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Alaska Expedition
Set sail into the wild heart of Alaska aboard Discovery, an elegant 87-foot classic yacht built for exploration and adventure. Accommodating just 10 Sailing Collective guests, this intimate voyage offers a rare opportunity to experience Alaska from the water—navigating through remote fjords, glacier-carved passages, and pristine coastal wilderness far beyond the reach of conventional travel. Watch for humpback whales and orcas, encounter bears and bald eagles along the shoreline, kayak into secluded coves, and step ashore in places where the wilderness still feels entirely untamed. With the comfort and character of a private yacht and the spirit of a true expedition, this is Alaska at its most immersive: wild, intimate, and deeply connected to the sea.
This is a comfortable classic yacht, and make no mistake: this is Alaska. Unlike a Mediterranean sailing holiday, where private ensuites, long lunches ashore, and easy access to restaurants are part of the experience, this is a true wilderness expedition. The yacht has five guest cabins and four centrally located shared WCs, and guests should be comfortable sharing space and embracing the communal nature of the journey. Expect cold water, changing weather, rugged shorelines, long days outdoors, and places where there may be no dock, road, restaurant, or other boat in sight.
This is Alaska. And that's precisely what makes it extraordinary. This is one of the most remote, wilderness-focused itineraries in our collection, offering the chance to explore a landscape of towering mountains, ancient forests, glaciers, and abundant wildlife from the water.
Come prepared for an adventure rather than a resort experience: be flexible, get outside, get a little wet, and trade some creature comforts for access to places few people ever experience. It's a trip of a lifetime, and the wildness is the point.
*Price Per Cabin | Double Cabin $9900 Per Traveller | Single Cabin $12625 Per Traveler
Captain Ben, thank you for sharing your beloved Alaska with us. It's been a once in a lifetime, over the top experience. From the spots on fishing, crab and shrimp site to hidden coves, majestic waterfalls and icebergs, to finding whales, porpoises, bears, sea lions, and even goats! - We thank you! What makes this trip special and unique, Ben, is you. The love you have for this incredible place is evident in every choice you make as Captain We are thankful that we got to see all through your eyes.
Kay, Megan & George
Sitka to Juneau Itinerary
Coast to Capital
With a colorful past that blends native Tlingit culture with Russian history beautiful Sitka is well worth a day or two before you join us on Discovery. Once onboard we’ll navigate a myriad of coastal islands and inner channels looking for sea otter and bear on the beaches before catching the tide through the infamous Sergius Narrows to Frederick Sound. Humpback Whales congregate here each summer and the surrounding islands & inlets on Baranof and Admiralty Island are home to a large number of brown bear. There is time to hike, kayak and fish before we explore the stunning fjords and glaciers of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area.
Sitka – Russian history & native culture
Sea Otter and coastal islands
Sergius Narrows & scenic waterways
Visit a natural hot spring
Fish for salmon & halibut
Full day exploring spectacular fjords & tidewater glaciers
Humpback whales, orca, Dalls porpoise, sea otter, sea lion & more
Watch for brown bear
Hike in a temperate rain forest
Anchor in secluded bays
Trip begins in Sitka and ends in Juneau, AK (or reverse itinerary)
DAY 1 - Into the Wild - Picturesque Sitka is the heart of Russian influence in Southeast Alaska and lies nestled beneath the sharp granite peaks on Baranof Island’s western shore. With Mt Edgcombe, an extinct volcano, to the west the journey begins as we cruise into Salisbury Sound.Sea Otter are commonly seen floating around the kelp beds and rocky shoreline and watch for Brown Bear, Bald Eagles and Sitka Black-tailed deer on shore. We’ll wind our way through a myriad of islands into Olga and Neva Straits and anchor this evening in a protected cove on the northern shore of Kruzof Island.
DAY 2 - Sergius Narrows to Hoonah Sound - This morning we have the option of hiking Sea Lion Cove Trail (or part thereof). Moderately difficult this trail traverses a variety of Alaska’s diverse ecosystems (grassy meadow, beautiful old growth forest, lake and muskeg) before emerging onto a two-mile long sandy beach at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Alternately, the foreshore and meadow attract Brown Bear and Bald Eagle and is a great place to spend time beach combing and taking photos.Outside of the inlet is a good fishing spot and time/weather permitting we may try to hook a Salmon before cruising on through Sergius Narrows. This exciting 30-mile long passage between Baranof and Chichagof islands is only 300 feet wide at its narrowest point with whirlpools and a rushing tide.Todays destination is a bay in Hoonah Sound. Once anchored guests can help the crew drop crab pots, go kayaking, drop in a line for Halibut or just relax on board.
