Travelling on board a comfortable sailing yacht, this itinerary offers an unforgettable voyage to witness majestic glaciers, bears gorging on salmon, and humpback whales bubble-net feeding.
One fifth of the size of continental USA, Alaska has the world’s highest coastal mountain range and over half of the world's glaciers. Much of this wildlife-watching trip takes place within North America’s immense Tongass National Forest, where you will explore the shoreline for intertidal creatures and keep a record of the various species of birds, plants and animals seen. The itinerary is deliberately flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings and favourable weather patterns.
One of the primary focuses of this voyage is the observation of marine mammals, and specifically humpback whales. With luck, you can see behaviours such as breaching, and bubble-net feeding - a collective feeding technique. Another focus is to see the grizzly (brown) and black bears, as they feed on ripening berries and gather in the water to catch and gorge on leaping salmon. Set against the grandeur of ancient tidewater glaciers and snow-capped mountains, this small-ship expedition offers an intimate exploration of south-east Alaska, and superb wildlife-watching opportunities.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Seattle
Take a daytime flight from the UK to Seattle and overnight at a hotel near the airport. Depending on your arrival time you may have an opportunity head into the city in the afternoon to explore. Note: you’ll be unaccompanied until you arrive in Petersburg.
Accommodation: Hotel in Seattle, 1-night
Day2: Fly to Petersburg, Alaska
Return to Seattle airport to catch a domestic flight north to Petersburg, Alaska. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Petersburg, 1-night
Day3: Board Island Roamer
This morning you transfer to the harbour and board your vessel. On boarding you’ll meet the crew, be allocated a cabin and have a safety briefing before dinner.
Days4-12: Watch humpbacks in Frederick Sound, brown & black bears at Anan. Visit Le Conte Glacier
The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly watching the humpback whales that migrate northward each summer to feed in the waters off Alaska and British Columbia; the sight of these marine giants breaching is one of the natural world’s most amazing spectacles. Other exciting sightings will be orca, Dall’s porpoises, which often play in the boat’s bow wave, and huge Steller sea lions basking along the shores.
Each evening, the vessel anchors in a different secluded spot where you can use the stable kayaks to go for a paddle or discuss the wildlife seen during the day. You'll also visit Le Conte Glacier and an old Native American settlement at Ketchikan.
Day13: Disembark at Prince Rupert, Canada
The cruise ends on arrival at Prince Rupert this morning, where you’ll disembark where you’ll disembark and transfer by shuttle bus (or ferry) to your overnight hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Prince Rupert, 1-night
Day14: Fly to Vancouver & depart
Transfer to the airport on Digby Island (around one hour) in time for an afternoon domestic flight to Vancouver, with an onward overnight flight back to the UK
Day15: Arrive UK
Please note: The itinerary is left flexible in order to take account of the interests of the group, the weather conditions and to take advantage of the wildlife sightings. Some departures operate in reverse from Prince Rupert to Petersburg.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 15 daysfrom £7,575 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 11 daysfrom £6,215 pp
Single supplement:
On request – please contact us.
The 8.5 million hectare Tongass National Forest is the earth’s largest remaining temperate rainforest and an area of rare natural beauty. Covering much of the Inside Passage, it is home to bears grown fat on salmon, eagles soaring the endless skies and 500-year-old trees standing silently over a rich and verdant land.
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Where: Southeast Alaska
Ideal for viewing: American black bear, brown bear, bald eagle, humpback whale, orca
Surrounded by the majestic snow-covered mountains of the Coast Range, the abundant krill and herring of this body of glacial fed waters make Frederick Sound one of the premier places to observe feeding humpback whales who migrate here from Hawaii to feed on its super nutrient rich waters.
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British Columbia’s largest city stands in a fine coastal setting, against a backdrop of lofty tree-covered peaks - a great starting point to any wildlife holiday in the province. There is plenty to see in this lively, multi-cultural city, such as exploring Stanley Park on foot or by bike.
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Where: British Columbia
Excellent for: Activity & adventure, City stopover, History & culture
This itinerary is available on the following
cruise vessel:
A 21-metre ketch-rigged yacht, the Island Roamer is large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, yet small enough to create a good atmosphere on board. She features eight private cabins, showers, a large salon and lounge areas. On deck, a large covered seating area provides protection against the elements.
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