When we first dreamed of exploring Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands, we knew this voyage would be special. Our inaugural Aleutian Islands Adventure, from Kodiak to Dutch Harbor, exceeded even our greatest expectations, delivering intimate encounters with wildlife, stunning vistas, and unforgettable moments every single day.
Day 1: Embarkation and a Majestic Send-Off Our journey began in style at the Hilton, with seamless hospitality and embarkation. Guests boarded excitedly and were immediately welcomed by a majestic bald eagle perched at the harbor's edge—a perfect omen for our adventure ahead.
Day 2: Glacial Wonders in Aialik and Holgate Morning brought breathtaking views of Aialik Glacier, enjoyed over steaming cups of coffee on deck. We explored Holgate Glacier by kayak and skiff, marveling at calving ice and pristine wilderness. The afternoon rewarded us further with sightings of orcas, humpbacks, puffins, and even a black bear along the coastline.
Day 3: Wild Winds and Wildlife in Kodiak Kodiak greeted us with wild winds but didn’t dampen spirits. Guests paddled bravely along coastal stretches, spotting puffins and eagles, while afternoon hikes and tide pooling unveiled fascinating local wildlife, including a curious Kodiak fox.
Day 4: Bear Encounters at Kukak and Geographic Harbor At Kukak Bay, excitement surged as we encountered four magnificent Katmai brown bears. Geographic Harbor provided another thrilling bear sighting just as the day drew to a cozy close, cocktails in hand—a classic UnCruise moment.
Day 5: Adventures in Wide Bay Wide Bay’s calm morning revealed 11 bears roaming shorelines and ridges. Guests explored by kayak and on invigorating hikes, encountering caribou horns, hidden ponds, and playful bear cubs. A peaceful evening followed, enhanced by Christian’s captivating slow-motion wildlife videos.
Day 6: Dramatic Landscapes of Aniakchak Bay Aniakchak Bay offered dramatic beauty, despite gusty conditions. Our walks along volcanic sands unveiled moose tracks and bear sightings, while a scenic afternoon cruising showcased lunge-feeding fin whales, seabird colonies, and jaw-dropping coastal views.
Day 7: Ghostly Discoveries on Unga Island Deralof Harbor’s ghost village, abandoned by the Unga people in the 1960s, was an unexpected highlight. Guests kayaked and skiff-toured through giant arches and sea caves teeming with seabirds. Hiking through village ruins and scenic cliffs left everyone deeply moved by the history and natural splendor.
Day 8: Cultural Immersion in King Cove At King Cove, guests enjoyed diverse activities from vigorous hikes to scenic drives, immersing themselves in local life. Highlights included wildlife sightings, stunning waterfalls, and engaging conversations with local residents—plus the novelty of a $32 ketchup bottle!
Day 9: Secret Coves and Polar Plunges at Akutan Island Akutan Island brought unique experiences—from hidden sea caves and waterfall walks to thrilling tundra hikes. The day culminated with UnCruise’s first-ever Bering Sea Polar Plunge, followed by an unforgettable guest talent night filled with creativity and camaraderie.
Day 10: Historical Exploration of Dutch Harbor Our final full day offered rich historical explorations, visiting museums, WWII relics, and scenic viewpoints. Guests enjoyed hikes with expert guides, skiff tours to shipwrecks, and some relaxing downtime at the local Norwegian Rat dive bar.
Day 11: Reflecting on a Journey of a Lifetime Disembarking in Dutch Harbor was emotional—tears and hugs signified deep bonds formed. Our first Aleutian Islands Adventure was not just a journey but a profound experience marked by breathtaking discoveries, genuine connections, and true UnCruise spirit.
This voyage confirmed that the Aleutians are everything we dreamed and more—a land of incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and history waiting to be explored.
2025 and 2026 is currently sold out but give one of our Adventure Specialists a call to be added to our future interest list.
