Inner Reaches: Western Coves
Pristine wilderness, mind-blowing natural wonder, humpback whales, and untamed wildlife explode your senses.
Hike “wild and woolly” places (“skookum” to the locals) and dramatic waterfall coasts. Kayak along shore looking for bears and near 10,000-year-old glaciers areas and learn the stories of the totem.
Itinerary/Details
Day 1 Embark on your adventure in Ketchikan
Welcome aboard! Meet your crew, get settled in, and keep watch for eagles as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows out of Ketchikan.
Day 2 Tongass National Forest, El Capitan Passage
Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska hike winding through high forest on an old logging trail. Trek up to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. And if the stars are right (okay maybe it's the tides), you just may get lucky today and snag some organic oysters from a local grower.
Day 3 Klawock Native Village
Discover living history in Klawock—one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Along with its small fishing fleet, this quaint community continues to thrive on the farthest reaches of the wild Alaska coastline. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye out for eagles and sea birds.
Day 4 Chatham Strait Exploration
It's Captain's Choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait's Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water. Conditions permitting, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel. Snorkeling is optional, but hidden beneath the surface lies a magical array of sea life only seen with a snorkel swim. Take a deep breath and go for it! Today's discoveries will be within some of the most un-touched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.
Day 5 Frederick Sound
Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife – they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.
Day 6 The Brothers Islands, Stephen's Passage
There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of tiny, rocky islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, and sea lions. Tonight, anchor in quiet bay and listen for the call of the wild.
Day 7 Endicott Arm, Ford’s Terror Wilderness
Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness that surround it. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.
Day 8 Juneau - Disembark
Bid adieu to new found friends over breakfast before disembarking the ship. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your add-on overnight stay or extended land tour.
Please Note: Due to the nature of these unique explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Departure
2012 Season Sailing Dates:
Wilderness Discoverer:
May 12, 26
June 9, 23
July 7, 21
August 4, 18
September 1
Wilderness Adventurer:
May 5, 19,
June 2, 16, 30
July 14, 28
August 11, 25
September 8
Wilderness Explorer:
May 26
2013 Season Sailing Dates:
Wilderness Discoverer:
May 11, 25
June 8, 22
July 6, 20
August 3, 17, 31
Wilderness Adventurer:
May 4, 18
June 1, 15, 29
July 27
August 24
September 7
Wilderness Explorer:
May 11
Tour Price
2012 Season Rates
2013 Season Rates:
Package Includes
Included in Your Fare: All onboard meals, tastefully prepared with locally sourced ingredients where possible; guiding and equipment use for kayak, paddle board, hiking, and skiff exploration; embarkation transfers and baggage handling between airport/ship; entry fees to national parks/preserves; hot tub, sauna, and yoga classes.
- SINGLE rates: available in designated cabins (refer to deck plan) at 150% of the per person double rate. All other cabins are available at 175% of double rate.
- TRIPLE rates: available in designated cabins (refer to deck plan) with a third person savings of 25% off the double rate.
All rates are in US$, per person, double occupancy, not including port taxes and fees.
2012 Sailings: Please add $167 per person for additional port fees & taxes.
2013 Sailings: Please add $175 per person for additional port fees & taxes.
