Alaska: Destination Summary

Alaska: From towering glaciers to snow-capped mountain ranges, Alaska's breathtaking scenery surrounds you as you cruise through the pristine waters of Glacier Bay and the famed Inside Passage. We have selected an exciting soft adventure option on a small overnight cruise ship, the Wilderness Explorer (34 passengers) offering passengers an in-depth experience with an organization holding the official concession in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Included in this program is a stay at the Glacier Bay Lodge, the only overnight accommodation in the park.

Adventure: It is unlikely that any other small ship cruise can show you Alaska's Glacier Bay and Inside Passage as we can on this special itinerary. This special Alaska cruise and wilderness itinerary features up-close glacier cruising, wilderness tours, whale watching and birding.

This Safaribrokers.com active adventure cruise features sea kayaking and shore hikes.

Wildlife: The variety and abundance of wildlife found in Alaska's Inside Passage is astonishing.

It's near Point Adolphus in Icy Strait where a large watchable concentration of Humpback Whales occurs.

There are hundreds of species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. Alaska wildlife includes all manner of mammals, great and small, from humpbacks and orca whales, sea lions, sea otters and seals to brown bears (grizzlies), black bears and mountain goats.

Native Art: The stories and legends of Alaska's first people, the Tlingit, are depicted through their beautiful carvings and art.

The operator of the Safaribrokers.com Alaska program is a Native-owned cruise line providing special insight into Alaska's fascinating culture.

Juneau:
Alaska's historic capital city, Juneau is nestled dramatically beneath scenic mountains rising from Gastineau Channel. The Historic District features colorful falls-front buildings with great shipping. Local features include Mendenhall Glacier and the Mount Roberts Tramway, an exciting ride up 2,000 feet to an observation complex.

MOUNT ROBERTS TRAMWAY: Experience the panorama of Juneau and the Inside Passage from 1,800 feet above the city. The mountain station houses a theater, restaurant, bar, gift shops, impressive displays of artwork and Native artists at work. One of Juneau's most popular attractions, a tram ride provides stunning photo opportunities and scenic hiking trails. Tickets include viewing of the award-winning Tlingit film "Seeing Daylight." Tram cars depart approximately every 10 minutes. Daily, May 11 - Sept 23; $23.00
TRACY ARM FJORD GLACIER CRUISE: Journey aboard the MV Keet catamaran to Tracy Arm Fjord, one of the most dramatic sites in the world. This narrow fjord twists and turns for over 30 miles, culminating in a spectacular view of the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Watch for seals, bald eagles and many other animals that call this area home. Learn about Tlingit Native culture, the natural history of the fjord, and wildlife from our onboard naturalist. Enjoy a hot lunch, included during your journey. This vessel has comfortable inside seating with wraparound windows for unobstructed views, and spacious viewing on the open upper deck. Daily, May 11 - Sept 13; $125.00
MENDENHALL GLACIER RIVER RAFTING: Adventure on an exciting ride down the Mendenhall River, which flows from Mendenhall Glacier. A sense of adventure and film for your camera are all that you'll need. Join the adventure and paddle along with your guide, or sit back and let us do the work as you take in the scenery. Daily, May 11 - Sept 23; $89.00
CHANNEL ISLANDS SEA KAYAKING: Sea kayak along the awe-inspiring Inside Passage. Look for bald eagles, sea birds, seals and whales. Experts guides share the intriguing legends and remarkable landscapes of this spectacular region. Learn about Native culture, wildlife, natural history and Alaska's lush coastal ecology. Daily, May 11 - Sept 23; $95.00
GOLDBELT HOTEL JUNEAU: Juneau's finest hotel offers full- service accommodations, including complimentary airport transportation. Facing the waterfront in downtown, the hotel is close to most major attractions. On display is museum-quality traditional Alaska Native artwork. Chinook's Restaurant and Lounge offers an unparalleled menu with unique selections. Price varies per number of nights. $98 per person.
GLACIER BAY FERRY: The best way to get you and your gear from Juneau to Gustavus and Glacier Bay Lodge. Our ferry is a fast catamaran with heated, comfortable, spacious cabins and outdoor viewing decks. Departs from downtown Juneau. Daily May 23 - Sept 1; One Way $69.00, Roundtrip $138.00
WHALE WATCHING CRUISE FROM GLACIER BAY LODGE: Explore one of Alaska’s richest marine wildlife habitats. Observe humpback whales, bald eagles, stellar sea lions, seals, sea otters, orca whales and many species of birds. Our onboard naturalist shares insight on these wild animals and their unique environment. Our catamaran features spacious decks, wraparound windows for unobstructed viewing and open decks. A snack lunch is included. Daily departures from Gustavus, May 23 - Sept 1; $79.00

Ketchikan:
Alaska's First City, Ketchikan is a picturesque waterfront city surrounded by lush forest, unspoiled islands, lakes and fjords, and the nearby colorful totems of Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. A salmon spawning stream flows through town past historic "Creek Street" which was once Ketchikan's red-light district- now museums, galleries and shops. The Totem Heritage Center is an exceptional showcase of native totems and culture.

MISTY FJORDS CRUISE: Experience the grandeur of Misty Fjords National Monument by both sea and air. During your short, scenic float plane ride you can truly appreciate the magnitude of this 2.2 million acre national treasure. You will be awed by cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and waterfalls cascading into the placid waters. View New Eddystone Rock, a volcanic plug, rising 237 feet from the waters of Behm Canal. Keep watch for seals and bald eagles, as well as numerous sea birds. Your guide provides a professional narration of the wildlife, plants and geology of the area as your vessel returns to Ketchikan. Note: The order of the tour may change. Guests may fly into Misty Fjords and cruise out, or cruise in and fly out. Provided: Complimentary continental breakfast or light lunch and beverages.
KETCHIKAN HISTORICAL WATERFRONT CRUISE: Cruise Ketchikan's active and historic waterfront. Get an up-close view of the area as your guide describes exploits, deeds and misdeeds

Denali National Park:
Interior Alaska is home to Denali National Park, a 6-million acre expanse of raw wilderness. Dominating the Park is North America's tallest peak, Mount Mckinley, soaring to 20,320 feet at its summit. Wildlife in the area include moose, grizzlies, Dall Sheep, wolves, caribou, golden eagles and ptarmigan.