Remote Alaska Adventure (Kruzof Explorer)

Description

Experience premier wildlife viewing, beautiful wilderness areas, and charming communities aboard a premier expedition vessel with a unique Alaska legacy. Highlights include the natural hot springs at Baranof Warm Springs, Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm and an off the beaten path route featuring western Prince of Wales Island.

Trip Name

Remote Alaska Adventure (Kruzof Explorer)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 128 feet / 39 meters Passenger Capacity: 12 The Kruzof Explorer, a Bering Sea crab fishing boat turned premier expedition vessel, was constructed to be among the toughest hulls on the planet, capable of exploring remote areas and bodies of water where few venture. The unparalleled seaworthiness and performance, coupled with modern renovations and elegant furnishings results in a craft that stands alone in its expedition capabilities. The vessel carries a sport fishing vessel, high-speed Zodiac, kayaks, and paddleboards. The vessel's five-ton crane, which once hauled king crab pots, easily handles loading and unloading of these expedition craft.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Sitka

Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Day 2 - Day 2 West Chichagof Island/Pelican

Navigate the remote west coast of Chichagof Island in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness—a stretch of Southeast Alaska that few travelers have a chance to experience. The pristine coastline is adorned by miles of stunning cliffs, narrow passages, and towering rainforest. The vessel’s high-speed Zodiac and kayaks provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the region. In the evening, explore the boardwalk “road” of Pelican, Alaska during a port call to this unique and charming community in Lisianski Strait.

Day 3 - Day 3 Glacier Bay National Park

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. Highlights include South Marble Island—a nesting area for puffins, a myriad of other birds, and Steller sea lion haul-out; Gloomy Knob, a dramatic rocky outcropping known to be excellent mountain goat habitat; and the mighty Margerie glacier, famous for spectacular displays of calving. During your park visit, keep an eye out for bears, wolves, moose, whales, and more.

Day 4 - Day 4 Admiralty Island National Monument

Explore Admiralty Island, a place Tlingit Alaska Natives call Kootznoowoo, which translates to “Fortress of the Bear.” This remarkable island is home to the highest density of brown bears in North America and boasts a large population of nesting bald eagles. Your captain and guide will select a coastline area ripe for adventure, where you’ll savor opportunities to kayak shallow water places inaccessible to larger craft and/or beachcomb the pristine shore.

Day 5 - Day 5 Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Journey through Tracy or Endicott Arm in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state. Both of these dramatic glacial fjords offer stunning views of tidewater glaciers. Zodiac and kayak excursions afford up-close discoveries and unmatched perspective.

Day 6 - Day 6 Frederick Sound & Baranof Warm Springs

Scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in Frederick Sound. Humpbacks are famous for behavior that lends itself to incredible viewing and photography, such as tail lobbing, lunge feeding, pectoral slapping, breaching, and picturesque dives that showcase their massive flukes. Walk a beautiful rainforest path to the natural hot spring pools of Baranof Warm Springs; relax in a steaming pool while enjoying your favorite beverage and savoring the stunning wilderness.

Day 7 - Day 7 West Prince of Wales Island

Discover the remarkable west coast of Prince of Wales, an island renowned for large populations of black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, and Alexander Archipelago wolves. Prince of Wales island is the fourth-largest island in the United States, and its many pristine bays and islands offer countless options for adventure.

Day 8 - Day 8 Klawock

Experience a port call in the small town of Klawock. With a population of under 1,000 people, this charming community began as a summer fishing camp of the Tlingit people. In 1868, a trading post and salmon saltery were established. The town is known for its remarkable collection of 21 totem poles, which you’ll have an opportunity to view and photograph on a guided tour.

Day 9 - Day 9 Dall Island

Journey down the east side of Dall Island. Despite a land area of 254 square miles, the recent census showed a population of just 20 residents on this remote island. Explore its unique geography by kayak, zodiac, or paddleboard as you learn about the abandoned village of Howkan, karst topography, and massive spruce trees.

Day 10 - Day 10 Ketchikan

Disembark in Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska’s “First City” and “Salmon Capital of the World.” Transfer to your hotel or the airport is complimentary.

Day 11 - Please Note:

Portions of this itinerary include remote coastal areas susceptible to the ocean swell. If weather conditions would compromise the comfort or safety of our guests, then alternate Inside Passage routes will be sailed.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore Sitka, West Chichagof Island/Pelican
Discover Glacier Bay National Park & Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Enjoy Frederick Sound & Baranof Warm Springs & West Prince of Wales Island