Alaska on a boutique ship
Various routes from/to Ketchikan/Sitka/Petersburg
12 days (11 nights) or 10 days (9 nights)
Maximum 12 passengers
Swell
10- or 12-day coastal expedition on the restored tugboat Swell along the coast of Southeast Alaska from/to Sitka/Petersburg/Ketchikan with a maximum of 12 passengers and one overnight stay on land
Aboard the Swell, a boutique expedition ship that is over 100 years old and has been lovingly restored, you’ll cruise through the wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage, where large ships cannot go.
On this coastal expedition aboard a small ship, you will travel through steep-walled fjords in southeastern Alaska to the Sawyer Glacier and Dawes Glacier tidal glaciers, where you will see and hearspectacular calving. Frederick Sound is rightly considered one of the best whale watching spots in the world: be sure to keep an eye out for leaping humpback whales or playful orca calves in this important feeding ground.
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Special highlights on this ship expedition off Alaska include exclusive access to protected areas such as Salmon Creek and Pack Creek, where you can observe brown bears feeding at close range. On board your small ship, you will be close to the untamed landscape throughout the entire journey, away from the routes of large cruise ships, and you can learn more about Alaska's natural and cultural history through lectures and presentations by your fellow natural scientists and guides.
Stephanie Gräf
Owner & Founder
Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.
We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.
Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.
Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:
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.
Attention solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. There are no single cabin surcharges.
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
- Humpback Whales and Orcas in Frederick Sound
- Calving Glaciers: Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers
- Brown Bears at Pack Creek and Salmon Creek
- Frederick Sound, one of the most important feeding grounds for orcas and humpback whales
- Massive calving on the Sawyer Glacier and Dawes Glacier tidal glaciers
- Exclusive access to protected areas such as Salmon Creek and Pack Creek, where you can observe brown bears feeding
- Bathing in natural thermal springs in the middle of the wilderness
- Excellent opportunities to observe wildlife such as seals, sea otters, and seabirds
Your travel region
itinerary
Advance information
Your arrival and departure from/to Sitka/Petersburg/Ketchikan are not included in your tour 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 Sitka, Petersburg, or Ketchikan 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: Different routes & a 10-day travel period
Below we present a sample itinerary for the 12-day trip. Please note the different ports of departure and arrival on the various travel dates. Please also note that the trip from July 9 to 18, 2026, lasts 10 days. We present a sample itinerary for this shorter trip below.
Day 1: Start of the trip in Ketchikan
Today, you will meet your fellow travelers in Ketchikan and take part in a historical city tour, where you will learn more about the region's gold rush history, among other things. In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.
Days 2 to 3: Welcome aboard the Swell & first impressions of the coastal rainforest and bears
After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time to explore the city. You will gain insights into the history and culture of the Tlingit people. Afterwards, you will board the ship.
Shortly afterwards, you will travel through Clarence Strait and visit the remote, self-sufficient community of Meyer's Chuck, where you can experience nature on a walk through the rainforest. Then it's on to South Etolin Wilderness for exploration on water and land. You will discover life in the tidal zones and on small islands and have the opportunity to observe black bears. Afterwards, you will continue your journey north.
Day 4: Through the Wrangell Narrows
Today, you will cruise through the picturesque Wrangell Narrows, where you can observe life in the coastal areas of southeastern Alaska. As you continue from Frederick Sound to Cascade Creek, you will have the opportunity to observe marine mammals. You can also look forward to a hike through the rainforest to a waterfall.
Days 5 to 9: Frederick Sound & Admiralty Island
While traveling through Frederick Sound, be sure to keep an eye out for whales. You will also visit a seal rookery and take walks on small island beaches. You will visit the Five Fingers Lighthouse and hike along the glacier terminal moraine beach, surrounded by wildflowers.
Your route then continues through a spectacular fjord to a tidal glacier with icebergs and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You will have the chance to explore the glacier and icebergs up close. A special highlight is the hike along Salmon Creek at Pack Creek on Admiralty Island with guided brown bear viewing: as guests of the Swell, you will receive exclusive access to this protected area.
Days 10 to 11: Baranof Island
You will drive along the waterfall coast of Baranof Island and visit hot springs and the small community of Baranof.
On land, you can go for walks, watch for whales, and observe brown bears and sea otters.
Day 12: Drive to Sitka
During your final leg of the voyage to Sitka, you will spend the day once again observing wildlife along the coast before disembarking at the port of Sitka.
