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Southeast Alaska Cruise

Southeast Alaska Cruise

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Description

Where Glaciers & Ocean Connect
The Awe-Inspiring Gateway to the North
Alaska is full of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and epic wildlife. The southeast area of Alaska, also known as ‘the Panhandle,’ showcases 500 miles of coastline dotted with Sitka spruce and cedar topped off with snowy white mountain peaks, and fjords carved out by prehistoric glaciers.

Trip Name
Southeast Alaska Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Sailer Length: 68f / 20.7m Passenger Capacity: 12 Island Roamer is a classic 68-foot motor-sailer that pioneered small-ship eco-tourism along British Columbia’s rugged coastline. Launched in 1983, she was the first vessel of her kind to explore the remote northern reaches of the coast, offering an intimate wilderness experience with just 12 guests on board. Her size and shallow draft allow access to narrow channels and secluded bays that larger vessels cannot reach, giving travellers the chance to encounter wildlife and landscapes up close. With six comfortable double-occupancy cabins, shared bathrooms with hot showers, and protected on-deck seating, Island Roamer provides a welcoming and practical base for coastal exploration. Life aboard Island Roamer blends adventure with comfort. Guests can relax in the cosy below-deck library with its beautiful teak finishing, enjoy panoramic views from the enclosed wheelhouse, or take to the water in stable sea kayaks and two expedition Zodiacs for respectful wildlife viewing. Operating from May to mid-October, she travels through some of the most spectacular marine environments, from estuaries rich with bears in spring to salmon-filled rivers in autumn. Thoughtfully equipped with organic toiletries, marine binoculars, and safety systems that meet rigorous standards, Island Roamer offers an authentic and memorable sailing experience in one of the world’s most pristine coastal regions.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Trip Start – Day 1 Northern Bound
Meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel late morning at Cow Bay in Prince Rupert. Heading north, we pass through the topography of Chatham Sound and its myriad of islands. The entrance to Portland Canal marks the border between Alaska and British Columbia. Sailing past Misty Fjords National Monument, we enjoy the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains rising majestically out of the ocean. Bluewater Adventures offers two different route options for this itinerary. Please check your trip’s dates to confirm your start/end location.
Day 2 - Days 2-4 World Class Bears and Glaciers
We stop briefly to clear US Customs in Ketchikan before continuing north among the narrow passages of Etolin and Wrangell Islands to Anan Bay. Anan Creek has the largest run of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska, and this accumulation of food attracts bears and eagles in great numbers. The US Forest Service viewing observatory is famous and access to this area is limited in order to protect the wildlife and local habitat.We will disembark for a day tour on a jet boat, escorted by a local guide, up to Le Conte Glacier – the southernmost tidewater glacier in Alaska. In the last 15 years, it has receded by over a mile and a half with enormous slabs of ice “calving” into the ocean. It is located beside the Stikine River estuary – an important stop for millions of migratory birds.
Day 3 - Days 5-10 Wildlife of Frederick Sound & Admiralty Island
Frederick Sound, Chatham Strait, and Stephens Passage are the core feeding area for humpback whales in Southeast Alaska. We will take the time to observe these 15-metre-long creatures whenever the opportunity arises and hope to witness spectacular behaviours like breaches, pectoral slaps, and possibly bubble-net feeding (an amazing cooperative foraging technique).  We will also keep an eye out for wary sea otters – over 150 years of hunting by Europeans for their luxurious pelts nearly wiped them out completely until the 1960’s saw efforts to rebuild the population by reintroducing otters from the Aleutians.Admiralty Island National Monument has the highest concentration of brown (grizzly) bears in North America. Pack Creek on Admiralty Island has been a protected area for brown bears for the last 40 years and offers amazing viewing opportunities in the estuary of their estimated resident 1,500 bears.
Day 4 - Trip Finish – Day 11 Heading Home
We arrive in Petersburg late in the morning to complete our voyage. After clearing customs, guests can catch an afternoon flight to Seattle or explore the area further on their own.
Day 5 - Please note:
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. 

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Icefields & Glaciers. Fed by enough snow to flow out of the mountains to reach the ocean, tidewater glaciers are an incredible feat of nature to witness up close.
    • Intimate Bear Viewing. Alaska boasts the highest concentration of brown (grizzly) bears in North America. Bear viewing in these areas have daily visitor limits.
    • Humpback Whales. Fascinating whale behaviours are frequent from the humpback whales who call Southeast Alaska home, including the cooperative feeding technique of bubble-net feeding.
    • Expansive Nature. With nothing but ocean and mountain peaks punctuating the horizon viewline, Southeast Alaska boasts a boundless wilderness like no other.

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