This small-ship expedition explores the spectacular wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage, combining glacier-carved fjords, ancient temperate rainforest and some of North America’s finest marine wildlife watching.

Travel aboard Wilderness Discoverer, an intimate expedition vessel carrying a maximum of 76 passengers, with opportunities to explore remote waterways by kayak, skiff and on guided shore excursions. Look for humpback whales, orcas, harbour seals, sea lions, bald eagles and, with luck, brown and black bears along the forested shoreline.

A particular highlight is two days in Glacier Bay National Park, exploring magnificent tidewater glaciers, sheltered bays and wildlife-rich waters. With experienced naturalist guides and a flexible itinerary shaped by weather and wildlife opportunities, this is a rewarding way to discover Alaska’s wild Pacific coastline.

Image: Uncruise Adventures, Wilderness Discoverer

Day 1: Juneau

Arrive in Alaska’s capital, set between towering mountains and the sheltered waters of the Gastineau Channel.

Transfer from the airport and enjoy some time in Juneau before boarding Wilderness Discoverer, your home for the next seven nights. This comfortable expedition vessel has en-suite cabins, welcoming communal areas, spacious viewing decks and onboard hot tubs.

Meet your expedition crew and set sail into Alaska’s spectacular Inside Passage.

Day 2: Tracy Arm & Sawyer Glaciers

Explore the dramatic scenery of Tracy Arm, a deep fjord surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys.

Cruise towards the twin Sawyer Glaciers, navigating icy waterways where harbour seals and their pups can often be seen resting on floating ice. Look for mountain goats on the steep cliffs and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the ship or, conditions permitting, by skiff.

Day 3: Frederick Sound & Keku Islands

Spend the day exploring some of Alaska’s most rewarding whale-watching waters.

Frederick Sound is particularly well known for humpback whales, which gather here to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Cruise past the historic Five Finger Islands Lighthouse and look for sea lions around The Brothers Islands.

Depending on conditions, there may be opportunities to kayak in sheltered bays or explore the shoreline on guided walks, looking for black oystercatchers and other coastal birdlife.

Day 4: Chichagof Island

Explore the wild coastline of Chichagof Island, renowned for its large population of brown bears.

The island’s forested shores, sheltered bays and salmon streams provide excellent bear habitat, with opportunities to look for bears foraging along the coast.

Travel by kayak or skiff into secluded waterways, or venture ashore with your naturalist guides to discover the ancient forests and rich intertidal habitats of Tongass National Forest.

Days 5–6: Glacier Bay National Park

Spend two days exploring the magnificent wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, one of Alaska’s outstanding protected landscapes.

Begin at Bartlett Cove, where there are opportunities to walk forest trails, meet park rangers and discover the area’s natural and cultural heritage, including the Huna Tribal House.

Continue deeper into the park, where immense tidewater glaciers descend from the mountains towards the sea. Depending on conditions, visit Margerie or Johns Hopkins Glacier, with opportunities to witness enormous sections of ice breaking away into the water.

Explore by kayak, skiff or on guided hikes around Lamplugh Glacier and other sheltered areas. Wildlife possibilities include harbour seals, mountain goats, sea lions, bald eagles and humpback whales.

At South Marble Island, look for tufted puffins, cormorants, gulls and other seabirds gathering around the rocky shores.

Day 7: Icy Strait & Neka Bay

Explore the sheltered waterways of Icy Strait and Neka Bay, where dense coastal forests meet rich marine habitats.

Kayak among towering kelp beds, take a skiff excursion in search of sea lions or join a guided forest walk to learn more about Alaska’s remarkable ecology.

Back aboard, enjoy a final evening surrounded by the mountains and waterways of the Inside Passage.

Day 8: Juneau

Return to Juneau and disembark after breakfast for your onward journey.

Responsible travel

This expedition combines small-ship exploration with specialist naturalist guiding and visits to some of Alaska’s most important protected wilderness areas.

In Glacier Bay National Park, two days are devoted to exploring the park’s glaciers, coastal habitats and wildlife, with opportunities to learn about its natural and cultural heritage. Guided walks, kayaking and skiff excursions provide a more personal way to experience the landscape and its wildlife.

The voyage includes national park entrance fees and a conservation fund contribution, while the expedition team’s naturalist expertise encourages a greater understanding of Alaska’s fragile ecosystems and the importance of their protection.

Why we like this trip

A great choice for travellers wanting to experience Alaska’s spectacular coastline and marine wildlife on a small-ship expedition. We particularly like the extended time in Glacier Bay National Park, excellent opportunities for whale watching and bear sightings, and the freedom to explore remote waterways by kayak and skiff. The combination of specialist naturalist guiding, dramatic landscapes and a comfortable expedition vessel makes this a particularly appealing wildlife journey.