If you would like to get to know Alaska or neighboring British Columbia even better, please feel free to contact us at any time for information about attractive post-program options. We would be happy to present you with extension options such as train or boat trips or lodge stays!
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.
Itinerary for a 10-day trip from July 9 to 18, 2026
Day 1: Embarkation in St. Petersburg. You’ll cruise through Frederick Sound and, during a walk, learn about life in Alaska and the coastal rainforest ecosystem. Overnight at anchor surrounded by nature at the entrance to the fjord.
Day 2: Cruise through a spectacular fjord to a tidal glacier with icebergs and opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can take a Zodiac or kayak and/or hike to explore the glacier and icebergs in this impressive ice world.
Day 3: Observation of humpback whales in Frederick Sound, visit to Five Fingers Lighthouse and Windfall Harbor. Exploration of an estuary with the opportunity to observe brown bears.
Day 4: Guided brown bear viewing and walk through the rainforest along Salmon Creek at Pack Creek on Admiralty Island. As guests of the Swell, you will receive exclusive access to this area.
Day 5: Observe marine mammals and explore the islands in Frederick Sound. Cruise through spectacular Baranof Inlet and hike to meadows popular with brown bears.
Day 6: Travel to Warm Springs Bay. Walk through the rainforest and moors, visiting the natural hot springs. Continue along the waterfall coast of Baranof Island and through Peril Strait to Kruzof Island.
Day 7: Hike on Kruzof Island through various ecosystems to an impressive beach on the west coast. Then drive along the west coast to observe sea otters and seabirds.
Day 8: Weather permitting: Explore St. Lazaria Island by Zodiac – a spectacular destination with thousands of breeding seabirds and rich tidal life. Views of Mt. Edgecumbe volcano, which reaches down to the sea. Visit more hot springs.
Day 9: Travel to Sitka for disembarkation. Participate in a guided land tour in Sitka. Farewell dinner and overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 10: Explore Sitka and the surrounding area on your own
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
June 26, 2027 – July 7, 2027
from $0 per person
12 days/11 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Ketchikan, Alaska Sitka, Alaska
July 7, 2027 – July 16, 2027
from $0 per person
10 days/9 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Sitka, Alaska Petersburg, Alaska
July 26, 2027 – August 6, 2027
from $0 per person
12 days/11 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Sitka, Alaska Petersburg, Alaska
August 6, 2027 – August 17, 2027
Starting at €13,586 per person
12 days/11 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Petersburg, Alaska Sitka, Alaska
August 17, 2027 – August 28, 2027
Starting at €13,586 per person
12 days/11 nights
Swell (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Sitka, Alaska Ketchikan, Alaska
Selected date
June 26, 2027 – July 7, 2027 (12 days/11 nights)
Swell | Leaping humpback whales & calving glaciers
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
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
July 7, 2027 – July 16, 2027 (10 days/9 nights)
Swell | Leaping humpback whales & calving glaciers
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
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
July 26, 2027 – August 6, 2027 (12 days/11 nights)
Swell | Leaping humpback whales & calving glaciers
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
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 6, 2027 – August 17, 2027 (12 days/11 nights)
Swell | Leaping humpback whales & calving glaciers
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
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 17, 2027 – August 28, 2027 (12 days/11 nights)
Swell | Leaping humpback whales & calving glaciers
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
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 or 8-night cruise aboard the Swell according to the published itinerary
- One night's hotel accommodation in Ketchikan (or one night's lodge accommodation in Sitka on the 10-day trip)
- 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
Alaska Inner Passage Swell Glacier 2 Maple Leaf Adventures
Your expedition ship Swell
Alaska Inner Passage_Humpback Whale_Maple Leaf Adventures
Jumping humpback whale
Alaska Inner Passage Glacier Calves Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
A glacier calves | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage landscape Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
Visually stunning landscape | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage Bears Philip Stone Maple Leaf Adventures
Fighting bears | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage Seal Simon Ager Maple Leaf Adventures
Seal on an ice floe | © Simon Ager
alaska-inner-passage_bald-eagle_simon-ager_maple-leaf-adventures
A bald eagle | © Simon Ager
alaska-inner-passage_bears-on-the-shore_philip-stone_maple-leaf-adventures
Bears searching for food | © Philip Stone
Alaska Inner Passage Zodiac Glacier Kevin J. Smith Maple Leaf Adventures
Zodiac tour to a glacier | © Kevin J. Smith
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: Meeting Locals with Maple Leaf Adventures
Meeting locals
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