ALASKA'S WILDERNESS UP CLOSE
from Ketchikan to Petersburg
from St. Petersburg to Ketchikan
11 days (10 nights)
Maximum 8 passengers
SV Maple Leaf
11-day sailing trip from Ketchikan to Petersburg along the southeast coast of Alaska aboard the schooner Maple Leaf with a maximum of 8 passengers.
On this sailing expedition through the Inside Passage off the coast of Southeast Alaska, you will sail away from the routes of large cruise ships through unspoiled nature full of spectacular landscapes, Arctic wildlife, and quiet fjords. Starting in Ketchikan, your journey takes you through the narrow passages of Wrangell Narrows, past the wild coasts of Tongass National Forest to the remote fjords of South Etolin Wilderness.
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On the small sailing ship Maple Leaf, with a maximum of 8 passengers on board, you are right in the middle of Alaska's triad of wilderness, water, and ice, and you get particularly close to the wildlife. When humpback whales leap powerfully out of the water next to your ship or brown bears feed intently just a few meters away, these are unforgettable impressions you would never have expected. Equally overwhelming can be the feeling of spending the night in complete isolation, anchored in quiet bays. What a privilege!
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
Solo travelers take note: Solo travelers share one of the semi-private sleeping areas with a person of the same gender or are assigned a berth in the comfortable accommodations in the wheelhouse.
Entry requirements: Current information from the State Department regarding entry into the USA can be found here.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Frederick Sound, one of the most important feeding grounds for orcas and humpback whales
- Massive calving on tidal glaciers
- Glass Peninsula, where, with a little luck, you can observe brown bears feeding during a shore excursion
- Bathing in natural thermal springs in the middle of the wilderness
- Waterfall coast of Baranof Island, where spectacular cascades pour directly into the sea
- Excellent opportunities to observe wildlife such as seals, sea otters, and bald eagles
Your travel region
itinerary
Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Ketchikan/Petersburg are not included in your travel price.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. Depending on your port of departure, we recommend an overnight stay in Ketchikan or Petersburg to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Please note: Reverse route for the trip from August 19 to 29, 2026.
Below is the planned itinerary for the trip from Ketchikan to Petersburg from August 8 to 18, 2026. The route from August 19 to 29, 2026 is the same, only in the opposite direction.
Day 1: Welcome aboard!
You begin your journey in Ketchikan and sail to an anchorage surrounded by untouched wilderness. Shortly after docking, you will have the opportunity to observe wildlife and go ashore. You will receive initial information about the ecosystem of the eastern Pacific Ocean and the western coastal rainforest.
Day 2: Whales & life in the intertidal zone
On the second day, you will continue your journey under sail and motor. You will keep an eye out for wildlife along the coast, as well as seabirds and whales, which are often found in this region. You will then take a trip in Zodiacs to explore the tidal zones and experience the unspoiled coastal landscape up close. The day ends at a quiet anchorage in the wilderness, where you can enjoy the silence of nature.
Day 3: South Etolin Wilderness
On the third day, you will explore the South Etolin Wilderness both from the ship and on land. You will have the opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat and discover the rich life in the tidal zone. During the exploration, you will visit remote islands, bays, and river mouths that are rarely visited by humans. In the evening, you will go on a kayak tour, where you will experience the impressive landscape from a new perspective.
Day 4: Wrangell Narrows
On the fourth day, you set sail and head towards Wrangell. On your way, you pass the impressive Wrangell Narrows, a narrow and scenically very attractive passage with numerous curves and beacons. During the trip, you enjoy the tranquility of the sea and the beauty of the surrounding islands.
Day 5: Coastal rainforest, icebergs, and beach
Today, you will hike through coastal rainforest, discovering the region's unique flora and fauna. Afterwards, you will devote yourself to observing whales and sea lions, which are frequently encountered in these waters. Later, you will anchor at the entrance to a fjord and enjoy the view of majestic icebergs. In the afternoon or evening, there will be time to relax on the beach and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.
Day 6: Alaska's ice worlds
The sixth day takes you through a spectacular fjord to a tidal glacier, a truly breathtaking world of ice and water. Along the way, you can admire icebergs in a variety of shapes and observe the numerous wild animals that live in this region. You will have the opportunity to get closer to the glacier by Zodiac or kayak , or take a walk to explore the fascinating landscape up close. This day will show you one of Alaska's most impressive ice worlds.