Price Guide

Per person sharing: from £3,770 per person excluding international flights (based on Wilderness Discoverer).

Our specialist travel partners can arrange international flights from the UK as required.

• This 8-day expedition operates on scheduled departures on Wilderness Discoverer and
  Wilderness Adventurer, subject to availability.
• This trip starts and ends in Juneau, Alaska.
• The itinerary may vary according to sea, ice and weather conditions and wildlife opportunities.
• Additional time in Alaska or elsewhere in the USA can be arranged.

Includes

• Seven nights’ cabin accommodation aboard Wilderness Discoverer
• Transfers as indicated
• Full board during the voyage
• Wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Guided excursions and activities, including kayaking, hiking and skiff exploration
• Services of experienced naturalist guides and expedition crew
• National park entrance fees
• Conservation fund contribution

Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Pre- and post-voyage arrangements
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Departures

Weekly Sunday departures from 18 April to 19 September 2027, plus an additional departure on Thursday 12 August.

• April: 18, 25
• May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• June: 6, 13, 20, 27
• July: 4, 11, 18, 25
• August: 1, 8, 12, 15, 22, 29
• September: 5, 12, 19

Cruises operate aboard Wilderness Discoverer (from £3,770 pp) or Wilderness Adventurer (from £3,875 pp), depending on departure date. The additional 12 August sailing is aboard Wilderness Adventurer.

All departures on request, with availability and final pricing subject to confirmation.

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Images: Bluewater Adventures, Island Roamer

Explore the remote wilderness of South-east Alaska aboard Island Roamer, a comfortable sailing yacht ideally suited to discovering secluded bays, forested islands and wildlife-rich coastal waters. This intimate expedition offers exceptional opportunities to encounter two of Alaska’s most iconic animals: brown bears and humpback whales.

Each summer, humpback whales gather in the nutrient-rich waters of the Inside Passage to feed, sometimes displaying spectacular behaviours such as breaching and cooperative bubble-net feeding. Along the coastline, brown and black bears forage for berries and fish for salmon in rivers and streams, while orcas, sea otters, Steller sea lions and bald eagles add to the extraordinary variety of wildlife.

Travelling through the magnificent Tongass National Forest and the islands of the Alexander Archipelago, you’ll explore a landscape of ancient temperate rainforest, towering mountains and tidewater glaciers. With expert naturalist guiding, opportunities to kayak in sheltered bays and just eight cabins aboard, this is a wonderfully personal way to experience wild Alaska.

Day 1: Embarkation

Make your way to the designated harbour to board Island Roamer, your home for the next ten nights.

Meet your crew, settle into your cabin and enjoy an introduction to life aboard this comfortable, 68′ motor-sailer.  Island Roamer offers six cabins, 3 shared bathrooms, a welcoming lounge and library, and a spacious covered cockpit for wildlife watching. The yacht is equipped with sea kayaks and two zodiacs for shore landings.

As your journey begins, enjoy your first views of the spectacular coastal wilderness of South-east Alaska.

Days 2–9: Exploring South-east Alaska

Spend the following nine days exploring the islands, fjords and secluded waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage, with the route shaped by weather conditions and wildlife opportunities.

A major highlight is the chance to observe humpback whales feeding in the rich waters of Frederick Sound, Chatham Strait and Stephens Passage. Watch for their distinctive blows, powerful tail flukes and spectacular breaches. With luck, you may witness the remarkable spectacle of bubble-net feeding, when groups of whales work together to corral fish before rising through the water with mouths wide open.

Along the forested coastline, look for brown and black bears fishing for salmon in rivers and streams. Admiralty Island is particularly renowned for its concentration of brown bears, while Anan Creek offers opportunities to observe bears gathering during the salmon runs.

Other wildlife possibilities include orcas, Dall’s porpoises, sea otters, Steller sea lions and bald eagles, often encountered against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ancient forests.

The expedition also offers opportunities to explore Alaska’s remarkable glaciers, including Le Conte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the state. Cruise among floating icebergs and admire the immense scale of the surrounding mountains and icefields.

Along the way, discover aspects of the region’s Indigenous cultural heritage, including traditional totem poles, ancient rock carvings and pictographs.

Each evening, Island Roamer anchors in a sheltered location, offering opportunities to paddle the onboard kayaks, enjoy the scenery or simply reflect on another memorable day in Alaska’s wilderness.

