge, with glaciers on their peaks; and remote fishing towns nestled in weather-shielded parts of countless islands you will pass. At the stops along the way, your expert expedition team will be able to lead you on treks, kayak and Zodiac cruises; with plenty of time to watch in wonder from the mothership, so that you can see the fjords from all the best angles.

In addition to some breathtaking scenery, wildlife you should be on the lookout for include bears, humpback whales, otters, and plenty of birdlife. If your passion is photography, you may need to switch quickly from telephoto to scenic wide angle.

Humpback whales are mainly present in summer. Around 500 individuals visit the Inside Passage annually, and in June and July it is often possible to see them bubble-netting. This dramatic scene is how humpbacks hunt, blowing bubbles in the shape of a ring to direct their prey towards its centre, before lunging upwards to swallow sometimes hundreds of fish at a time. Each humpback can consume up to 1.4 tonnes (3,000 lbs) of fish each day!

Alaska is also well known for its bears. Brown, or Grizzly Bears are the biggest in the region weighing up to 360 kg (800 lbs). Smaller Black, or Spirit Bears will not weigh more than 220 kg (500 lbs). Both types of bears are easiest to see during the summer months as they patrol the shoreline for fish.

Other iconic wildlife which you may be able to see here include the Bald Eagle with a wingspan of up to 2.1 m (7 feet), Northern Sea Otters and even Killer Whales.

This is a fjord system of great modern significance in the region as many communities in the region are not accessible by car. This includes the state’s capital city, Juneau – the United States 6^th smallest state capital by population with fewer than 33,000 inhabitants. Located at the foot of Mount Juneau, surrounded by forests and built at sea level, this is a fitting start point to your Voyage through the Inside Passage.

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 – Juneau

Your voyage begins in Juneau, Alaska – one of only two U.S. capital cities inaccessible by car. Lying at the base of Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, it is a most picturesque location.

After settling into your cabin, you will enjoy dinner with your fellow voyagers and receive initial briefings from the expedition team onboard.

Day 2 – Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm Fjord

Today you will reach and explore the wild and remote Tongass National Forest on Kupreanot Island. Here, you will visit either Tracy Arm Fjord or the Endicott Arm Fjord – both spectacular locations with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. You will be able to see the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a cruise in a Zodiac for awe inspiring views amongst sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbour seals, harbour porpoises and Arctic terns.

Day 3 – Petersburg

From Kupreanot Island Visit, you will visit the small, true Alaska fishing town of Petersburg which sits on Kupreanot’s extreme close neighbour of Mitkof Island. Petersburg still retains much of its Norwegian heritage.

The voyage will also aim to explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with its stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There may be an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening’s food will include a crab feast.

Day 4 – Frederick Sound & Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for seeing orcas and humpback whales. With luck, you might observe behaviour such as breaching, tail-slapping and various types of feeding. Your naturalist team onboard will provide play-by-play commentary.

You may also explore some spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, you'll have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration.

Day 5 – Icy Strait & the Inian Islands

The aim today is to explore the Inian Islands: a busy feeding ground for myriad wildlife species, including Steller sea lions and sea otters. You may also search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common.

Day 6 – Glacier Bay National Park

Today’s plan is dedicated to exploring the spectacular wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve*. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases dramatic landscapes which define Southeast Alaska: from towering mountains and deep fjords, to pristine coastlines and diverse ecosystems. Your onboard expedition team will provide insights into the natural history and geology of the area, whilst keeping a keen watch for wildlife.

*Select departures will explore the scenic outer bays of Glacier Bay National Park by kayak, by Zodiac or on foot.

Day 7 – Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays & Fjords

Today, nature is the expedition team’s guide as you set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. You might stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are common. If conditions permit, you'll have the opportunity to do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.

Day 8 – Sitka

After taking breakfast onboard, you will disembark in Sitka and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Dates

Enquire / Book 09 - 16 May 2026 - from US$ 6,915

Sitka – Inside Passage – Juneau (8 days)
Comfortable expedition ship, 100 guests
From price per person in a Twin/Double Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 10 - 17 May 2026 - from US$ 7,130

Sitka – Inside Passage – Juneau (8 days)
Comfortable expedition ship, 100 guests
From price per person in a Twin/Double Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 16 - 23 May 2026 - from US$ 6,915