Southeast - Inside Passage - Cruise Ports

Whale Watching, Flightseeing, Glacier Cruises, Native Culture

The Southeastern region of Alaska is known as Alaska’s Inside Passage since the ocean channels are protected by islands you pass through on your way up the coast. This region comprises dozens of islands and a thin stretch of mainland divided from Canada by the Coast Mountain Range. Admiralty Island is known for having the world’s highest concentration of brown bears. Alaskan towns are nestled in valleys along the coastline, backed by mountains and rainforests.

The most popular destinations in Alaska’s Southeast region are cruise ship ports, including Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Skagway, and Haines. Travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations also visit Petersburg, Wrangell, Yakutat, and Gustavus. The region includes Glacier Bay National Park, famous for its glaciers and wildlife. Klondike National Historical Park, Alaska’s most visited national park, is located in Skagway, while Sitka has the Sitka National Historical Park. Much of Southeast is part of Tongass National Forest. With its sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife, Misty Fjords National Park is another national jewel.

The heritage of the Tlingit and Haida peoples heavily influences Alaska’s southeast areas. Their story-telling totem poles can be seen in many towns, especially Ketchikan and Sitka. Tours of Alaska Native villages are available from Ketchikan to Saxman Village, from Haines to Klukwan, and from Icy Strait Point to Hoonah.

The Alaska Gold Rush was also important in the region. Gold seekers founded both Juneau and Skagway. Gold mining remains a significant industry, as well as tourism, fishing, and the government’s capital in Juneau.

Because of the islands and mountainous mainland that make up the Southeast, there are very few roads in this part of Alaska. Visitors who wish to tour the Southeast Inside Passage by car can drive through Canada to Haines or Skagway. From here, state ferry service is available for passengers and vehicles to almost every community in Southeast Alaska.

Most visitors arrive on a large or small cruise ship in the Inside Passage. By cruising, travelers visit towns during the day and cruise between them at night. Most Inside Passage cruises also tour spectacular wilderness areas completely inaccessible by road, including Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Misty Fjords, and Tracy Arm.

Jet service is available to Juneau, Ketchikan, Gustavus, Yakutat, Petersburg, and Wrangell. Float and bush planes are also used to reach smaller communities not serviced by Alaska Airlines, with many flightseeing opportunities from Ketchikan and Juneau.

 

Choose from 17 vacations in Alaska related to Southeast - Inside Passage - Cruise Ports

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Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike

This Juneau day trip begins paddling across Mendenhall Lake in 8 or 12-person canoes.  Take in the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier ahead and the blue icebergs of all shapes and sizes.  Upon reaching the beach near the glacier’s edge,... Browse itinerary

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Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

This active outdoor Juneau day trip begins with a 3-mile moderate to challenging hike through the Tongass National Forest along Mendenhall Lake.  The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain.  Once you leave... Browse itinerary

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Juneau Helicopter Glacier Trek

On this Juneau day trip, board a helicopter to go flightseeing while traveling to a remote glacier. Then enjoy a 2-hour guided glacier hiking trip and learn how to use the glacier trekking mountaineering gear properly. Learn to... Browse itinerary

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the small cruise ship "Wilderness Explorer" in calm water by a rocky shore

Alaska Fjords and Glaciers Cruise

Beginning in Juneau or Ketchikan on Alaska's Inside Passage, this adventure cruise sails through Dawes Glacier, the Wrangell Narrows, Behm Canal, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of... Browse itinerary

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two people in a sea kayak; a small cruise ship and snow-capped mountains in background

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Discover Alaska on this seven-night adventure cruise round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of this impressive... Browse itinerary

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Evergreen trees and a wooden sign on a lodge reading "Glacier Bay Lodge | National Park Service Visitor Center"

Glacier Bay Lodge

Glacier Bay Lodge offers visitors a concentrated glimpse into many of the natural wonders found in southeast Alaska. Glacier Bay is part of a World Heritage Site and exploring this rugged mountain coastline by boat brings guests to... Browse itinerary

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The small cruise ship 'Safari Endeavour' near a rocky coast; snow-capped mountains in the distance

Northern Passage and Glacier Bay Cruise

Seven nights of adventure cruising aboard your "floating lodge." Destinations include Chichagof Island, Icy Strait, and Glacier Bay National Park, where a national park ranger comes on board for a day. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience... Browse itinerary

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