Day 10: Disembarkation

After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and fellow travellers and disembark in Prince Rupert for your onward journey.

The itinerary is flexible and may vary according to sea and weather conditions and wildlife opportunities. The expedition team will use their knowledge and experience to make the most of each day.

Responsible travel

This small-group expedition explores the rich marine and forest ecosystems of South-east Alaska, with specialist naturalist guiding helping guests develop a greater understanding of the region’s wildlife and habitats.

Much of the voyage takes place within the Tongass National Forest, one of the world’s great temperate rainforest ecosystems and an important habitat for brown and black bears, bald eagles and other wildlife. Travelling aboard a small sailing yacht allows access to secluded waterways, with opportunities to explore sheltered bays by kayak.

The itinerary includes a conservation fund contribution, while knowledgeable local naturalist guiding encourages an appreciation of Alaska’s wildlife, natural habitats and the importance of their protection.

Why we like this trip

An excellent choice for travellers particularly interested in Alaska’s bears and whales, with time to seek out wildlife in remote coastal habitats. We especially like the opportunities to observe humpback whale feeding behaviour and bears fishing for salmon, together with the relaxed atmosphere of a small sailing yacht. The flexible itinerary, expert naturalist guiding and access to secluded anchorages make this a rewarding and immersive wildlife experience.

Price Guide

Per person sharing: from £6, 985, excluding international flights.

Our specialist travel partners can arrange international flights from the UK as required.

• This is an 10-day wildlife expedition operates on scheduled departures.
• The voyage explores South-east Alaska and the Inside Passage.
• The itinerary may vary according to sea and weather conditions and wildlife opportunities.
• Additional travel arrangements before or after the voyage can be organised through our specialist travel partner.

Includes

• Cabin accommodation aboard Island Roamer
• All meals aboard the yacht
• House wine with dinner
• Use of onboard kayaks
• Services of a local naturalist guide
• Loan of rubber boots (must be reserved at the time of booking)
• Conservation fund contribution

Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Transfers
• Pre- and post-voyage accommodation
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Bath towels (please bring your own)
• Personal expenses

Departures

13 July, 24 July and 5 August 2027.

All departures are on request, with availability and final pricing subject to confirmation.

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Dominated by Denali, North America’s highest mountain at 6,190 metres (20,310 feet), this magnificent national park protects more than six million acres of wilderness. Its landscapes range from taiga forests and river valleys to alpine tundra and snow-covered peaks, providing habitats for an impressive variety of wildlife.

Denali is particularly rewarding for sightings of grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and, with luck, wolves. Much of the park is accessed along the Denali Park Road, where guided bus journeys offer opportunities to observe wildlife against a backdrop of vast, open landscapes.

The sheer scale of Denali is part of its appeal. Even without a close wildlife encounter, the sweeping tundra, distant mountains and extraordinary sense of isolation make this one of Alaska’s most memorable wilderness experiences.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park protects more than 3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, deep fjords and coastal forest. It is one of Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes, where immense tidewater glaciers descend from the mountains and occasionally calve towering blocks of ice into the sea.

The park’s nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, harbour seals, sea lions and sea otters. Along the forested shores, brown and black bears forage, while bald eagles patrol the coastline and mountain goats navigate seemingly impossible cliffs.

Exploring Glacier Bay by small expedition ship offers a particularly rewarding experience, allowing visitors to discover secluded waterways, watch wildlife and appreciate the dramatic scale of this constantly changing landscape.

Stretching along Alaska’s south-eastern coastline, the Inside Passage is a remarkable network of sheltered channels, forested islands and deep fjords. Much of the region lies within Tongass National Forest, an immense temperate rainforest that provides important habitat for bears, wolves, bald eagles and countless other species.

The coastal waters are among Alaska’s finest whale-watching areas. During summer, humpback whales gather to feed, sometimes displaying spectacular breaching or cooperative bubble-net feeding behaviour. Orcas, Dall’s porpoises, sea otters and Steller sea lions are also found here.

Small-ship voyages offer opportunities to explore remote bays, kayak along forested shores and visit areas where brown and black bears gather to catch salmon. With ancient forests, cascading waterfalls and glaciers reaching towards the sea, the Inside Passage captures much of what makes Alaska so special.

South of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula combines rugged mountains, glaciers, sheltered bays and an exceptionally rich marine environment. It is one of Alaska’s most accessible wilderness regions, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and outdoor exploration.

From the coastal town of Seward, boat excursions explore Kenai Fjords National Park, where tidewater glaciers spill into the sea and rocky islands provide nesting habitat for puffins and other seabirds. Humpback whales, orcas, harbour seals, sea lions and sea otters are regularly encountered in the surrounding waters.

