Alaska - Tongass Forest, Glaciers & Wildlife
United States Discovery Cruises
Small ship expedition into the Tongass and Glacier Bay National Park
Overview
Taking you into the heart of Tongass backcountry, this cruise is all about active adventure and, of course, wild Alaska! Featuring 16.7 million acres of icy fjords, hidden bays, old-growth rainforests, snow-capped mountains, mega glaciers, and untamed rivers, Tongass is for the wild at heart.
Made up of 19 wilderness areas, including Misty Fjords National Monument, this is the largest national forest in the United States. The five salmon species that roam the waters here support an incredible array of Alaskan wildlife, with the highest concentrations of bald eagles and brown bears in the world.
Named for the Tongass group of Tlingit people that call this pristine wilderness their home, Tongass is rooted in culture and heritage, evident in the totem poles, handicraft, and traditional houses you’ll see.
You’ll be itching to explore by boat, kayak, foot, and paddleboard on one of the many small group guided adventures throughout your cruise. Get front-row seats to Dawes Glacier calving enormous icebergs, granite cliffs shedding lacy waterfalls in Misty Fjords, and smooth waters broken by playful dolphins in Thomas Bay. By journey’s end, we’re sure that a little of wild Alaska will have rubbed off on you!
Highlights
- Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glaciers
- Humpback and orca whales in Frederick Sound
- Yosemite of the North: Misty Fjords National Monument
- Native Tlingit talk and Kiksetti Totem Park visit
- Explore Tongass by kayak, paddleboard, skiff boat, and on foot
- Spectacular wildlife - whales, porpoises, sea lions, otters, wolves, bears, and eagles
- Navigate winding Wrangell Narrows and Behm Canal
- Small boat, small groups, and small footprint
Combine this cruise with our Glacier Bay National Park Adventure for the Ultimate 15-day Alaskan Cruise!
Itinerary
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical, or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. The captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety even with no advance notice.
Day 1: Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation
Day 2: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Day 3: Frederick Sound
Day 4: Thomas Bay / Wrangell Narrows
Day 5: Blashkee Islands
Day 6: Behm Canal
Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 8: Ketchikan, Alaska – DisembarkationDay 1: Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation
Once you check in at the hospitality area, perhaps you will have time to explore a bit of Juneau. Surrounded by the rich, green Tongass National Forest, and located on the beautiful Gastineau Channel, Juneau is an important port and a popular tourist destination. Unique because it is the only state capital in the United States that is inaccessible by road, Juneau sits at sea level below the steep mountains that are home to the Juneau Icefield and the Mendenhall Glacier.After boarding, grab a glass of bubbly, as the ship picks up anchor and sets sail for the Endicott Arm wilderness. (D)
Day 2: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Let us set the stage: fjord cliffs reach skyward, floating ice scatters the surface and deep U-shaped valleys cut the landscape. As you navigate the Tracy Arm Fjord, you cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. During the summer, you can spot eagles, seals, bears, whales, and even mountain goats showing off their fancy footwork. At the end of Endicott, the blue face of Dawes Glacier is stories high. And in classic fjord form, Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy blue twin Sawyer Glaciers at its furthest reaches. Tides permitting, your skiff driver knows the ins and outs and guides you along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, waterfalls, temperamental currents, and the Coastal Mountains. (BLD)Day 3: Frederick Sound
Humpbacks and orcas are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates past Five Fingers Lighthouse, one of Alaska's oldest light stations. Head out on a paddleboarding excursion with your guide team in Port Houghton or Windham Bay. The routes are all picked out. Make your choice and make your move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow spotting sea stars and shorebirds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle to the salt chuck at the back of the inlet. Or, hike into the Tongass. It’s a landscape of hanging waterfalls and shades of green. (BLD)Day 4: Thomas Bay / Wrangell Narrows
Thomas Bay is known for its glaciers and its abundance of wildlife. Moose, bears, and wolves are just a few of the animals you may see while traveling through this bay. Rich with gold, quartz and lore, Baird Glacier drains into the bay. You can kayak and skiff in water almost as clear as glass. The mirror image of the fjord walls plays on the surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. Later, wind into the Wrangell Narrows, nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane". Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. (BLD)Day 5: Blashkee Islands
You will have a full day to explore the remote Blashkee Islands of Wrangell. You can choose your adventure: kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff road, snorkeling, or even hiking. Or for the adventurous a combination of activities, is also a possibility. (BLD)Day 6: Behm Canal
