Overview
An exclusive opportunity to sail Prince William Sound aboard Safari Explorer, a luxurious yacht experience. This is the only UnCruise itinerary to visit the region. Kayak, hike, and skiff past centuries-old glaciers. Puffins, eagles, otter, and sea lions wait around every cove. We transport you from Whittier to the vessel with plenty of sightseeing along the way.
Prince William Sound encompasses 10,000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, fjords, and around 150 glaciers. The region offers habitat for diverse marine life including humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, and seals. The rugged coastline and dense temperate rainforests are home to 30 species of land animals including black bears, brown hears, mountain goats, moose, and Dall sheep. Over 220 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit the area.
Itinerary
Ship Onboard Safari Explorer
Safari Explorer is designed for upscale comfort in the pursuit of adventure. This high-end SUV of a yacht is nimble, strong, and loving. The Safari Explorer has what mariners call “feet” that take her into wild areas big ships can’t visit. Her performance-built rugged construction means access to faraway regions. But it’s what’s on the inside that makes this vessel the prize of the fleet. And with only 36 guests on board, the feel is decidedly exclusive.
Onboard Features: Full-beam swim step; kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear; on-deck hot tub; fitness equipment and yoga mats; DVD and book library; wine library.
Day 1 Whittier
Welcome to Whittier, the gateway to Prince William Sound! Your transfer will meet you at the airport in Anchorage, whisk away your luggage, and drive you and your fellow adventurers through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - at 2.5 miles, the longest highway tunnel in North America - to Whittier. Meet your crew and tour Safari Explorer, UnCruise's flagship vessel and your home for the week. After champagne and a safety demonstration, enjoy your first of many farm-to-table gourmet meals!
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Explorer.
Day 2 Icy Bay Glaciers
Wake up in the glacial waterways of Icy Bay. Flowing down from the 4,000-foot surrounding peaks, Chenega, Tigertail, and Tiger glaciers are all options this morning. Hop in a skiff, and if conditions are right, kayak in a remote cove tucked into the shoreline. Your expedition team shares how glaciers sculpt and alter the landscape on a daily basis. Feel the essence of this land of the Chenega people, meaning “beneath the mountain,” as you weave through these deserted islands by kayak, skiff, and yacht.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Explorer.
Day 3 Captain's Choice
Tuck into the southern reaches of Prince William Sound, exploring its sculpted islands. Some call it “gunkholing”—nosing around the next cove—and there’s plenty to see. Search for whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds from the bow or option to kayak or beachcomb for a closer look at island life with natural and cultural history notes from your guides.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Explorer.
Day 4 Cordova
Accompanied by guides, head out for a hike below Sheridan Glacier this morning with an afternoon on your own to explore Cordova. Or, join your shipmates on a walking tour of this tiny fishing town at the mouth of the Copper River. With a population of 2,300 and no roads connecting to other towns, Cordova is only accessible by air or water. Take in the town’s Native history by nature walk, hard charger hike, an Eyak Tribe cultural program, or Prince William Sound Science Center exploration before settling back on board for a quiet overnight anchorage.
Overnight stay onboard Safari Explorer.
Day 5 Columbia Glaciers & Valdez
Options aplenty this morning. Hike, kayak, skiff, or try your hand at standup paddle boarding in a quiet cove before a hearty lunch back onboard. Next up: towering icebergs born from the approaching Columbia Glacier. Winding its way 32 miles back through Chugach Mountains and with constantly changing conditions, your captain finds the best route to view this massive glacier.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Explorer.
Day 6 Unakwik Inlet & Meares Glacier
Arctic terns and bald eagles, harbor seals resting on icebergs, and the massive Meares Glacier as your backdrop, Unakwik Inlet is the perfect place to dip your paddle in the water for a kayak. Or, join a skiff tour to get farther faster in glacier country. This is wilderness at its wildest. Feel the mountains closing in as you cruise through Esther Passage. View a fish hatchery and learn about Alaska’s salmon species. Tonight, join your expedition leader for an interpretive presentation before a relaxing soak in the hot tub under the fading sun.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Explorer.
Day 7 College Fjord & Barry Arm
Day of the grand finales. Big mountains, big ice, and big smiles as we wind down our adventure in the company of all that is quintessentially Alaska. Sea otters float on their backs on beds of kelp. Watch them lounge before diving and rising with puffins in search of food. Take it all in from a kayak or skiff before capping off your week with a celebratory Farewell Dinner and slideshow.
Overnight stay onboard the Safari Explorer.
Day 8 Whittier
One last breakfast with new friends before your coach transfer from Whittier along Turnagain Arm on your way back to Anchorage. Then transfer back to the Anchorage airport.
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