Wilderness Cruise on Alaska's Inside Passage: Petersburg to Sitka, Alaska

The Trip

Welcome aboard as we explore the breathtaking beauty, natural history, tribal heritage, and ecosystems of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage between Petersburg and Sitka aboard a comfortable yacht.

Our trip begins in Petersburg, Alaska, which has often been called “Little Norway,” as the town attracted a number of Scandinavian settlers. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, native Tlingits had long used the area as a summer fish camp. Today, fishing and tourism sustain the community. Our first day will be spent exploring Petersburg’s rich history and having an orientation meeting.

We board the yacht the next morning and spend ten days sailing past snow-capped mountains rising majestically from the ocean. Most of our voyage takes place in the waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America. Accompanied by our naturalist, we spend time journeying into fjords, often by kayak, to observe icebergs and glaciers, humpback whales and bears, as well as other wildlife, including sealions, bald eagles, and other sea birds. Shore excursions allow us to experience beautiful beaches and forests, tumbling waterfalls, alpine meadows, and fascinating intertidal zone creatures.

Evenings are spent anchored in remote coves, enjoying wholesome foods prepared by our on-board chef, relaxing in the yacht’s salon, browsing books from the library, and adding to our list of the birds, plants, animals, and marine mammals we’ve observed each day. Our trip ends in Sitka, located in central Southeast Alaska.

Our daily plans are flexible to accommodate the surprises that occur during each trip, the requirements of tide and weather, and the interests of the group. With so many opportunities to see wildlife and scenery, it’s hard to predict what unique moment will create your favorite memory.

All Sierra Club domestic trips, in the past/present, have been/are conducted on originally Indigenous lands. In Southeast Alaska, the history of the Tlingit people dates back more than 10,000 years. The Tlingit tribe has historically been linked with the Haida and Tsimshian tribes of Canada, with whom they traded for centuries. Tlingit blankets, baskets, and jewelry were known for their extraordinary craftsmanship. 

European explorers brought trade goods, disruption, and disease. Ultimately, the Native people lost their claim to their homelands. In 1971, President Nixon signed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the largest land claim settlement in U.S. history. This established indigenous claims to the land by transferring titles to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. The Tlingit region is administered by the Sealaska Corporation, which operates the excellent Sealaska Heritage Museum in Juneau. Sierra Club Outings has made a commitment to acknowledge the history of stolen land and forced removals in our domestic trip brochures and continues to embrace the traditional Native values of honoring and protecting our Mother Earth.

Day 1: We meet mid-afternoon on the first day of the trip and will enjoy exploring the natural and cultural history of Petersburg. Details will be provided closer to the trip departure. Later that evening, we gather for a no-host dinner and trip orientation meeting. NOTE: Lodging and meals for the first day of the trip and breakfast on the second day of the trip are not included in the trip price.

Days 2-10: Our cruise begins the morning of day two. We’ll gather at the marina with all of our luggage, meet the crew, and board the Snow Goose, a 65-foot motorized yacht. We’ll be assigned cabins, have a safety talk, and then get underway. We begin traveling north toward Thomas Bay and Frederick Sound. We may explore the icy fjords of Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm, where we float and kayak among huge icebergs and watch a tidewater glacier calve into the ocean.

Described by some as impressive as Glacier Bay, Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm offer stunning glacial landscapes: sheer granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and thundering glaciers. Within the fjords, it is common to see seals and their pups resting on the many icebergs, safe havens from marauding orcas.

At some stops, there will be an opportunity to explore the coast by sea kayak. From the comfort of these stable and sleek crafts, we glide silently on the water with tall mountains looming above and rich intertidal life below. Every night we stop in a new and secluded anchorage. Depending on when we arrive, there will often be time before dinner to take a quick shore trip, kayak, or simply read and relax in your favorite deck chair.

Eventually, we head back south from Stephens Passage into Frederick Sound. Here, the water teems with small fish and plankton that attract a large variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales. We spend hours floating these protected waters, watching and listening to the sights and sounds of these majestic creatures as they feed alongside sea lions and marbled murrelet. We also observe sea otters, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, terns, and other seabirds.

