It all started with the boat. Swell, run by Maple Leaf Adventures from Victoria, British Columbia, is no ordinary vessel. Built in 1912 as a wooden tugboat, it was transformed in 2004 into an elegant 88-foot cruiser for just 12 guests, five crew, and a naturalist.
Day 1: Rain, Bears, and Whales
Rain greeted us, but so did wildlife! A grizzly bear prowled the shore as humpback whales cruised nearby. Eagles soared overhead, and sea lions made surprise appearances. It was like nature’s version of a blockbuster movie.
Day 2: Salmon in the Trees
Warm Springs Bay smelled of salmon, the backbone of Alaska’s ecosystem. Our onboard naturalist explained how salmon fed the land and its forests after the Ice Age. The lush rainforests we marveled at owe much to these fish — and the bears, eagles, and wolves that spread their nutrients far and wide.
Day 3: Whales and Warm Springs
A surprise visit from a whale scientist brought incredible stories of humpbacks bouncing back after years of whaling. However, she warned of new dangers like climate change. Later, we soaked in warm springs (ignoring the sulfur smell!) and spotted playful otters.
Day 4: Rafts of Otters and Whale Soup
In Security Bay, we spotted a massive raft of over 100 otters. Later, humpback whales stole the show. There were so many spouts that our guide joked it was a “soup of whales.” It felt like a 360-degree marine spectacle!
Day 5: Close Encounters with Grizzlies
Pack Creek on Admiralty Island gave us a safe, up-close look at grizzlies. These bears roam freely in this sanctuary, undisturbed by humans. One bear dug clams while deer grazed nearby — until they smelled the grizzly and bolted!
Day 6: Glacier Hunting and Ice Age Cocktails
We reached Dawes Glacier, surrounded by bare rock and icy waters. Seals lounged on ice floes, and we grabbed a giant chunk of glacier ice for drinks. Clearer than crystal, this ice turned our G&Ts into “Ice Age cocktails.”
Day 7: The Symphony of Whales
On our final day, we witnessed humpbacks bubble-net feeding — an incredible display of teamwork. They worked together to trap fish and burst through the surface in unison. We listened to their calls underwater, and it truly felt like a “symphony of whales.”
- For Luxury Lovers: The Seven Seas Explorer offers fine dining, live entertainment, and wildlife tours in style.
- For Adventurers: UnCruise Adventures combines kayaking, paddleboarding, and even snorkeling in Alaska’s wild waters.
- For Wildlife Fans: The Boat Company’s eco-friendly cruises focus on Tongass National Forest, home to whales, orcas, and sea lions.
- For Variety: AdventureSmith Explorations partners with over 30 small ships, like the Sea Wolf, perfect for exploring Glacier Bay.
#AlaskaAdventures #GlacierDreams #WildlifeSafari #WhaleWatching #BucketListTrip