A group of 7 kayakers look like tiny dots as they paddle the water in front of a massive glacier over 21 miles long in Alaska.
A group of travelers wear orange life jackets as they sit in a zodiac boat in front of a bright teal floating iceberg.
An orca, a manly black whale with white spots over the eyes and underbelly breaks the water surface as it swims in Alaska.
4 seals lay on a white iceberg that is floating in teal green water of Alaska. Seen from a small ship cruise in glacier bay.
A portrait of a solo brown bear walking along the shore line of Alaska's inside passage.
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North America Alaska Cruise

Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife Cruise

On this 8-day small ship cruise between Sitka and Juneau, enjoy a dynamic itinerary that includes 3 days in and around one of Southeast Alaska’s crown jewels–Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. On this expedition, savor extended time in the park, an opportunity to kayak in secluded Dundas Bay, a trek ashore near a glacier and premiere wildlife viewing. There’s also a unique chance to explore remote wilderness areas of the Inside Passage and the small fishing town of Pelican.

Experience ultimate Glacier Bay aboard Kruzof Explorer, a Bering Sea crab boat turned premier expedition vessel. Her unparalleled seaworthiness and performance, coupled with modern renovations and elegant furnishings, results in a craft that stands alone. She carries a high-speed Zodiac, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to get up close with Alaska’s nature. Opportunities to utilize these expedition craft will occur frequently throughout the 8-day voyage. The Kruzof Explorer offers luxury Alaska cruises and is an ideal ship for private Alaska yacht charters and Alaska family cruises due to her small size.

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

Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife Itinerary

The 8-day Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife cruise travels northbound from Sitka to Juneau. Highlights include three days in Glacier Bay National Park, kayaking in Dundas Bay, a trek near a glacier and a visit to the small town of Pelican.

Route map of Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife Alaska small ship cruise, operating between Sitka and Juneau with visits to West Chichagof Island, Dundas Bay, Pelican, the national park, Icy Strait & Lynn Canal.
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Day 1
Embark Sitka, Alaska

Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history on an exclusive tour guided by the expedition leader. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales and other wildlife.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
West Chichagof Island

Navigate the remote west coast of Chichagof Island in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness—a stretch of Southeast Alaska that few travelers have a chance to experience. The pristine coastline is adorned by miles of stunning cliffs, narrow passages and towering rainforest. The vessel’s high-speed Zodiac and kayaks provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the region.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Pelican

Explore the scenic boardwalk road of Pelican, Alaska, during a port call to this small community of less than 100 year-round residents in Lisianski Inlet. While walking the charming town, enjoy the chance to photograph the picturesque harbor and browse unique local shops. Also consider experiencing Southeast Alaska’s famous Rose’s Bar and Grill, a watering hole that has provided the setting for many colorful local tales. Pelican is situated on the northwest coast of Chichagof Island. Keep eyes peeled as the ship navigates near shore–brown bears are prevalent in the region.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 6
Glacier Bay National Park

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. Highlights include South Marble Island—a nesting area for puffins, myriad other birds, and Steller sea lion haul-out; Gloomy Knob, a dramatic rocky outcropping known to be excellent mountain goat habitat; and the mighty Margerie glacier, famous for spectacular displays of calving.

Enjoy in-depth travels in this UNESCO world heritage site for the best opportunities for amazing encounters with wildlife, such as brown bears, black bears, wolves, moose and more. Savor a chance to trek ashore near one of the park’s famous glaciers, allowing an unmatched perspective of one of nature’s most powerful forces. On the final day in the park, venture west to remote Dundas Bay. In this secluded area, experience remarkable solitude while paddling a shallow water coastline inaccessible to larger craft.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Icy Strait & Lynn Canal

Relish unhurried navigation of Icy Strait and Lynn Canal, two pristine bodies of water known for humpback whales, orcas and more. The expert shipboard team and knowledgeable captain will spot for wildlife and allow ample time for photography and viewing.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Disembark in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau and take an included transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Selected guest cabin facilities; all meals aboard the vessel or where otherwise indicated; selected shore excursions as indicated in itinerary; ground transportation to and from the vessel and airport or select Juneau and Sitka hotels; use of recreational equipment as indicated in itinerary; all standard onboard services.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from Alaska; pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations; non-complimentary beer, wine or alcohol selections; discretionary gratuities to crew; travel insurance (recommended); all taxes and port fees.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. 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 penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 50% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 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.

