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Alaska is a land of natural, undisturbed beauty that calls to adventure travellers eager to explore the vast wilderness of the Last Frontier. Here, you’ll encounter towering glaciers, crystal clear lakes, dense green forests and occasional performances by the Northern Lights as they dance across the sky. Experience a deeper, more meaningful journey by way of small ships and expert guides with UnCruise Adventures and open your eyes to the wonders along the way.
By Rebecca Marsh
Hop aboard the Safari Endeavour and witness some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes on the Sitka Sound and Peril Strait. This seven-night adventure through Alaska’s untouched wilderness offers an immersive voyage that focuses on adventure, wildlife encounters and up-close glacier experiences, offering a more intimate alternative to traditional cruises.
Personalised experiences are ensured, with expert naturalists on board to provide insights into the region’s ecology and history. Activities include kayaking the Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds and bushwacking at Baranof Island to foster a deeper connection with Alaska’s incredible landscapes.
Introducing a captain’s choice day allows the captain and expedition leader to shape the itinerary to suit weather conditions and animal sightings. The beauty of flexibility lends itself well to adventure and makes for a more meaningful take that isn’t found on larger cruise ships.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
Guests can witness glaciers calving into the sea at Glacier Bay National Park and enjoy the rare opportunity to be part of the 1% of national park visitors who get to step foot on the ice. Spot marine life, such as humpback whales and pods of orcas, as the ship navigates through remote fjords in the endless blue waters, offering unparalleled views of towering ice formations along Icy Strait.
For intimate glacier experiences, visiting during July and August is best. However, this is no secret – so consider visiting in April, May or September for a quieter escape. No matter what time of year you join the adventure, there will always be something remarkable to see.
Book your place on the Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka tour and enjoy a relaxed, small group adventure.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful take on exploration, consider the Adult Escape: Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka experience. Offering an adults-only adventure, this Alaskan escape invites you to join a tranquil journey on the Safari Endeavour.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
This small-ship adventure navigates breathtaking fjords, towering glaciers and remote coastal landscapes from Juneau to Ketchikan (the salmon capital of the world) providing a one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience. Wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by the extensive knowledge of the expedition leaders throughout their voyage. Highlights include a skiff tour of Dawes Glacier, where the most active glacier in Southeast Alaska offers a striking backdrop.
Embark on a guided kayak adventure of Frederick Sound, paddling between the starfish while searching for the misty sprays of humpback whales. A choose-your-own-adventure day at Blashke Islands encourages guests to hike, kayak, skiff or snorkel and experience Alaska in a real, raw way.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
The best time to visit is August. However, spring brings fewer crowds and the chance to see newborn wildlife, while June to August offers the highest likelihood of bear sightings due to the salmon run and warmer temperatures.
Begin your adventure and book your place on the ultimate UnCruise Adventures experience: Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan.
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The round-trip expedition from Juneau, aboard the 22-passenger Safari Quest, minimises environmental impact while allowing travellers to experience Glacier Bay National Park up close, away from the crowds of large cruise ships. With a flexible itinerary and exclusive access to restricted wilderness areas, guests can paddle through untouched fjords, hike remote trails and experience native culture—all while supporting eco-conscious travel.
The tour ensures minimal ecosystem disruption while giving guests an unforgettable experience. With expert leaders on board, carefully navigate Admiralty Island National Monument, searching for bears and bald eagles. The adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to explore every nook of Fords Terror Wilderness Area and Dawes Glacier.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
The best time to visit is May to August, when the weather is mild, wildlife is most active and the salmon run in August attracts bears and marine life. Spring offers fewer crowds, while summer provides peak conditions for spotting Alaska’s diverse wildlife. Discover Alaska’s wild side with UnCruise Adventures – book Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay on the agile Safari Quest yacht for a next-level nature experience.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
Unlike traditional tours, this small-ship adventure from Juneau provides a more intimate experience for adventurers where crew and guests can explore together, creating an ideal opportunity for nature enthusiasts to experience Alaska’s stunning wilderness in a hands-on and engaging way. This is one of the most active expeditions, and you will undoubtedly be ‘wowed’ by this seven-night voyage.
