The M/V Sea Wolf is an ocean-going ship that carries her passengers in comfort. Based in Glacier Bay National Park, Sea Wolf offers the ultimate Glacier Bay adventure cruise.
Sea Wolf Southeast Alaska Adventure
The flexible Sea Wolf Southeast Alaska Adventure aboard the historic 12-passenger Sea Wolf explores the Inside Passage with a seasoned local captain and naturalists. Routes vary to use the ports of Sitka, Juneau and Petersburg. Kayak, hike and cruise per the collective whim of those on board!
Aug
Sep
FROM
$8,000
USD
PER PERSON
/
Explore, discover and learn about the magical rainforest and ocean ecosystems of Southeast Alaska on this 8-day expedition with a variety of flexible routes and embarkation ports. This glacial wilderness supports a diversity of wildlife as varied as the landscape. Late August and September are a terrific times to watch bears fishing in salmon streams, humpback whales feeding in preparation for migration to warmer waters and birds migrating from arctic to southern climes.
Humpback whales, orcas, harbor porpoise and Dall’s porpoise, white-sided dolphins, Stellar sea lion and numerous sea birds are just some of the species sighted frequently on this cruise. In the rainforest, also hope to see black bear, brown bear and mountain goats. Enjoy an average of three to four hours of cruising each day. The rest of each day is spent exploring the glacial fjords and bays by kayak or hiking on shore.
On this flexible Alaska small ship cruise, routes and anchorages are chosen to optimize opportunities to experience the rich and diverse environment of this temperate rainforest. Prepare to learn the full story of this place: the spiritual, cultural and natural history, as well as the current threats and their possible solutions.
Passage is aboard the historic 12-passenger small ship M/V Sea Wolf, a historic wooden World War II minesweeper featuring beautiful lines, stability, maneuverability and special accessibility equipment… all qualities that make her an AdventureSmith favorite for private Alaska yacht charters. On a charter or a set departure with soon-to-be friends, venture to unique sites that big ships can’t reach and enjoy the knowledge of your local captain, a naturalist who owns and operates the vessel. The captain hosts local school children on a private departure annually and can help your own children see Alaska in a special way, making this trip a prime selection for our Alaska family cruises. Sea Wolf may set sail for the Tongass to capitalize on active fish populations, or Chichagof Island to view active bears. And the ship is most famous for its comprehensive Glacier Bay cruise routes, the vessel’s home base for most of the Alaska season.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruises and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
Glacier Bay to Sitka Itinerary
Gustavus, AlaskaSitka, Alaska
This itinerary spends 8 days exploring Glacier Bay National Park and outside the park before disembarking in Sitka.
Board the Sea Wolf at 8:30 a.m. and attend a vessel orientation and safety. Then head up into Glacier Bay National Park to Geike Inlet, which has several salmon streams that should have fish heading up to spawn. Take out kayaks for your first paddle here and hope to see bears and eagles in the streams and maybe a few humpback whales foraging nearby. After the paddle, pull anchor and head to an anchorage near Reid Glacier.
Note that we recommend arriving to Gustavus a day early to allow for exploration of the community and local Tribal House.
Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. then it’s off to an exploration hike of Reid Glacier and Inlet. All eyes are also peeled for wildlife as coastal brown bears, black bears, wolves and moose live in the surrounding valley. Back on board for lunch and a sailing to Johns Hopkins Fjord for an epic afternoon paddle a safe distance from this stunning active glacier framed by steep cliffs and soaring mountains. Then move to your evening anchorage by Russell Island.
Enjoy breakfast underway to Lamplugh Glacier for a hike up to a vista that overlooks the glacier and descend down to the lateral moraine to possibly see calving icebergs. Then it’s back to the ship for lunch and a few leisurely hours cruising down Tar Inlet to the Marjorie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. Here, paddle past a black-legged kittiwake rookery which also supports a small group of puffins, both horned and tufted, and past the face of the glacier to watch from a safe distance her possible calving. Then move to this evening’s anchorage by Queen Inlet.
Enjoy breakfast then a slow-bell cruise past Gloomy Knob looking for wildlife and also whales, sea lions and porpoises. Lunch is on board before an amazing geology paddle down Tidal Inlet, which abounds with waterfalls, a great possibility of wildlife and birds. Depending on tide and wildlife, you’ll possible also hike along the river shed. Then head to South Marble Island to view a large Stellar sea lion haulout and a seabird rookery. Otters, sea lions, seals and whales all forage in these waters as well as puffins, common murres, cormorants, several species of gulls and bald eagles. Then sail to this evening’s anchorage at Fingers Bay.
Today take a morning hike from South to North Fingers and back. Lunch is underway to Point Adolphus for whale watching on the way to tonight’s Courverdan anchorage.
Underway to whale waters at Iyoukeen and anchoring up in Freshwater Bay for a paddle and a hike. Anchor in a small cove in front of an estuary system that supports a large population of brown bears. During fish runs, bears congregate near the entrance of a fish ladder that allows returning salmon access to their spawning streams, bypassing the dam-built decades ago to support logging operations. Here explore the bay by kayak and perhaps by foot.