Day 7: Glass Peninsula on Admiralty Island
Today, you will explore the waters around the Glass Peninsula on Admiralty Island, known for its unspoiled nature and large brown bear population. As you cruise along the coast, you will experience the impressive landscape of this wilderness island. During a shore excursion in the estuary , you will have the opportunity to observe brown bears in their natural habitat.
Day 8: Warm Springs Bay
On the eighth day, your journey takes you to Warm Springs Bay, where you will visit a small picturesque coastal village. Here you will take a walk through the rainforest and along boggy paths, followed by the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs. Later in the day, you will drive along the so-called Waterfall Coast of Baranof Island, where numerous waterfalls cascade spectacularly into the sea.
Day 9: Chatham Strait & Frederick Sound
Today, you will cross two sea areas famous for their large humpback whale populations: Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound. With a little luck, you may see these mighty creatures feeding or breaching. The day ends at a quiet anchorage in the wilderness, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 10: Tongass National Forest
Today, you will sail through Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to observe numerous seabirds in their natural habitat. The combination of dense forests, rugged coastlines, and rich wildlife makes this part of your journey a particularly impressive experience.
Day 11: Arrival in St. Petersburg
On the last day of your expedition, you will reach St. Petersburg, where your journey ends after disembarkation. Here you will say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travelers—with many unforgettable impressions of Alaska's wild beauty.
Not ready to head home yet? We would be happy to suggest extension programs in Alaska or neighboring British Columbia!
PLEASE NOTE: The daily programs described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary may vary due to local weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and organizational requirements. The expedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
August 8, 2026 – August 18, 2026
ab 8.932 € p.P.
11 days/10 nights
SV Maple Leaf (Maximum occupancy: 8)
Ketchikan, Alaska . Petersburg, Alaska
August 19, 2026 – August 29, 2026
ab 8.932 € p.P.
11 days/10 nights
SV Maple Leaf (Maximum occupancy: 8)
St. Petersburg, Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska
Selected date
August 8, 2026 – August 18, 2026 (11 days/10 nights)
SV Maple Leaf | Sailing into the realm of whales and bears
main cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
August 19, 2026 – August 29, 2026 (11 days/10 nights)
SV Maple Leaf | Sailing into the realm of whales and bears
main cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- 10-night cruise aboard the Maple Leaf according to the published itinerary
- All meals and snacks throughout the trip on board the ship
- Selected wines for dinner and a limited selection of craft beers
- Support from an experienced naturalist and professional crew
- shore excursions
- Rental equipment on board such as rubber boots, kayaks, and fishing gear
Not included in the price:
- Flights, whether scheduled or charter flights
- Passport and visa fees
- Arrival and departure taxes
- private transfer
- Luggage, cancellation, and personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for service personnel on board and guides (guidelines available on request)
- Fishing licenses
Important:
- Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
- Onboard currency: CAD or US dollars, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Medical care: Provision of emergency systems, first aid and rescue equipment, and various communication options
Your ship during the voyage
maple-leaf_ship-1_maple-leaf-adventures
Your expedition sailing ship SV Maple Leaf
Alaska Inner Passage landscape Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
Visually stunning landscape | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage Glacier Calves Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
A glacier calves | © Philip Stone
alaska-inner-passage_mother-bear-with-cub_maple-leaf-adventures
Mother bear with cub
Alaska Inner Passage Sea Otter Simon Ager Maple Leaf Adventures
Sea otter | © Simon Ager
Alaska Inner Passage Seal Simon Ager Maple Leaf Adventures
Seal on an ice floe | © Simon Ager
alaska-inner-passage_bears-1_philip-stone_maple-leaf-adventures
Two bears on the shore | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage Glacier Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
Immense glacier | © Philip Stone
alaska-inner-passage_landscape-1_philip-stone_maple-leaf-adventures
Untouched scenery | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage Zodiac Glacier Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
Through drift ice in a zodiac | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage_Bath in the Sea_Maple Leaf Adventures
Cool swim off the coast of Alaska
alaska-inner-passage_culinary_maple-leaf-adventures
Cuisine on board
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