The Manatee Amazon Explorer cruises Ecuador's Amazon in style and casual comfort. The vessel is certified by Smart Voyager and the Rainforest Alliance, entities that guarantee the sustainability of her operations.
Mary TEST Trip: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay [Duplicate]
Enjoy 2 days venturing farther than 99% of visitors into Glacier Bay National Park. Plus, Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Icy Strait and Chatham Strait. Choose between a 60- and a 75-guest expedition ship as your home base.
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The 8-day Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise includes a comprehensive 2 days within Glacier Bay National Park for maximum adventure ashore and afloat plus diverse birding on South Marble Island.
The incomparable Glacier Bay National Park covers over three million acres with open ocean and fjord coastlines spanning most of its perimeter. Within the park, view two impressive tidewater glaciers, Margerie and Grand Pacific, and bushwhack and hike in old-growth forest and glacial outwash fields. Birding at South Marble Island will mean no rest for the binoculars while watching for puffins, oystercatchers, cormorants and kittiwakes.
Outside the bay, seek out seals and mountain goats in Tracy Arm, humpbacks in the whale-rich Frederick Sound, sea lions in Icy Strait and bears along the shoreline of Chatham Strait. A stellar expedition team guides the entire journey, with plenty of active daily options, including skiff rides, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding right from the small ship home base. This recipe for active adventure makes this itinerary a prime selection for our Alaska family cruises.
Cruise round-trip from Juneau aboard the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer or 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer, 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 trips, small ship Alaska cruises. View our full list of Glacier Bay cruises and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay Itinerary
Juneau, AlaskaJuneau, Alaska
Spend 2 days in Glacier Bay National Park and visit the amazing tidewater glaciers of Margerie and Grand Pacific. Whale watching, birding and Chatham Strait are particular highlights of this itinerary.
Arrive in Juneau and be transferred from the airport to the hospitality area. Upon boarding, be greeted by crew with champagne and smiles. Set sail for a week of scenic channels and secluded wilderness.
Kickstart the morning with on-deck yoga stretches and a strong cup of coffee. Energized and snug in your kayak, glide around in remote bays off Icy Strait through giant bullwhip kelp that can grow to over 100 feet long. Join the gang in a skiff to a rocky outcropping to watch sea lions play. Or step into mud boots for a forest hike with your top-notch naturalist guides who have plenty to share about everything Alaska—marine biology, plants and even geology. On board, soak it all in with views from the hot tub.
This crown jewel of America’s national parks covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the farthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. And you have two days to do it. Get started!
Taylor Bay sea stacks and rocky shores make for good adventure. Or hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing. If you motor over to Dundas Bay, keep your eye out for bears, humpbacks, and if you’re lucky, a wolf sighting. Kayak the bay. Bushwhack into the forest. Discover Glacier Bay.
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. Take it all in on deck.
Kick off the morning with on-deck yoga stretches (your guides love it when you join them). Meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then stop. It’s a prime time to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Camera in hand, set off on land and sea explorations. Closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Any bears in there? With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. Hiking in the Tongass National Forest, it won’t take long to find them. Your eagle-eyed guides lead the pack—and pull up the rear.
Humpbacks beeline it here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, your expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and the Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Paddle into the deeps of Port Houghton or Windham Bay or head ashore for a hike. Somewhere nearby, carrot-billed black oystercatchers are saying hello. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska.
Take an early peek out your window. Fjord cliffs reach skyward. Floating ice. And deep u-shaped valleys. There’s no abracadabra here. Mother Nature’s magic is real. Cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. In classic fjord form, Tracy Arm delivers with the cotton-candy-blue Twin Sawyers glacier of its farthest reaches.
Tides permitting, your skiff driver knows the ropes and guides you along. It’s a mashup of towering walls, temperamental currents and the Coastal Mountains. So many waterfalls. Mountain goats show off fancy foot work on the cliffs. Look for them. Your captain joins you tonight for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a “photo journal” by your crew.
Linger over breakfast this morning while cruising into Juneau. Wish the crew and new friends goodbye. Then it’s off to the airport or extend your hotel stay or land tour.
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; taxes and port fees.
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.
Payment & Cancellation
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 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:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 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 Adventure 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. 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- and quad-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. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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.
