Business Details
34 Years
experience
Alaska Small Ship Cruises | Discovery Voyages
Since 1992, Discovery Voyages has specialized in small ship cruises through Alaska's Prince William Sound, offering immersive wilderness experiences. Our 12-guest capacity M/V Discovery combines comfort with exploration, providing access to remote glaciers, wildlife habitats, and pristine coastal ecosystems. With a focus on sustainability, we maintain rigorous safety standards while delivering personalized adventures led by expert naturalist captains.Our eco-friendly approach includes partnerships with local conservation organizations and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Through gourmet Alaskan cuisine, photography opportunities, and multi-sport excursions, we create unforgettable journeys that connect guests with Alaska's natural heritage.
Services
Small Ship Cruises
Wildlife Viewing
Photography Tours
Hiking & Kayaking
Fine Dining
Private Charters
Eco-Friendly Cruising
Glacier Exploration
Bird Watching
Adventure Travel
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 33+ years of Alaska small ship cruising expertise
- Our 12-guest capacity ensures personalized attention
- US Coast Guard-certified safety standards
- Eco-friendly operations with conservation partnerships
- Experienced naturalist captains with local expertise
Associations and certifications
- Adventure Green Alaska
What people say
Exceptional wildlife viewing
Unforgettable experience
Great crew
Beautiful scenery
Eco-friendly practices
Services
Small Ship Cruises
Our 65-foot steel-hulled M/V Discovery offers intimate exploration of Prince William Sound's remote waterways. With capacity for just 12 guests, these cruises provide unparalleled access to glaciers, wildlife habitats, and hidden coves inaccessible to larger vessels. Expert naturalist guides lead daily excursions while gourmet Alaskan cuisine enhances the wilderness experience.
Wildlife Viewing
Observe humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and over 220 bird species in their natural habitat. Our routes maximize wildlife encounters while maintaining responsible viewing distances. Knowledgeable guides identify species and explain ecological relationships during daily excursions through Alaska's diverse marine ecosystems.
Photography Tours
Professional photography guidance from Captain Dean Rand and experienced staff. The vessel's design allows optimal positioning for capturing wildlife, glaciers, and landscapes. Instruction covers lighting techniques, composition, and equipment settings for different Alaskan conditions during 3- to 7-day itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Cruising
Our operations maintain Adventure Green Alaska certification through fuel-efficient practices and waste reduction. We partner with Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation and SoundKeeper to protect marine environments. Educational programs explain local conservation efforts while minimizing our ecological footprint during all voyages.
Private Charters
Tailored itineraries for families, weddings, or special groups up to 12 guests. The M/V Discovery can be chartered for exclusive exploration of Prince William Sound's hidden gems. Options include multi-sport adventures, photography-focused voyages, or relaxed wildlife observation trips with flexible daily schedules.
People
Dean Rand
Captain & Naturalist
Licensed captain and naturalist with 30+ years exploring Prince William Sound. Combines maritime expertise with ecological knowledge to create educational, engaging experiences. Leads photography tours and wildlife identification during daily excursions.
Megan Ciana
Co-Owner & Naturalist
Experienced naturalist and business co-owner with deep Alaska knowledge. Coordinates logistics while providing guest education about local ecosystems. Shares responsibility for creating personalized itineraries that balance adventure with environmental stewardship.
Questions
What types of cruises do you offer?
We offer 3- to 7-day itineraries including the Classic Discovery Cruise, Adventurer Cruise, and Private Family Charters. Specialized options focus on photography, wildlife viewing, and custom adventures.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Our M/V Discovery carries maximum 12 guests to ensure personalized service and minimal environmental impact while allowing access to remote locations larger ships cannot reach.
What wildlife will we see?
Expect humpback/orca whales, sea otters, harbor seals, black bears, and over 220 bird species including puffins and bald eagles during daily excursions in Prince William Sound.
Is this suitable for families?
Private family charters accommodate multi-generational groups. Our flexible itineraries include educational components while allowing customization for different age groups and physical abilities.
How do you ensure safety?
We maintain 25-page US Coast Guard annual inspections covering vessel construction, safety equipment, and crew qualifications. Our captains hold commercial licenses with extensive local navigation experience.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We partner with local conservation groups, maintain Adventure Green Alaska certification, and implement fuel-efficient operations while educating guests about regional environmental protection efforts.