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north america: alaska

Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise

Ice, alpine-to-sea creeks, and rainforests highlight this Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise from Juneau to Ketchikan. Stand atop a glacier or kayak through the narrows where the salmon run. Hike trails into wildlife-rich forest and ride a skiff along a dramatic fjord. Spend 8 days learning Tlingit culture, whale watching, and visit two incredible wilderness areas.

With the use of an Un-Cruise Adventures concept, the Eastern 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!

Relax in the sauna or hot tub, or enjoy massage services and complimentary yoga classes on deck. They all 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 famed Southeast.

Five boats make this Eastern 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 Juneau, Alaska

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of Mount Juneau and its surrounding glaciers. Leaving the harbor, watch for the eagles that abound year-round, and a variety of birds, seals, hardy sea lions, porpoise. After meeting your crew and getting acquainted with your ship’s features, finish the evening with a delicious meal while keeping an eye out for wildlife as you set sail for the Tracy Arm Wilderness.

Accommodations: ship of choice
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Tracy Arm Wilderness & Frederick Sound

At the end of Tracy Arm, a winding fjord with sheer granite walls, hundreds of cascading waterfalls, and some of the largest floating icebergs in all of Alaska, sits the twin Sawyer Glaciers: North Sawyer and South Sawyer. The fjord is home to brown and black bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, birds such as arctic terns and pigeon guillemots, and mountain goats, usually spotted high on the cliffs. Later today, move into Frederick Sound — summer feeding ground for the northern hemisphere’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Keep watch for humpbacks, orca, and Steller sea lions.

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

Day 3 - Thomas Bay & Cascade Creek

Choose kayaking and a lush forest trek on a scenic Cascade Creek trail. Or go big on the 5-mile hike to the glacially fed and rarely visited Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking. Discover the origin of its “Devil’s Country” nickname during a reading from “The Strangest Story Ever Told,” about the area’s mythical shape-shifting creatures called Kushtaka.

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

Day 4 - Thomas Bay, Baird Glacier & Wrangell Narrows

In an area known for glaciers and rich in gold and quartz, take on the otherworldly boot-sucking Baird Glacier until you stand atop the mile-wide glacier. Adventure and natural beauty are sure to please whether you choose kayaking, paddleboarding, skiff riding, or hiking today. An abundance of bright red and green navigation lights guide you along “Christmas Tree Lane” as you cruise the winding Wrangell Narrows this evening.

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

Day 5 - Wrangell, Alaska

Home to native culture, wildlife, and wonder, Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. Before venturing into town, local islanders join you on board for an in-depth presentation on Tlingit and Haida cultures. Then view recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park.

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

Day 6 - Yes Bay

Wildlife abounds in Yes Bay and the surrounding Tongass National Forest — humpback whales, orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Say yes to a kayak paddle up the bay or venture out on a wildlife-seeking hike along one of the area’s scenic trails.

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

Day 7 - Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

Affectionately called “The Yosemite of the North”, Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water and steep, sometimes sheer, walls are a haven for ducks, brown and black bear, mountain goats, Sitka deer, mink, moose, river otters, and other wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove by kayak or explore by skiff soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world. This evening join the Captain in a farewell toast and reminisce about your Alaskan journey over a sumptuous dinner.

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

Day 8 - Disembark Ketchikan, Alaska

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is located on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy a farewell breakfast before disembarking the ship and transferring directly to the Ketchikan airport or beginning your extended stay.

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 11 - May 18, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
May 18 - May 25, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
May 25 - Jun 01, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jun 01 - Jun 08, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jun 08 - Jun 15, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jun 15 - Jun 22, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jun 22 - Jun 29, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jun 29 - Jul 06, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jul 06 - Jul 13, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jul 13 - Jul 20, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Jul 20 - Jul 27, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Jul 27 - Aug 03, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Aug 03 - Aug 10, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Aug 10 - Aug 17, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Aug 24 - Aug 31, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Aug 31 - Sep 07, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Sep 06 - Sep 13, 2013 - Safari Explorer
Sep 07 - Sep 14, 2013 - Wilderness Discoverer
Sep 08 - Sep 15, 2013 - Wilderness Explorer
Sep 14 - Sep 21, 2013 - Wilderness Adventurer
Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2013 - Safari Endeavour

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

Day 1 - Ketchikan, embark
Day 2 - Tongass National Forest / El Capitan Passage
Day 3 - Klawock Native Village
Day 4 - Chatham Strait
Day 5 - Frederick Sound
Day 6 - The Brothers Islands / Stephen's Passage
Day 7 - Endicott Arm / Ford’s Terror
Day 8 - Juneau, disembark

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 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; 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: Children over 12 years of age appreciate small ship cruising and are welcome on all departures. Families with children under the age of 12 should consider the designated "Kids in Nature" cruises, marked Family Trip at left, which are geared toward entertaining and educating kids from various age groups. In a rare introduction to wilderness lifestyles, kids and the entire family meet and interact with local families such as oyster farmers or commercial fishermen who live a remote, isolated lifestyle. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on these designated Kids in Nature departures.

Arrival & Departure: Your Southeast Alaska Eastern Coves cruise begins in Juneau and ends in Ketchikan. 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: The Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise 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.

Eastern Coves Adventure Cruise Video:

Photo Expeditions: The June 8, 2013 is a designated photo expedition, featuring award-winning nature photographer and writer Amy Gulick, a founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Her images and stories have been featured in Outdoor Photographer, Audubon, National Wildlife, Nature’s Best Photography, and other publications. Her book, Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska’s Tongass Rain Forest, is the winner of two Nautilus Book Awards and an Independent Publisher Book Award. Her work in Alaska has received numerous honors. Growing up in Illinois, Gulick spent much of her childhood chasing after frogs and fireflies. Nature photography and writing allow her to continue her pursuits of all things wild. She lives with her husband, Chris, in the foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, sharing their home with bears, bats and tree frogs.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com