DAY 3 - Peril Strait to Chatham Strait – Watch for Whales - Enjoy a cup of coffee and a leisurely stroll on deck. You can help the crew pull up Dungeness Crab pots or watch the skiff return with the days catch. Sit down for breakfast as the crew pull anchor and we get underway.Watch for whale spouts as we cruise down Peril Strait. The protected waters of Chatham Strait to Frederick Sound comprise the summer feeding grounds of more than 300 Humpback Whales and also support Orca (Killer) Whales, Dalls Porpoise, Stellar sea lion and a variety of sea birds. Chances of encountering Humpback and Orca Whales are high in this area and whale watching is likely to take up part of our day.We may fish for Salmon or Halibut at one of our secret spots, watch as commercial fishing boats haul in their nets or tour a Salmon Hatchery. Our anchorage tonight lies tucked beneath towering snow-capped mountains.
DAY 4 - Baranof Island – Natural hot springs, hiking and the Captains favorite bay - We’ll make the short hop south today to the Baranof Hot Springs. Guests can opt to soak in a private tub or follow the short trail through lush rainforest to a natural hot spring beside a roaring waterfall. For the energetic the trail continues on to a clear mountain lake and/or a small bluff overlooking the bay. In mid-summer you can collect wild blueberries and salmon berries as you make your way back to the boat.Discovery’s creative Chef will have a delicious lunch prepared as we cruise south to one of the Captain’s favorite bays. This inlet is serene and beautiful with many twists and turns and guests usually gather on the bow to fully absorb the mystical waterfalls and tall mountains reflected in the calm waters below.Watch for Bald Eagle, curious Harbor Seals and Brown Bear foraging along the waters edge as we enter the bay. With 2 rivers at its head this bay it a great place to explore by skiff or kayak.
DAY 5 - Frederick Sound – Summer feeding grounds of the Humpback Whale - Keen kayakers have time for a paddle before breakfast then we’ll pull anchor and pick up the shrimp pot that was set last night. With no binding agenda today we will cruise around the southern tip of Admiralty Island into Frederick Sound. The scale of Alaska’s inside passage is evident as we cross this expansive body of water. Watch for the tell tale spouts of Humpback and Orca whales and Sea Otter bobbing in the swell.We may have time to fish for Halibut before dropping anchor in a pretty cove on Admiralty Island. With the densest population of Brown Bear in the world this island (& bay) is another good place to search for Brown Bear and depending on guests desires we can explore the creek and foreshore by skiff or go for a short hike.
DAY 6 - Admiralty Island (Fortress of the Bears) to Tracy Arm / Fords Terror Wilderness Area - Crossing Frederick Sound to the east we’ll pass the Brothers Islands. A narrow spit of land is exposed at low tide and we may spend a couple of hours clamming and exploring tide pools before cruising towards Five Finger light house.We’ll pass a Sea Lion haul out this afternoon and watch their raucous interactions. Then there is time to relax as we follow the mainland north to a small cove at the entrance of the Tracy Arm / Fords Terror glacial region. If the tide is right, we may catch the 20 minute current free window into Fords Terror itself. MV Discovery is one of the few small cruise ships to navigate the swirling, shallow entrance of Fords Terror and spend the night in this dramatic wilderness. Inside this narrow fjord the rest of the world is forgotten as you stand in awe of the incredible forces of mother nature.
DAY 7 - Fjords, Glaciers & Icebergs - Today we will cruise the length of Endicott Arm beneath sheer granite walls with cascading waterfalls. We’ll navigate our way between glittering blue icebergs in the hope of reaching the massive face of Dawes Glacier, a tidewater glacier that calves regularly into the sea. Keep a look out for Bear, Mountain Goats, Bald Eagle, Harbor Seals with pups on icebergs and their nemesis the Orca (Killer) whale.This afternoon its a scenic cruise to Taku Harbor where guests have one last opportunity to kayak and/or explore an abandoned fox farm, dock pilings and rope swing before a celebratory dinner to cap off an amazing week.
Notes from the Captain
If you’re looking for smaller group travel in southeast Alaska for your Alaska cruise, there are several options that are “relatively comparable” to Discovery. Below are a few things to keep in mind.Discovery was built as a yacht. This is important because it is reflected in her skilled craftsmanship throughout her design and capability. She was William Morris’ second largest yacht. Incredible attention was given to the seaworthiness and comforts as she was built to host and entertain Hollywood elites on the open Pacific ocean.Despite Discovery’s colorful history, she was in rough shape when we bought her. Having 18 years of Alaska Charter experience aboard 3 previous Classic Yachts proved to be advantageous as we knew exactly what it would take to make the boat well outifitted and comfortable.
