Beginning spring 2014, active travelers seeking to explore Washington State’s coastal shores from South Hood Canal to Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands, may choose a weeklong expedition with Un-Cruise Adventures aboard an expedition vessel. Weeklong cruises sail roundtrip Seattle, Wash., and include adventure activities.
The new itinerary, Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands, explores South Hood Canal, Olympic Mountains, Quilcene Bay, Deception Pass, San Juan Islands, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, the towns of Port Townsend and Friday Harbor, and Sucia Island, Wash. Thirteen departures in 2014 sail from April 5 - May 3 and Sept. 13 - Nov. 1, 2014.
An Active Adventure, the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer expedition vessel carries a full complement of adventure gear for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking and skiff excursions. A custom made kayak launching system allows four kayaks at once to quickly and safely launch off a stable platform.
Highlights of the itinerary include hiking in the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Constitution and Washington State Parks. Waterborne expeditions by kayaks, skiffs and paddle boards explore glacial fjords and the San Juan archipelago. In Quilcene Bay, a local family hosts a home-grown oyster and clam tasting. Guests enjoy free time in Friday Harbor and discover Native cultures in Port Townsend.
Travelers spend the week searching out and seeing marine life and seabirds up close. Gray whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and tufted puffins are all found in the area. A team of expedition guides leads excursions and provides interpretation along the way.
After a full day of adventure, guests may enjoy a soak in the hot tub. Yoga classes take place on deck each morning. The vessel has fitness equipment, a resource/DVD library and massage is available for a fee. An underwater camera mounted on the ship’s bow streams video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge.
A Washington craft beer theme cruise scheduled for the April 19, 2014 departure with guest experts Kendall Jones and Kim Sharpe Jones, authorities on the Seattle craft beer scene. Guests will enjoy nightly tastings of select craft beer from nearby breweries aboard the vessel, presentations by the Jones’ and beer recommendations matching the evening’s dinner menu.
Rates for the weeklong adventure begin at US$1,595 per person, double occupancy. Charters and group bookings are available.
For more information, visit www.un-cruise.com.