Breakfast is underway from Freshwater Bay to Peril Straits. Navigate through the winding Peril Strait, where you will search the shores of the narrow passageway for the land creatures that travel this shoreline. Your guide will help you kayak and hike along the way to tonight’s anchorage in Peril Straits.
Eat breakfast underway as you cruise toward your next kayaking destination in Sitka Sound (tide and weather dependent). Be on the lookout for many species of pelagic birds including Cassin’s auklets, rhinoceros auklets, puffins, murres and pelagic cormorants. Lunch will then be underway before an expected arrival to Sitka by 3:00pm. Transportation will be provided to your lodging.
Included
Ground transportation from the vessel to the airport or select hotel on day of disembarkation; accommodations aboard ship; excursions; entrance fees; city taxes; leadership & crew; all meals and beer and wine before and with dinner; local guides and permits unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary. Operator reserves the right to make any changes in the itinerary or to substitute modes of transport or guides.
Exclusions
Ground transportation to the vessel on day of embarkation; flights; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expense arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation or other causes beyond our control; fuel surcharge of $150 per person for bookings made after April 10, 2026.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person is due when booking prior to January 1 of year of departure. A second deposit of 50% of remaining balance is due January 15 of year of departure. Bookings made after January 1 of year of departure require a deposit of 50% of total fare. 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 fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – 100% of deposit
179 to 120 days – 100% of all fares paid to date
119 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 Sea Wolf’s Glacier Bay to Sitka cruise begins in Gustavus, Alaska (GST) and ends in Sitka, Alaska (SIT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Gustavus in time for the 8:30am embarkation on Day 1 of the itinerary. Disembarkation is in Sitka at 3:00pm on Day 8, so plan to take a late flight if available or depart the following day.
Activities
Hiking and kayaking are available aboard Sea Wolf itineraries. Expect uneven terrain on hikes and on glacial till beaches. Hikes are up to two miles and kayaking is usually three to seven miles per day, depending on the desired level of activity.
Room Configuration
Cabin 1 can be triple occupancy. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 2x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability.
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. The M/V Sea Wolf is available for private family charters. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for more information.
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.
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather, travel conditions and wildlife movements. Many times, the ship is following the wildlife as they move with their food source; this flexibility enables the greatest viewing possibilities.
Accessible Travel
The Sea Wolf offers wider decks, access to all public areas and three accessible staterooms. A McKinnon Hugger is available to lift persons with disabilities into kayaks for wilderness paddles. For those who require a wheelchair or have any other special needs, contact AdventureSmith to see if this cruise is a good fit.
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The M/V Sea Wolf is an 97-foot ocean-going ship that carries 12 passengers plus 5-6 crew members in comfort. The Sea Wolf is an amazing expedition platform for small ship cruising, wildlife spotting, kayaking and whale watching. The in-depth knowledge of the landscape offered by the ship’s naturalists provides an extensive educational component to cruising through the dynamic wilderness of Alaska. Thanks to a renovation allowing for wheelchair access, the Sea Wolf is also a go-to vessel for anyone desiring an inclusive small ship adventure.
Why Sail Aboard the Sea Wolf
Choose the Sea Wolf if you want an intimate guided exploration of Glacier Bay National Park aboard an Alaskan owned and operated vessel. Expect deep natural history interpretation with a lot of species identification, as well as detailed explanations of ecosystems and processes. The Sea Wolf crew, many of whom are local Alaskans, are fun, knowledgeable and eager to share their naturalist stories and lore. The Sea Wolf is not always considered a glamorous vessel, but her charm and purpose outweigh what she lacks in amenities. A historic wooden World War II minesweeper, she has beautiful lines, stability and maneuverability, which function perfectly in her current task of exploring Glacier Bay National Park.
Our detailed information on the Sea Wolf includes a complete small ship description with deck plans and photo gallery, along with a dedicated Sea Wolf Ship Review written by one of our specialists. Our team has been aboard the Sea Wolf firsthand, and can help you compare this yacht to others offering small ship Alaska cruises and private Alaska yacht charters. We've been aboard many Alaska ships and can be your ultimate resource to discover if this is the best small ship for your travel needs.
Common Areas Aboard Sea Wolf
The Sea Wolf offers various scenery and wildlife viewing spaces throughout the ship, such as the wide bow viewing area, the upper deck seating area behind the wheelhouse, the indoor viewing salon and covered side viewing decks. The covered aft view dining deck is a special, heated scenic area enclosed in Eisen glass with an 180-degree view. All outside decks offer water-level observation, enhancing the opportunity for close encounters with Alaska's famed marine mammals. Smoking is not permitted aboard the Sea Wolf, even on outdoor decks.