Families exploring southeastern Alaska should consider the Kids in Nature cruise, where a close-knit community is at the core. Designed with children in mind, this tour includes kid-friendly activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing, ensuring that young adventurers stay active, engaged and excited. The educational focus makes it a fantastic option for families, as expert guides bring the natural wonders of Alaska to life, teaching kids about glaciers, wildlife and ecosystems. Parents can relax knowing their children are safe and entertained while better understanding Alaska’s unique environment.
Highlights of both tours include LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, where large ships cannot enter due to the shallow fjord waters. Search for coastal brown bears at Thomas Bay, Land of Kushtaka or hike one of the few trails in Southeastern Alaska that offers enchanting waterfall views of Cascade Creek.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
Glide across the crystal blue waters to The Kuiu Wilderness in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, where guests can marvel at the vibrant diversity of marine life, from majestic humpback whales and dolphins to sea lions and pelagic birds. Then, the finale, Glacier Bay National Park, where guests will venture deeper than other ships, visiting areas around 99% of national park visitors cannot reach.
The best time of year to visit is during the summer. However, spring offers a chance to see newborn wildlife and offers a magical childhood experience. July and August are ideal for enjoying warmer weather, which might be better suited to active adventurers who enjoying being in the water.
Join the Wild, Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay adventure on the Wilderness Legacy for an unforgettable Alaskan experience.
For those with little ones, the Kids in Nature: Wild, Woolly, and Wow with Glacier Bay expedition makes for an immersive learning experience alongside family-friendly activities they’ll never forget.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
With the charm of scenic rail travel combined with eco-conscious practices, this tour offers a lower carbon-impact way of travelling while immersing guests in the untouched wilderness around Denali, encouraging them to bear witness to the awe-inspiring beauty of another region of Alaska.
The Deluxe Dome Railcar will take you through sweeping valleys and rugged mountains to explore Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak. Whilst traversing the scenic landscape, guests can spot wildlife such as bears, moose and caribou to form a deeper connection with Alaska’s untouched nature. Authentic encounters with Alaska’s Indigenous communities are encouraged throughout the journey, with a visit to the Native Heritage Centre and an exclusive 5-hour narrated tour in Denali. Enjoy a relaxing kayak on Byers Lake and sample local cuisine.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
Spring is a good time to visit due to the abundant wildflowers and wildlife encounters, while off-peak travel brings fewer tourists and allows for a deeper connection with nature. Explore from July to August to enjoy longer daylight hours. Take on the Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure with UnCruise Adventures.
(Image credit: UnCruise Adventures)
Regarded as a summer camp for adults, this seven-night cruise from Juneau promises adventure, relaxation and a good time. Bushwhack through dense forests at Hobart Bay, get up close and personal with some of the world’s most spectacular glaciers and search for endless marine life on the crystal blue waters of Kuiu Island.
The nimble Wilderness Legacy will take you to some of the most remote areas of Southeastern Alaska, untouched by larger ships, allowing for the ultimate adventure.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The beauty of this cruise is not just in the landscape but also within the organisation, with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients for delicious dinners and flexible itineraries to suit guests’ needs, all within an intimate setting. The close-knit community atmosphere ensures guests can form friendships that last a lifetime while creating shared memories with like-minded adventurers.
Alaska is always beautiful, but for the best weather, book between June and September. April to June offers a more tranquil setting with fewer tourists.
Book your place on the Wilderness Legacy for the Adult Tranquility: Wild, Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay experience.
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This expedition offers intrepid travellers a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to explore Alaska’s Southcentral and Southeast coastal treasures over 13 nights. Unlike traditional cruises, UnCruise emphasises active exploration on land and sea, following in the footsteps of some of history’s great explorers.
Expert guides assess the surroundings daily to curate the best possible adventures, ensuring guests engage deeply with the natural environment and historical landmarks. The small ship size enables access to remote areas from Seward to Juneau, anchoring in some of the most picturesque locations such as Disenchantment Bay and Kayak Island.
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Turn your hand to fishing in Yakutat Town, beachcomb at Pyramid Peak and explore islands with historical significance. While you’re there, learn about Indigenous culture and sample some local culinary delights.
The optimal time to embark on Alaska’s Coastal Treasures tour is between June and August. During these months, Alaska offers pleasant temperatures, extended daylight hours, abundant wildlife activity and opportunities to observe bears and whales in their natural habitats.
Embark on the Alaska’s Coastal Treasures expedition with UnCruise Adventures.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
