Alaska Tours

A Sweeping Exploration of Southeast Alaska

Embark on a small ship adventure tour from Sitka’s outer coast in the northwest, to Ketchikan in the southeast—wild and unscripted.

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Discover Alaska’s Wild Grandeur

By Water, By Foot, By Your Imagination

A boutique expedition by historic tugboat with frequent shore trips alongside 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, with expert coastal guides and naturalists to illuminate the world around you.

Alaska Cruise Highlights

Our small ship Alaska tours provide opportunities to personally connect with the natural and cultural history around you:

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Glacial Grandeur

Navigate through electric-blue ice to tidewater glaciers. Witness magnificent carving events.

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Magnificent Megafauna

See the humpbacks and calves of Fredrick Sound.

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Special Access to Bear Country

Visit the protected Pack Creek’s salmon and bears.

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Soak Up The Surroundings

Submerge into Baranof Island’s Warm Springs Bay.

Experience Alaska

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 walking
  • Bear viewing from shore boats and on land
  • Natural history through hands-on experience
  • Hot springs and beach exploration
  • Small boat rides
  • Marine mammal viewing (whales, sea lions) + birds
  • Talks with your naturalist and our knowledgeable crew
  • Optional kayaking and fishing

What People Say

What guests like you loved about Maple Leaf Adventures’ Alaska cruises

  • “The Alaska Adventure cruise was one of the best experiences of my life. We went to Alaska on the tugboat Swell with the most wonderful staff, delicious food, perfect weather and friendliest fellow passengers. It was way above 5 stars in every way and I will never forget it”

    Susan M, Tripadvisor

  • “We just spent nine glorious days on the Swell in the inland waterways of Alaska. The crew was outstanding. We had nine days of sunshine and abundant wildlife set against the backdrop of magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers. I highly recommend this trip”

    Michael S., Tripadvisor

  • “Do you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience? This was my fourth trip with Maple Leaf Adventures and each time, it has been a deeply enriching, absolutely memorable time set in spectacular landscapes”

    RowerDeb57, Tripadvisor

  • “The most stunning trip ever. Fabulous crew (with a naturalist), glorious boat, good food and so much interaction with the crew. We were off the ship so often and saw such interesting things. Maple Leaf do provide the trip of a lifetime”

    Lesley M., Tripadvisor

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 teach cubs to forage, or sleeping bruins in grassy day beds.

Orcas

Occasionally seen swimming in pods, or gracefully gliding through the waters.

Humpback Whales

Known for their breaching behaviour, where they leap out of the water and crash back with a spectacular splash.

Dolphins and Porpoises

Pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins, or 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 its untouched natural wonder.

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Comfortable Ships, Expert Guides

Relaxed Education and Experience Awaits

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 Regenerative

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!

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Alaskan Itineraries

Travel with a handful of enthusiastic guests and crew aboard a classic restored tug that has traversed the wonders of the Pacific Northwest for more than a century.

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Contact Us for More Information or to Book Your Expedition Adventure!

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