Off Ship
Embark on daily guided excursions that include kayaking, paddle boarding and land hikes.
This classic sailing through Alaska’s famed Inside Passage utilises a small ship to travel down the eastern coves of the water route between Juneau and Ketchican. Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in Alaska, this voyage journeys far beyond the tourist trail to winding fjords and dramatic glacial landscapes.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Sail the Inside Passage
Take to the waters of the famed Inside Passage, sailing past glaciers and rainforests.
Bears & Orcas
Scout the waters and coastlines for species including orcas, humpbacks and brown bears.
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Expeditionary Ship
Sail on a small ship, nimble enough to venture off the beaten track with expert guides.
Why we like it
Encompassing unique opportunities for wildlife-watching, water and land-based excursions and privately guided hikes, this voyage is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to Alaska’s show-stopping Inside Passage. Combining Tlingit and Haida cultures with national monument landscapes in a wonderful blend of wildlife and history, this journey is bursting with extraordinary experiences for solo travellers, honeymooners and families alike. Ideally suited to those seeking active wilderness explorations, the real perk of this cruise through the passage formed by millions-years-old glaciers is its use of a small expedition ship and employment of specialist guides. The modest boat size allows for access to the quiet coves and narrow passages that are inaccessible to larger ships, providing exclusive front row seats to brown and black bear sightings and the most spectacular concentrations of humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Day 1
Juneau
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Day 2
Sailing the Inside Passage: Juneau
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Day 3
Sailing the Inside Passage: Tracy Arm Wilderness & Frederick Sound
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Day 4
Sailing the Inside Passage: Thomas Bay
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Day 5
Sailing the Inside Passage: Glacial Landscapes & Wrangell Narrows
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Day 6
Sailing the Inside Passage: Wrangell
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Day 7
Sailing the Inside Passage: Behm Canal
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Day 8
Sailing the Inside Passage: Misty Fjords National Monument
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Day 9
Ketchikan - Seattle
Day 1
Juneau
Day 2
Sailing the Inside Passage: Juneau
Take to the waters of the famed Inside Passage, sailing past glaciers, rainforests and unique species.
Day 3
Sailing the Inside Passage: Tracy Arm Wilderness & Frederick Sound
Sail through the winding Tracy Arm fjord, passing hundreds-strong waterfalls, sheer-sided granite walls, and some of the largest icebergs in Alaska.
Day 4
Sailing the Inside Passage: Thomas Bay
Day 5
Sailing the Inside Passage: Glacial Landscapes & Wrangell Narrows
Day 6
Sailing the Inside Passage: Wrangell
Spend time in the quirky forest-backed town of Wrangell, one of the oldest towns in the state, taking time to explore its quaint stores and eateries.
Day 7
Sailing the Inside Passage: Behm Canal
Scout the waters and coastlines for species including orcas, humpbacks, brown bears and mountain goats.
Day 8
Sailing the Inside Passage: Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 9
Ketchikan - Seattle
Sailing the Inside Passage
In the company of experienced expedition leaders, sail on a small expeditionary ship through narrow bays and inlets in which other ships cannot navigate, spending each day exploring forests, glaciers and coastline in the company of expert naturalist guides. Constantly scouting the landscapes for incredible Alaskan wildlife, including orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, dolphins, moose and brown bears, embark on hiking trips, kayaking excursions, paddle boarding adventures, skiff rides and more. Absorb the solitude of the wilderness while unwinding in the observation deck hot tub or sipping a sundowner in the lounge.
Welcome to the Wilderness
Sail through the winding Tracy Arm fjord, passing hundreds-strong waterfalls, sheer-sided granite walls, and some of the largest icebergs in Alaska, all while scouting the coastline for wolves and deer. Inspect remote rainforests for bears and mountain goats and look out for territorial arctic terns while hiking a scenic 11-mile trail, marvelling at the little-visited Patterson Lake. While immersed in the back-country of Alaska’s secluded wilderness, renowned for its gold and quartz-rich terrain, perhaps board a kayak or balance atop a paddle-board to weave among majestic glacial landscapes in search of humpbacks.
Scouting for Bears & "Yosemite of the North"
As the course sets for Behm Canal and the surrounding Tongass National Forest, arguably one of the richest wildlife-watching waters in southeast Alaska, scour the nutrient-rich waters for the telltale orca dorsal fin. Paddle the canal, seeking porpoises, seals, sea lions, or step foot on the densely forested shore to look for signs of brown and black bears, minks, martens. In the aptly named “Yosemite of the North”, where sea-water filled valleys meet 3,000-foot-tall cliffs and moose meet river otters, glide over the waters of this relatively unknown haven before toasting your voyage with a farewell dinner.
Discover Alaska's Native Heritage in Wrangell
Spend time in the quirky forest-backed town of Wrangell, one of the oldest towns in the state, taking time to explore its quaint stores and eateries. For a unique insight that will immerse you in the culture of the communities that first inhabited Alaska’s wild and rugged regions, meet with local islanders to hear them talk about Tlingit and Haida cultures. There will be an opportunity to view expertly carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park and step inside the famed and culturally significant Chief Shakes Tribal House.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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