Tandem kayakers paddle calm water beside a large glacier on the Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican cruise.
Alaska travelers exit a skiff boat onto a rocky beach on the Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Cruise.
Alaska travelers hike through wet, dense green forest on the Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican cruise.
Man paddles a red kayak toward a small ship with dark green hull & white upper decks backed by forested hills.
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North America Alaska Cruise

Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Cruise

On this 8-day Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Cruise, explore glaciers, native cultures and scenic beauty. Adventure abounds as you cruise round-trip from Juneau, Alaska for remote, wildlife-filled days. Step aboard 74-guest Wilderness Explorer for this action-packed itinerary, including a unique day in Haines with options to hike, bike or sample sips from local breweries and distilleries. Kids of all ages will appreciate the active nature of this itinerary, making it an ideal option among our Alaska family cruises.

The highlights on this itinerary are many. Actively explore the outback of Glacier Bay National Park—and also enjoy time within the park boundaries. Take in the awe-inspiring Margerie and Grand Pacific tidewater glaciers. Hike, bike, kayak, learn history or sample local beer and spirits in Haines and Pelican. Bushwhack and hike in old-growth forest and glacial outwash fields. Go birding for possible puffins, oystercatchers, cormorants and kittiwakes at South Marble Island. Explore the brown bear country of Chichagof Island. And be on the lookout daily for whales and other wildlife including sea lions, seals, porpoises and eagles.

Cruise round-trip from Juneau aboard 74-guest Wilderness Explorer, venturing farther than 99 percent of visitors, having the time and flexibility that a small ship provides to sail into small coves and seek out wildlife viewing opportunities.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska tripsAlaska small ship cruises, plus Alaska Inside Passage cruise and Glacier Bay cruise itineraries.



Itinerary

Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Town Itinerary

Cruise round-trip from Juneau, Alaska, on this 8-day itinerary that explores glaciers, native cultures and scenic beauty. Enjoy a unique day in Haines with options to hike, bike or sample sips from local breweries and distilleries.

Route map of Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican cruise operating round-trip from Juneau, Alaska, with visits to Chichagof Island, Admiralty Island & various sites along the Inside Passage.
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Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska

Arriving in Juneau, be transferred from the airport to the hospitality area. Upon boarding, the crew greets with champagne and smiles. Set sail for a week of scenic channels and secluded wilderness.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Saint James Bay Park

Just what’s needed, morning stretches on deck with a guide. Warm those hard-at-play muscles. Conditions in Southeast change one inlet to the next. The captain is at the helm and picks just the right spot. So many hidden pockets in the Tongass National Forest. Give those paddleboard skills a glide. Watch for big-eyed harbor seals from a kayak. Bushwhack into the forest of giants. The guides know the area’s history and keep it lively.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Haines

The center of adventure. Tucked beneath snowcapped peaks, Haines has it all. Hiking, biking, rafting and history. One thing’s for sure—the trails are irresistible. Go easy, or feel the burn—whatever your speed, the views reward in spades. The expedition team shares the city’s captivating history. A trading outlet for Chilkat Tlingit, they called it “Dtehshuh”—the end of the trail. European explorers, the Klondike gold rush, a U.S. Army outpost—influences still apparent today. What holds your interest? Follow your curiosity on a self-led tour.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Icy Strait & George Island

Before doing anything, look out the window. From kelp-lined channels to hemlock and spruce forests, every inch of this far northwest corner is worth exploring. And if the tides are right, head out in the skiff with one of the guides for a closer exploration of the rugged shore. Seals and sea lions haul out on rocky outcroppings, resting before they disappear in the water to search for food. On the famed “George Island,” hike with a close-up opportunity for sea otters and a World War II cannon that sits in the wilderness today. Whatever you do—wilderness trekking, skiffing, or paddling—the expedition team guides the way.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Lisianski River & Pelican Town

The tiny fishing community (75 year-round residents) of Pelican plays host to sport fishermen and kayakers in the summer. Take a skiff or kayak along the coast in search of brown bears, Sitka black-tail deer, whales, orca, sea lions, or rafts of sea otters.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Glacier Bay National Park

Your camera’s memory card needs plenty of room. South Marble Island is abuzz with activity. Rare sea birds, black oystercatchers, and orange-beaked tufted puffins can’t be missed. A colony of raucous sea lions adds to the hubbub. They add a distinct aroma to the air, too. Tucking into silent Tidal Inlet—the stomping grounds for bears, wolves, mountain goats, eagles—the backdrop is spectacular. At the end of the western-most arm of the bay sits Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. And possible views of glacial calving.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Chichagof Island & Neka Bay

Remote passages offer more opportunities to search for the mighty humpback whale. Keep the binoculars at hand and watch for the misty spout of these gentle giants as they feed in the waters around you. Anchor in a remote Chichagof Island inlet. Backpacks loaded and adventure toys lowered (skiffs, paddleboards, kayaks), it’s time to go play. Stick to the water in a kayak excursion, and don’t forget to look above and below the surface. A nosy seal could be watching your every stroke. Beachcomb rocky shores. Tiny creatures cling to rocks. Tonight, it’s a festive farewell dinner. A photo journal of your trip by the expedition team is the cherry on top.

