from$ 14003 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Safari Quest
Juneau to Juneau
Overview
Alaska is almost custom made for small ship cruising, with magnificent wildlife, endless opportunities to explore ashore, by zodiac and in kayaks, and countless small inlets and bays that larger vessels can't get close to. With snow-clad mountains, tideway glaciers, ancient forests and myrian islands and inlets to explore, the scenery is as dramatic as anywhere. The extraordinary Glacier Bay is home to dozens of glaciers, including 7 tidewater glaciers, and a great range of wildlife, and forms part of the largest international protected area on the planet. Surrounded by a host towering peaks between 10-15000 metres it is surely one of the most photogenic places on Earth. Every ship that spends time in Glacier Bay has to take on board a National Parks ranger. Cloud failure or liquid sunshine, our Alaska small ship adventure cruises are perfect for exploration—paddling, hiking, hot tub under the stars, “polar bear plunges,” even playing in the mud with your expert expedition team. Glacier Bay National Park; Native totems; breaching whales; soaring eagles; rainforests; northern lights. Do as much or as little as you like on an unforgettable journey.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Hello, Juneau! First settled in the gold rush days, Juneau welcomes with both small town charm and towering glaciers. Toast to the riches of Alaska as you sail west toward Icy Strait. (D)
Kick start the morning with on-deck stretches and a strong cup of coffee. Energized and snug in your kayak, glide around in remote bays off of Icy Strait through giant bullwhip kelp that can grow to over 100 feet long. Join the gang in a skiff to a rocky outcropping to watch sea lions play. Or, step into mud boots for a forest hike with your top-notch, naturalist guides who have plenty to share about everything Alaska—marine biology, plants, and even geology. On board, soak it all in as you soak in the hot tub. (BLD)
You’re in for a real treat. A National Park ranger comes aboard to share expert insight. Have your binoculars handy—South Marble Island is a birder’s slice of heaven. Puffins scoot through the water. Guillemots and gulls chatter up the airwaves. The snoozing sea lions don’t seem to mind. More thrills and chills await as you cruise to the far end of John Hopkins Inlet or Tarr Inlet where glaciers calve into the water. Backed by knife-edged peaks, bears forage along the shoreline of Tidal Inlet. Mountain goats too. Back at Bartlett Cove, if time and daylight allow, take a forest hike around the park’s HQ, and say farewell to your ranger. (BLD)
Stretching 150 miles into the Tongass National Forest, Chatham Strait offers adventure aplenty. Rest assured your captain navigates to the best. Anchor in a remote Chichagof Island inlet. Backpacks loaded and adventure toys lowered (skiffs, paddle boards, kayaks), it’s time to go play. Energy flows as you hike up through moss-covered trees and rain-fed waterfalls. Stick to the water in a kayak excursion, and don’t forget to look above and below the surface. A nosy seal could be watching your every stroke. Beachcomb rocky shores. Tiny creatures cling to rocks. Tonight, take a nightcap to the sun deck and watch the sky. (BLD)
The jagged arms and fingers of Kuiu Island stretch from 25 to just six miles wide. Salmon streams dot the coastline—and where there’s salmon, there are bears. Despite its slim size, Kuiu Island is home to many black bears, who, like you, love the solitude and open skies in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. From kayak or skiff, scope the intertidal zones of Saginaw Bay for these guys. Eagles fish here too, their white noggins give away their perches. Kayak along the Keku Islands or take the pace down a notch with an easy stroll amidst the tide pools. It’s remote, and remarkable. (BLD)
Humpbacks beeline it here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton, and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, your expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Paddle into the deeps of Port Houghton or Windham Bay or head ashore for a hike. Somewhere nearby, carrot-billed black oystercatchers are saying hello. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska. (BLD)
Skiffing up Endicott Arm, harbor seals laze around on icebergs. If the tides are right, slip into Fords Terror, the steep walls of this narrow opening streaked with waterfalls. Back in the Arm, gasp at the deep glacier-carved valleys. It’s at the end where you meet the piece de resistance: Dawes Glacier. Blue ice marches down from the Coast Mountains. With a sharp crack, the white thunder of a calving slice makes a mega-splash. Tonight, celebrate with a festive Farewell Dinner and “photo journal” from your expedition team. (BLD)
Mmmm, fresh baked pastries over one last breakfast. Your crew and new friends wish heartfelt goodbyes. This morning, transfer to the Juneau airport or begin your UnCruise hotel stay or land tour. (B)
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.
Safari Quest
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 36 m Passenger Capacity: 22 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2006 Agile, spry, and with clean design lines, the Safari Quest—carrying just 22 guests—can cut into the tiniest nooks that even our other small vessels can’t reach. This includes coveted wilderness areas with highly limited access of no more than two groups of twelve guests per day. For those most special adventures, she is the ticket in. While small is her secret for access, on the inside this yacht is anything but. Spacious and comfy cabins. A cozy and welcoming lounge and dining room. And plenty of onboard niches for nestling and relaxing. On a boat this size, camaraderie is near-instant—feel the love. Four decks provide private nooks and shared lounge space on this cozy yacht. The Observation Deck has an on-deck hot tub and fitness equipment; the Bridge Deck houses the much-coveted Admiral cabins, the small library, and our open bridge; the Main Deck features the dining room, bar, and lounge, along with the Pathfinder and Single cabins that work well for guests who don't manage stairs well. The Cabin Deck below holds the Navigator cabins. The Dining Room features open seating table service at set times. Unlimited beverages, alcoholic and non, are included in the price of the cruise. Vegetarian options are always available, and dietary restrictions are happily accommodated with advance notice. Onboard Features: Full-beam swim step; underwater bow-mounted camera; kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles; on-deck hot tub; fitness equipment; DVD and book library.
Highlights
• One day in Glacier Bay National Park, featuring an expert naturalist program • Get close up to glaciers: Dawes, Margerie, and Grand Pacific • Bushwhack in the Tongass National Forest • Fords Terror Wilderness Area by skiff and hike inland on Chichagof Island • Humpback whales in Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait • Wildlife searches: black and brown bears, eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, sea birds • Kayak, paddle board and skiff remote inlets • Beachcombing, tide pool, and forest ecology discoveries
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