Millions of people travel to see Alaska's nature each year, but few spend any overnight time in the wilderness. For those with a hankering to wake up to birdsong and the smell of the forest, there's a 10-day inside passage cruise for you: aboard the 107-year-old coastal tugboat Swell. 

Operated by veteran expedition company Maple Leaf Adventures, these trips for 12 guests at a time feature:

• up-close experiences of whales and brown bears,
• walks through the rainforest,
• zodiacing among icebergs,
• visit to natural hot springs
• as well as beautiful anchorages each night. 
• Plus, the run of a grand, wooden tugboat with her friendly crew!

Engaging Locals

The shore trips are led by engaging naturalists, the ship's chef knows you dietary needs when preparing fresh gourmet fare each day, and the crew are all local, coastal people with stories to share.

Classic Tugboat

Swell is a fully restored, 88-foot tugboat. She hassix private cabins with ensuite baths, a cozy salon, ample deck lounges, hot tub and an open wheelhouse. Shore boats, kayaks and hydrophone for listening to whales are some of her exploration equipment.

Slow Travel

The trips offer a slow-travel way to experience the grandeur of the Alaskan wilderness with all senses: the sound of crackling ice bergs; the scent of conifers; the feel of beach sand on your feet; the taste of berries you picked; the sight of water glistening on a whale's back. 

Maple Leaf has operated these trips in Alaska since 1989, but expanded their season this year, and added an engaging tour day in historic Ketchikan or Sitka, with local residents, to each trip.

Dates and Prices for 2019 (10 and 11-day itineraries):

Jun 23-Jul 2, Jul 1-10, Jul 11-20, Jul 22-Aug 1, Aug 2-12, Aug 13-23, Aug 23-Sep 2

10-day trip approx. USD $7340 for category 1, $8025 for category 2, $8360 for category 3, all-inclusive.

(Ed note: prices set in Canadian dollars and converted. Cdn price is Cdn $9774, $10,684, $11,131)

For more information please visit MapleLeafAdventures.com or call +1-250-386-7245

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About Maple Leaf Adventures

Selected for Canada's “Signature Experiences Collection” by the Canadian Tourism Commission, Maple Leaf Adventures has provided conservation-focused, big adventures aboard small ships since 1986. With a reputation as one of Canada's top sustainable tour operators, its multi-day excursions give guests one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the most beautiful and rare places in the world, often in areas that were once under threat of destruction or in dire need of protection. In 2012, Maple Leaf was awarded the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award, for promoting the appreciation of Canada's natural, cultural and aesthetic heritage, while also protecting them. As a long-time practitioner of ecotourism, Maple Leaf Adventures pioneered travel in BC's Great Bear Rainforest and northwestern Vancouver Island and has made significant contributions to conservation. National Geographic Adventure has rated Maple Leaf Adventures one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”. For more information, visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com. 

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Media contacts:

Maureen Gordon, Maple Leaf Adventures: 250-386-7245, 250-881-6143 (mobile) or Maureen@MapleLeafAdventures.com

Kate Rogers, Beattie Tartan: 604.880.1494 or Kate.Rogers@beattiegroup.com

Photos and video:

Photos and video are available upon request. A sample can be found here.