As the days pass, we continue exploring the convoluted coastline and islands of Southeast Alaska. On shore, we have the opportunity to hike deep into the forest to waterfalls, rivers, and through beautiful old-growth forests. We slowly motor west through Frederick Sound toward Admiralty Island, which has the highest concentration of brown bears (coastal grizzlies) and nesting bald eagles in North America. Traveling farther west to Baranof Island, we use the kayaks to explore the coastline and circumnavigate some of the small, rocky islands common here. If time and conditions allow, we hope to visit Baranof Warm Springs for a relaxing soak and hike to the lakes above the turbulent falls.

Day 11: The trip concludes with our arrival in Sitka, which was once the Russian capital of Alaska and is home to the Tlingit. Guests disembark at approximately 11:00 a.m., in time to catch an afternoon flight. However, if time permits, you should consider spending an extra day or two to fully experience the area. Sitka, the ancestral home of the Tlingit, was captured by Russians and then sold to the Americans. This fascinating history is well documented in local museums and multiple National Historic Landmark buildings. Sitka is an island community that is deeply connected to the natural world around it, where the arts flourish and native culture still thrives.

Please note that our daily itinerary is flexible, based on group interests, weather conditions, and, of course, wildlife sightings. Occasionally, changes may occur either in advance of or during the trip. Please be aware that we make every attempt to visit all the highlights listed here; however, if weather, equipment, or any other circumstance causes a change, please be flexible. The safety of the group is our number one concern. While wildlife in the Alaska Inside Passage is abundant, we cannot guarantee that you will see all the species mentioned.

Please note, the trip price does not include gratuities for the crew. Gratuities are entirely voluntary and solely at your discretion, but they are customary. The crew of the Snow Goose work hard day and night to make this trip as memorable and fulfilling for you as possible. If you agree they worked hard and contributed significantly to the success and enjoyment of your outing, you may want to express your appreciation with a tip. A guideline of $50-60/day or about $500 to $600 (or more) per guest is appropriate. The group gratuity is divided evenly between the captain, first mate, chef, and naturalist. Your Sierra Club trip leader does not share any portion of the gratuity; leaders are unpaid volunteers and cannot accept them.

Getting There

You will need to make your transportation arrangements to arrive in Petersburg and depart from Sitka. Alaska Airlines serves both cities. Please consult the trip leader prior to making travel arrangements and plan to arrive in plenty of time to meet with the group in the afternoon of the first day of the trip. Be aware that bad weather can cause flights to be delayed or cancelled, so you may wish to plan your arrival at least one day before the trip’s start. It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel and evacuation insurance. Southeast Alaska is a wonderful destination; this trip can serve as the centerpiece of an extended exploration of the region or the rest of Alaska. 

Accommodations and Food

Our home will be a 65-foot yacht called the Snow Goose. Built in 1973 as a private yacht, this U.S. Coast Guard-certified passenger vessel boasts a motorized inflatable raft (Zodiac) for shore excursions, and double sea kayaks to allow all passengers to quietly explore islands and shorelines. The knowledgeable crew consists of a captain, a professional cook, an experienced deckhand, and a naturalist with expertise in marine biology, ornithology, and anthropology.

The yacht sleeps 12 passengers in six private, fully heated cabins and it has three toilets and two hot showers. The main deck features an airy salon, a library, a galley, and a dining area. Large windows on all sides permit unobstructed views. Access to the outside is easy. The upper bridge deck provides a good vantage point for spotting whales and onshore wildlife, as well as comfortable seating for passengers who wish to learn about navigation.

Our small vessel allows access to shoreline areas inaccessible to larger ships. Even when traveling from one place to another, we pause to observe marine life and make one to three stops each day to go ashore and explore or kayak.

Once on the yacht, all meals will be aboard the boat, beginning with lunch on the second day and ending with breakfast on the last day. We have a social hour before dinner and evening discussions about our experiences. Most nights will be spent anchored in quiet coves. A professional cook prepares our meals. There will be ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products. Delicious, wholesome meals are served family or buffet-style. Complimentary wine and beer are served with dinner. Otherwise, guests are responsible for bringing their own alcoholic beverages or soft drinks. Coffee, a selection of teas, and hot cocoa are always available. 

There is no smoking permitted onboard the yacht. E-cigarettes are included in this policy. Our outfitter does not permit any cannabis or CBD products for personal or prescribed use. We sail in international waters and must adhere to international laws at all times.