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The 28-guest Manatee Amazon Explorer is the ideal small ship to cruise Ecuador's Amazon in style and casual comfort. The floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite and air conditioning provide the perfect balance to experience the wilderness of the Amazon in comfort. Between the many terraces and top deck, the wildlife and scenery is never far on this riverboat.
Manatee Amazon Explorer Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Manatee Amazon Explorer review includes a detailed description of the riverboat including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in the Amazon. Please read our Manatee Amazon Explorer review then contact our cruise experts to compare the Manatee Amazon Explorer with other small cruise ships and riverboats offering Amazon cruises, including private charter cruises.
Choose the Manatee Amazon Explorer cruise if you are seeking an affordable, active and comfortable riverboat option in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Manatee Amazon Explorer, built in 2017, is new, clean and comfortable, exuding a true riverboat feel. With all the amenities of a lodge, including an experienced staff, comfortable rooms with great views, private baths and air conditioning, this riverboat is an excellent choice for exploring the unique, wildlife-filled Ecuadorian Amazon. The benefit of exploring the Amazon aboard the Manatee is her ability to navigate farther down river to a diversity of stops not available if visiting from a lodge. High-speed internet access is available onboard via Starlink for a nominal fee.
Safety & Sustainability Aboard Manatee Amazon Explorer
The vessel complies with both national and international navigation, as well as safety, security and environmental protection standards. Manatee Amazon Explorer is certified by Smart Voyager and the Rainforest Alliance, entities that guarantee the sustainability of her operations. The Manatee Amazon Explorer was purpose-built for river cruising in the Amazon and for having the smallest impact possible on the environment. The Manatee also works closely with the surrounding communities to ensure a healthy interaction for all. This sustainable tourism model is at the heart of the Manatee's operations.
Although expedition cruising by its very nature is characterized as adventurous, the safety of Manatee's staff and passengers is of paramount importance. The Manatee Amazon Explorer is fully equipped and maintained in order to handle the most challenging conditions and circumstances, and is operated by experienced and conscientious expedition staff and crew. The canoes used for daily shore landings are rugged and versatile and are operated responsibly by experienced personnel. On board you will be fully briefed on all pertinent safety issues and concerns, as well as the ship's environmental policy; passengers also receive appropriate and detailed briefings before each landing.
Common Areas Aboard Manatee Amazon Explorer
The Manatee offers multiple common areas that enable guests to spread out during the cruise. The lounge and bar offer a perfect spot to rest and reflect before the next adventure. The conference room includes a flat-screen television and comfortable seating, where naturalist guides give informative talks and briefings for the following day’s activities. Deck 2 shares a reading room and boutique while Deck 4 is ideal for catching the breeze and watching the jungle pass by on the observation deck with a hot tub.
The Manatee Amazon Explorer is also equipped with kayaks and a small fleet of motorized canoes. The canoes provide unlimited mobility and allow for the exploration of the most remote areas and inaccessible shores.
Dining Aboard Manatee Amazon Explorer
The Manatee Amazon Explorer boasts both interior and exterior dining areas, located on Deck 1 and Deck 3. Manatee's chefs offer a spectacular variety of both national and international dishes, as well as an excellent selection of beers and sparkling wines.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Manatee Amazon Explorer
The Manatee Amazon Explorer has the capacity to accommodate up to 28 passengers in suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Each suite is equipped with air conditioning, closets, 24-hour electricity via 110-voltage outlets and switches, an in-suite sitting area, and a private bathroom with hot and cold water, hairdryer and toiletries including shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap.
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Choose from a variety of other AdventureSmith Alaska trips to extend your journey, or opt for a cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise. The Glacier Bay National Park Adventure 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 2026 Denali Adventure by Rail & Trail with Fairbanks is a pre-cruise escorted land tour featuring a hosted day in Fairbanks, wilderness lodge stays in Denali National Park and Talkeetna Mountains, and hotel overnights in Fairbanks and Anchorage. This tour takes you through the Talkeetna Mountain and Denali National park by coach, rail and trail, and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking and panning for gold. This land package aligns with Saturday cruise departures; cruises departing on other days require additional hotel night(s). This extension begins operation on May 30, 2026 and the final departure is September 5, 2026; June 6 and August 22 departures are unavailable.
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