Travelling on board a comfortable sailing yacht, this small-group Alaska cruise offers an unforgettable voyage through the pristine fjords and rich feeding grounds of south-east Alaska. Expect spectacular wildlife viewing, from grizzly and black bears gorging on salmon, to humpback whales bubble-net feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.
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 whale watching cruise takes place within the immense Tongass National Forest, where you’ll explore the natural habitat of countless species on daily excursions, from harbour seals and sea otters to bald eagles and intertidal creatures. The itinerary is deliberately flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings and favourable weather patterns.
A key highlight is the chance to observe a variety of whale species. With luck, you’ll spot minke whales, fin whales, and even the world’s largest mammal, the mighty blue whale, alongside more common sightings of humpbacks, grey whales, and killer whales (or orcas). Whale watching in Alaska reaches its peak season during the summer, when marine wildlife gathers to feed in the cold, nutrient-rich waters. Meanwhile, on land, you’ll look out for grizzlies and black bears feeding on berries and leaping salmon. Surrounded by ancient tidewater glaciers and snow-capped mountains, this intimate whale watching trip delivers exceptional access to some of Alaska’s wildest corners.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
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.
Accommodation: Island Roamer, 10-nights
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Days 2-9
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Enjoy whale watching excursions, shore excursions, and visit tidewater glaciers
This stretch of the voyage is all about close encounters with Alaska’s iconic marine mammals. As you sail through Frederick Sound, one of the best places for whale watching in Alaska, you’ll likely witness humpback whales breaching or bubble-net feeding as they exploit the rich seasonal bounty of these productive feeding grounds. There are excellent chances to spot whales such as killer whales, fin whales, and the occasional grey or minke whale, alongside curious Dall’s porpoises and huge Steller sea lions hauled out along the shore.
One of the most memorable shore excursions takes you to the Anan Wildlife Observatory, where both brown and black bears gather at the waterfall to gorge on salmon. It’s a thrilling opportunity for close, safe, and respectful bear viewing in their natural habitat. With luck, you might also catch a glimpse of foraging sea otters and shy harbour seals along the rocky coastline.
Each evening, the yacht anchors in a peaceful cove, where you can paddle a kayak through calm waters, enjoy sunset wildlife watching, or simply unwind and reflect on the day’s sightings. You’ll also visit the active Le Conte Glacier, one of the southernmost tidewater glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere, and learn about the cultural history of the region with a stop at a traditional Tlingit settlement near Ketchikan.
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Day 10:
Disembark at Prince Rupert, Canada
The cruise ends on arrival at Prince Rupert this morning, where you’ll disembark.
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.
EXPEDITION VESSEL