On land, the peninsula supports brown and black bears, moose and mountain goats. The Harding Icefield Trail, beginning near Exit Glacier, offers a challenging but rewarding walk with breathtaking views across a vast landscape of ice and mountains.

For many wildlife enthusiasts, few sights are more exciting than a brown bear catching salmon as they leap upstream. Katmai National Park is one of the world’s great destinations for observing this remarkable natural spectacle.

The park protects a vast wilderness of volcanic landscapes, lakes, rivers and coastal habitats. During the summer salmon runs, large numbers of brown bears gather along its rivers, most famously at Brooks Falls, where bears can sometimes be seen fishing from the edge of the waterfall.

Accessible primarily by air or boat, Katmai offers a memorable sense of remoteness. Specialist guided visits provide opportunities to observe bears in their natural habitat while following strict wildlife-viewing guidelines designed to protect both bears and visitors.

Alaska’s extraordinary variety of habitats supports some of North America’s most iconic wildlife. From the open tundra of Denali to the salmon rivers and rich coastal waters of the south-east, wildlife encounters are one of the great joys of exploring this vast state.

Birds

Bald Eagles: One of Alaska’s most recognisable birds, frequently seen perched in coastal trees, circling above waterways or gathering where fish are plentiful. The Inside Passage provides particularly rewarding viewing opportunities.

Puffins: Both tufted and horned puffins breed along Alaska’s coastline, nesting on offshore islands and rocky cliffs. The waters around Kenai Fjords and parts of the Inside Passage offer opportunities to encounter these characterful seabirds.

Other seabirds: Alaska’s coastal waters support an impressive variety of seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, cormorants and black oystercatchers, often seen around rocky islands and sheltered bays.

Marine Mammals

Humpback Whales: Among Alaska’s most spectacular marine visitors, humpbacks migrate north to feed during summer. Breaching, tail-slapping and occasionally bubble-net feeding make whale watching a highlight of coastal expeditions.

Orcas: These striking black-and-white predators inhabit Alaska’s coastal waters, sometimes travelling in family groups. Encounters are possible throughout the Inside Passage and around Kenai Fjords.

Steller Sea Lions: These impressive marine mammals gather on rocky shores and offshore islands, where their loud calls and lively interactions make them fascinating to watch.

Harbour Seals: Frequently encountered in sheltered bays and around tidewater glaciers, where seals and their pups can sometimes be seen resting on floating ice.

Sea Otters: Often spotted floating on their backs among kelp beds, sea otters are an important part of Alaska’s coastal ecosystems and particularly rewarding to observe at close quarters.

Terrestrial Mammals

Brown Bears: Including the large coastal grizzlies, brown bears are among Alaska’s most sought-after wildlife encounters. During salmon runs they gather along rivers and streams, with Katmai and parts of South-east Alaska offering exceptional viewing opportunities.

Black Bears: Widespread in Alaska’s forested regions, black bears forage for berries, vegetation and salmon. They are sometimes encountered along the shores of the Inside Passage.

Moose: Alaska’s largest land mammals are often seen browsing in wetlands, forests and river valleys. Denali and the areas around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula offer opportunities for sightings.

Caribou: These hardy northern deer inhabit Alaska’s tundra and open landscapes, often travelling considerable distances between seasonal feeding grounds. Denali provides opportunities to observe them in a spectacular mountain setting.

Wolves: Elusive and wide-ranging, wolves inhabit several of Alaska’s wilderness regions, including Denali. Sightings are never guaranteed, making an encounter particularly memorable.

Mountain Goats and Dall Sheep: Superb climbers adapted to steep mountain terrain, mountain goats are often found along Alaska’s coastal ranges, while Dall sheep favour the high, open slopes of inland mountain regions.

May to September is the best time to visit Alaska for wildlife watching, with long daylight hours, relatively mild temperatures and excellent opportunities to explore its spectacular wilderness.

June to August is particularly rewarding for whale watching, when humpback whales gather to feed in the nutrient-rich coastal waters. Brown bears are active throughout the summer, with July and August offering some of the best opportunities to watch them fishing for salmon in rivers and streams.

September brings autumn colours, fewer visitors and continued wildlife opportunities, although temperatures begin to fall and daylight hours shorten.

For small-ship cruises along the Inside Passage, the summer months offer the best combination of wildlife encounters, accessible waterways and opportunities for kayaking and shore excursions. Weather can be changeable at any time, so waterproof clothing and warm layers are essential.