Arrival & Departure

The main Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife cruise begins in Sitka, Alaska (SIT), and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Sitka on day 1 in time for a 10:00am meeting with expedition leaders at the hospitality room for a city tour ahead of the 4:00pm embarkation time. Disembarkation is at 8:00am on day 8; plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 10:00am.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, shallow-water expedition craft excursions, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

Single supplement rates are 150% of the double occupancy rate. Single supplement rates are capacity controlled and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Third and fourth guests booking into a stateroom will receive a 15% discount after 2 full-price guests or after 1 full-price adult and 1 discounted child are booked.

Families & Children

Children (15 and under) receive 15% off double occupancy rate when sharing a cabin with 1 or 2 full fare adults. Programming is tailored for children ages 7 and up.

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.

Reverse Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife Itinerary

The 8-day reverse Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife cruise travels southbound from Juneau to Sitka. Highlights include three days in Glacier Bay National Park, kayaking in Dundas Bay, a trek near a glacier and a visit to the small town of Pelican.

Route map of Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife Alaska small ship cruise, operating between Sitka and Juneau with visits to West Chichagof Island, Dundas Bay, Pelican, the national park, Icy Strait & Lynn Canal.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska

Embark the ship in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau. Set off for Icy Strait and the Lynn Canal while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales and other wildlife.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Icy Strait & Lynn Canal

Relish unhurried navigation of Icy Strait and Lynn Canal, two pristine bodies of water known for humpback whales, orcas and more. The expert shipboard team and knowledgeable captain will spot for wildlife and allow ample time for photography and viewing.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 5
Glacier Bay National Park

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. Highlights include South Marble Island—a nesting area for puffins, myriad other birds, and Steller sea lion haul-out; Gloomy Knob, a dramatic rocky outcropping known to be excellent mountain goat habitat; and the mighty Margerie glacier, famous for spectacular displays of calving.

Enjoy in-depth travels in this UNESCO world heritage site for the best opportunities for amazing encounters with wildlife, such as brown bears, black bears, wolves, moose and more. Savor a chance to trek ashore near one of the park’s famous glaciers, allowing an unmatched perspective of one of nature’s most powerful forces. On the final day in the park, venture west to remote Dundas Bay. In this secluded area, experience remarkable solitude while paddling a shallow water coastline inaccessible to larger craft.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Pelican

Explore the scenic boardwalk road of Pelican, Alaska, during a port call to this small community of less than 100 year-round residents in Lisianski Inlet. While walking the charming town, enjoy the chance to photograph the picturesque harbor and browse unique local shops. Also consider experiencing Southeast Alaska’s famous Rose’s Bar and Grill, a watering hole that has provided the setting for many colorful local tales. Pelican is situated on the northwest coast of Chichagof Island. Keep eyes peeled as the ship navigates near shore–brown bears are prevalent in the region.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
West Chichagof Island

Navigate the remote west coast of Chichagof Island in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness—a stretch of Southeast Alaska that few travelers have a chance to experience. The pristine coastline is adorned by miles of stunning cliffs, narrow passages and towering rainforest. The vessel’s high-speed Zodiac and kayaks provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the region.

