What can you do on a trip with Elysium Expeditions?

  • Experience the best salmon fishing on earth in pristine Alaskan waters.

  • Witness humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat.

  • Observe sea lions, seals, otters, and Alaskan brown bears from a safe distance.

  • Explore the wild beauty of the Tongass National Forest on guided hikes.

  • Drop pots and savor the freshest catches straight from the sea.

  • Spot more bald eagles than you can count against breathtaking backdrops.

  • Take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear alpine glacier-fed lakes.

  • Explore the vibrant biodiversity of Alaska’s tide pools.

  • Paddle to remote islands for an intimate experience with nature.

  • Explore the local Southeast towns along the coast of Alaska and get a taste of Alaska’s unique local cultures.

  • Marvel at towering glaciers and their awe-inspiring beauty.

  • Discover hidden waterfalls tucked into Alaska’s wilderness.

  • Picnic on secluded, picturesque beaches.

  • Hike through the temperate rainforest, marvel at the muskeg, stand in wonder under a Sitka Spruce tree. Lay among Alaskan wildflowers. Smile at a mountain goat. Your adventurous spirit will never tire.

  • The experiences go on and on. If you’re lucky you may even spot the elusive puffin.

Our expeditions are fully customizable to your liking but here’s a snapshot of some of the things you may experience:

What sets us apart?

We’re not your typical cruise. We’re not a tour. We’re something else entirely.

Elysium Expeditions offers a rare kind of experience—where luxury meets wilderness, and where the people guiding your journey are locals who love this land as deeply as they know it.

Here’s what makes us different:

Real Connection, Not a Script

We take only one group at a time, which means your trip is truly yours. From our first conversation to the final docking, everything is tailored to your people, your pace, and your sense of wonder.

Locally Rooted

We live here. We raise our kids here. And we’ve spent years exploring these waters, forests, and quiet coves. That means we can take you to places that don’t show up on Google maps—and introduce you to Alaska in a way only locals can.

All-Inclusive, All-In

From the moment you step aboard, we’ve got you covered. Lodging, handcrafted meals, gear, transportation, and daily excursions—it’s all included. You show up, we handle the rest.

Soul-Filling Food

The food is part of the experience. Home-cooked, hearty, and thoughtful meals are made with love right on the boat. Whether it's fresh-caught salmon or sourdough pancakes, every bite reflects the care we put into your journey.

A True Alaskan Adventure

This isn’t a sightseeing shuttle. It’s a fully immersive expedition: hike through untouched trails, kayak alongside sea otters, fish for your dinner, and fall asleep to the sound of whales surfacing outside your window.

We’re here to show you the Alaska we love—not the version in the brochures, but the one that fills your lungs, quiets your mind, and stays with you long after you leave.

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When to Visit

Every month in Southeast Alaska brings something different. Whether you’re here to witness the majesty of bubble-net feeding, catch your limit on the line, or soak in the quiet magic of the landscape—there’s no wrong time to come, just the right time for you.

Here’s a guide to help you plan your ideal experience aboard M/Y Elysium:

Whale Watching & Bubble-Net Feeding | best time: March–April
Humpback whales typically bubble-net feed during the spring herring spawn, when the fish are plentiful and close to shore. This is one of the most dramatic natural events you can witness—cooperative, coordinated feeding by some of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures. Other whale sightings are common from late spring through early fall.

Fishing & Crabbing | best time: June–September
King salmon run strongest in June and early July. Sockeye are most active mid-June through July, and coho build later in the summer. Crabbing is also available throughout the season—fresh Dungeness right out of the crab pot is hard to beat.

Sightseeing, Hiking & Wildlife Viewing | best time: May–September
May–June: Crisp mornings, snow still on the mountaintops, and early wildflowers.
July–August: Lush green forest, long daylight hours, and abundant wildlife activity, and delicious salmon berries.
September: Quiet anchorages, active bears along salmon streams, and a slower, more reflective pace on the water.

Photography & Solitude | best time: May and September
These shoulder-season months offer softer light, fewer crowds, and a deeper sense of stillness. Perfect for photographers, poets, or anyone wanting a more contemplative connection with the land and sea.