We follow Leave No Trace guidelines for coastal and marine environments to minimize our impact on this fragile environment. Our outfitter is a pioneer in sustainable tourism practices, including maintaining respectful distances from marine wildlife, minimizing foot traffic in intertidal zones, use of biodegradable and marine friendly products, and removing found marine garbage from the environment.

Trip Difficulty

This will be a leisurely trip. Hikes are optional and generally easy, covering moderate terrain. There may be some optional longer, more strenuous hikes. Insects should not be a significant problem, although mosquito repellent is useful in some locations. You must be able to descend a short ladder to board an inflatable skiff (Zodiak-style boat) for shore excursions. The minimum age for the trip is 16 years.

Sierra Club outings in Alaska and Arctic Canada are special experiences in true wilderness, but they also carry an element of risk. Trip locales are often remote and distant from the amenities of civilization, including sophisticated medical care and immediate evacuation possibilities. The boat uses a ship-to-shore radio, and at times will have cell service, but even with this technology, emergency assistance can be slow to arrive.

Weather in Alaska is unpredictable, and inclement weather can be severe. Among other hazards are cold river and stream crossings, tidal activity, calving glaciers, the psychological effects of remoteness, and the presence of large wild animals. Your trip leader and the boat’s crew have traveled extensively in Southeast Alaska and are well-trained in safety protocols.

We use professional outfitters and guides for our trips. The industry practice is that our outfitters require participants to sign a waiver similar to the Sierra Club waiver you will be asked to sign. Your trip leader will provide you with details.

Equipment and Clothing

You will receive a detailed list of clothing and equipment specific to this trip from the leader after signing up. In general, you’ll want to bring clothes that can be layered, excellent raingear (our activities do not stop because of rain), knee-high rubber boots, a camera, and binoculars.

Daytime temperatures usually range from 55-85 degrees. Although we should have some days with sunshine, we must be prepared for rain and gusty winds. We will be traveling in a temperate rain forest which means rain is likely. Winds blowing off the glaciers can be bitingly cold. 

Photographers of all skill levels will have ample opportunities to take pictures of wildlife and scenery. For most photographers, a point-and-shoot camera -- preferably with a zoom lens -- works quite well. You may want to consider bringing a second camera that is water resistant to use while kayaking or on shore if it is raining. Those with a particular interest in bird watching will have a real treat in store, so good binoculars are essential. We view many species from the boat (bears, sea lions, whales and more), and everyone appreciates having their own set of binoculars. Although this is not a fishing trip, there may be some limited opportunities to fish. An Alaska fishing license is required and must be purchased before the trip if you wish to fish.

References

• Heacox, Kim, John Muir and the Ice That Started a Fire: How a Visionary and the Glaciers of Alaska Changed America. The author uses Muir’s many trips to Alaska, exploring and studying glaciers, to form the framework for his life story.
• Hedin, Robert and Gary Holthause, Alaska, Reflections on Land and Spirit. This book provides a collection of stories by writers who are native to Alaska or have traveled and lived in Alaska. It includes accounts of explorers, natives, naturalists, and others.
• McPhee, John, Coming into the Country. Alaska is far more complex geographically, culturally, ecologically, and politically than most Americans appreciate, and few writers are as capable of capturing this complexity as McPhee. 
• Mitchner, James A., Alaska. Explore Alaska and its peoples from early times to the present day.
• Muir, John, Travels in Alaska. Discover Alaska through the eyes of the Sierra Club's founder.
• Wiley, Sally, Blue Ice in Motion, The Story of Alaska’s Glaciers. An illustrated introduction to Alaska's glaciers, with details on how they form, why they move, and the landforms that result.

Conservation

Drawing upon the knowledge of our crew and your trip leader, we discuss several environmental issues for Southeast Alaska. The Tongass National Forest encompasses our planet’s largest remaining temperate rainforest, but human impacts increasingly affect this area. The forest has 19 designated federal wilderness areas, but it is also home to over 75,000 people who depend on the land and sea for their livelihoods. Additionally, tourism, and especially cruise ships, are having significant impacts on the lands and waters of the Tongass. 

Forest Service management has been a source of controversy for over a century. Despite President Clinton’s Roadless Rule and the Tongass Timber Reform Act, the Tongass’ old growth is still sought after by the timber industry. We’ll take time during our trip to discuss how mining, road-building, and especially clear-cutting continue to erode the wilderness character of the Tongass and threaten its wildlife and unique plant communities. We’ll also discuss the impacts of global climate change on the region.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.