Explore, discover and learn about the magical rainforest and ocean ecosystems of Southeast Alaska on this 10-day expedition. Choose from the main fall departure or the reverse itinerary that sails in the spring. This glacial wilderness supports a diversity of wildlife as varied as the landscape. September is a terrific time to watch bears fishing in salmon streams, humpback whales feeding in preparation for migration to warmer waters and birds migrating from arctic to southern climes. In April the annual early spring herring migration makes for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, hungry bears awake from hibernation and go looking for food. Snowcapped peaks drive mountain goats and other creatures to the shoreline to forage.
Humpback whales, orcas, harbor porpoise and Dall’s porpoise, white sided dolphins, Stellar sea lion and numerous sea birds are just some of the species sighted frequently on this cruise. In the rainforest, also hope to see black bear, brown bear and mountain goats. Enjoy an average of three to four hours of cruising each day. The rest of each day is spent exploring the glacial fjords and bays by kayak or hiking on shore. On this flexible Alaska small ship cruise, routes and anchorages are chosen to optimize opportunities to experience the rich and diverse environment of this temperate rainforest. Prepare to learn the full story of this place–the spiritual, cultural and natural history as well as the current threats and their possible solutions.
Passage on this exploration is aboard the historic 12-passenger small ship M/V Sea Wolf, a historic wooden World War II minesweeper featuring beautiful lines, stability, maneuverability and special accessibility equipment; all qualities that make her an AdventureSmith favorite for private Alaska yacht charters. On a charter or a set departure with soon-to-be friends, venture to unique sites that big ships can’t reach and enjoy the knowledge of your local captain–a naturalist who owns and operates the vessel. The captain hosts local school children on a private departure annually and can help your own children see Alaska in a special way, making this trip a prime selection for our Alaska family cruises. Sea Wolf may set sail for the Tongass to capitalize on active fish populations, or Chichagof Island to view active bears.
In addition to cruising between Juneau and Ketchikan, the Sea Wolf also operates two other itineraries. One explores between Juneau and Gustavus, including time around Chichagof and Admiralty Islands, and 5 days inside both arms and the outer coast of Glacier Bay National Park. The other cruises between Juneau and Petersburg, focusing along the eastern waters of Admiralty Island and stunning fjords such as Ford’s Terror.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruises, and Glacier Bay cruise and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
The 6-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 bay’s East arm, 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. View all of our Glacier Bay cruise itineraries.
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 the 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 cruises, and Glacier Bay cruise and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
The M/V Sea Wolf is an 97-foot ocean-going ship that carries 12 passengers plus 5-6 crew members in comfort. The Sea Wolf is an amazing expedition platform for small ship cruising, wildlife spotting, kayaking and whale watching. The in-depth knowledge of the landscape offered by the ship’s naturalists provides an extensive educational component to cruising through the dynamic wilderness of Alaska. Thanks to a renovation allowing for wheelchair access, the Sea Wolf is also a go-to vessel for anyone desiring an inclusive small ship adventure.
Choose the Sea Wolf if you want an intimate guided exploration of Glacier Bay National Park aboard an Alaskan owned and operated vessel. Expect deep natural history interpretation with a lot of species identification, as well as detailed explanations of ecosystems and processes. The Sea Wolf crew, many of whom are local Alaskans, are fun, knowledgeable and eager to share their naturalist stories and lore. The Sea Wolf is not always considered a glamorous vessel, but her charm and purpose outweigh what she lacks in amenities. A historic wooden World War II minesweeper, she has beautiful lines, stability and maneuverability, which function perfectly in her current task of exploring Glacier Bay National Park.
Our detailed information on the Sea Wolf includes a complete small ship description with deck plans and photo gallery, along with a dedicated Sea Wolf Ship Review written by one of our specialists. Our team has been aboard the Sea Wolf firsthand, and can help you compare this yacht to others offering small ship Alaska cruises and private Alaska yacht charters. We’ve been aboard many Alaska ships and can be your ultimate resource to discover if this is the best small ship for your travel needs.
The Sea Wolf offers various scenery and wildlife viewing spaces throughout the ship, such as the wide bow viewing area, the upper deck seating area behind the wheelhouse, the indoor viewing salon and covered side viewing decks. The covered aft view dining deck is a special, heated scenic area enclosed in Eisen glass with an 180-degree view. All outside decks offer water-level observation, enhancing the opportunity for close encounters with Alaska’s famed marine mammals. Smoking is not permitted aboard the Sea Wolf, even on outdoor decks.
