Cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage
Pristine Wilderness Where the Bigger Ships Can’t Reach
On our Alaska small ship cruises, we explore natural wonders aboard a classic, wooden tugboat designed for the ultimate in guest comfort. Expeditions provide an opportunity to personally connect with the natural and cultural history of Alaska’s rugged Southeast, each day becoming more in tune with the rhythm of the coast. Travel with just a few guests, guided by the expert crew, naturalist, and guides of Maple Leaf Adventures.
Itinerary Details
- Ships: Swell (Converted Tugboat)
- Duration: 10 or 12 Days
- Ports: Sitka, Ketchikan or Petersburg
- Includes a Canadian Geographic Itinerary
Experience Alaska
See Alaska through the eyes of our guests.
Highlights
Go Where the Big Cruise Ships Dare Not Sail
Discover Alaska’s Beauty Aboard a Century-Old Restored Tugboat.
Alaska’s Most Unique Cruise
Experience Alaska from the decks of a ship that has traversed its natural wonder for more than a century.
Adventure Set to Glacial Pace
Journey through sheer-sided glacial fjords, reaching the foot of tidal glaciers. Witness spectacular calving events.
Giants of the Deep
Cruise into Fredrick Sound, a renowned feeding ground for whales. Look out for breaching humpbacks or the playful splash of an orca calf.
World-Class Bear Viewing
Enjoy special access to remote and protected areas like Salmon Creek & Pack Creek, where brown bears gather to feed.
Related Stories
Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about our Alaska itineraries. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.
To reach Sitka, Petersburg, or Ketchikan, you can fly Alaska Airlines through Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Please note guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Taxis are readily available upon arrival at each airport, and we will arrange a taxi pick-up at the marina for your departure. For more detailed information and personalised recommendations, please refer to the welcome aboard email you will receive from us. We are happy to assist with any travel guidance you may need.
Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local hotels, lodges and activities in your welcome aboard package.
You can expect mild to warm temperatures with average highs ranging from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit (10-25°C). However, it’s important to note that weather conditions in Alaska can be changeable. We recommended packing layered clothing, including light jackets and sweaters, as well as rain gear, as rain is common in this region. Be sure to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate information.
With peak wildlife phenomena from June until August, there’s no better time to explore the stunning natural world of Alaska’s inside passage than in summer. Earlier in the season, we have opportunity to see brown bears in their mating displays, foraging, browsing or clamming in the low tide. Later in the season, a bounty of salmon fill the creeks drawing out more brown bears. Special permits and careful people management provide us with exclusive access into their lives as they fish for salmon and go about their day. No matter when you choose to travel, we’re confident you’ll have an enjoyable experience.
Yes, your tour includes a land portion on the first or last day and a half of your trip, including hotel stay and local tour. Your land day will take place in either Sitka or Ketchikan, a colorful tapestry of Alaskan history from Tlingit and Haida to American.
We do not cross international borders during a trip. If you are travelling from outside of the US you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa, depending on the country you are traveling from. It’s important to check the entry requirements for your destination well in advance of your trip.
