Pristine Wilderness Where the Bigger Ships Can’t Reach
On our Alaska small ship cruises, we explore natural wonders aboard a classic, wooden tugboat designed for the ultimate in guest comfort. Expeditions provide an opportunity to personally connect with the natural and cultural history of Alaska’s rugged Southeast, each day becoming more in tune with the rhythm of the coast. Travel with just a few guests, guided by the expert crew, naturalist, and guides of Maple Leaf Adventures.
- Embark on a sweeping small ship adventure of southeast Alaska.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
On this special trip with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, you will explore the same areas as our regular supervoyage itinerary, but with special extra experiences, benefits from the Geographical Society, and a VIP resource person.
Day 1: Board at Petersburg, cruising Frederick Sound, introduction to Alaskan natural world on shore walk. Wilderness anchorage.
Day 2: Rainforest walk along creek to waterfall, introduction to coastal rainforest. Whale watching, wildflower meadow walk. Optional evening kayak.
Day 3: Cruising spectacular fjord to tidewater glacier, icebergs, wildlife viewing. Option to zodiac, kayak and/or walk, exploring glacier, icebergs in this awesome ice world.
Day 4: Humpback whales of Stephens Passage, Five Fingers Lighthouse, Windfall Harbour.
Day 5: Explore estuary and look for brown bears.
Day 6: Exclusive guided brown bear viewing and rainforest walk at estuary and forest site, Pack Creek.
Day 7: Frederick Sound marine mammals and islands. Trail walk and hot springs soak at hamlet of Baranof, then spectacular inlet anchorages.
Day 8: Hike through many ecotypes and on spectacular west coast beaches. Cruising the west coast, sea otters, seabirds.
Day 8: Tie up at historic town of Sitka and disembark for historic walking tour covering Tlingit, Russian and American history. Farewell dinner, hotel stay.
Day 10: Breakfast, museum visit, and free time to explore Sitka.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Swell
Vessel Type: Converted Tug
Passenger Capacity: 12
Length: 88 feet / 26.8 meters
Swell is an 88-foot converted coastal tug refitted to deliver a warm, character-rich expedition experience. Her solid timber construction, classic lines and thoughtful interior upgrades create an atmosphere of authenticity paired with comfort. With just 12 guests across six private cabins, the ship offers an intimate environment supported by a small, expert crew. Spaces such as the wood-panelled salon, panoramic wheelhouse, covered aft deck lounges, and upper-deck viewing areas provide calm, inviting places to relax between shore excursions. Daily life revolves around well-crafted meals from the galley, quiet moments in the hot tub, wildlife watching from the bow and easy access to the coastline via Zodiacs and kayaks.
Her compact size and rugged build allow her to reach locations inaccessible to larger vessels, giving guests close contact with coastal ecosystems, remote anchorages and wildlife-rich shorelines. Purpose-designed expedition tools—including two rigid-hull inflatables, four clear-bottom kayaks, fishing gear and a hydrophone—support a wide range of activities. Cabins vary from generous suites to efficient, well-designed smaller rooms, all with private ensuites and exterior doors for direct connection to the outdoors. The result is a boutique expedition platform that blends maritime heritage with practical comfort, delivering a human-scale, highly immersive coastal cruising experience.