Accommodations

Wilderness Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Linger over breakfast this morning while cruising into Juneau. Wish the crew and new friends goodbye. Then it’s off to the airport or begin your hotel stay or land tour.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included 

Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines); non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts. 

Exclusions 

Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; taxes and port fees of $375 per person (2023 & 2024). 

Payment & Cancellation 

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 days or more – 50% of deposit
119 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 46 days – 50% of total trip cost
45 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure 

The Glacier Bay National Park Adventure, Haines & Pelican Cruise begins and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 4:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8. 

Activities 

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level.  Adventure activities may include: whale watching, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear. 

Room Configuration 

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.  

Families & Children 

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures. 

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes 

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique. 

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Jun 04 - Jun 11, 2023
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Jun 25 - Jul 02, 2023
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Jul 16 - Jul 23, 2023
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Aug 06 - Aug 13, 2023
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Aug 27 - Sep 03, 2023
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Sep 17 - Sep 24, 2023
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $5800USD
Per Person
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May 12 - May 19, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $5800USD
Per Person
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Jun 02 - Jun 09, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Jun 23 - Jun 30, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Jul 14 - Jul 21, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Aug 04 - Aug 11, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Aug 25 - Sep 01, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $6300USD
Per Person
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Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2024
Wilderness Explorer • 8 days
From $5800USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Wilderness Explorer

The original M/V Wilderness Explorer, under the direction of AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith, pioneered adventure cruising in Southeast Alaska in the 1990s. Relaunched and renovated in 2012, this 74-guest base camp explores remote Alaska.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires August 1st, 2023
Save $500 On 2023 & 2024 Small Ship Cruises Worldwide

Book your select 2023 or 2024 adventure cruise from a selection of destinations worldwide and save $500 per cabin ($250 per person).

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Offer expires August 1st, 2023
No Single Supplement On Select 2023 Small Ship Cruises Worldwide

Solo Travelers! Pay no single supplement when you book your select 2023 cruise among a variety of destinations worldwide.

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Offer expires August 1st, 2023
4th Guest Travels Free On Select 2023 Alaska Cruises

Great for friends and family traveling together. Book 3 full fares and the 4th guest travels for free on select 2023 Alaska cruises aboard Wilderness Legacy or Wilderness Explorer.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect

Justin Massoni • October 9th, 2022
Expert Review: UnCruise Alaska

All you need to know before you take an Alaska UnCruise. Read this review to hear from an expert’s eye what sets this operator's cruises apart from others in Alaska.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Choose from a variety of other AdventureSmith Alaska trips to extend your journey, or opt for a pre-cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise.

The Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Cruise can be combined with the Alaska Fjords & Glaciers itinerary for the 15-day Alaska Fjords & Glacier Bay Cruise—Ultimate Expedition operating between Juneau and Ketchikan with no repeated landing sites. Please inquire with an Adventure Specialist for further details.

The Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure is a pre-cruise escorted land tour featuring wilderness lodge stays in Denali National Park and Talkeetna Mountains, and hotel overnights in Anchorage. This tour takes you through the Talkeetna Mountain and Denali National park by rail, visits the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and river rafting or flightseeing (added cost). This land package aligns with Friday cruise departures. Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican cruises departing on other days require additional hotel night(s).

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7 Day Land Tour
Alaska Coast to Denali Journey

This 7-day Alaska coast to Denali Journey visits two Alaska national parks: Denali and Kenai Fjords. Travel from Anchorage to Seward, Kenai, Talkeetna and Denali, then return via historic Alaska railroad, with opportunities to sea kayak, hike and optional flightsee!

From $5345USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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6 Day Land Tour
Alaska Bear Camp Adventure

On this multiday bear viewing adventure, enjoy exclusive access to a safari-style deluxe tent camp on a remote and private parcel of land frequented by coastal brown bears. Live amongst the bears and take guided forays into the surrounding wilderness, returning to a conservation-minded camp with hot showers, real beds and gourmet meals.

From $6395USD
May Jun Jul Aug
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7 Day Land Tour
Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer

The ultimate of all Kenai Fjords tours, this trip offers active exploration from the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy a more in-depth exploration—think kayaking, hiking, relaxing—and less overland travel.

From $3595USD
Aug Sep
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