Wilderness Explorer, Alaska

Excellent crew and service

“SE AK's Inside Passage is marvelous in so many ways; huge vertical peaks, glaciers and bays, sea life and birds! Small group excu…”

John K, United States United States
Read 17 more reviews

Highlights

  • Lounge deck hot tub
  • Yoga mats and fitness equipment are available
  • Underwater camera and hydrophone for nature exploration

In service since 1976, the Wilderness Explorer was fully renovated in 2011. There are 37 cabins catering to up to 74 guests per trip, with a choice of three cabin types. All rooms are en suite with air conditioning, a window, and a TV/DVD player. The communal areas are welcoming, with a spacious, well-lit dining room, a lounge with a bar and all-around windows, a sun deck, an observation area, and a lounge deck hot tub. Find inner balance and harmony and go to yoga; mats are available. There is fitness equipment on board for you, and the boat carries a good selection of adventure equipment, such as kayaks, skiffs, and walking poles. Experience more of Alaska’s nature thanks to the underwater camera and hydrophone.

Board the Wilderness Explorer for a memorable voyage of discovery around Alaska. Various itineraries are available, sailing for 7 to 14 nights. See a fascinating selection of wildlife - bears, whales, sea otters, mountain goats, seals, sea lions, and dramatic scenery. Depending on your itinerary, highlights may include Glacier Bay National Park, Misty Fjords National Monument, Behm Canal, Tongass National Forest, Baranof, Chichagof, and South Marble Islands.

The professional expedition guides and crew on the Wilderness Explorer extend a warm welcome to all passengers and do their best to ensure a pleasant and memorable cruise. Complete your booking without delay to guarantee your dates; book online.


Choose your departure date adventure cruise | snorkelling only

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Included: VAT, Fuel Surcharge, National Park Fees, Visas and Fees, Alcoholic Beverages, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Wine with Dinner, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Special Dinner, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Stand Up Paddleboard, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, Yoga.

Required Extras: Port Fees (375-750 USD).

Optional Extras: Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Audio & video entertainment
  • Air Conditioned saloon
  • Aircon Cabins
  • Sun Deck
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
  • Warm Water Showers
  • Charging stations
  • En-Suite bathrooms
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Outside Showers
  • Seaview Cabins
  • Kayaks On-Board
  • Naturalist Itineraries
  • Naturalist Guide
  • Leisure Deck
  • Observation Deck
  • Bar
  • Budget Friendly Cruise
  • Family Friendly Cruise
  • Stand Up Paddleboard

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Local Food
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Buffet style
  • Beer available
  • Snacks All Day
  • Free Wine w/Dinner
  • Vegan Options
  • Fine Wines Selection
  • Free Soft Drinks
  • Wine Available
  • Set Menu Dinner
  • Fine Cuisine
  • Welcome Cocktails
  • Full-board Option

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.


Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.


Drawings & Vessel Layouts

#deckplan floorplan

Boat Specifications

  • Year built 1976
  • Year renovated 2011
  • Length 56m/186
  • Cruising speed 11 knots
  • Max guests 74
  • Number of cabins 37
  • Number of bathrooms 38

Boat Navigation and Safety

  • Radar
  • Depth Sounder
  • GPS
  • Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
  • E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
  • Emergency Rafts
  • Life Vests
  • Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
  • First Aid Kits
  • Satellite & mobile phones
  • Search light
  • Crew trained in first aid
  • Emergency flares

Wilderness Explorer Reviews

  • 9.4 Superb
  1. Vessel
    8.6
  2. Crew
    9.8
  3. Food
    9.8
  4. Activities
    9.6
  5. Value
    9.1
  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • John K
  • United States United States
Loved the exposure to SE Alaska in small groups and with so much flexibility to do or just hand out.

SE AK's Inside Passage is marvelous in so many ways; huge vertical peaks, glaciers and bays, sea life and birds! Small group excursions were the best!

Recommended for
Small groups. Food and beverages. Outstanding crew!
  • 7.6 Good
  • Michael H
  • United States United States
Gave us a good feel for the area, despite the constant inclement weather.

Wildlife sightings, in particular the Sea Lions and Orcas. Also enjoyed seeing the glaciers, the poor weather notwithstanding.

Recommended for
Guides, Food and Open Bar.
  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • John S
  • United States United States
A beautiful way to experience the last frontier!

The humpback and killer whales, the sea lions, the otters, the puffins, the eagles kept us company while we traveled in Kayaks and Skiffs. We spent so much time with one large otter, who stayed within 30 yards of our kayak (and closer), that we named him!

Recommended for
The company we kept, the lovely food and drink, and active exploration.
  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Janet W
  • United States United States
Best trip ever!!!!

Glaciers, waterfalls, whale and seal, sea otter sightings, kayaking, skiffs

Recommended for
Excursions, food, staff!
  • 9.2 Superb
  • Teresa B
  • United States United States
Once in a lifetime trip!

Skiff rides among floating ice in glacier lakes. Seeing brown bears, otters, sea lions, orcas and humpback whales so close up and personal. Waking up each morning to glassy water reflecting glaciers, mountains and picturesque islets. Having some quiet alone times to really feel the majesty of Alaska and make some paintings of it too.

Recommended for
Getting access to beautiful, remote places, professionalism and friendliness of the crew.
  • 9.2 Superb
  • Stephen H
  • United States United States
Fabulous experience

off boat activities (kayaking, bushwacking, hiking, skiff rides) with friendly and knowledgeable guides took us to exceptional nature sights and experiences; ship adjusted itinerary to maximize experience of guests; small ship was ideal

Recommended for
activities, guides/ staff, food & drink
  • 10 Exceptional
  • Janet R
  • United States United States
Absolutely the best cruise for me

Being able to achieve every excursion I wanted to participate in, and in such an extraordinary location. Can’t say enough about the staff - so helpful, caring & entertaining. And the food !!!!

Recommended for
Excursions, staff, food
  • 10 Exceptional
  • Chris B
  • Australia Australia
Definitely one for the bucket list.

The highlights for me included the care and attention to detail that the crew put into making this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They were so professional, safety-conscious, and accommodating of everyone's differing level of ability. Plus they were all so passionate about what they were doing. It was impossible not to be caught up in their enthusiasm.

Recommended for
The crew (definitely), the activities, the friendly people.
  • 10 Exceptional
  • Desmond T
  • New Zealand New Zealand
Absolutely fantastic

Our fellow passengers the guides and the crew

Recommended for
People scenery excursions
  • 9.2 Superb
  • Kenneth M
  • Australia Australia
We felt that the crew and staff wanted everyone to have the best time possible within their own limitations

Seeing a family of bears, mother and 2 Cubs and two males, with one charging the female to get the fish it had. Also the opportunities to get close to Sea Otters and Sea lions. I also appreciated the care of the crew in arranging a partner for me in the Kayak.

Recommended for
The relaxed atmosphere the care taken to find and present opportunities to see the wildlife, and the variety of locations and opportunities to get up close to everything.