Aleutian Islands
- 17 Days
- Departure/Arrival:
- Anchorage, United States - Tokyo, Japan
- Voyage code:
- ALU001S
- Ship:
- Sylvia Earle
- Price:
USD $15,495.00
from USD $13,170.75/pp Save 15%*
See 'Cabins & Prices' tab for discounted rates. Price inclusive of charter flight/s
Board your expedition ship in the stunning, remote fishing port of Seward, Alaska, and begin exploring the rugged Alaskan Peninsula coast, where deeply incised fjords give access to glaciers tumbling from icefields high above. Brown bears, whales, dolphins and seals are but some that call this coast home, and wildlife only increases as you traverse the Aleutians, a 1900-km chain of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones that forms the Pacific Rim of Fire’s northern arc.
This natural boundary separates the Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea—a designated Mission Blue Hope Spot—creating a dynamic environment that supports amazing biodiversity, including caribou, sea otters, Steller sea lions, orca and gray whales. Delight in black-legged kittiwakes, tufted puffins, crested auklets, peregrine falcon, tundra swans and so much more. Landings reveal historical relics ranging from Aleut villages and Russian fur trade depots to remnants of World War II battles and Cold War bases. Every day promises something to fire your passion especially finishing up on Russia’s spectacular Kamchatka Peninsula.
All cabin prices are inclusive of charter flight.
Highlights
- Explore deep fjords of the Alaskan Peninsula, where glaciers shed bergy bits and brown bears and cubs forage along the shores
- Island-hop the Aleutian chain of active volcanoes forming the Pacific Rim of Fire that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea
- Zodiac cruise in mist-shrouded coves, where colonies of Steller sea lions roar, humpback and grey whales blow, sea otters mesmerise and outcrops hold breeding colonies of puffins, auklets, terns, guillemots and dozens of other species
- Enjoy tundra walks amongst wildflowers adding colour to smoking volcanoes. Explore abandoned military outposts where Japanese and U.S military forces clashed in World War II
Gallery
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to our group hotel. Upon check-in at Hilton Anchorage Hotel, reception staff will provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your luggage to your cabin. At tonight’s voyage briefing, enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners.
Accommodation: Hilton Anchorage Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Embark Sylvia Earle
After check-out, discover Anchorage on a sightseeing tour transferring to Seward, where our expedition team will welcome you aboard the Sylvia Earle at approximately 4.00 pm. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important briefings. We will set sail for Kenai Peninsula in the evening and meet your expedition team and crew at Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 Kenai Peninsula
By ship and Zodiac, explore the wild coastline of Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down from the sparkling Harding Icefield to ice shelves calving into narrow waterways below. Sail deep into the Northwestern Fjord and watch for wildlife at every turn.
Day 4 Kodiak Island
The second largest island in the U.S., Kodiak Island is renowned for its brown bears, king crab and fascinating history. Kodiak became the centre of Russia fur trade with Alaska in the 18th century. Visit the Alutiiq Museum, with its collection of art and cultural objects detailing the lives of the native Aleut people who lived here for more than 7,000 years. Hikers can explore the mysterious moss-draped forests, wildflowers and flowing streams, while birders can search for belted kingfishers, varied thrushes, and red crossbills. Later, Zodiac- cruise in to one of Kodiak’s outer islands searching for humpback and fin whales.
Day 5 Geographic Harbour, Katmai National Park & Preserve
Tucked away at the end of Amalik Bay, Geographic Harbor is set in magnificent volcanic scenery. Zodiac cruise amidst spectacular scenery and explore offshore islands searching for bald eagles, marbled murrelets, sea otters, harbour porpoises, and coastal brown bears feeding on salmon, clams, mussels and barnacles. Rising mist reveals stunning volcanic landscapes and early wildflowers in bloom.
Day 6 Semidi Islands
Zodiac cruise beneath basalt bird cliffs at Aghiyuk Island, then stretch your legs on tundra hikes amidst colourful wildflowers on Aghiyuk or Chowiet islands. Aghiyuk Island is a haven for more than with 2.5 million nesting seabirds. In Zodiaks, we explore the island’s sheltered coastline listening to the cacophony of the seabird colony, which includes murres, parakeet auklets, tufted and horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, and northern fulmars. The surrounding waters abound with sea otters, seals, porpoise and whales.
Day 7 Unga Spit, Shumagin Islands
We land on Unga Spit to explore petrified remains of a 25-million-year-old sequoia forest and a picturesque ghost town surrounded by wildflowers. Wander along a spectacular coastline covered with fragments of fossilised wood, all remnants of an ancient Metasequoia forest, dating back some 70-14 million years. Watch for bald eagles, peregrine falcons and a host of seabirds, while otters and Steller sea lions patrol offshore. Explore an eerie village that was abandoned in 1969.
Days 8-9 Unimak Island
False Pass marks our exit from the Alaska Peninsula and arrival in the Aleutian Islands. Unimak, the largest of the chain, is 93 per cent wilderness inhabited by brown bears, caribou, wolves and the odd wolverine. By foot and Zodiac, we explore the island, from the bustling fishing port of King Cove to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, where migratory birds arrive in their hundreds of thousands including black brant, emperor geese, Steller’s eider, some 30 shorebird species and many seabirds. In the sheltered coves and bays around Unimak Island, search for orca and humpback whales. Weather permitting, you’ll see the near-perfect cone of Mount Shishaldin, the Aleutian’s highest (and active) volcano.
