Man stands atop a paddleboard in turquoise water in front of tall waterfalls cascading over a large rock cliff wall in Alaska.

Man in blue raft boat paddles in calm water while Alaska travelers take in the green forest sights under a partly sunny sky.

Zodiac up close to massive glaciers in Alaska

Group of small ship cruise passengers hiking Cascade Creek Trail, Thomas Bay in the Tongass National Forest of Alaska

Curious northern stellar sea lion colony get up close to a group of people on an inflatable skiff in Alaska

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Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau

Photo by: Mike Greenfelder

Photo by: Sven-Olof Lindblad

Photo by: David Vargas

Photo by: Michael S Nolan

Photo by: Sven-Olof Lindblad

Photo by: Michael S Nolan

Photo by: Stewart Cohen

$4660^USD

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North America Alaska Cruise

Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau

Explore Alaska on an active, exciting expedition to see the region’s iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact timeframe of one work week. Take long hikes on world-class trails through forests of towering trees, and kayak and paddleboard long routes deep into glacially carved fjords and raft to an ancient Alaska native village—all with the nimble 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird expedition ship as your moving basecamp.

Highlights include paddling on long, naturalist-guided kayaking journeys into Alaska’s dramatic bays, rafting the Chilkat River with local guides and calling at the ancient Chilkat Tlingit village of Klukwan, flightseeing Glacier Bay National Park and zipping around incredible icebergs and glaciers at Tracy and Endicott Arm. Haines, known as the adventure capital of Alaska, delivers big with options to bike around a glacial fjord, take a world-class hike and more.

With all the action, there’s still time for simple, serene moments with Alaska’s iconic wildlife. Keep eyes open for humpback whales, brown bears and bald eagles. Search for orca in the wildlife-rich channels between islands and sure-footed mountain goats in steep fjords. This action-packed recipe for adventure within a shorter itinerary makes this trip a prime selection for our Alaska family cruises.

The main 6-day Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau cruise operates northbound, beginning in Sitka and ending in Juneau. There is also a southbound reverse itinerary that begins in Juneau and ends in Sitka, as well as special themed departures. Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird, guests are in the most excellent company. Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader and five veteran naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor, plus a wellness specialist. The expedition staff’s knowledge and passion for Alaska is the key to this once-in-a-lifetime, active cruise experience.

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

Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau Itinerary

The 6-day Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau Cruise begins in Sitka, travels north to Haines with a possible flightseeing excursion over Glacier Bay National Park, then travels south to end in Juneau.

Route map of Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau small ship cruise, with visits to Haines, Tracy Arm, Glacier Bay National Park & more.

Day 1

Embark Sitka, Alaska

Arrive in Sitka, Southeast Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Stretch the legs by walking the Totem Trail in Sitka National Historic Park or other local nature trails before stopping in at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. Embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

Explore Baranof or Chichagof Island

Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof Islands, both part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof Island harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines, and in the afternoon, go hiking through the temperate rain forest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Icy Strait & Inian Islands

Spend today searching for wildlife in these rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include an expedition landing craft cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of steller sea lions reside, quiet kayaking in the outer waters of Glacier Bay or hikes in lush, temperate rainforest.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Haines

Known as the adventure capital of Alaska, Haines is situated on a scenic peninsula between the Chilkoot and Chilkat Rivers. Hike one of the many world-class trails in the area, enjoy an optional flight-seeing tour over Glacier Bay National Park, or cycle along the edge of a glacial lake. Or visit the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan and enjoy a traditional dance and cultural performance before setting off on a rafting excursion, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, bears, and moose as we float through the spectacular Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Tracy or Endicott Arm—Fords Terror Wilderness

Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Cruise through this glacially carved fjord, then set out to explore by expedition landing craft. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate the voyage with a farewell dinner on board.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Disembark in downtown Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home, or to an optional land extension.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard ship; all meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; park and entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; flightseeing.

Exclusions

Air transportation; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips to naturalist staff and crew.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 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:
120 or more days – $350 in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 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.

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 Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau Cruise begins in Sitka, Alaska (SIT) and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Embarkation time on day 1 may vary based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 6 of the outlined itinerary; departure times may vary depending on group flights. In general, plan to arrive into Sitka in the early afternoon of day 1 at the latest and depart Juneau on the final day of the cruise no earlier than 2:00pm.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, whale watching, wildlife observation and included flightseeing.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Travelers under the age of 18 at time of travel save $500, at double occupancy. Skilled staff members are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

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 Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Sitka Itinerary

The 6-day Reverse Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Sitka Cruise begins in Juneau, travels north to Haines with a possible flightseeing excursion over Glacier Bay National Park, then travels south to end in Sitka.

Day 1

Embark Juneau, Alaska

Arrive in downtown Juneau and take in the incredible view of the Gastineau Channel from the top of Mt. Roberts. Embark the ship in the early evening.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

dinner

Day 2

Tracy or Endicott Arm—Fords Terror Wilderness

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Haines

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Icy Strait & the Inian Islands

Spend today searching for wildlife in rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include an expedition landing craft cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside; kayaking in the calm outer waters of Glacier Bay; or hiking in lush temperate rainforest.

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Island

Accommodations

National Geographic Sea Bird

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Disembark Sitka, Alaska

Disembark in Sitka, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Take a walk in Sitka National Historical Park, where Tlingit and Haida totem poles tower over coastal trails. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Exclusions

Air transportation; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips to naturalist staff and crew.

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

The Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Sitka cruise begins in Juneau, Alaska (JNU), and ends in Sitka, Alaska (SIT). Embarkation time on day 1 may vary based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 6 of the outlined itinerary; departure times may vary depending on group flights. In general, plan to arrive to Juneau in the early afternoon of day 1 at the latest and depart on the final day of the cruise no earlier than 2:00pm.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, inflatable skiff excursions, photography, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, whale watching, wildlife observation and included flightseeing.

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

Itinerary Notes

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

2023 departures available. Contact us for rates and to book your space.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

May 19 - May 24, 2022