Discovery was the perfect canvas – just right to comfortably accommodate small groups exploring Alaska. Our original restoration began the winter of 1998 and every year since I seem to find something to improve to make her even better for both guests and crew. Truth be told from a young age I had a dream to one day own one of the finest well maintained Classic Yachts in the world and although it’s been a many year process I am humbled and proud to have achieved such a feat.
Discovery has an open floor plan with separate forward, dining and main saloons in addition to outside seating on both decks as well as covered fantail seating. Rain or shine even at full capacity there is ample room to watch the scenery, socialize, game or read inside or out! Aside from the boat, which you may have picked up on that I have a bit of an affinity for, there is of course also the captain and crew. My dad John was a commercial troller out of Sitka in the late 70’s so some of my earliest memories were aboard that boat fishing with dad. Although I was too young to be much help then, it is uncanny what young impressionable minds absorb. In kind, marine life has become second nature to our boys from a young age. Mom, dad and I moved onto a sailboat in 1980 and my spare time was occupied sailing, rowing and playing on the docks. An advantage that started young and blossomed from there. 2024 will be my 44th year chartering in Southeast Alaska and consequently, I know it very well. It is so beautiful and I love that it is our summer playground that we can share with guests. It is hard to go wrong or be disappointed with Alaska in general, but with so many years of local knowledge we have the advantage of knowing where to look for wildlife and where to drop your lines in when you choose to cruise with us. There are some great boats and operators in Southeast Alaska but many years days and hours of sitting in that Captain’s seat sets us apart for your Alaska cruise.
We are also owner operators and care about the experience for every single guest. This year my wife Jamie will be aboard again keeping the boat looking sharp and guests well taken care of. Also, our son Brandon will join us this season as first mate/deckhand and hopefully one day be the 3rd generation captain.
Alaska Activities
Alaska Whale Viewing - On our Alaska whale watching cruises we will spend the majority of our time in areas where large numbers of Humpback Whales return to feed each year. Near Juneau, Alaska the protected waters of the Inside Passage offer some of the best whale watching in the world today and we expect to see these gentle giants on an almost daily basis.
Humpback Whales return each year to their summer feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. Frederick Sound, Stephens Passage and Chatham Strait provide a rich supply of krill and small bait fish that the whales rely on for their primary food source. Discovery’s Alaska Inside Passage cruises are based in this area and we actively seek out these majestic creatures.
Other marine life ……. The diversity of marine life in Alaska is incredible. As well as Humpback and Orca Whales we’ll also be on the look out for Sea Otter, Stellar Sea Lion, curious Harbor Seals, Dalls Porpoise (who love to ride our the bow wave) and a variety of sea birds.
Alaska Bear Viewing - Watch for black and brown bear throughout your trip. Along the shoreline, on the rocky slopes in glacial fjords and along salmon streams. Discovery’s summer cruising schedule also includes some bear viewing tours to Pack Creek Bear Observatory and Anan Creek Bear Observatory but often the most unforgettable bear encounters are in our favorite bays.
On Discovery’s wildlife cruises we anchor (most evenings) in a beautiful and pristine bay. The spectacular scenery and solitude are not the only things that draw us here.
Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers - Our Alaska Inside Passage cruises include a tour of Alaska’s fjords and glaciers. Set beneath a panorama of snow-capped mountains the magnitude of the landscape here is humbling as we spend a day exploring Alaska’s fjords & glaciers in spectacular Tracy Arm Fjord (& Sawyer glaciers) or Endicott Arm Fjord (& Dawes glacier). If we can “catch the tide” we may even run the gauntlet into Fords Terror itself to anchor for the evening. Whether it is drizzling and misty or sunny and clear there is something magical about Fords Terror. Guests typically gather on the bow and there is often silence as people reflect on the power of nature and how in a setting such as this we are so insignificant.
Hiking in Alaska - We also want you to experience the sights and sounds of the wilderness off the boat. On Discovery’s small boat cruises in Alaska we really enjoy leading shore excursions and showing people sights that you won’t see with any of our competitors. Come with us for a unique experience in scenic hiking in Alaska. From the distance the forest appears to be an impenetrable blanket of dense green. It is in fact a vibrant ecosystem that will surprise and delight the visitor. Scenic anchorages – ‘Discovery’ will anchor most evenings in a beautiful inlet selected for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing potential. There is often time to explore by skiff, beachcomb or go kayaking. The Tongass National Forest – At 17 million acres, stretching the length of Alaska’s Southeastern panhandle and spanning more than 1000 islands, the Tongass is America’s largest National Forest. It is a rare place that contains nearly 30 percent of the world’s remaining old-growth, temperate rainforest. It is an excellent place to experience true hiking in Alaska.
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