Alaska Wildlife Expeditions

Alaska's coastal waters and wilderness are home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Depending on your itinerary and the season, you may encounter humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, brown bears, bald eagles, puffins, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but your expedition team will be continually watching for opportunities to observe wildlife responsibly.

Life aboard an Alaska expedition ship is relaxed and casual. Between excursions, you can enjoy the ship's viewing areas and lounges, spend time watching the landscape from the deck, read, or connect with fellow travelers. Evenings typically include time to gather over dinner followed by an informal presentation or conversation with the expedition team.

Cabins are comfortable and designed as a home base between adventures, but space is limited compared with a traditional cruise ship. Cabins include private bathrooms and amenities such as hairdryers and bath products. Storage is also limited, so soft-sided luggage is recommended.

Our Alaska expeditions travel aboard small expedition ships carrying up to 84 guests, depending on the itinerary and vessel. That's a fraction of the thousands of passengers found on large cruise ships, creating a more personal experience and allowing the ship to navigate remote waterways and smaller coastal destinations. Some of our Alaska itineraries are even smaller, with ships carrying fewer than 50 guests.

Many Alaska routes travel through protected coastal waters, but conditions can vary and some portions of the journey may involve rougher water. If you are prone to seasickness, talk with your physician before your trip about appropriate preventative measures. The captain and crew will also keep guests informed when conditions may be more active.

You can choose from a range of activities throughout your expedition, including kayaking, hiking, shore walks, wildlife viewing, and skiff excursions. Hikes range from easy walks to more strenuous outings, while kayaking and other activities can be adapted to different interests and abilities. Each evening, the expedition team reviews the next day's options and helps you select activities that suit you and the conditions.

Oceanic Society naturalists do not accompany these Alaska expeditions. Instead, our partner, UnCruise Adventures, provides an experienced expedition team of Alaska guides and naturalists who bring deep knowledge of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, history, and culture. They lead daily excursions and share insights throughout the journey, helping you make the most of each experience.

Summer weather in Alaska can be variable, particularly along the coast. Expect a mix of rain, wind, clouds, and sunshine, with conditions that can change throughout the day. The benefit of expedition travel is flexibility: your expedition team adjusts daily activities and plans based on the weather, sea conditions, and opportunities for exploration.

Yes. Extend your Alaska adventure with additional time exploring the region before or after your expedition. Our optional Denali by Rail, Trail & Fairbanks Extension combines scenic rail travel, hiking, and time in Fairbanks and Denali National Park before continuing to Anchorage. It's an ideal way to experience more of Alaska's spectacular landscapes and wildlife beyond the coast.