Discover South-East Alaska aboard the Swell

South-east Alaska is the epitome of splendour: fjords, islands, rivers and tidewater glaciers. Its rich, cold waters are home to an abundance of wildlife, from humpback whales and sea otters to sea lions and millions of seabirds. The land is home to imposing rainforests and lush estuaries where brown bears, black bears and bald eagles feed. The towns evoke the history of Alaska, from the Tlingits to the Americans.

Aboard an expedition cruise, you’ll discover this grandiose wilderness in an intimate and immersive way. You’ll travel in a small group aboard a classic wooden tugboat, designed for maximum passenger comfort. These expeditions allow you to immerse yourself in the unique rhythm of the coast and to come into contact with the natural and cultural history of Alaska’s rugged south-east. Accompanied by a crew, a naturalist and expert guides, each day offers an opportunity to fully experience the grandeur of this territory.

DAY 1

• Meet in Ketchikan (Alaska).
• Historic walking tour, including gold rush history.
• Welcome dinner.

DAY 2-3

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Free time to explore, Tlingit history experience, board ship.
• Cruising Clarence Strait.
• Visit remote, off-the-grid community of Meyer’s Chuck and rainforest walk ashore.
• South Etolin wilderness exploration by boat and ashore.
• Exploring intertidal life, islets, black bears.
• Cruising north

DAY 4

• Scenic Wrangell Narrows cruise, with a view of Alaskan water-based lifestyle.
• Marine mammal viewing in Frederick Sound to Cascade Creek.
• Rainforest and waterfall hike.

DAY 5-9

• Cruising Frederick Sound, watching for whales.
• Visit sea lion haul out, small island beach walk.
• Visit Five Fingers Lighthouse.
• Beach wildflower walk at a glacier’s terminal moraine.
• Cruising spectacular fjord to tidewater glacier, icebergs, wildlife viewing.
• Exploring glaciers and icebergs in this awesome ice world.
• Guided brown bear viewing and walk up salmon creek at Pack Creek on Admiralty Island, with special access for Swell guests.

DAY 10-11

• Cruising the waterfall coast of Baranof Island.
• Visit hot springs and the small community of Baranof.
• Shore walks, whale watching, bear viewing, sea otter viewing.

DAY 12

• Cruise to Sitka (Alaska), watching for wildlife.

THE BOAT

Built in Vancouver in 1912, the Swell faithfully served the community as a tugboat for 92 years before undergoing a spectacular metamorphosis. Today, this exceptional vessel can accommodate up to 12 passengers in absolute comfort, with 6 private cabins equipped with modern bathrooms and showers.

Thanks to a refit, the Swell has been transformed from a powerhouse working tugboat into an elegant passenger vessel, combining classic charm with top-of-the-range facilities. The spacious interior, clad in natural wood, retains the warm authenticity of its original construction, while offering a level of service unrivalled on the coast.

The Swell is much more than a ship: it’s an invitation to escape, combining history, comfort and elegance.