Behm Canal is located in the Alexander Archipelago. Wildlife abounds along this 108-mile-long natural channel such as black bears, mink, and eagles. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike with wide-stretching views. In the water orca, porpoises, seals, and otters are abundant. A guided paddle will explore the small deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal. (BLD)Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
There are still a few places left on the planet that can strike awe. Misty Fjords National Monument is one of them. Carved out by the last great North American glaciation, narrow winding granite walls guide the ship deeper into the wilderness. Nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska is represented here. Seabirds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, and Sitka black-tailed deer, all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. The area's affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved, and it’s an amazing wrap to your week. Your captain joins you tonight for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a “photo journal” by your crew. (BLD)Day 8: Ketchikan, Alaska – Disembarkation
After breakfast, this morning, bid adieu to your new friends before you disembark and transfer to the Ketchikan airport or begin your extended stay in Alaska. (B)Day 1: Ketchikan, Alaska – Embarkation
Day 2: Misty Fjords National Monument
Day 3: Behm Canal
Day 4: Blashkee Islands
Day 5: Wrangell Narrows / Thomas Bay
Day 6: Frederick Sound
Day 7: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Day 8: Juneau – DisembarkationDay 1: Ketchikan, Alaska – Embarkation
Arriving in Ketchikan, you are met with a warm welcome. You may have time to take in a bit of the city once you check in at the hospitality area. But after boarding, grab a glass of bubbly as you push off the dock. Set sail for Misty Fjords National Monument. (D)Day 2: Misty Fjords National Monument
There are still a few places left on the planet that can strike awe. Misty Fjords National Monument is one of them. Carved out by the last great North American glaciation, narrow winding granite walls guide the ship deeper into the wilderness. Nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska is represented here. Seabirds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, and Sitka black-tailed deer, all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. The area's affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved, and it’s an amazing start to your week. (BLD)Day 3: Behm Canal
Behm Canal is located in the Alexander Archipelago. Wildlife abounds along this 108-mile-long natural channel such as black bears, mink, and eagles. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike with wide-stretching views. In the water orca, porpoises, seals, and otters are abundant. A guided paddle will explore the small deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal. (BLD)Day 4: Blashkee Islands
You will have a full day to explore the remote Blashkee Islands of Wrangell. You can choose your adventure: kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff road, snorkeling, or even hiking. Or for the adventurous a combination of activities, is also a possibility. (BLD)Day 5: Wrangell Narrows / Thomas Bay
Wind into the Wrangell Narrows heading toward the fishing town of Petersburg and Thomas Bay. Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. It’s “Christmas Tree Lane,” of course. Thomas Bay is way back backcountry of Alaska's wilderness. When you come this far, you might as well go all in. Glacial landscapes are marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. In this playground, it’s all an option today. Kayak and skiff in water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of the fjord walls plays on the surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier. Or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. (BLD)Day 6: Frederick Sound
On-deck stretches jump-start the day. Humpbacks and orcas are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates past Five Fingers Lighthouse, one of Alaska's oldest light stations. Head out on a paddleboarding excursion with your guide team in Port Houghton or Windham Bay. The routes are all picked out. Make your choice and make your move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow spotting sea stars and shorebirds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle to the salt chuck at the back of the inlet. Or, hike into the Tongass. It’s a landscape of hanging waterfalls and shades of green. (BLD)Day 7: Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm
Let us set the stage: fjord cliffs reach skyward, floating ice scatters the surface and deep U-shaped valleys cut the landscape. As you navigate the Tracy Arm Fjord, you cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. During the summer, you can spot eagles, seals, bears, whales, and even mountain goats showing off their fancy footwork. At the end of Endicott, the blue face of Dawes Glacier is stories high. And in classic fjord form, Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy blue twin Sawyer Glaciers at its furthest reaches. Tides permitting, your skiff driver knows the ins and outs and guides you along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, waterfalls, temperamental currents, and the Coastal Mountains. Tonight, your captain joins you for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a “photo journal” by your crew. (BLD)Day 8: Juneau – Disembarkation
After breakfast, this morning, bid adieu to your new pals before you disembark and transfer to the Juneau airport or begin your extended UnCruise hotel stay or land tour. (B)Looking for something different? Take a look at our other Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises here.
