Visiting Misty Fjords National Monument was one of the most powerful nature experiences of our Alaska cruise — and we didn’t see it from the air. We explored it the way it was meant to be experienced: by fast RIB boat, deep into the fjords, with own knowledgeable venture guides leading the way.
Our guides knew where to find all the most spectacular waterfalls, maneuvering us up close so we could feel the spray and heard the thundering sound of the waterfalls.
Our rib boats were part of the Seabourn Venture team’s exclusive equipment. Rib tours are not available to other cruises unless they are small enough to navigate the channels and are equipped with expedition-style rib boats, dry suits, and a experienced team.
You can tour the fjords by boat from Ketchikan.
🚤 High-Speed RIB Boat Adventure into the Fjords
Our Misty Fjords excursion began at the ships marina, where we suited up in warm outer layers and boarded a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). These boats are built for speed and stability, making them perfect for navigating Southeast Alaska’s rugged coastline.
Once we headed out wearing our dry suits, the adventure really began.
The ride itself was part of the experience:
- Fast runs across open channels
- Smooth turns into narrow fjords
- Spray from the water on crisp air
- Constantly changing scenery
As we moved deeper into the monument, the landscape became more dramatic — sheer cliffs rising straight out of emerald water, with waterfalls pouring down from above.
🌄 Entering the Heart of Misty Fjords on our Rib Boat
As we traveled farther inland, the scale of Misty Fjords really set in. Massive granite walls surrounded us, shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. In some areas, the cliffs were nearly vertical, disappearing into low clouds.
Our guides slowed the boat in the narrowest sections so we could truly take it all in.
Here, we experienced:
- Mirror-like water reflections
- Hidden coves and inlets
- Dense rainforest clinging to rock faces
- Waterfalls cascading from high above
The quiet in these deeper fjords was striking. When the engines cut back, it was just water, wind, and distant echoes — peaceful and humbling.
🦅 Wildlife & Nature Encounters Along the Way
Along the way, we were lucky enough to see:
- Bald eagles perched on cliffs
- Seals resting on rocks
- Seabirds diving for fish
- Occasional porpoises in open water
Even when animals weren’t visible, the surrounding rainforest and shoreline felt alive with movement and sound.
Then came one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire excursion.
As we cruised past a quiet stretch of shoreline covered in tall summer grass, our guides suddenly slowed the boat. At first, it wasn’t obvious why — and then we saw them.
A bear family had emerged from the forest and was moving slowly through the grass near the water’s edge.
They were calmly foraging, completely focused on their surroundings, unaware of us watching quietly from a distance. Our guides cut the engine, allowing the moment to unfold naturally.
From the boat, we had a clear but respectful view as the bears wandered through the grass, blending perfectly into the landscape. They seemed relaxed and undisturbed, a powerful reminder that we were guests in their world.
What stood out most was:
- How peaceful and natural the moment felt
- How seamlessly the bears fit into their environment
- How fortunate we were to witness something so authentic
Seeing wildlife in Alaska is always special, but watching a bear family in its natural habitat — without fences, crowds, or artificial settings — felt truly extraordinary.
🌟 Why This Was a Highlight of Our Alaska Trip
Exploring Misty Fjords by RIB boat felt adventurous, personal, and authentic. Instead of observing from a distance, we were immersed in the landscape — feeling the wind, hearing the waterfalls, and traveling deep into areas few people ever see.
Between the dramatic cliffs, quiet inlets, wildlife sightings, and expert guides, this excursion stood out as one of the most memorable days of our entire cruise.
If you have the chance to explore Misty Fjords by boat, we highly recommend it. It’s Alaska at its wildest and most beautiful.
The wind and waves began to pick up towards the end of our tour, making the rib ride back to the boat a bit bumpy and colder. We were glad when we came around a bend to see our ship waiting for us against the clear blue skies in the bay.
Our journey through Misty Fjords National Monument marked the beginning of our deep connection to Alaska’s wilderness — a theme that continued through Queen Charlotte Sound, Hubbards Bay, and our peaceful day in the Inian Islands.
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