Day 10 Baby Islands, Dutch Harbour, Unalaska Island
Dynamic tides and whales make for exciting Zodiac cruising among the Baby Islands, none higher than a few metres above sea level, where you’ll be enthralled by whiskered auklets, puffins, petrels, murrelets, guillemots and perhaps even laysan albatross. At Alaska’s busiest fishing port, Dutch Harbour, where more than 600 bald eagles nest near town, you’ll find relics of the Japanese invasion during World War II, visit the Museum of the Aleutians and the oldest Russian church in Alaska.
Day 11 Adak
“Where the winds blow and friendships grow” is the motto of Adak, Alaska’s southernmost city on the island separating the Bering Sea from the Pacific Ocean. Not always so friendly, Adak was a military installation that allowed America forces to mount successful operations against the Japanese in World War II and housed a community of some 6000 during the Cold War. Today only a few hundred remain, welcoming visitors to explore a near-ghost town set amongst spectacular tundra, where introduced caribou roam.
Day 12 Kiska Island
When Japan captured Kiska in 1942, it marked the first loss of U.S soil to foreign forces since the War of 1812. Today many war relics remain including a Shinto shrine and a two-man submarine and ptarmigans, Lapland longspurs and bald eagles nest in the shadow of active Kiska volcano.
Day 13 Attu Island
The westernmost of the Aleutian Islands, Attu marks the site of the only World War II battle to be fought on North American soil and leaving several thousand dead. Today the attraction is birds, with exotic names like Siberian rubythroat, far eastern curlew and Mongolian plover, plus many of the migratory and seabirds you’ve come to love.
Day 14 At Sea
Sea days are ideal for editing photos, attending fascinating talks presented our team of experts or enjoying a massage at the wellness centre, but remember to step outside to enjoy the many seabirds, whales, dolphins and seals on show as we approach Russia’s Kamchatka coast. Celebrate the voyage end at our Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 15 Crossing the International Date Line
Crossing the International Date Line
Day 16 Petropavlovsk Kamchatskiy, fly to Tokyo
Disembark in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy where you farewell the crew and expedition team and transfer to the airport to board our charter to Tokyo, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Nikko Narita Airport Hotel
Day 17 Depart Tokyo
Depart Tokyo and continue your journey.
Important note: In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
Inclusions
- Transfer from airport to hotel on day 1
- One night’s hotel accommodation in Anchorage including breakfast
- Half-day city tour in Anchorage followed by a transfer to Seward on day 2
- Charter flight from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy to Tokyo on day 15
- One night’s hotel accommodation at Narita Airport in Tokyo including breakfast on day 15
- Onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
- A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Gratuities for ship crew
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights, unless specified
- Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, and vaccination charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
- Optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Included Activities
Bird watching
Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
Photography
Polar plunge
Trips ashore
Walking
Whale and mammal spotting
Zodiac cruises
Add-on Activities
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of …
Sea Kayaking
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages.
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.
What’s Involved?
Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to see as much as possible. We paddle anywhere between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, sometimes taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.
Each group of 4 to 10 kayakers will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that may be inaccessible to the Zodiacs and will also make time for their own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.
When we visit the poles, the elements play an important role. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that our kayaking time will be affected by the weather that we experience.
Even if your experience is limited, we’d encourage you to call us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart. Kayakers should be aged 14 years or over.
Equipment Included
- Kayak & Paddle
- Neoprene boots
- Safety gear
- A 15-litre dry bag
- Life jackets
- Dry suits
- Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)
Our Guides
Our guides have years of kayaking experience in our destinations. The sea kayaking guide will lead the group on each excursion, explaining facts about the wildlife and other highlights we paddle across. You can view our sea kayaking guides’ profiles here or see below.
How to Book
Please return the kayaking form at time of booking that you would like to include the optional sea kayaking activity for your expedition. Places are limited so we recommend reserving your place early.
View more detailsCabins & Prices
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Make it a back-to-back & save 5%
Previous voyage
Experience the majesty of the famed Inside Passage as we navigate the narrow straits and inlets to visit small villages and to explore tiny islands inaccessible to larger ships. Experience some of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers including Mendenhall, twin Sawyer, Hubbard, and the calving tidewater glaciers at enormous Prince William Sound.
Aleutian Islands can be combined with Alaska Odyssey (14 days) starting 10th Jun 2022.
Next voyage
Enter a world of mystery and wonder, where 29 of more than 300 volcanoes are active, creating a dynamic landscape of immense beauty. Soak in coastal hot springs serenaded by thundering waterfalls. Zodiac cruise along black-sand beaches, where Kamchatka brown bears and cubs forage, and share swift rivers with Steller’s sea eagles diving on salmon.
Aleutian Islands can be combined with Kamchatka & Chukotka KAM005S (17 days) starting 6th Jul 2022.
Request a customised quote
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*Terms & Conditions apply. Valid on select ship voyages only. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle which must be booked and deposited by April 30th 2021. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back to back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see full terms and conditions.
^Terms & Conditions apply. Additional 5% discount valid on both voyages but two voyages must connect back to back in terms of dates to be eligible. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle. Promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with early bird voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The offer can be withdrawn at any time and are not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. Please see full terms and conditions.