Map
Boats
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in selected cabin
- Onboard meals
- Onboard spirits, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages
- Transfers & baggage handling between airport/vessel
- Entry fees to parks/preserves
- All from-the-vessel activities & equipment
- Expedition/heritage guides & guest experts
- Wellness amenities: hot tub, fitness equipment, & yoga mats
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from the start/finish
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Port taxes/fees
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Juneau to Ketchikan
June 9, June 30, & September 22, 2024Ketchikan to Juneau
April 28, June 16, & July 7, 2024Juneau to Ketchikan
September 7, 2025Ketchikan to Juneau
April 27, 2025Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Sunday departures
Season 1: April 28 & September 22, 2024
Season 2: June 9, June 16, June 30, & July 7, 2024Season 1 Season 2 Navigator cabin $ 5504 £ 2889 $ 5,003 € 3381 Ft 1305060 kr 508205 ₪ 13559 ¥ 574309 Mex$ 60792 NZ$ 6013 NOK 39287 zł 14381 S$ 4948 kr 39215 $ 3,600 $ 8867 £ 4655 $ 8,060 € 5447 Ft 2102597 kr 818774 ₪ 21845 ¥ 925275 Mex$ 97943 NZ$ 9687 NOK 63295 zł 23169 S$ 7971 kr 63179 $ 5,800 Trailblazer cabin $ 6115 £ 3210 $ 5,558 € 3757 Ft 1450067 kr 564672 ₪ 15066 ¥ 638121 Mex$ 67547 NZ$ 6681 NOK 43652 zł 15978 S$ 5498 kr 43572 $ 4,000 $ 9937 £ 5216 $ 9,032 € 6105 Ft 2356358 kr 917592 ₪ 24481 ¥ 1036947 Mex$ 109764 NZ$ 10856 NOK 70934 zł 25965 S$ 8934 kr 70804 $ 6,500 Pathfinder cabin $ 6574 £ 3451 $ 5,975 € 4039 Ft 1558822 kr 607022 ₪ 16195 ¥ 685980 Mex$ 72613 NZ$ 7182 NOK 46926 zł 17177 S$ 5910 kr 46840 $ 4,300 $ 10855 £ 5698 $ 9,866 € 6668 Ft 2573868 kr 1002293 ₪ 26741 ¥ 1132665 Mex$ 119896 NZ$ 11859 NOK 77482 zł 28362 S$ 9758 kr 77340 $ 7,100 Admiral cabin $ 7950 £ 4173 $ 7,226 € 4884 Ft 1885087 kr 734074 ₪ 19585 ¥ 829557 Mex$ 87811 NZ$ 8685 NOK 56748 zł 20772 S$ 7147 kr 56643 $ 5,200 $ 13148 £ 6902 $ 11,951 € 8077 Ft 3117643 kr 1214045 ₪ 32391 ¥ 1371960 Mex$ 145226 NZ$ 14364 NOK 93852 zł 34354 S$ 11820 kr 93680 $ 8,600 Single Navigator cabin $ 8256 £ 4334 $ 7,504 € 5072 Ft 1957590 kr 762307 ₪ 20338 ¥ 861463 Mex$ 91189 NZ$ 9019 NOK 58930 zł 21571 S$ 7422 kr 58822 $ 5,400 $ 13301 £ 6982 $ 12,089 € 8171 Ft 3153895 kr 1228162 ₪ 32767 ¥ 1387913 Mex$ 146915 NZ$ 14531 NOK 94943 zł 34753 S$ 11957 kr 94769 $ 8,700 Charter On request On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 573 £ 301 $ 521 € 352 Ft 135944 kr 52938 ₪ 1412 ¥ 59824 Mex$ 6333 NZ$ 626 NOK 4092 zł 1498 S$ 515 kr 4085 $ 375 $ 573 £ 301 $ 521 € 352 Ft 135944 kr 52938 ₪ 1412 ¥ 59824 Mex$ 6333 NZ$ 626 NOK 4092 zł 1498 S$ 515 kr 4085 $ 375 Sunday departures
