Antarctica Pictures | Antarctica Cruise | Facts | History | Ugg Sale | Store | Clothes | Whales | Book, DVD etc. | Schools | Boots | Forum | Site Map | FIDS

Trip Details

Wilderness Inside Passage - Glacier Bay National Park, Elfin Cove and Sitka, Arm and Tracy Arm, Guaranteed Whale Watching, Spectacular Scenery
9 days | Departures: 5/14/07, 5/21/07, 5/28/07, 6/4/07, 7/9/07, 7/16/07, 7/23/07, 7/30/07, 8/6/07, 8/13/07, 8/20/07, 8/27/07, 9/3/07 From $4,249

Whaling pictures | Whales | Species | Whaling Antarctica 1 2 | Whales & food webs | Whale pictures to buy | Whaling cards

Tell me more about Whale Watching Trips!

Trip Highlights: Glacier Bay National Park, Elfin Cove and Sitka, Arm and Tracy Arm, Guaranteed Whale Watching, Spectacular Scenery

Rates: $4,249 - $5,899
Single and triple rates on request
Fuel surcharge may apply.

Receive a free video chronicle of your trip from ExpeditionTrips.com!

Ship Name:  Spirit of Endeavour - Small Ship
Passengers: 102

Introduction

This voyage is designed to take you far from the mainstream within the hidden reaches of Alaska's magnificent Inside Passage. You will explore spectacular fjords inhabited only by mountain goats, seals, and black bears. You may board a launch to motor among icebergs in Tracy Arm Fjord, or drop anchor in a cliff-walled fjord, with waterfalls burbling down the rocks. As time and tide permit, you will also go "gunkholing" -- a delightful form of exploration by ship that lets curiosity be the guide. Whale watching is guaranteed along the way, as you explore sheer cliffs, snowcapped peaks and beautiful, secluded coves of pristine Alaska.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Juneau
Transfer to the Goldbelt Hotel. The hotel's waterfront locale is perfect for exploring Alaska's beautiful capital city - and a gret step-off for exciting optional excursions during your time here.

Day 2: Sail from Juneau
Your small ship sails in late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore Juneau. Once onboard, step out on deck to watch the shores of Gastineau Channel glide by as you enter Alaska's true wilderness.

Day 3: Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm
Words can't prepare you for the splendour of these narrow fjords. Many travellers consider them the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet from waterline to snow-capped peaks, their sides studded with stunning waterfalls. Conditions permitting, the crew will welcome you into inflatable excursion craft where you'll explore the waters and shorelines among bouncing bergy bits calved from ancient glaciers.

Day 4: Frederick Sound and Wilderness Exploration
The waters of Frederick Sound teem with the humpback whale's favorite food - and the whales take full advantage, feeding in the rich waters as they prepare for their long migration south. This afternoon, you'll discover the joys of "gunkholing," a nautical term that means, among other things, "exploring at leisure." Your Captain and Exploration Leader know these waters intimately and each voyage is likely to be different, depending on what magic they find to share with you at the moment.

Day 5: Sitka
This beautiful little city is thought by many to be the "jewel of the Inside Passage." Its setting alone is breathtaking. But, for you, getting there is half the fun. While big ships must plough through miles of open ocean and moor far from the tiny docks, your small ship will come to Sitka "through the back door," threading through beautiful Peril Strait and navigating the delicate passage through Sergius Narrows where tides challenge all but the most expert mariner's skill. In town, take in the historic beauty of St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church. Come face to face with majestic birds of prey at the fascinating Sitka Raptor Rehabilitation Center.

Day 6: Icy Strait
Watch for the gentle humpbacks as they feast on tiny krill churned by waters from the Pacific Ocean. Today, try to count, not only the whales, but the different behaviours you'll see them exhibit. Spouting. Sounding. Breaching. Tail Slapping. And more! The tiny Inian Islands stand between you and the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, with enticing opportunities to get out there and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep an eye out for Stellar sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise.

Day 7: Elfin Cove
Tucked on the north shore of Chichagof Island, Elfin Cove gives you a rare look at what it means to live "off the grid." No vehicles are used here because there are no roads. Wooden boardwalks connect the few structures. You'll have time to hike, explore, and maybe even share a friendly chat with the locals while you're here.

Day 8: Glacier Bay National Park
Declared by many to be the most extraordinary place in the world, Glacier Bay National Park shows you the earth in transition. In a timeline unmatched anywhere on the planet, the glaciers here are receding rapidly, leaving in their wake scoured cliffs and deep fjords. You'll witness firsthand as nature moves in to reclaim newly revealed territory.

Day 9: Arrive in Juneau
You'll say goodbye with regret as you disembark in Juneau this morning. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may have time to explore this charming city a bit more. When you're ready to leave, we'll escort you to the airport and send you home with a lifetime of unforgettable memories.


Notes: Photography Tour: 5/14/2007
Expert nature and wildlife photographer, Mark Kelly, will be onboard the vessel. With his work widely published, his book Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska features stunning photos capturing beauty and place in an exceptional way. Learn from an expert as Mark presents seminars, answers questions, and guides you in your own photography.

Included:
Port charges/taxes/fees and onboard services ($380); at least one shore excursion in each port of call; meals as noted in the brochure; accommodations and transportation as noted; the services of the staff both on board and ashore.

Not Included:
Airfare from your home city; alcoholic drinks; optional excursions; gift shop purchases and shopping in towns are not included in the cruise/tour price; travel insurance; visa and passport fees; Fuel surcharge may apply.