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Peregrine Travel Centre

Alaska Adventure aboard Sylvia Earle

Alaska Adventure aboard Sylvia Earle

From AUD $15,995

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Description

Enjoy small-ship exploration in Alaska, one of the world’s largest terrestrial reserves. At Metlakatla, visit the only Indian Reserve in Alaska. In Misty Fjords National Monument, pull into quiet coves to view marine wildlife without the worry of crowds. Marvel at the towering trees of old-growth forests. Along the shoreline, keep watch for brown bears and their cubs while whales patrol the waters. Hike in the world’s largest temperate rainforest listening for songbirds or take a small boat and sit under the imposing edifice of one of Alaska’s many tidewater glaciers.

Trip Name
Alaska Adventure aboard Sylvia Earle
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 104 meters Passenger Capacity: 126 Built / Refurbished: 2020/2021 Due to sail in October 2021 our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake. Designed for rugged, remote areas Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Sylvia Earle is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task. Ulstein X-BOW® & Lounge The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances*, and makes quicker transits through waves. It also helps reduce our fuel consumption by up to 60%^. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship. Swimming pool & wellness centre In between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open air swimming pool and jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle and watch the world go by, or experience our gym, sauna or enjoy a massage (additional cost) in the Wellness centre. Safety features The Sylvia Earle will feature industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size with a world class return-to-port equipment, which duplicates the propulsion system, enabling the ship to maintain operating systems and comfort in the event of engine failure. The ship will also feature a fully-stocked medical clinic designed for use in remote areas. Responsible travel features We believe that preserving and protecting the environment is of the utmost importance and this is reflected in several features of the Sylvia Earle. The Sylvia Earle will boast one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions. The ship can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors. Zodiac launching platforms Our ships carry many Zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. These platforms make boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer. Whether you’re Zodiac cruising through awe-inspiring fjords in search of wildlife or making a quick transit from ship to a shore landing site, these sturdy crafts will play an integral role in your expedition experience. Activity preparation area We offer a range of add-on adventure activities from kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, and your ship is designed to support these activities, making the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth as possible. We built the spacious activity preparation areas and loading platforms in consultation with our expert activity guides. You will also have access to lockers and rapid drying areas for dry suits and wet suits, to give your gear the best chance to dry between excursions.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and transfer to our group hotel. Upon check-in, reception staff will provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your luggage to your cabin. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners at our voyage briefing this evening.Accommodation: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Day 2 - Day 2 Vancouver
On a sightseeing tour, get a glimpse into Vancouver’s main highlights, including Stanley Park, Granville Island, Prospect Point and Gastown, before transferring to the pier for embarkation. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before learning important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 - Days 3–4 British Columbia’s Inside Passage
Sail the southern stretches of British Columbia’s Inside Passage, navigating through narrow straits and channels that are inhabited by vast pods of orca, while admiring views of cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, temperate forests and the abundant marine life.
Day 4 - Day 5 Metlakatla, Misty Fjords National Monument
On Annette Island, experience the extraordinary history, art, and cultural traditions of the Tsimshian tribe of Metlakatla Indian Community, the only Indian Reserve in Alaska.Shore Excursions (choose one of the following):Yellow Hill Hike (3.5 hours)Enjoy a 5-mi / 8-km hike to Yellow Hill, a challenging walk with rewarding panoramic views of Metlakatla and Annette Bay. Walking mostly on timber board walk, stairs, and moderately steep terrain, the hike is suitable for individuals without mobility issues.Visit the community Long House to learn about the building’s history and traditions, and where you will enjoy a dance performance from a local Tsimshian dance group followed by a Q & A with the dancers. Afterwards, visit the Artist Village next door to see handicrafts made by local artists, and which are available for purchase.Walking Town Tour & Totem Pole Journey (3.5 hours)The Totem Exploration Journey is a path guides you to the Totems & points of interest of Metlakatla. On a guided walk, you get a close-up view of the fascinating, handcrafted cedar carvings scattered throughout Metlakatla. During the excursion, you’ll discover the 14 totem poles standing in Metlakatla, all carved by local artists, you’ll visit several historical and cultural points of interest, including the William Duncan Memorial Church, the Metlakatla Indian Community Longhouse, and the Artist Village. Visit the community Long House to learn about the building’s history and traditions, and where you will enjoy a dance performance from a local Tsimshian dance group followed by a Q & A with the dancers. Afterwards, visit the Artist Village next door to see handicrafts made by local artists, and which are available for purchase.Skater’s Lake Trail Walk & Totem Journey (3.5 hours)On this scenic timber boardwalk, you’ll experience the lush scenery at Skater’s Lake. Afterwards, visit the community Long House to learn about the building’s history and traditions, and where you will enjoy a dance performance from a local Tsimshian dance group followed by a Q & A with the dancers. Afterwards, visit the Artist Village next door to see handicrafts made by local artists, and which are available for purchase.Later, we sail in Misty Fjords National Monument, a wilderness area characterised by towering granite cliffs shrouded in mist, and glacial valleys. The area is a haven for wildlife, and by Zodiac or kayak, we explore the area searching for grizzly and black bears, whales, mountain goats and deer.
Day 5 - Day 6 Wrangell, Thomas Bay, Baird Glacier