Season 1: April 27 & September 7, 2025Season 1 Navigator cabin $ 11007 £ 5778 $ 10,005 € 6762 Ft 2610120 kr 1016410 ₪ 27118 ¥ 1148618 Mex$ 121585 NZ$ 12026 NOK 78573 zł 28761 S$ 9896 kr 78429 $ 7,200 Trailblazer cabin $ 12383 £ 6500 $ 11,256 € 7607 Ft 2936385 kr 1143461 ₪ 30508 ¥ 1292195 Mex$ 136783 NZ$ 13529 NOK 88395 zł 32356 S$ 11133 kr 88233 $ 8,100 Pathfinder cabin $ 13301 £ 6982 $ 12,089 € 8171 Ft 3153895 kr 1228162 ₪ 32767 ¥ 1387913 Mex$ 146915 NZ$ 14531 NOK 94943 zł 34753 S$ 11957 kr 94769 $ 8,700 Admiral cabin $ 16205 £ 8507 $ 14,730 € 9955 Ft 3842677 kr 1496381 ₪ 39924 ¥ 1691020 Mex$ 179000 NZ$ 17704 NOK 115678 zł 42343 S$ 14569 kr 115465 $ 10,600 Single Navigator cabin $ 11007 £ 5778 $ 10,005 € 6762 Ft 2610120 kr 1016410 ₪ 27118 ¥ 1148618 Mex$ 121585 NZ$ 12026 NOK 78573 zł 28761 S$ 9896 kr 78429 $ 7,200 Charter On request Port fees/taxes (add to above price) $ 1147 £ 602 $ 1,042 € 704 Ft 271887 kr 105876 ₪ 2825 ¥ 119648 Mex$ 12665 NZ$ 1253 NOK 8185 zł 2996 S$ 1031 kr 8170 $ 750 Triple rates are available in designated cabins (refer to deck plan). On request.
A USD750 deposit is required at booking.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
The cruise has been designed to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. Whether you are looking to take it easy or are up for a challenge, there is something for everyone. Unless the boat is cruising part of the day, there are active adventure options scheduled most mornings and afternoons. Your onboard guides will advise what activities are on offer daily and work to include everyone. Kayaking excursions take the form of guided paddles that can last 1-4 hours and open paddling at your own pace. Hiking ranges from rigorous treks over rugged terrain for the fit to easy strolls along the beach. Inflatable skiff rides require you to sit back and relax, with little to no effort needed. Paddleboarding and snorkeling (if offered) are at your own pace. Morning yoga classes cater to all levels and relaxing in the hot tub is for well everyone.
Airport Info
Fly in/out of Juneau International Airport (JNU) or Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) depending on your tour direction.
Juneau to Ketchikan
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Juneau should arrive no later than 2:30 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 15) your flight from Ketchikan should leave no earlier than 11:30 amKetchikan to Juneau
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Ketchikan should arrive no later than 2:30 pm.
