small ship sea wolf floats in Alaska's Glacier Bay as travelers paddle yellow and white kayaks around the ship.
As part of a shore excursion, a group of travelers walks past large teal beached icebergs that washed ashore in Alaska.
alaska grizzly bears standing in front of sheer rocks
alsaka adventure travelers sit on a grassy cliff taking pictures with calm water below them and clouds in the distance
alaska bald eagle taking off in flight from ice
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North America Alaska Cruise

Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure

The 7-day Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure is one of only a few small ship cruises that spends most of its itinerary inside Alaska’s famed Glacier Bay National Park. The itinerary travels from waterfall-laden Geike Inlet to the barren mountain faces of the East arm of Glacier Bay National Park, then routes outside the park to Point Adolphus for whale watching. Hundreds of miles of glacial fjords are here to enjoy by kayak, hike and small ship cruise, including the cascading Marjorie Glacier and Reid Glacier, offering its ice worms and glacial silt facials. 

Homebase for exploration is the historic 12-passenger small ship M/V Sea Wolf. Because this is an Alaskan-owned-and-operated vessel, and due to the Sea Wolf’s small size, the Sea Wolf crew has the flexibility and local knowledge to venture to unique locales—qualities that make this ship ideal for both set departures and private Alaska yacht charters. If the fish are running, Sea Wolf might head to the Tongass; if bears are active on Chichagof Island, the ship may sail there to view them.

The highlight is exploring Glacier Bay National Park in the company of expert local guides on exciting small ship explorations with hikes and kayaking excursions right from the boat. Additionally, we recommend this as one of our top Alaska family cruises due to the knowledgeable naturalist captain and our experience bringing our own kids on this itinerary. Each day offers the possibility of seeing the coastal brown bears and black bears as well as wolves, mountain goats, coyotes and moose. Glacier Bay National Park is also home to numerous seals, sea lions, sea otters, humpback and orca whales along with hundreds of bird species. Marvel at breathtaking glaciers, towering mountains that shoot up from the sea and the acrobatic humpback whales. Close out the trip with a cultural visit to the Huna Tribal House and its exhibits. 

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruise options and Glacier Bay cruise and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.



Itinerary

7-Day Glacier Bay Exploration Itinerary

The 7-Day Glacier Bay Exploration Cruise embarks and disembarks in Gustavus, Alaska with an included hotel overnight on day 1.

Route Map of Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure Alaska Small Ship Cruise, operating round-trip from Gustavus with visits to Geike Inlet, Reid & Marjorie Glaciers, Gloomy Knob, Muir Inlet, North Sandy Cove & South Marble Island & Point Adolphus.
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Day 1
Arrive Gustavus, Alaska

Arrive in Gustavus and transfer to the beautiful Annie Mae lodge where bikes await to be peddled and dinner is delicious.

Accommodations

Glacier Bay Lodge (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Bartlett Cove

Be transferred to Bartlett Cove for an 8:30am embarkation of the Sea Wolf. Gather in the main salon for introductions, an orientation discussing safety, boat layout, amenities and the upcoming Alaskan adventure while cruising to Geike Inlet. After lunch, paddle in Geike Inlet, a beautiful fjord that may offer a glimpse of black bears, wolverines, mountain goats, and a large variety of seabirds and ducks. While cruising to the evening anchorage, take in the incredible vistas, wildlife on the beaches and possibly acrobatic whales in the waters. Along the way, learn about the natural history of Glacier Bay, some of the research projects that the park is conducting and about the plentiful marine life and wildlife. Enjoy dinner aboard while watching the sunset over Glacier Bay.

Accommodations

Sea Wolf

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Reid Glacier & Marjorie Glacier

Breakfast is at 8:00 am and then hike to Reid Glacier. An easy hike up the mountain, down the beach and fording a few glacial streams brings you to the face of Reid Glacier for an up-close view of this glacially carved landscape. Learn about glaciers geology, plant and animal succession and explore among the grounded icebergs. Hunt for ice worms and for those so inclined can scoop up glacial silt for wonderful glacial facials. On the intertidal walk back, look under rocks to discover what the bears feast on during low tide. Brown bears, wolverine, small mammals and harbor seals and other creatures all live in this area.

During lunch, cruise to Tarr Inlet, where the Grand Pacific and Marjorie Glaciers cascade into the water. Enjoy a wonderful paddle along a sheer cliff, which is a Kittiwake and Puffin rookery and then out in front of Marjorie Glacier and Johns Hopkins for a breathtaking experience watching an active calving glacier from a safe distance. Back on board, cruise through Russell Cut looking for wildlife.

Accommodations

Sea Wolf

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Gloomy Knob

After breakfast, explore Gloomy Knob looking for mountain goats and other wildlife. If conditions permit, have a morning botany hike up Gloomy Knob for incredible views of the bay. Then off to an afternoon paddle at an anchorage that bring us close to the East Arm entrance.

Accommodations

Sea Wolf

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay

Cruise up Muir Inlet, the East Arm of Glacier Bay. Activities today depend on wilderness water opening and closing dates. Go on an amazing hike by McBride Glacier with a paddle either up to Riggs Glacier or from Muir Glacier to Riggs. The shorelines have a great variety of shore birds, vistas and the possibilities of seeing bears, wolves and moose. Then once back to the boat set off to the evening anchorage and dinner. Note: Options for this day are Dundas Bay, George Island and Idaho Inlet based on weather, park closures and wildlife.

