Chatham Strait, Alaska

Prime Wildlife Corridor, Humpback Whales, Untouched Alaskan Wilderness

Overview

Chatham Strait, Alaska Cruise Port

Chatham Strait is a deep, nutrient-rich channel that forms a crucial part of the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska. It is located between Chichagof Island and Admiralty Island, a place known as the "Fortress of the Bears." This area is not a port where large ships typically dock, but rather a major cruising zone famous for being one of the best spots in the world for wildlife viewing, particularly Humpback whales and Orcas (Killer Whales).

The strait acts as a superhighway for marine life, connecting deep ocean waters with shallower inland feeding grounds. For cruise passengers, sailing through Chatham Strait offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wild, untouched beauty of the Alaskan Panhandle and experience a high chance of spotting marine mammals feeding and playing in their natural habitat. The experience is focused entirely on the majestic scenery and the vibrant ecosystem viewed directly from the ship.

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chatham Strait, Alaska

Humpback Whale Watching

Spend time on the outer decks searching for the tell-tale spray (blow) of Humpback whales. This strait is famous for whales feeding, often engaging in behaviors like tail slapping and breaching.

Tip: The ship's naturalists often announce sightings, so listen closely to the public address system.

View the "Fortress of the Bears"

Look toward Admiralty Island, known by the Tlingit people as Kootznoowoo. It has the highest concentration of brown bears in the world—about one bear per square mile!

Tip: Use your binoculars to scan the shoreline at low tide, as bears often come out to look for snacks in the tide pools.

Spot Sea Lions and Sea Otters

Look for large floating rafts of sea otters, often resting on their backs in groups called rafts. Steller sea lions may also be seen lounging on small rocky outcroppings or buoys.

Tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars to see these smaller marine mammals clearly.

Eagle and Seabird Spotting

Scan the towering evergreen trees along the shoreline and the coastal cliffs for nesting bald eagles. Chatham Strait is home to abundant birdlife, including various seabirds, puffins, and gulls.

Tip: Eagles are often spotted near the tops of the tallest trees close to the water.

Enjoy the Wilderness Scenery

Take in the dramatic views of the temperate rainforest, steep slopes, and snow-capped peaks of the surrounding islands. The sense of wild, vast, and quiet nature is the true essence of this part of Alaska.

Tip: Find a spot on the forward deck or a quiet balcony to fully appreciate the scale of the landscape.

Attend a Naturalist Talk

Participate in the educational presentations offered by the ship's onboard naturalists or park rangers. They can provide insights into the geology, history, and ecology of Chatham Strait, helping you understand what you are seeing.

Tip: These talks can tell you the best places to look for different types of wildlife.

Cruises from Chatham Strait, Alaska

A stunning landscape shot of Princess Royal Channel, Canada, with a small house nestled among dense green forests and a waterfall flowing down the hillside into the tranquil water.

Up to 15% off + up to $1,000 Onboard Credit*+ 1 more offer

33-night Exploring The Pacific Passage & Inside Passage Cruise

Miyako

Hakodate

Kushiro

Cross International Dateline

Kodiak Island

Ketchikan

Inside Passage

Seymour Narrows

Vancouver

Seymour Narrows

Queen Charlotte Sound

Ketchikan

Klawock

Sitka

Glacier Bay

Inian Islands

Icy Strait Point

Haines

Lynn Canal

Juneau

Glacier Bay

Chatham Strait

Decision Passage

Wrangell

Stikine Strait

Behm Canal

Misty Fjords

Prince Rupert

Grenville Channel

Whale Channel

Princess Royal Channel

Alert Bay

Johnstone Strait

Seymour Narrows

+29 more

Aboard

Seabourn Encore

From

Tokyo, Japan

1 Sailing

Apr 27, 2026

Published prices from

$14,194

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

A tranquil view of Johnstone Strait, with calm water reflecting the forested coastline under a dramatic, cloudy sky.

