Safari Quest

Passages of Discovery from Juneau to Seattle (15 Days)

The Safari Quest represents the ultimate experience in yachting luxury through Alaska. Passengers get to move to within feet of tumbling waterfalls, within yards of curious bears and as close as possible to calving glaciers. With only 22 guests onboard, this yacht offers a sociable and exclusive opportunity to see one of the world’s most magnificent landscapes.

Info

Embark

Embark in Juneau. Transfers between the airport and the ship are included. Please forward flight or hotel details well in advance of the cruise departure date.

Day 1: Juneau, Alaska

You'll be met at the airport and transferred to the Safari Quest where your crew greets you with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Then cruise north toward your serene anchorage this evening.

Day 2: Icy Strait

A great day for exploration, you will spend your time searching the nutrient-rich waters for humpback whales, sea lions, porpoise and other wildlife. Marvel at the scenery as your crew expertly guide you through areas which you won’t find in any guide book. Your Expedition Leader will also prepare you for the coming days in the Glacier Bay National Park.

Days 3 - 4: Glacier Bay National Park

Take two days to explore one of America’s crown-jewel national parks. Weather permitting you will be able to go out on one of the ships inflatables, giving you the opportunity to get up close to icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy the evenings anchored in hidden coves and spend the mornings paddling the kayaks in the quiet wilderness. Whilst here you may get to see puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose and eagles, all the while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Day 5: Baranof Island - Chichagof Island

Uncover the hidden gems and the waterfall coastlines of the Islands of Baranof and Chichagof today. See a refuge and haul-out for a large colony of steller sea lions and watch in awe as these amazing animals vie for space in the islands’ limited outcroppings.

Day 6: Wilderness Exploration

Today you have a choice of activities. You can take the kayaks out, hike, or watch for bears from the skiff.

Day 7: Baird Glacier - Frederick Sound

Take a morning hike to get a closer look at Baird Glacier and explore the bay in the kayaks or skiff. Then, as the ship heads towards Frederick Sound, spend the afternoon cruising through the premier humpback whale feeding grounds in the northern hemisphere.

Day 8: Wrangell Narrows - Petersburg - LeConte Bay

Cross Wrangell Narrows, a passage known as ‘Christmas Tree Lane’, because of its abundant red and green navigational lights. Uncover the Norwegian heritage of Petersburg and enjoy some first-hand experiences of the local culture. Then, navigate through the ice-rich waters of LeConte Bay before reaching tonight’s remote anchorage.

Day 9: Remote Wilderness

The focus of today’s exploration is wildlife and wilderness. Search for porpoise and seals, and the bears that inhabit the shorelines. You may also be lucky enough to spot one of nature’s most spectacular sights, the humpback whale. In the evening you will be able to explore further by skiff or kayak, accompanied by your Expedition Leader.

Day 10: Ketchikan

This morning you will take a tour of a Saxman Totem Village with a local village elder and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s Tlingit Indians. Spend some time browsing the shops of Ketchikan and take a walk along Creek Street where you can find a good dose of local colour.

Day 11: Misty Fjords National Monument

Today you will visit one of Alaska’s greatest natural and cultural treasures which is home to almost every ecosystem in Southeast Alaska. See glacial valleys full of sea water and the 3000ft sheer walls of granite that are a haven for wildlife. Tonight the Captain will drop anchor inside the dramatic fjords and you can dine accompanied by the echoes of waterfalls.

Days 12 - 13: Exploring the Canadian Inside Passage

Keep your eyes peeled for orca whales, sea lions, seals and bears as you spend the next two days exploring the Canadian Inside Passage. Your Naturalist Guide will teach you about the local wildlife and fisheries, and will share little-known details on rainforest wolves and the mysterious spirit bear. Hear lively stories about once vibrant towns as you sail past long-abandoned ‘boom town’ communities.

Day 14: The San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor

This morning you will arrive at the misty San Juan Islands to see beautiful forested and untouched islands. Arrive in Friday Harbor where you have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the town and browse the boutiques. Why not also visit the Whale Museum whilst here? Tonight you are invited to the Captain's Farewell Dinner where you will see a special slideshow presented by the Expedition Leaders.

Day 15: Seattle, Washington

During breakfast you'll pass through the Hiram-Chittenden Locks and dock at Seattle's Historic Fishermen's Terminal for disembarkation. A transfer to the Seattle airport is included.

Disembark

Disembark in Seattle. At the end of the cruise, you will be transferred to the airport or to your hotel. Please forward flight and hotel details in advance of the cruise departure.