Dates

Overview

Embark on a journey through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes with the Safari Quest, a uniquely agile yacht carrying just 22 guests. Its small size allows it to navigate nooks even our other vessels can’t reach, offering exclusive access to remote wilderness areas. Experience Alaska’s hidden gems, rich Native cultures, and diverse wildlife like never before on this unforgettable adventure.

Expedition Highlights

• • Visit restricted wilderness areas that can only be accessed on this ship

  • Take a skiff or kayak ride in Fords Terror Wilderness Area
  • Visit Admiralty Island National Monument, home for the “Fortress of the Bears”
  • Explore areas with the highest population of brown bears per mile on earth
  • Search for humpback whales in Frederick Sound and Icy Strait

Itinerary

Day 1 – Juneau

In Juneau your captain and crew welcome you aboard. Set sail, bound for Icy Strait!

Day 2 – Icy Strait & Glacier Bay Outer Bay

Energized and snug in your kayak, glide around in remote bays off Icy Strait through giant bullwhip kelp that can grow to over 100 feet long. Join the gang in a skiff to a rocky outcropping to watch sea lions play. Or step into mud boots for a forest hike with your top-notch, naturalist guides who have plenty to share about everything Alaska—marine biology, plants, and even geology. On board, soak it all in as you soak in the hot tub.

Day 3 – Chichagof Island: Iyoukeen Cove & Basket Bay

Today, you’ll venture deep into the wilderness of Chichagof Island with a stop at Iyoukeen Cove and/or Basket Bay (weather permitting). Once home to Alaska’s only gypsum deposits, Iyoukeen Cove has long since returned to nature. Now it’s a haven for wildlife, where brown bears roam the shoreline, otters play in the kelp, and humpback whales feed just offshore. Here, you may kayak at the mouth of a river or join a guided hike.

Basket Bay is a quiet and rarely visited spot on Chichagof Island with ties to Tlingit heritage. You may hike nearby at the unnamed “Baby Basket Bay” as our crew refers to it. Part of the creek runs underground through a marble grotto which presents excellent kayaking opportunities. Due to the remoteness of this location, wildlife is abundant, including brown bears, otters, and other species, making it a beautiful place to explore.

Day 4 – Whitewater Bay or Takatz Bay

Today’s adventures take place on Admiralty Island, known to the Tlingit as “Kootznoowoo,” which translates to “Fortress of the Bear.” Your captain will assess conditions and choose the best destination among Whitewater Bay, or Takatz Bay.

Whitewater Bay is a designated wilderness area located on the West side of Admiralty Island Na-tional Monument, which is protected public land set aside to remain largely untouched. Thanks to the small size of the Safari Quest, you will have the chance to explore this remote and pristine area, where it is likely we will be the only visitors. Whitewater Bay is perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, with bears commonly seen feeding on salmon during mid to late summer.

Takatz Bay is a deep, scenic bay that offers its own opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, with trails leading to remarkable viewpoints around the surrounding forest and water.

Day 5 – Warm Springs Bay & Red Bluff Wilderness Area

Warm Springs Bay is a rare and special destination that few visitors to Alaska ever get to experience. It is home to the small village of Baranof, where there is plenty to explore. You may visit the indoor bathhouse featuring hot springs in individual soaking tubs with vast views over the bay. There is also a hiking trail that leads to the natural outdoor hot springs, offering a relaxing soak in a beautiful setting. Beyond the springs lies Baranof Lake, another beautiful spot we may also have the chance to explore. Due to the small size of the Safari Quest, we are able to acquire rare access permits to this unique location where even our other UnCruise ships cannot go.

Another option for the day is Red Bluff Bay, named for the striking red hills that surround this narrow, deep fjord. The area is home to several waterfalls, and we’ll have the chance to bring the boat close so you can take them in. As a designated wilderness area, Red Bluff Bay remains largely untouched, making it an ideal spot for kayaking and skiff tours.

Day 6 – Frederick Sound Whales, Admiralty Island National Monument

Search for humpback, killer, minke, and fin whales as we cruise through Frederick Soud. Search for bears on the shores of Admiralty Island National Monument.

Day 7 – Endicott Arm / Dawes Glacier

Skiffing up Endicott Arm, harbor seals laze around on icebergs. If the tides are right, slip into Fords Terror, the steep walls of this narrow opening streaked with waterfalls. Back in the Arm, gasp at the deep glacier-carved valleys. It’s at the end where you meet the piece de resistance: Dawes Glacier. Blue ice marches down from the Coast Mountains. With a sharp crack, the white thunder of a calving slice makes a mega-splash. Tonight, celebrate with a festive Farewell Dinner and “pho-to journal” from your expedition team.

Day 8 – Juneau

Enjoy one last breakfast before transferring to the Juneau airport or your extended stay.