Alaska Inside Passage: Western Coves

Wake to breathtaking views of the expansive Tongass Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, rising on either side of Devilfish Bay. The El Capitan Passage, a 27-mile long waterway dividing Prince of Wales and Kosciusko Islands, offers many ways to get closer to nature. Drop crab pots en route to prime fishing waters. Wind through the high forests of on an old logging road. Paddle the scenic, 4-mile roundtrip around Devilfish Cove. And don’t miss Beaver Falls and El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in North America.

Kayaks are available all morning for unguided kayaking at your leisure.    

In the afternoon, get a taste of life in the remote wilderness. We will stop by Marble Island, named for the famous Tokeen Marble Quarry, to pick up freshly harvested oysters and fish from a local family. During cocktail hour, family members come aboard to share their unique perspective of life in the Alaskan outback. Then, as the sunset casts its shadows over the Karheen Passage and Tonowek Narrows, relax over a delicious meal and maybe indulge in a sauna or hot tub soak before bed. Tonight some may choose to kayak and then camp ashore.

As the sun rises over the Tlingit village of Klawock, the living history of native Alaska lies in wait. Spend the morning gaining a better understanding about the importance of carving in Alaskan culture, mixing with the locals and gazing up at the twenty-one restored totem poles that color the town. Hear the stories of the totems at the park and at the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on to the local youth.

In the afternoon, you may choose to kayak close-in or for distance. Explore the Klawock area on foot or by kayak, keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds and whales. End the day with a short skiff tour to savor the crisp air and breathtaking scenery. Relax with a high quality draft beer in the lounge or indulge in a luxurious massage.

Kayaks available all afternoon for unguided touring at your leisure. Skiff tours available all afternoon for touring at your leisure.

Anchored in Little Port Walter, the day offers many options for how to experience the wondrous landscape. In the morning, choose between a half-day fishing excursion, kayaking to Big Port Walter, a glorious hike on Sashin Lake Trail or take it easy with a shorter hike to the site of an ancient native fish weir to explore an abandoned cannery. Later, visit a NOAA field fisheries site and hike in Mist Cove for seemingly never-ending views, until you come face-to-face with an enormous waterfall.  Whether you cheer or paddle, save time for the pre-lunch kayak races. 

Continue your adventure into the afternoon or take to the water in a new way. Search the depths while snorkeling. Swim through the refreshing port waters. Give your best Tarzan cry on the rope swing or show some style with a platform dive.  Then show ‘em how its done during the rope swing and platform diving contests held after lunch, and make sure to sweet-talk the crew who will judge the contest based on style.  If you haven’t had enough chances to defend your honor already, join in the swim races around the ship.  Back onboard, meet a fisheries expert from Deer Lake aquaculture who joins us for dinner and a presentation.

Kayaks are available all day for unguided touring at your leisure. Additional afternoon activities include snorkeling, swimming and rope swinging. After lunch, indulge in platform diving contests, judged for style by the crew, and swim races around the ship.

While you sleep soundly, we will slip through the waters between Little Port Walter for Patterson Bay. Leisurely explore the bay by skiff or kayak while watching the coastline for birds, wolves and black bears, all which live in the area  (long or short trips), guided hikes and even gear up for snorkeling.

Didn’t place in yesterday’s rope swing/platform diving contest?  Maybe it is time for a rematch. Of course, a good book and a cup of steaming hot cocoa might just hit the spot. Share your video footage on the lounge's flat screen TV's throughout the evening. Toast another day's amazing adventures with a cold microbrew or cocktail. Be sure to watch the sun slowly disappear over the horizon. Kayaks are available all day for unguided touring at your leisure.

Kayaks are available all day for unguided touring at your leisure. Additional afternoon activities include snorkeling, swimming and rope swinging. After lunch, indulge in platform diving contests, judged for style by the crew, and swim races around the ship.

The Brothers, a pair of islands in Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. And no one will be immune to the wonderful pomp and pageantry of the Stellar sea lions that rest here. Choose between a 5-10 mile guided kayak trip or skiff tour to the southern end of The Brothers where the sea lions bark commands and pal around.

Kayaks and skiffs are available all morning for unguided touring at your leisure.

After lunch, we move into the waters of Frederick Sound – the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere. Scan the water for movement and thrill as humpbacks, orcas and Stellar sea lions feed, swirl, jump and crash back down to the surface.  Learn fascinating facts and behavioral theories about the whales from our onboard naturalists as you watch the action. Later tonight, we will be anchored inside the glacial Endicott Arm, listening to whales and dreaming of more to come tomorrow.

On the last full day of your journey, prepare to have your breath taken away by sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountains.  Endicott Arm frequently offers respite to seals on the smaller, ‘bergy bits’ and sometimes, it gets a little crowded.  Kayak toward the glowing blue of Dawes Glacier face from 6 hours or 1.5 hours away. Or grab your camera and see it all from the ease of a skiff.

During the lunch hour, tides permitting, the ship will move up to Ford’s Terror, a narrow passage named after a naval crewmember who was stranded in the turbulent tidal water for six hours.  Armed with tide tables, we can safely skiff through Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys and pristine wilderness that surround it. Back aboard, you will be greeted with cocktails and a cheery camaraderie as you join the Captain in a farewell toast. Anchored at Woods Spit, enjoy a wonderful dinner and even better conversations with all the new friends you’ve made on your journey.

When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as we voyage into Juneau. A Bon Voyage breakfast ends our ship journey, however there are many enticing ways to extend your journey from here. A flight or helicopter tour over the Juneau Ice Field, trekking over Mendenhall Glacier and exploring the ice caves or dog mushing. Parting can be such sweet sorrow, and if your schedule allows it, please feel free to join us as we cruise an entirely different route on the return trip from Juneau to Ketchikan.



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