from$ 13366 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Kruzof Explorer
Sitka to Ketchikan
Overview
The sea, rivers, forests, and shorelines were teeming with wildlife and vegetation, providing an abundance of all the necessities of life. Villages were established in strategic locations for trade, security, and food. Eventually, nations around the world heard whispers of the remarkable region and explorers from all walks of life sailed to the area, drawn by the allure of rich natural resources. Fur traders sought valuable pelts – most notably the prized pelt of the sea otter. Fishermen devised methods of harvesting the vast resources of salmon, halibut, king crab, and other species. Others followed dreams of striking it rich in the gold fields, or of frontier lifestyles in floating timber camps. Once such adventurous spirits experienced a taste of Alaska they often stayed, establishing small communities in the shadows of massive glaciers, along salmon-laden rivers, and unspoiled islands. Today, the communities of the Inside Passage are as diverse as her striking landscapes. Our all-inclusive, small-ship itineraries offer a mix of excursions in these intriguing towns and Native villages, and adventures in raw wilderness bays and glacial fjords. This approach offers travelers a comprehensive look at all the Inside Passage has to offer. Every Alaskan Dream Cruises experience is hand-picked for its value in immersing you in True Alaska.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Embark in beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska.
Enjoy a full day of adventure in island-studded Sitka Sound. Wildlife is plentiful here, and your captain and crew have knowledge of the preferred habitats and movement of whales, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, seals, brown bears and bald eagles. Options include circumnavigation of St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge—a breeding ground for thousands of seabirds, including puffins, auklets and murres—or a journey ashore remote islands to beachcomb and explore tidepools. Volcanic formations adorn many shorelines in this area, and the gorgeous Mt. Edgecumbe volcano is an icon of the region. End the day with a feast of Alaska king crab, wild Alaska salmon cooked over an alder wood-fired grill, and prime rib at our exclusive Fin Island Lodge.
Journey up the west coast of Baranof Island while taking in the sights of jagged mountain peaks, a stunning rocky coastline, and the pristine Gulf of Alaska. This stretch of ocean offers unparalleled fishing and often the only other vessels in sight are part of Alaska’s commercial fishing fleet. Zodiac excursions allow guests to explore narrow passages and channels inside the coast’s barrier islands. Depending on weather conditions the captain may choose to navigate east Baranof Island. This charming shoreline is dubbed “The Waterfall Coast” and offers a beautiful alternative, Inside Passage connection to Sitka via Peril Strait.
Explore Sumner Strait, a body of water nestled between the islands of Kuiu and Kupreanof Island to the north and Zarembo and Prince of Wales to the south. This strait offers countless possibilities for in-depth exploration and the Kruzof Explorer, with her expedition Zodiac, aluminum sportfishing boat, and kayaks is the perfect vessel for adventure. The islands of this area play host to black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, and countless bald eagles. Destination options include Keku Strait, Red Bay, Totem Bay, and more. We may even call on the small community of Port Protection—a place that gained national notoriety due to a popular television show which chronicles the challenges and beauties of life in the remote town. Sail between the beautiful Cape Decision lighthouse, perched atop wave-beaten rocks on southern Kuiu Island and the Spanish Islands.
Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags and ruled by four nations- the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing state historic park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. Guests may also choose one of the town’s beautiful hikes. The Rainbow Falls Trail takes hikers through a lush hemlock forest and offers views of a beautiful creek and waterfall, while the Mt. Dewey Trail boasts aerial ocean and town views. Board a comfortable, high-speed jet boat and venture north through Dry Strait to LeConte Bay. En route to the spectacular LeConte Glacier—North America’s southernmost tidewater glacier—you’ll navigate through a maze of glistening ice bergs in the shadows of towering, snowcapped mountains.
Enjoy the inspiring Alaska Native heritage of Kasaan—a beautiful Haida village on Prince of Wales Island. Walk an enchanted forest path laden with intricately carved totem poles to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House, the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States. Experience the frontier spirit of Alaska’s timber years on a tour of Thorne Bay, which was once the largest logging camp in the world.
Glide beneath the 3,000-ft. glacier-sculpted cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument. Discover the fjord’s natural history, listen to the calls of a myriad of seabirds, feel the mist from glistening waterfalls, and see famous New Eddystone Rock—a stunning volcanic core.
Disembark in Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska's "First City" and "Salmon Capital of the World." Transfer to the airport or to your hotel is complimentary.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Kruzof Explorer
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.
Highlights
• Enjoy Sitka Sound & Fin Island Lodge • Discover West Baranof Island & Wrangell • Travel to Misty Fjords National Monument
Map