Dining Aboard Sea Wolf
The dedicated Sea Wolf crew believes in supporting local businesses and food growers. Salmon, halibut, spot prawns and Dungeness crab served aboard are all harvested in Southeast Alaska by local fishermen. The adventurous chef highlights local dishes with an international flair while using mostly fresh and organic produce. Most baked goods are prepared on board. The Sea Wolf chef can cater to most special diets (with advance notice) including vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and low fat. Wine and beer are served complimentary with dinner. Special wild foraging themed departures are sometimes available to showcase cuisine made with foraged Alaskan fare.
Activities Aboard Sea Wolf
The Sea Wolf is equipped with six double kayaks for guests and two guide kayaks and an 18-foot rigid inflatable Zodiac for shore excursions. Daily activities consist of two- to three-hour hikes with an easy pace and plenty of time for finding animal tracks, botany and birding. Fully guided kayak excursions are typically two or more hours, with shorter options for those who wish to return to the boat. Like the hikes, the paddles often include a lesson in natural history surrounded by dramatic scenery. Many paddles and even some hikes are one way, allowing kayakers to use the wind or tide to extend their journey as the boat sails to meet them in a new location.
Accessibility Aboard Sea Wolf
With the decks and access doors at least 32 inches wide, three of six staterooms wheelchair accessible and two lifts installed for access to all three decks, the Sea Wolf is a uniquely inclusive small ship. The competent and sensitive crew curates itineraries suitable for paraplegic passengers with good upper body strength and quadriplegic passengers with a trustworthy companion, a sense of adventure and the ability to be comfortable in a manual wheelchair. A McKinnon Hugger is available to lift persons with disabilities into kayaks for wilderness paddles. Accessible cabins offer transfer boards, bars beside the bed, shower benches and plenty of space for transferring within the ensuite bathroom. Those who require a wheelchair or have any other special needs, should contact AdventureSmith Explorations to see if this ship is a good fit.
Sea Wolf History
The Sea Wolf (formerly USS Observer) was originally built in 1941 as a US Navy Harbor minesweeper. She served as protection for San Francisco Bay for years until 1947 when she was decommissioned. In the 1950s she was purchased by the Krieger family and used as the family's private yacht. Douglas Oil acquired her in the 1960s as part of the purchase of Krieger Oil. She was found tied to a dock in the early 1980s by another Alaskan charter company and beautifully refitted as a charter vessel. She operated for many years and her tours raised awareness that was pivotal in moving forward legislation to protect the Tongass National Forest. In 2003 she was rechristened as the Sea Wolf and began operations in Glacier Bay Alaska. In her lifetime, she has cruised from Alaska to the Galapagos and today is the perfect vessel for exploring the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay wilderness waters.
Sustainability Aboard Sea Wolf
Sustainability is a major focus for the crew of the Sea Wolf who implement sustainable practices to help protect the vulnerable ecosystems of Alaska. Aboard the M/V Sea Wolf measures have been taken to minimize underwater ambient noise for a low disturbance rate to marine mammals; to implement an annual plastic reduction plan; to meet or exceed EPA standards with black and grey water disposal; to recycle garbage and compost food waste; and to use eco-friendly cleaning supplies. All itineraries abide by the guidelines of the "Marine Mammal Viewing Code of Conduct" as published by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Sea Wolf practices "Leave No Trace" principals.
The ship's crew supports educational efforts by providing science supplies and an annual vessel expedition for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes; and offering educational opportunities for local students and summer college interns. The Sea Wolf also has philanthropic endeavors, such as hosting an annual giving Christmas program; starting a fund though Craig Hospital foundation to raise money for individual accessible travel; and supporting the Rain Coast Conservation, Nature Conservancy and other NGOs through trips and monetary donations. The Sea Wolf outfit also participates in Citizen Science projects whenever applicable.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Sea Wolf
Her six intimate cabins all have small but functional, private, accessible baths; upper and lower bunk beds and a small window or porthole.
#1 Moose Room
10 x 14 feet, below deck with 2 standard twins overhead and 1 double, 6’6" in length
#2 Bear Room
6.5 x 9 feet, main deck port side with 2 twins over/under, 6’6" in length, wheelchair accessible
#3 Wolf Room
6.5 x 9 feet, main deck starboard side with 2 twins over/under, 6’6" length, wheelchair accessible
#4 Otter Room
6.5 x 7 feet, wheelhouse deck port side with 1 under twin (standard) and 1 over twin 30"/ 6’3" in length
#5 Orca Room
6.5 x 7 feet, wheelhouse deck port side with 2 twins over/under, 6’6" length, wheelchair accessible
#6 Puffin Room
7 x 7 feet, wheelhouse deck starboard side with 1 under twin (standard) and 1 over twin 30"/ 6’3 in length
Learn About the Alaska Small Ship on Your Itinerary
Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect
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Expert Aboard: M/V Sea Wolf Review
A review of the 12-guest Motor Vessel Sea Wolf written by AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith, who recently sailed aboard the ship with his son.
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