The dedicated Sea Wolf crew believes in supporting local businesses and food growers. Salmon, halibut, spot prawns and Dungeness crab served aboard are all harvested in Southeast Alaska by local fishermen. The adventurous chef highlights local dishes with an international flair while using mostly fresh and organic produce. Most baked goods are prepared on board. The Sea Wolf chef can cater to most special diets (with advance notice) including vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and low fat. Wine and beer are served complimentary with dinner. Special wild foraging themed departures are sometimes available to showcase cuisine made with foraged Alaskan fare.
The Sea Wolf is equipped with six double kayaks for guests and two guide kayaks and an 18-foot rigid inflatable Zodiac for shore excursions. Daily activities consist of two- to three-hour hikes with an easy pace and plenty of time for finding animal tracks, botany and birding. Fully guided kayak excursions are typically two or more hours, with shorter options for those who wish to return to the boat. Like the hikes, the paddles often include a lesson in natural history surrounded by dramatic scenery. Many paddles and even some hikes are one way, allowing kayakers to use the wind or tide to extend their journey as the boat sails to meet them in a new location.
With the decks and access doors at least 32 inches wide, three of six staterooms wheelchair accessible and two lifts installed for access to all three decks, the Sea Wolf is a uniquely inclusive small ship. The competent and sensitive crew curates itineraries suitable for paraplegic passengers with good upper body strength and quadriplegic passengers with a trustworthy companion, a sense of adventure and the ability to be comfortable in a manual wheelchair. A McKinnon Hugger is available to lift persons with disabilities into kayaks for wilderness paddles. Accessible cabins offer transfer boards, bars beside the bed, shower benches and plenty of space for transferring within the ensuite bathroom. Those who require a wheelchair or have any other special needs, should contact AdventureSmith Explorations to see if this ship is a good fit.
The Sea Wolf (formerly USS Observer) was originally built in 1941 as a US Navy Harbor minesweeper. She served as protection for San Francisco Bay for years until 1947 when she was decommissioned. In the 1950s she was purchased by the Krieger family and used as the family’s private yacht. Douglas Oil acquired her in the 1960s as part of the purchase of Krieger Oil. She was found tied to a dock in the early 1980s by another Alaskan charter company and beautifully refitted as a charter vessel. She operated for many years and her tours raised awareness that was pivotal in moving forward legislation to protect the Tongass National Forest. In 2003 she was rechristened as the Sea Wolf and began operations in Glacier Bay Alaska. In her lifetime, she has cruised from Alaska to the Galapagos and today is the perfect vessel for exploring the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay wilderness waters.
Sustainability is a major focus for the crew of the Sea Wolf who implement sustainable practices to help protect the vulnerable ecosystems of Alaska. Aboard the M/V Sea Wolf measures have been taken to minimize underwater ambient noise for a low disturbance rate to marine mammals; to implement an annual plastic reduction plan; to meet or exceed EPA standards with black and grey water disposal; to recycle garbage and compost food waste; and to use eco-friendly cleaning supplies. All itineraries abide by the guidelines of the “Marine Mammal Viewing Code of Conduct” as published by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Sea Wolf practices “Leave No Trace” principals.
The ship’s crew supports educational efforts by providing science supplies and an annual vessel expedition for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes; and offering educational opportunities for local students and summer college interns. The Sea Wolf also has philanthropic endeavors, such as hosting an annual giving Christmas program; starting a fund though Craig Hospital foundation to raise money for individual accessible travel; and supporting the Rain Coast Conservation, Nature Conservancy and other NGOs through trips and monetary donations. The Sea Wolf outfit also participates in Citizen Science projects whenever applicable.
Her six intimate cabins all have small but functional, private, accessible baths; upper and lower bunk beds and a small window or porthole.
10 x 14 feet, below deck with 2 standard twins overhead and 1 double, 6’6″ in length
6.5 x 9 feet, main deck port side with 2 twins over/under, 6’6″ in length, wheelchair accessible
6.5 x 9 feet, main deck starboard side with 2 twins over/under, 6’6″ length, wheelchair accessible
6.5 x 7 feet, wheelhouse deck port side with 1 under twin (standard) and 1 over twin 30″/ 6’3″ in length
6.5 x 7 feet, wheelhouse deck port side with 2 twins over/under, 6’6″ length, wheelchair accessible
7 x 7 feet, wheelhouse deck starboard side with 1 under twin (standard) and 1 over twin 30″/ 6’3 in length