Welcome to one of the most breathtaking and untouched regions on the planet—Southeast Alaska’s deep, glacial fjords. Towering granite cliffs, carved over millennia by immense ice sheets, rise dramatically from the sea, dwarfing even the famous walls of Yosemite. This is Alaska at its wildest and most majestic—a land of tidewater glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and thriving marine wildlife.

Our Southeast Fjords Small Ship Photo Workshop offers an intimate exploration of this extraordinary landscape aboard the historic MV David B, a beautifully restored 65-foot wooden vessel with a century of history and character. With space for just eight guests, plus your photography guide and the expert crew of two, this is an experience unlike any large ship cruise—quiet, immersive, and designed for photographers seeking deeper connection with Alaska’s remote wilderness.

This all-inclusive adventure begins in Juneau, Alaska. From there, we head south into a series of spectacular fjords, including Endicott Arm, an unspoiled gem that rivals Glacier Bay in scale and beauty but sees far fewer visitors. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by sheer cliffs dripping with waterfalls, ancient forests cloaked in mist, and the thunderous spectacle of calving tidewater glaciers.

And the wildlife? Southeast Alaska is a haven for marine life. You’ll have the chance to photograph breaching humpback whales, pods of orcas, playful sea otters, harbor seals hauled out on drifting ice, and Steller sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops. Bald eagles patrol the skies overhead, while the occasional brown bear may be spotted foraging along the shoreline. This is a living, breathing wilderness, and we take it slow, giving you time to truly experience and photograph the magic of these remote waters.

Why This Trip is So Special

• A True Hidden Gem: While Glacier Bay draws the crowds, Endicott Arm and its surrounding fjords offer the same jaw-dropping beauty with far less traffic. Expect solitude, silence, and scenes that feel like stepping back in time.

• Small Ship, Big Experience: With a maximum of eight guests, every moment aboard the MV David B feels personal and unhurried. Owners and captains Jeffrey and Christine Smith are Southeast Alaska experts, passionate about sharing the natural and human history of these waters.

• Dedicated Photography Focus: BCJ guide Matt Meisenheimer, who has guided extensively in these fjords, brings years of photographic expertise to help you capture this landscape at its best. Matt works hand-in-hand with Jeffrey and Christine to ensure you’re always in the right place at the right time.

• Go Where Big Ships Can’t: Our steel-hulled Zodiac, paired with the nimble David B, gives us unmatched access to hidden coves, intimate iceberg fields, and stunning perspectives of active glaciers.

• Incredible Cuisine at Sea: Christine, trained in culinary arts, prepares fresh, gourmet meals daily. Expect baked goods fresh from the galley, locally inspired dishes, and three meals a day that are as memorable as the scenery.

A Landscape of Ice and Stone

Southeast Alaska’s fjords are the product of powerful glacial forces. Endicott Arm, in particular, stretches over 30 miles inland, terminating at the spectacular Dawes Glacier—a dynamic tidewater glacier that frequently calves massive chunks of ice into the sea. These fjords are lined with towering granite cliffs that rise more than 3,000 feet from the water, their sheer faces scarred by ancient ice.

The landscape is also home to lush temperate rainforests, part of the Tongass National Forest, where Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate. Waterfalls cascade from hanging valleys high above, while mosses and lichens drape over every surface, creating a landscape that feels primeval.

Wildlife at Every Turn

These nutrient-rich waters support an incredible diversity of life. Humpback whales, once hunted to the brink of extinction, have made an astonishing recovery here. You may witness bubble-net feeding, where groups of whales corral schools of fish with coordinated plumes of bubbles—a behavior unique to Southeast Alaska.

Orcas, or killer whales, patrol these fjords, with both resident pods (focused on fish) and transient pods (specializing in marine mammals) sometimes making appearances. Sea otters, once hunted for their luxurious pelts, are now a common sight, floating among the kelp beds.

On land, you might glimpse black bears or brown bears foraging along the rocky shores or fishing near salmon streams. Overhead, the skies are alive with bald eagles, marbled murrelets, and other seabirds.

An Intimate Journey Through Time

The MV David B itself is part of the story. Originally launched in 1929 as a cannery tender, the boat was painstakingly restored by Jeffrey and Christine Smith, who now operate it as a labor of love. Its warm wood interior, vintage charm, and rich history make it a unique and comfortable base for our photographic explorations. With its quiet engine and expert crew, it’s the perfect vessel for exploring these waters with minimal disturbance to the wildlife we’re here to photograph.

Cabins Aboard the MV David B

The MV David B features four cozy guest cabins, each thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality during your journey through Southeast Alaska. All cabins include a private sink and toilet, and each is unique in layout and sleeping configuration:

• Sockeye Cabin:

  • Queen-sized bunk bed

  • Ideal for couples
    

• Coho & Chinook Cabins:

  • Configurable as either:

    • One queen bed or

    • Staggered bunk beds
      
      

• Keta Cabin:

  • Extra-long over-under bunk beds
    
    

Additional Notes:

• All cabins are warm, inviting, and outfitted with nautical charm.

• Cabins are located below deck and include storage, reading lights, and cozy bedding.

• Shared shower facilities are located nearby for guest use.