The Famed Inside Passage
- Destination: American Safari Cruises
- Duration: 15 days/14 nights
- Price: $6,095
- Available: May 11, 2012 — September 02, 2012
15 Days/14 Nights — Seattle, Washington to Juneau, Alaska
Our yachts cruise the full length of the West Coast of North America's Inside Passage without the open ocean, but with shores ever-so-tight to the sides of your yacht for most of the 900 nautical miles between Seattle and Juneau. Embrace exhilarating closeness to snow-capped mountains, wildlife and birds far too numerous to keep count,waterfalls,tree-lined narrow passageways and surprises at just about every "gunkholing" turn.
Choose May or September — either is an excellent time for cruising along British Columbia's coast and Alaska's Inside Passage. At these times of the year the foliage is in vivid color, there are fewer boats and people, and it is at a time in which bears and other animals are apt to be foraging along the shoreline. Then make a second choice of the yacht that best fits you among the Safari Explorer, Safari Quest or Safari Spirit. The value is extraordinary and the daily encounters with nature are astounding!
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle, Washington Embarkation
You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your vessel where your crew greets you with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Shortly after boarding, we'll begin our northward cruise from Seattle's historic Fishermen's Terminal passing through the Hiram-Chittenden Locks entering Puget Sound. Later we will cruise through Deception Pass, a dramatic narrow cut between two islands before dropping anchor in a quiet cove in the San Juan Islands this evening.
Day 2: The San Juan Islands / Friday Harbor
The misty San Juan Islands greet us this morning. Settle into the rhythm of the sea as we leave our busy lives behind. Beautiful forested islands dot the seascape where we wind through the untouched islands in the San Juan's. Today we'll visit the port of Friday Harbor. Here you'll enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the town's many intriguing boutiques and shops, or perhaps the Whale Museum. We'll depart for Canadian waters this afternoon; all eyes open for orca whales!
Days 3-4: Exploring the Canadian Inside Passage
Search for orca whales, seals, sea lions and bears as we leave civilization behind. Our Expedition Leader will lead nature hikes and kayaking excursions, and we’ll enjoy a First Nations dance performance in a cedar-planked big house. Further north, we’ll step ashore with Naturalists from Raincoast Conservation Society who will tell us about local wildlife and fisheries studies, including little known details on rainforest wolves and the mysterious Spirit bear.
Day 5: Misty Fjords National Monument
One of Alaska's greatest natural and cultural treasures and home to nearly every ecosystem found in southeast Alaska - glacial valleys filled with sea water and 3,000 foot sheer-walled granite cliffs are a haven for wildlife. Anchor deep inside its dramatic fjords and dine among the echos of waterfalls.
Day 6: Ketchikan
Discover the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska's Tlingit Indians on a guided tour or Saxman Totem Village with local village resident Joe Williams. Before we depart, take time to browse shops or stroll along Creek Street where there's often a good dose of local color to be found.
Day 7: Remote Wildernes
Wildlife and wilderness is today's focus. Look for seals an prpoise, and bears along the fingertip-close shorelines. Opportunities abound to spot one of nature's most spectacular sights-the humpback whale. Your evening anchorage allows time to investigate your surroundings by kayak or skiff with your Expedition Leader.
Day 8: Wrangell Narrows / Petersburg
Transit Wrangell Narrows, a passage bubbed as "Christmas Tree Lane" for the abundant red and green navigational lights. Norwegian history is prominent in Petersburg and you'll have some first-hand experiences of the local culture. Maneuver through the ice-rich waters of LeConte Bay before anchoring for the evening in Thomas Bay.
Day 9: Baird Glacier / Frederick Sound
Enjoy a morning hike for closer inspection of Baird Glaciers and explore the bay by kayak and skiff. Then setting the compass for Frederick Sound, spend the remainder of the day cruising among the northern hemisphere's premier humpback whale feeding grounds.
Days 10-11: Wilderness Exploration
Discover hidden gems and the waterfall coast of Baranof and Chichagof Islands. A refuge and haul-out for hundreds of Steller sea lions - with a abounty of of activity choices, you can kayak, hike or watch for bears from the skiff. Your Expedition Leader prepares you for two ensuing days in Glacier Bay National Park.
Days 12-13: Glacier Bay National Park
Explore spectacular scenery in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of America's crown-jewel national parks. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating in the waters of Glacier Bay. If conditions permit, we'll lower the skiff and weave among the icebergs that have calved off the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves and morning paddles in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. It's quite possible you'lkl see puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, and eagles.
Day 14: Icy Strait
The ultimate day of expoloration, search the nutrient-rich waters for humpback wales, porpoise, sea lions, and other wildlife. A confluence of currents at Point Adolphus creates bountiful waters for humpback whales. Be awed by the scenery as the crew expertly guides you to those "not in the guide book" places. Top off your trip with the Captain's Farewell Dinner. and reminisce with a special slideshow presented by your Expedition Leaders.
Day 15: Juneau - Disembark
After breakfast we'll arrive in Juneau. A transfer to the Juneau airport or local hotel is included. Safe travels to all!
