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Pristine wilderness, mind-blowing natural wonder, humpback whales, and untamed wildlife explode your senses on this Western Coves Adventure Cruise from Ketchikan to Juneau, Alaska. Hike “wild and woolly” places (“skookum” to the locals) and dramatic waterfall coasts. Kayak along shore looking for bears and near 10,000-year-old glaciers areas and learn the stories of the totem.

The routes on this small ship cruise follow the edges of the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, through pristine and remote Alaskan waters. On land, you are almost certain to find brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, river otters, and maybe even moose. On the water, humpbacks and Orcas, porpoise, sea lions, and seals entertain around most every turn.

On-board amenities like the sauna, hot tub, massage services and complimentary yoga classes on deck provide new and interesting ways to soak in the awe-inspiring nature. Kayaking, hiking, caving, fishing, paddleboarding and invigorating swims engage the body and expand the mind daily. The executive chefs fuel the fun with fresh, healthy cuisine that can accommodate vegetarian or other dietary requests. Designed as an environment where you can be as active as you wish, these small ships are appointed with the thoughtful touches that invite you to relax, unwind and enjoy the cruise through Alaska's wonderful Southeast.

With the use of an Un-Cruise Adventures concept, the Western Coves Adventure Cruise eliminates the hassles of traditional cruising by substituting them for an amazing up-close and personal water-based adventure. This means instead of crowds and long lines, find a small group of likeminded souls seeking adventure. Instead of tight schedules and a herd mentality, this is a totally flexible expedition following wildlife where they roam. Instead of tourist-clogged towns, you experience the real Alaskan frontier, wildlife and wilderness!

Five boats make this Western Coves journey. Choose from:
M/V Wilderness Adventurer - 60-guest small ship
M/V Wilderness Explorer - 76-guest small ship
M/V Wilderness Discoverer - 76-guest small ship
Safari Endeavour - 86-guest luxury small ship
Safari Explorer - 36-guest luxury yacht

Day 1 - Embark Ketchikan, Alaska

Prepare to be whisked into your own private Alaska. Once on board, soak in the sights as you cruise through the Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island (where Ketchikan is located) from Prince of Wales Island, the third largest island in the United States and one of the best-kept tourist secrets in all of Alaska.

Watch for majestic bald eagles and other sea birds perched in shoreline trees, where more than 100 migrating species of birds return every year. After meeting your crew and getting acquainted with your ship’s features, finish the evening with a delicious meal while keeping an eye on lookout for Orca and humpback whales through Clarence Strait. Not bad for your first five hours of vacation.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Tongass National Forest & El Capitan Passage

Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska hike winding through high forest on an old logging trail. Trek up to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. And if the stars are right (okay maybe it's the tides), you just may get lucky and snag some organic oysters from a local grower.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Klawock Native Village

Discover living history in Klawock — one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Along with its small fishing fleet, this rustic community continues to thrive on the farthest reaches of the Alaska coastline. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye out for eagles and sea birds.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Chatham Strait

It's Captain's choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait's Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water. Conditions permitting, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel (snorkeling is optional on Wilderness boats only). Take a deep breath and go for it! Today's discoveries will be within some of the most untouched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Frederick Sound

Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife – they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or kayak. Gear up for snorkeling (Wilderness boats only) or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - The Brothers Islands & Stephen’s Passage

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, and porpoise. Tonight, anchor in quiet bay and listen for the call of the wild.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Endicott Arm & Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area

Snow-covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness that surround it. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembark Juneau, Alaska

When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as we voyage into Juneau. A bon voyage breakfast ends your small ship journey, then transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your extended journey.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Sailing Schedule: This itinerary is operated by five small ships. See the table below to determine which ship operates on which date.

May 04 - May 11, 2013 - Wilderness Explorer/Adventurer
May 11 - May 18, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
May 18 - May 25, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
May 25 - Jun 01, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
May 26 - Jun 02, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
May 31 - Jun 07, 2013 - Safari Explorer
Jun 01 - Jun 08, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jun 08 - Jun 15, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jun 15 - Jun 22, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jun 22 - Jun 29, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jun 29 - Jul 06, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jul 06 - Jul 13, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jul 20 - Jul 27, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jul 27 - Aug 03, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Aug 03 - Aug 10, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Aug 24 - Aug 31, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Aug 31 - Sep 07, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Sep 07 - Sep 14, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer

M/V Wilderness Adventurer - 60-guest small ship
M/V Wilderness Explorer - 76-guest small ship
M/V Wilderness Discoverer - 76-guest small ship
Safari Endeavour - 86-guest luxury small ship
Safari Explorer - 36-guest luxury yacht

Alternative Itinerary: The May 2, 2013, departure is a 9-night, 10-day cruise that includes a visit to Chief Snakes House so that guests can join in on a special rededication ceremony at Wrangell's historically significant landmark.

Extend Your Trip: The Ketchikan to Juneau route takes 8 days and 7 nights. If eight days is not quite enough, consider joining us for the return trip from Juneau to Ketchikan: Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise, which offers an entirely separate itinerary.

Day 1 - Juneau
Day 2 - Tracy Arm Wilderness & Frederick Sound
Day 3 - Thomas Bay & Cascade Creek
Day 4 - Thomas Bay, Baird Glacier, Wrangell Narrows
Day 5 - Wrangell, Chief Shakes Tribal House
Day 6 - Yes Bay
Day 7 - Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness
Day 8 - Ketchikan

Pricing for the entire 15-day Southeast Alaska Ultimate Adventure round-trip from Juneau starts at $3,895 to $11,395 per person, double occupancy, which is discounted from the price of the two separate itineraries individually.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of small ship cruising unique.

Included: Your accommodations aboard the specific vessel, all meals aboard the ship, round-trip transfers and baggage handling between airport/boat, most from-the-boat adventure activities and equipment, national park/preserve entrance fees and hot tub, sauna and yoga. Additional inclusions aboard Safari Endeavour & Explorer: Premium spirits, wine and beer; taxes and port fees; and a complimentary massage.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, typically 5-10% of fare; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; wine, beer and liquor; massage; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature. Also not included on Wilderness boats: Taxes and port fees of $175 per person and alcoholic beverages.

Room Configurations: Select Wilderness cabins are available for single occupancy at a 150% supplement; all other cabins available at 175%. Triple accommodations available in select Explorer cabins offer the third person a 25% savings on the double occupancy rate. Aboard Safari boats, any stateroom except Singles may be sold as a single for 175% of the double rate.

Families & Children: There is no age restriction aboard the Western Coves Adventure Cruise, though you may want to consider the Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise, which offers "Kids in Nature" family departures that save children 12 and under 25% and offer special kid-friendly programming.

Arrival & Departure: Your Southeast Alaska Western Coves cruise begins in Ketchikan and ends in Juneau. Please plan flights to arrive by 2:30pm on day 1 of the cruise. On day 8, the final day of the cruise, flights should be planned to depart no earlier than 11:30am.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $600 per person (Wilderness boats) or $1500 per person (Safari boats) is required to secure a 2013 reservation. For 2014 and beyond, the deposit is $750 per person for all boats. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more - 50% of initial deposit
90 to 61 days - Forfeiture of full deposit
60 to 46 days - 50% of gross fare
45 to 31 days - 75% of gross fare
30 to 0 days - 100% of gross fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, the crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include: whale watching, kayaking and standup paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation, and "polar bear plunges." Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots, and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure. Off-vessel activities including hiking and kayaking excursions range from 2-4 hours each day.


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