Accommodations

Kruzof Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Sitka, Alaska

Disembark the ship in beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Transfer to your hotel or the airport is complimentary.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Selected guest cabin facilities; all meals aboard the vessel or where otherwise indicated; selected shore excursions as indicated in itinerary; ground transportation to and from the vessel and airport or select Juneau and Sitka hotels; use of recreational equipment as indicated in itinerary; all standard onboard services.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from Alaska; pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations; non-complimentary beer, wine or alcohol selections; discretionary gratuities to crew; travel insurance (recommended); all taxes and port fees.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. 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 penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 50% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 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.

Arrival & Departure

The reverse Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU), and ends in Sitka, Alaska (SIT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Juneau on day 1 in time for a 12:00pm meeting with expedition leaders at the hospitality room ahead of the 4:00pm embarkation time. Disembarkation is at 8:00am on day 8; plan flights to depart Sitka no earlier than 10:00am.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, shallow-water expedition craft excursions, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

Single supplement rates are 150% of the double occupancy rate. Single supplement rates are capacity controlled and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Third and fourth guests booking into a stateroom will receive a 15% discount after 2 full-price guests or after 1 full-price adult and 1 discounted child are booked.

Families & Children

Children (15 and under) receive 15% off double occupancy rate when sharing a cabin with 1 or 2 full fare adults. Programming is tailored for children ages 7 and up.

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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

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

Jun 02 - Jun 09, 2023
Kruzof Explorer • 8 days
From $8495USD
Per Person
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Jun 09 - Jun 16, 2023
Kruzof Explorer • 8 days
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From $8495USD
Per Person
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Jul 28 - Aug 04, 2023
Kruzof Explorer • 8 days
From $8495USD
Per Person
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Aug 04 - Aug 11, 2023
Kruzof Explorer • 8 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $8495USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht
Kruzof Explorer

The 12-guest Kruzof Explorer, a former Bering Sea crab fishing boat, has been refurbished into a premier small ship Alaska cruiser, ready for charter to bring groups into the remote Alaska wilderness.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires March 31st, 2023
Save Up To 15% On Select 2023 Alaska Cruises

Dreaming of Alaska? Save up to 15% when you book your select 2023 departure aboard Kruzof Explorer, Chichagof Dream, Admiralty Dream, or Alaskan Dream.

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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8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Denali Backcountry Explorer

Spend 3-4 nights at a remote backcountry lodge situated 90 miles inside Denali National Park. Unbeatable wildlife viewing, landscape photography, guided hikes, fishing, dog sleds and an Alaska railroad ride can be customized to complement any Alaska small ship cruise.

From $6630USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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7 Day Land Tour
Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer

The ultimate of all Kenai Fjords tours, this trip offers active exploration from the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy a more in-depth exploration—think kayaking, hiking, relaxing—and less overland travel.

From $3595USD
Aug Sep
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7 Day Land Tour
Alaska Coast to Denali Journey

This 7-day Alaska coast to Denali Journey visits two Alaska national parks: Denali and Kenai Fjords. Travel from Anchorage to Seward, Kenai, Talkeetna and Denali, then return via historic Alaska railroad, with opportunities to sea kayak, hike and optional flightsee!

From $5345USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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This 10-day cruise between Ketchikan and Sitka offers native Alaskan culture, time in Glacier Bay National Park and an off-the-beaten-path route featuring western Prince of Wales Island. Cruise aboard 12-guest Kruzof Explorer, a premier expedition vessel with a unique history.

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8 Day Cruise
Alaska Coastal Discoveries & Culture Cruise

Board 12-guest Kruzof Explorer for this Inside Passage cruise between Sitka and Ketchikan. Skip Glacier Bay and experience uncommon activities like a jet boat ride, plus unique stops to places like the St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. Kayak, hike, stand-up paddleboard and fish on this Alaskan-designed itinerary.

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The 12-guest Kruzof Explorer offers an intimate and active Alaska charter cruise. Customize your Alaska Inside Passage experience with the knowledge and access provided by an Alaskan owned and operated small ship.

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Ultimate Glacier Bay, Wilderness & Wildlife Cruise

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