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Alaska

Alaska’s Inside Passage: Glaciers, Fjords & Indigenous Culture

Program No. 25481RJ
Sail Alaska’s Inside Passage to explore towering glaciers, dramatic fjords and vibrant wildlife. Learn about Tlingit culture, glaciology and the ecosystems of Tongass National Forest.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Juneau, AK
Program Concludes
Juneau, AK
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
25 ( 9B, 7L, 9D )
Activity Level
Sail through the breathtaking Inside Passage, where Alaska’s natural beauty meets rich cultural history. Marvel at towering glaciers and dramatic fjords, learn about the traditions of the Tlingit people and explore the diverse ecosystems of the Tongass National Forest — one of the largest remaining temperate rainforests on Earth. From the thundering icefalls of Glacier Bay to the quiet waters of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, discover a world alive with wildlife, dramatic landscapes and vibrant cultural history. Each day is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of this extraordinary region through expert-led excursions and onboard lectures.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Traverse the waters of a narrow fjord framed by soaring granite cliffs and dotted with glittering icebergs, with the chance to see awe-inspiring glaciers up close.
  • Discover Alaska’s incredible wildlife, from breaching whales and soaring bald eagles to playful otters, coastal brown bears and colorful puffins.
  • Explore Haines, a charming town surrounded by snowcapped peaks, where history and Indigenous culture intersect in breathtaking natural surroundings.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Dorris Welch is a marine biologist, professional educator, licensed boat captain, and owner of Sanctuary Cruises Whale Watching. She leads educational whale watching trips on the Monterey Bay year round. She was the curator of natural sciences at the Oakland Museum of California for 15 years and the education director of Long Marine Lab at UC Santa Cruz for ten years. She holds a bachelor's in wildlife biology from Humboldt State University and a master's in marine biology and education from UC Santa Cruz.
Yvonne Christner has lived on Baranof Island for 25 years and loves the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska. She left her native state of New Mexico to attend the University of Idaho. After graduation, she kept moving north. She put her communications degree to work, teaching at the University of Alaska Southeast, and working in an extension office of the Alaska State Legislature. She enjoys living the subsistence lifestyle harvesting Alaska’s bounty. She loves adventuring outdoors, exploring Alaska with her husband and four daughters.
Greg McCormack is a professional naturalist and educator with more than 30 years of experience guiding and teaching in national parks across the U.S. A former National Park Ranger, marine educator, and expedition leader, Greg has led groups in Yosemite National Park and extensively throughout Alaska. He previously led over 30 Road Scholar programs in Washington State and Alaska. An avid hiker who completed the 210-mile John Muir Trail, Greg brings deep ecological knowledge and a lifelong passion for learning to every journey.
Karlie Bonds, born in Colorado, considers Alaska her home. She earned a bachelor's degree in geography from Portland State University, and her time on the college sailing team led her to seek out more adventures outdoors. She spent two years living and working on a small expedition ship in Alaska while educating others on its incredible nature and history. While not leading kayaking or hiking outings, she enjoys wildlife photography and creating nature inspired art through beadwork and embroidery.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven terrain. Program will require approximately 15 miles of walking over 10 days. Must be able to use stairs. Must be able to embark and disembark ship using a ramp. Due to the pacing, unavoidable stairs, and many field trips that cannot be completed with certain mobility devices, wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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