Accommodations

Sea Wolf

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
North Sandy Cove & South Marble Island

If the tides are right, take a morning paddle at North Sandy, or head down bay to another pristine paddle area. North Sandy Cove is a very rich ecosystem that supports black bears, moose coyotes and a plentiful marine environment. Kayak around the shores scanning for black bears and moose then paddle to Puffin Island for a truly wondrous look at a low tide vertical intertidal zone. This zone is home to hundreds of sponges, periwinkles, whelks, sea stars, sea cucumbers and urchins, who literally hang around awaiting the return of high tide. Next head to South Marble Island to view a large stellar sea lion haul out and a seabird nesting rookery before heading onward to Fingers Bay.

Accommodations

Sea Wolf

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Disembark Gustavus, Alaska

This morning is spent watching whales, starting at Point Adolphus. Midday return to Gustavus for a 1:00pm disembarkation. Enjoy a walking tour of the Huna Tribal House and exhibits before being transported to the airport.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations in Gustavus on Day 1; ground transportation to and from the vessel and airport or select hotel on day of embarkation and disembarkation; 1% Gustavus tax; accommodations aboard ship; excursions; entrance fees; leadership, crew; all meals and beer and wine with dinner; local guides and permits unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary or to substitute modes of transport or guides.

Exclusions

Airfare of any kind; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expense arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation or other causes beyond our control.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person is due when booking prior to January 1 of year of departure. A second deposit of 50% of remaining balance is due January 15 of year of departure. Bookings made after January 1 of year of departure require a deposit of 50% of total fare. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 151 days – 100% of deposit
150 to 90 days – 100% of all fares paid to date
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure
The Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure cruise begins and ends in Gustavus, Alaska (GST). Plan flights to arrive to Gustavus anytime on day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Gustavus no earlier than 5:00pm on day 7.

Activities

Hiking and kayaking are available aboard Sea Wolf itineraries. Expect uneven terrain on hikes and on glacial till beaches. Hikes are up to two miles and kayaking is usually three to seven miles per day, depending on the desired level of activity.

Room Configuration

Cabin 1 can be triple occupancy. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.5x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability.

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. The M/V Sea Wolf is available for private family charters. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for more information.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

This itinerary is subject to change based on park area closures/openings, permits, weather, travel conditions and wildlife movements. Glacier Bay is a vast park with many spectacular fjords. The ship may also journey outside the park to Tongass National Forest or the beautiful Outer Coast Island’s, with aim to be where one should see whales, bears, sea lions, eagles, wild flowers and soaring landscapes but the anchorage may change dependent on the above. Other destinations may include Dundas Bay, Sundew Cove, Sebree Cove, Idaho Inlet, the East Arm and the Islands. Many times, the ship is following the wildlife as they move with their food source; this flexibility enables the greatest viewing possibilities.

Accessible Travel

The Sea Wolf offers wider decks, access to all public areas and three accessible staterooms. A McKinnon Hugger is available to lift persons with disabilities into kayaks for wilderness paddles. For those who require a wheelchair or have any other special needs, contact AdventureSmith to see if this cruise is a good fit.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

May 06 - May 12, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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May 13 - May 19, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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May 20 - May 26, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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May 27 - Jun 02, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jun 03 - Jun 09, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jun 10 - Jun 16, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jun 24 - Jun 30, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jul 01 - Jul 07, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jul 08 - Jul 14, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jul 15 - Jul 21, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jul 22 - Jul 28, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Jul 29 - Aug 04, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Aug 05 - Aug 11, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Aug 12 - Aug 18, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Aug 19 - Aug 25, 2023
Sea Wolf • 7 days
From $5850USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht
Sea Wolf

The M/V Sea Wolf is an 97-foot ocean-going ship that carries 12 passengers plus 5-6 crew in comfort. Based in Glacier Bay National Park, Sea Wolf offers the ultimate Glacier Bay adventure cruise.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Todd Smith • July 31st, 2017
Expert Aboard: M/V Sea Wolf Review

A review of the 12-guest Motor Vessel Sea Wolf written by AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith, who recently sailed aboard the ship with his son.

Todd Smith • July 10th, 2017
Expert Review: My Return to Glacier Bay Aboard the Sea Wolf

The story of Glacier Bay is one of change, and my return after more than 20 years away would reveal changes to the glaciers, the animals, the National Park and to myself.

Chris Harter • July 17th, 2013
Expert Review: Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure

Glacier Bay National Park aboard the Sea Wolf unfolds like a greatest hits of Alaska. Read this expert review by an AdventureSmith crew member.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Everything About This Trip Was Extraordinary"

Everything about this trip was extraordinary - the crew, the food, the ship, the kayaking and hiking. It's hard to identify a favorite as all six days aboard were fantastic.

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"The Captain & Crew Made This a Wonderful Experience"

The captain and crew of the Sea Wolf made this a wonderful experience. They were eager to make this a fun, exciting and educational cruise. The small group atmosphere allowed for a lot of special attention. We were busy all the time.

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"Everything Was Great!"

This was well organized, with great attention to detail and excellent service from AdventureSmith and the Sea Wolf team could not have been better! The spirit of fun and adventure facilitated by the Sea Wolf crew and support by really compatible group of travelers on the boat.

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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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7 Day Land Tour
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Visit Glacier Bay National Park from the Bear Track Inn in Gustavus. Three full days are devoted to cruising Glacier Bay, kayaking and whale watching, with a helicopter-accessed glacier adventure. This is the perfect land-based alternative to a small ship cruise.

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