There's something profoundly captivating about Alaska’s Southeast, a region where adventure feels both limitless and intimately personal. UnCruise Adventures’ Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka itinerary, aboard the cozy yet adventurous invites you to dive deeply into this magical corner of Alaska.
Your journey begins in quaint Sitka (or Juneau, depending on the date), a picturesque fishing town alive with history and charm. Stepping aboard the Safari Endeavour, excitement fills the air as guests gather on deck, eyes scanning the horizon for the first spouts of humpback whales even before taking off from the port!
From the moment we set sail, the crew's warmth and enthusiasm made us feel like part of a close-knit family, setting the tone for the incredible experiences ahead.
Day two plunges you into the wilds of Krestof and Nakakof Islands, Alaska’s natural touch tanks, filled with vibrant sea life beneath every rock and along every shoreline. Guides lead you on invigorating hikes where trails don’t exist, encouraging curiosity with every step. Discover sea stars, edible kelps, and other marine wonders hiding in rocky intertidal zones that feel almost otherworldly.
Baranof Island and the infamous Peril Strait follow, where your guides lead exhilarating treks into lush muskegs and rugged coastlines frequented by coastal brown bears. Each day brings new awe-inspiring encounters—whales breaching, sea lions playfully riding the waves, and bald eagles soaring effortlessly overhead.
One particularly memorable day included our visit to a local salmon hatchery. Witnessing the life cycle of these remarkable fish offered profound insight into Alaska's ecosystem. But the highlight was observing coastal brown bears feasting on the abundant salmon—a raw and humbling spectacle that connected us deeply to Alaska's wild beauty.
In Chatham Strait and around Chichagof Island, nature is in full display. Paddle kayaks along the serene shoreline or step ashore to trails seldom touched by human footprints. Each season provides its own spectacle, from summer salmon runs attracting majestic bears to a bounty of jelly fish that our guides eagerly show off.
A highlight for many is undoubtedly Glacier Bay National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering breathtaking views of towering glaciers, serene fjords, and abundant wildlife. Observing puffins glide effortlessly over the icy waters or listening to the echoing cracks of calving glaciers is a humbling experience reserved for only a fortunate few. A highlight, for those who aren't afraid of a hard-charger adventure, is the walk alongside the Lamplugh Glacier. It's an incredible sight, looking at the Safari Endeavour in the distance, next to the glacier, high above it all.
Culinary delights aboard the Safari Endeavour were a voyage in themselves. Each meal showcased local flavors, but the all-you-can-eat crab feast was a night to remember. Gathered in the dining room, cracking open fresh crab legs, we shared stories and laughter, the buttery richness of the seafood perfectly complemented by the stunning views outside. It wasn't just a meal; it was an experience that epitomized the spirit of the journey.
Throughout our voyage, the crew’s commitment to maximizing wildlife sightings was unwavering. They went above and beyond, adjusting plans to ensure we encountered humpback whales breaching, orcas gliding through the waves, and sea lions basking on rocky shores. Their expertise and genuine excitement turned each sighting into a shared triumph, deepening our connection to the natural world.
The journey concludes in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, where farewells feel more like "until next time" rather than "goodbye." Reflecting on our adventure, it was clear the essence of this journey lay not just in majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife, but in the personal touches—the crew’s heartfelt efforts, bonds formed over communal meals, and collective awe felt during each encounter. The Safari Endeavour didn't just take us through Alaska; it wove us into its story, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.
