KETCHIKAN WHALE WATCH FIELD GUIDE
Ice of the Inside Passage: Sitka to Ketchikan’s Nine-Day Passage Through Glacier, Rainforest, and Totem Country
An 8-night, 9-day small-expedition voyage through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage, useful as a concise guide to the route, core experiences, and what to pack.
Ice of the Inside Passage: Sitka to Ketchikan’s Nine-Day Passage Through Glacier, Rainforest, and Totem Country.
This 8-night, 9-day itinerary threads the Inside Passage from Sitka to Ketchikan, moving between vibrant coastal towns, old-growth rainforest, and glacial fjords. Across remote coves and whale-rich sounds you’ll kayak and skiff into silent bays, learn from Native cultural interpreters, and stand before tidewater ice at Margerie Glacier—the trip is a braided mix of wildlife encounters, cultural stops, and unscripted wilderness exploration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Glacier Bay & the Margerie Glacier
Glacier Bay National Park extends 65 miles and contains multiple tidewater glaciers; Margerie Glacier is a focal point for dramatic calving and long, narrated days led by a National Park Service ranger alongside a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist.
Whales, Sea Otters, Bears, and More
The route travels through some of Southeast Alaska’s most abundant wildlife areas—expect opportunities to see humpback whales (known for breaching and lunge feeding), bald eagles, sea otters, and the chance to watch bears from an expedition skiff or shoreline vantage.
Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Traditions
The voyage visits a series of coastal communities and Native villages—Sitka, Kasaan, Metlakatla and others—where local artists, longhouses, totem poles, and cultural presentations illuminate three distinct Southeast Alaska Native cultures.
What the day feels like
How the Voyage Unfolds
Days alternate between scheduled port calls and unscripted wilderness exploration driven by weather and wildlife. Expect morning and afternoon options that may include kayak paddles, skiff excursions, hikes through old-growth forest, beach landings, and prolonged viewing in glacial fjords; interpretive programming is provided both by park rangers and Native cultural naturalists.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this voyage suits—and what limitations are noted in the provided facts.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack layered synthetics or wool, a warm hat and gloves, sturdy waterproof walking shoes or all-terrain footwear, prescriptions and eyewear. A swimsuit is suggested if you may join a cold-water polar dip called the “Killer Whale Club.”
The operator provides waterproof jackets, pants, and boots for use during the cruise but recommends bringing your own jacket; binoculars are available free but personal optics are encouraged.
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, a journal or sketchbook, and field guides if you are birding. There is no laundry facility onboard, so pack adequate clothing for the duration of the voyage.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the voyage?
The itinerary is an 8-night, 9-day voyage through the Inside Passage.
Are waterproof jackets provided?
Yes—the operator provides waterproof jackets, pants, and boots for guest use, though bringing a personal jacket is recommended.
Is there a discount for children?
Children age 15 and under receive 15% off listed cruise fares.
Are binoculars available on board?
Binoculars are provided at no charge, but guests are encouraged to bring their own if they prefer.
Is transfer available at disembarkation in Ketchikan?
Transfer to your hotel or the airport in Ketchikan is complimentary at disembarkation.
Is there laundry service on board?
There is no laundry facility onboard, so plan clothing accordingly for the full voyage.