Disembark in historic Wrangell, an important town that was founded by Russians in 1834, and which once thrived on fur and gold trading. Enjoy Wrangell’s main highlights, including a visit to Petroglyph Beach to see ancient rock carvings, and a visit to the city museum to learn about Wrangell’s colourful history. In the afternoon, anchor in Thomas Bay, a wilderness location shrouded in the mysterious local legends, for an exploration around Baird Glacier.Shore Excursions (choose one of the following):Highlights of Wrangell (2.5 hours)Learn about Wrangell’s most significant landmarks while driving through town. Hear the Tlingit tribe members interpret the meaning of their totem poles. See ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph Beach and delve deeply into the history of Wrangell at the city museum.Tongass Botanical Forest Walk (2 hours)Explore Tongass Rainforest on a guided walk through the coastal temperate rainforest on the Wrangell Nature Trail. Learn about the interconnectedness between tidal, muskeg, alpine, and deep forest ecosystems, and discover a variety of edible and medicinal uses of local flora. You’ll walk through Wrangell’s Historic Sites on the way to the Nature Trailhead.
Day 6 - Day 7 Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area
As we glide through Endicott Arm, enjoy views of snow-covered mountains and spot seals resting on ‘bergy bits’ that have calved from Dawes Glacier. Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror. Later, as we enter into Frederick Sound keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready for orca, feeding Steller’s sea lions and humpback whales, famous for their acrobatic behaviour such as tail lobbing, pectoral slapping, breaching, and picturesque dives that showcase their massive flukes.
Day 7 - Day 8 Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area
In Tracy Arm glide along the steep walled fjords of a watery Wilderness area that has been likened to Yosemite and enjoy views of snow-covered mountains. Zodiac-cruise or kayak in search of wildlife at the back of the Tracy Arm, home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Spot for harbour seals resting on ‘bergy bits’ which calve regularly from the active tidewater glaciers.
Day 8 - Day 9 Haines
Nestled between two river valleys and beneath the craggy mountain peaks of the Chilkat Range lies Haines, the adventure capital of Southeast Alaska, and one of the best places in Alaska to hike, view wildlife and investigate the gold rush era history at Fort William H. Seward.Shore Excursions (choose one of the following):Haines Highlights (3.5 hours)Learn about Haine’s local culture, history while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding areas. Along the way stop for a delicious beachside snack of locally caught and smoked salmon. Visit historic Fort William H. Seward, a National Historic Landmark and one of the first military outposts in Alaska. At the American Bald Eagle Foundation’s Raptor Center, meet naturalists and expert bird handlers who have trained with these impressive birds for many years, and who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. Afterwards, as we drive along the Chilkat Peninsula, enjoy views of surrounding mountains, glaciers, and rivers. At the Haines Packing Company, the oldest working cannery in Alaska, learn how salmon, crab, shrimp and halibut are processed. Visit the smokehouse, explore the nets and the traps on the loading dock and perhaps view the day’s catch. Returning to town, we make a stop at a private beachside location to enjoy a snack of local smoked salmon, cream cheese, cookies, and hot beverages.Chilkat Rainforest Nature Walk (3.5 hours)Walk through forest filled with towering spruce and hemlock trees, moss, ferns, wildflowers, moose, bear and bald eagles. Enjoy panoramic views of Tayia and Chilkoot Fjords framed by the glacially carved coastal mountains.Valley of the Eagles Nature Tour (3.5 hours)The fertile Chilkoot Valley provides an abundance of potential wildlife sightings including brown bears, bald eagles, mountain goats, salmon, harbor seals, and migratory birdlife. At a picturesque lake, join the guides for a refreshing forest walk beneath old-growth trees and into a muskeg (bog or swampland).
Day 9 - Days 10–11 Expedition days
Enjoy the next two days exploring the narrow straits and small islands around Chichagof Island, searching for wildlife and admiring the superb scenery from hiking trails. The islands along Icy Strait, such as Inian Island, Point Adolphus, Elfin Cove and George Island, offer some of the best opportunities for Zodiac-cruising and kayaking experiences. Home to an abundance of all-star Alaskan wildlife, keep a look out for whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbour seals, bald eagles and brown bears. We attempt to navigate Peril Strait, which leads us from Chatham Strait to Sitka on the North Pacific coast, a navigation that if successful, rewards us with stunning scenery, genuine adventure and ultimately, bragging rights.
Day 10 - Day 12 Sitka Sound, Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge
Along the Gulf of Alaska, explore around Kruzof Island where brown bears are abundant and Mount Edgecumbe volcano looms in the horizon. Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge is home to 500,000 nesting seabirds and is excellent for Zodiac-cruising and kayaking when the weather is favourable. Alternatively, protected Sitka Sound offers abundant marine wildlife viewing opportunities.
Day 11 - Day 13 Sitka
Disembark in Sitka and transfer to the airport to continue your journey.
Day 12 - Please Note:
The itinerary outlined is intended to be used as a guide. Although we plan to visit as many of the places mentioned in the itinerary as possible, tides, timing, local regulations and weather conditions may determine where we land and the precise order in which we operate the itinerary

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $15,995Aurora Stateroom Superior
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $16,395Balcony Stateroom Category C
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $17,295Balcony Stateroom Category B
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $18,595Balcony Stateroom Category A
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $20,295Balcony Stateroom Superior
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $25,495Junior Suite
19-05-202231-05-2022AUD $30,195Captain’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Island, where you can learn about their ancient culture and admire their unique, locally hand-carved standing totem poles
    • Look for iconic Alaskan wildlife including, bears, eagles and salmon in Tongass National Forest – the largest in the US, covering most of south–east Alaska – and famous wilderness areas such as Misty Fjords National Monument and Tracy Arms-Ford Terror Wilderness
    • Discover Haines’ famous hiking trails
    • Zodiac cruise, kayak or explore the shorelines of the islands around Icy Strait, which offer the possibility of superb wildlife viewing. Keep watch for wildlife all-stars such as orca, brown bears, Steller sea lions and many bird species

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