Alaska Small Ship Cruises
A Sweeping Exploration of Southeast Alaska
Embark on a boutique small-ship adventure tour from Sitka’s outer coast in the northwest, to Ketchikan in the southeast—wild, unscripted, and breathtaking.
View Itineraries
Discover Alaska’s Wild Grandeur
By Water, By Foot, By Your Imagination
A boutique expedition by historic small ship, where you’ll discover its untamed wilderness with the guidance of expert coastal guides and naturalists.
Uncover southeast Alaska in its entirety including its majestic snow-capped mountains, whale-rich channels, temperate rainforest, remote beaches and salmon-bearing streams. Our small-group approach ensures personalised experiences that bring the wild closer to you.
Alaska Tour Highlights
Our intimate Alaska expeditions provide opportunities to personally connect with the natural and cultural history around you:
See Alaska on a Small Ship Tour
See Alaska’s Inside Passage through the eyes of our guests.
Activities & Featured Wildlife
Our small ship tours allow you to experience the best of Southeast Alaska.
- Moderate walks and hikes
- Bear viewing from shore boats and on land
- Natural history through hands-on experience
- Hot springs and beach exploration
- Small boat rides to wildlife hotspots
- Marine mammal viewing (whales, sea lions)
- Talks with your naturalist and knowledgeable crew
- Optional kayaking
What People Say
What guests like you loved about Maple Leaf Adventures’ Alaska cruises
Featured Wildlife
Big distances. Big wilderness. Big wildlife.
Traveling on a small ship expedition brings you close to it all, with an expert crew to illuminate the world around you.
Brown Bears
Spot mothers teaching cubs to forage, or sleeping bruins in grassy day beds.
Orcas
Occasionally seen swimming in pods or playfully breaching.
Humpback Whales
Known for their breaching behaviour, where they leap out of the water and crash back with a spectacular splash.
Dolphins and Porpoises
Marvel at playful Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoises riding the ship’s bow.
Cultural History
There’s more to Alaska than its rugged natural beauty
Steeped in history, Southeast Alaska has cultural connections to Russian, Scandinavian, American, and many First Nations cultures including Tlingit and Haida.
On a small ship tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the remote towns and communities that shape Alaska’s Southeast, as well as the natural wonder that inspires Alaskan culture.
Comfortable Ships, Expert Guides
Relaxed Education and Personalised Exploration
Get ready for days of adventure and wildlife, supported by a very comfortable expedition ship, a gourmet chef and welcoming guides.
An Alaska small ship cruise will allow you to explore the coast intimately while remaining exceptionally relaxed aboard our well-equipped cruising vessel.
Travel That’s Regenerative
Explore Nature in a Way that’s Gives Back
We’re proud to be certified by Adventure Green Alaska (AGA), a program by the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
This certification recognizes our commitment to economic, environmental, and social sustainability in our operations in Alaska. Join us in supporting a greener, more sustainable future for Alaskan tourism.
Alaskan Itineraries
Travel with a handful of enthusiastic guests and crew aboard a classic restored tug that has sailed the wonders of the Pacific Northwest for more than a century.