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit*+ 2 more offers

TCW EXCLUSIVE

15-night Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise

Seymour Narrows

Queen Charlotte Sound

Ketchikan

Klawock

Sitka

Glacier Bay

Inian Islands

Icy Strait Point

Haines

Lynn Canal

Juneau

Glacier Bay

Chatham Strait

Decision Passage

Wrangell

Stikine Strait

Behm Canal

Misty Fjords

Prince Rupert

Grenville Channel

Whale Channel

Princess Royal Channel

Alert Bay

Johnstone Strait

Seymour Narrows

+20 more

Aboard

Seabourn Encore

From

Vancouver, British Columbia

1 Sailing

May 14, 2026

Published prices from

$9,179

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

A view of Behm Canal in Alaska, with a dense forest of evergreen trees along the rocky shoreline and a snow-dusted mountain rising in the background.

Up to 15% off + up to $1,000 Onboard Credit*+ 1 more offer

7-night Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise

Glacier Bay

Chatham Strait

Decision Passage

Wrangell

Stikine Strait

Behm Canal

Misty Fjords

Prince Rupert

Grenville Channel

Whale Channel

Princess Royal Channel

Alert Bay

Johnstone Strait

Seymour Narrows

+9 more

Aboard

Seabourn Encore

From

Juneau, Alaska

3 Sailings

May 22, 2026 - May 21, 2027

Published prices from

$4,436

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

View All Chatham Strait, Alaska Cruises

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Chatham Strait, Alaska Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chatham Strait, Alaska

Humpback Whale Watching

Spend time on the outer decks searching for the tell-tale spray (blow) of Humpback whales. This strait is famous for whales feeding, often engaging in behaviors like tail slapping and breaching.

Tip: The ship's naturalists often announce sightings, so listen closely to the public address system.

View the "Fortress of the Bears"

Look toward Admiralty Island, known by the Tlingit people as Kootznoowoo. It has the highest concentration of brown bears in the world—about one bear per square mile!

Tip: Use your binoculars to scan the shoreline at low tide, as bears often come out to look for snacks in the tide pools.

Spot Sea Lions and Sea Otters

Look for large floating rafts of sea otters, often resting on their backs in groups called rafts. Steller sea lions may also be seen lounging on small rocky outcroppings or buoys.

Tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars to see these smaller marine mammals clearly.

Eagle and Seabird Spotting

Scan the towering evergreen trees along the shoreline and the coastal cliffs for nesting bald eagles. Chatham Strait is home to abundant birdlife, including various seabirds, puffins, and gulls.

Tip: Eagles are often spotted near the tops of the tallest trees close to the water.

Enjoy the Wilderness Scenery

Tip: Find a spot on the forward deck or a quiet balcony to fully appreciate the scale of the landscape.

Attend a Naturalist Talk

Tip: These talks can tell you the best places to look for different types of wildlife.

Chatham Strait, Alaska

Chatham Strait, Alaska Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chatham Strait, Alaska

Humpback Whale Watching

View the "Fortress of the Bears"

Spot Sea Lions and Sea Otters

Eagle and Seabird Spotting

Enjoy the Wilderness Scenery

Attend a Naturalist Talk

Cruises from Chatham Strait, Alaska

33-night Exploring The Pacific Passage & Inside Passage Cruise

$14,194

15-night Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise

$9,179

7-night Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise

$4,436

Chatham Strait Cruise Lines

The reviews are in

Chatham Strait, Alaska Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Chatham Strait, Alaska

Humpback Whale Watching

View the "Fortress of the Bears"

Spot Sea Lions and Sea Otters

Eagle and Seabird Spotting

Enjoy the Wilderness Scenery

Attend a Naturalist Talk

Cruises from Chatham Strait, Alaska

33-night Exploring The Pacific Passage & Inside Passage Cruise

$14,194

15-night Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise

$9,179

7-night Alaska Fjords, Canadian Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Cruise

$4,436

Chatham Strait Cruise Lines

The reviews are in