Luxury exploration with a mission to protect the enthralling beauty of the last frontier.
Designed for travelers who value depth over scale, The Boat Company’s small-ship voyages combine immersive exploration, understated luxury, and a mission to protect Alaska’s extraordinary landscapes.
Immersive, small-group experiences
Our ships are intentionally small, allowing for flexible days shaped by weather, wildlife, and curiosity rather than fixed schedules. Fewer guests mean more time ashore, quieter approaches, and access to places larger vessels can’t reach. The result is an experience that feels personal, unhurried, and deeply immersive — Alaska at its natural pace.
Wildlife
Wildlife encounters unfold organically as we travel slowly and stay flexible. From humpback whales feeding nearby to bears and eagles along the shoreline, moments are discovered rather than staged. Onboard naturalists provide context that deepens understanding, encouraging observation rooted in respect and patience.
Glaciers
Glaciers are dynamic, living landscapes, and our small ships allow us to experience them up close. Guests explore by ship, skiff, and sometimes kayak, revealing details often missed from afar — crevasses, calving ice, and deep blue formations. These encounters offer perspective on geological time and the changing climate shaping Alaska today.
Hiking
Hiking brings guests directly into Alaska’s forests, shorelines, and wild terrain, including rarely visited areas of the Tongass National Forest made accessible through our special use permits. Routes are chosen daily based on conditions and interests, from leisurely walks to more adventurous hikes. Moving in small groups allows for unhurried exploration of these special places.
Kayaking
Kayaking offers a quiet, immersive way to explore Alaska’s protected waterways. Paddling at water level reveals intimate details — kelp forests, rocky coves, and wildlife along the shore — without engine noise or disturbance. Guided small groups ensure a calm, accessible experience shaped by the day’s conditions.
Fishing
Fishing is approached as a connection to Alaska’s waters and traditions. Guests learn sustainable techniques through guided experiences tailored to skill level, with an emphasis on stewardship and respect for local ecosystems. When possible, the day’s catch is prepared onboard, creating a meaningful water-to-table experience.
Cuisine
Cuisine aboard our ships is thoughtfully prepared by world-class chefs, using fresh ingredients and regional inspiration. Meals are served at our wrap-around, windowed fantail table — a front-row seat to Alaska’s scenery — where guests dine comfortably after full days of exploration. It’s refined, carefully crafted food, enjoyed in casual clothes, with attentive service that feels effortless rather than formal.
Sustainable, eco-friendly travel
Sustainability guides every aspect of our voyages, from ship operations to daily decisions onboard. Traveling by small ship naturally reduces impact while allowing deeper access without congestion. Education and conservation are woven into the experience, fostering understanding of the ecosystems we explore.
Bird-watching
The Tongass National Forest is one of the richest birding landscapes on the planet. Its old-growth forests and abundant salmon runs support one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles anywhere in the world. Each summer, species like the Arctic tern — known for the longest migration of any animal on Earth — return to these coasts, creating remarkable viewing opportunities from both shore and ship.
Meet Our Ships
Intimate by design and refined in every detail, our small ships serve as both home base and expedition platform — balancing understated comfort with exceptional access. Their size and capabilities allow us to explore remote waterways while remaining nimble, quiet, and deeply connected to the landscape in ways larger vessels simply can’t.
Awards & Recognition
The Boat Company’s approach to small-ship exploration has earned recognition from leading travel and lifestyle organizations — affirming our commitment to immersive experiences, thoughtful design, and responsible travel.
World's Best Expedition Cruise Line
The Boat Company is honored to be awarded World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line in 2024 by the World Cruise Awards organization. Nominees included world-renowned Linblad Expeditions, and more.
Family Travel Awards Winner
With a digital footprint of over 50 million people, Good Housekeeping takes their award selections very seriously. Their travel editors and product experts spent nine months reviewing hundreds of organizations. We are deeply honored.
Best in the Pacific Northwest Award
The Boat Company has been named a winner in The Seattle Times’ Best in the Pacific Northwest awards for 2025. With over 944,000 votes cast this year, it’s truly a people’s choice that highlights what makes the PNW special. We’re humbled and grateful to our community for lifting us up in the Boat Cruise category—your support means everything.
What Our Guests Say
The most meaningful measure of our voyages comes from the people who’ve experienced them — thoughtful reflections on exploration, connection, and time well spent in Alaska. Our guests often describe these voyages as unforgettable — not just for where they went, but for how deeply they experienced Alaska along the way.
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