On disembarkation day (Day 15) your flight from Juneau should leave no earlier than 11:30 am.Local Travel
Transfers to/from Juneau and Ketchikan Airports are included in the tour price.
Climate
Southeast Alaska enjoys a comfortable maritime climate. You can expect mild temperatures in summer, with it getting cooler over the spring or autumn months. Being largely rainforest, be prepared for light mist and rain at any time. From early April into May, Southeast Alaska awakens from a long winter. Bears, baby animals, migrating grey whales and birds, budding forests, snow-covered peaks, gushing waterfalls, and Aurora Borealis sightings can be part of your experience. Plus, it’s crowd-free. Long days of Alaskan summers mean extra playtime. Temperatures are warmer, so there’s better access to higher elevation hikes. And humpbacks are back en masse. Come summer’s end and into early fall, wildlife gets busy - mating, migrating, and feeding up for winter.
Day of Rest
Any day can be a day of rest on board! You can decide how your day plays out.
Recommended
Rubber or hiking boots
The wilderness areas we explore on foot can get pretty muddy, plus most skiff landings are wet landings where there’s no dock at all. Having proper footwear and ankle support is absolutely essential. Both hiking and rubber boots are good, but if you only have space to bring one, we would recommend rubber boots (aka the “Alaska tennis shoe,” also known as Xtratufs, Wellingtons, gumboots). Many of our guests add insoles for support and hike all week in their rubber “mud” boots. For the best fit and availability, bring your own rubber boots, although you may find a very limited supply for shared use on board (but these can’t be guaranteed). Youth-size boots are not available aboard any of our vessels so you need to bring your own children’s boots.
Charters
If you have a large group and would like to charter an entire boat, please contact us for available dates and boats. In addition to the scheduled dates listed (please see pricing), further dates may be available on request. All dates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Itineraries can be customized to suit your individual needs and as safety and operational constraints allow. Please send us your preferred destination, dates, boat, and the number of people (adults and children under 13) in your party, and we will work on providing you with the best available options! The relevant charter terms and conditions will apply.Remarks
A variety of activities are included in this tour.
Hiking:
A range of hikes - of varying difficulty and terrain - are available throughout your tour. Ranging from easy beachcombers to harder mountain scrambles. A good pair of hiking or gumboots are recommended. Hiking poles are available.
Kayaking and paddleboarding:
Our small ships are stocked with paddleboards and tandem sea kayaks. Open paddling is offered but most outings are short guided trips lasting one to four hours. It is a great way to get up close to wildlife and explore the area.
Skiff rides:
These are small boat rides that take you further and faster. Your skiff captains are pros and rides will be full of adventure and exploration. Minimal effort is required. Good gumboots or waterproof hiking boots are recommended for wet landings.
Learning about Alaska Native cultures:
Your itinerary may also offer you the opportunity to delve into Alaska Native cultures. Visit Take, A Tlingit town Kupreanof Island featuring a 132-foot totem pole, or the Kiksetti Totem Park in Wrangell and nearby Chief Shakes Tribal House, carved entirely using traditional Tlingit methods. Presentations by local islanders bring Tlingit culture and history to life.
Polar plunge:
For those a little more daring, take a giant leap off the fantail into the frigid 40-50 degree Fahrenheit Alaskan waters. At those temperatures, you only stay in for a minute before scrambling on deck, wrapping yourself in a warm towel, and heading off to the hot tub.
Northern Lights:
Also called Aurora Borealis, this exquisite natural phenomenon is best seen in April and September. One needs clear skies and just the right conditions to witness nature put on this show. Your crew will gently awaken you in the wee hours when the time is right.Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
For US citizens, documents for travel to/from Alaska are the same for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Alaska within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
For Non-U.S. citizens a passport is required. Please research documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by UnCruise Adventures.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback