2026 Expeditions
Alaska Endeavour conducts small-team field expeditions exploring different areas of discovery—from paleontology and glaciers to climate studies, ornithology, marine mammals, and the practical skills of wilderness seamanship. These expeditions venture into some of the most remote regions of maritime Alaska.
Each expedition sails with a small team working alongside leading scientists in hands-on fieldwork that helps reveal how natural systems work.
The science is real—and so is your contribution to it.
Most Alaska Endeavour expeditions last twelve days and focus on a particular field of study.
For some expeditions, college or graduate-school credit may be available.
“I expected a trip. What I found was a true expedition. Working beside the scientists and helping uncover fossils changed the way I see Alaska forever.”
— Expedition Participant
FOSSIL DIG EXPEDITION
May 15 - 26
Southeast Alaska
Search for ancient life preserved in Alaska’s coastal rock formations. You will work beside a leading paleontologist, helping to locate and document fossils revealed by tides and weather in Southeast Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago. Every landing holds the possibility of discovering something that has not seen daylight for millions of years. This 12-day research expedition is $6,300.
DINOSAUR DIG EXPEDITION
September 1 - 12
Alaska Peninsula
Dinosaurs once roamed Alaska. On this expedition, you will assist a leading paleontologist and expect to find dinosaur footprints, ammonites, fossil leaves of conifers and sequoias, and possibly bones and teeth of hadrosaurs and maybe even theropods. This is an incredibly wild stretch of coast, from Kodiak to Sand Point. You’ll also see volcanoes, bears, and whales. You'll swing rock picks and get your hands dirty. This 12-day research expedition is $7,250.
GLACIERS & CLIMATE
July 1 - 12
Prince William Sound
Explore the immense ice fields and tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound. The expedition team measures glacier recession, observes glacier dynamics, landscape change, and the powerful forces shaping this region today while contributing to field observations and scientific study. It is a close look at one of the most dramatic natural systems on Earth. This 12-day research expedition is $6,300.
WILDERNESS MARINER COURSE
September 16 - 27 All Women
October 1 - 12 Co-Ed
Get hands-on seamanship training far, far from any marina. Learn navigation, tides and currents, boat systems, anchoring, and the captain’s mindset required to travel safely through remote coastal waters. We have two 12-day fall sessions: an all-women’s expedition along the Alaska Peninsula in late September, and a coed course around the Kodiak Archipelago in early October. Either 12-day course is $5,250.
“This was not a cruise. We were out in the field every day—working alongside scientists and experiencing Alaska in a way that very few people ever do.”
— Expedition Participant
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WHO THESE EXPEDITIONS ARE FOR?
Alaska Endeavour expeditions are designed for people who prefer learning by doing—those with curious minds, an adventurous spirit, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and take part in hands-on discovery.
Our expedition teams have ranged in age from 16 to 86. What they share is curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to pitch in—whether exploring a remote shoreline, wading upstream with spawning salmon, counting humpback whales, or contributing to the shared work of life aboard.
What matters most is curiosity, good humor, and a readiness to be part of the team.
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LIFE ABOARD
Life aboard Endeavour is as much a part of the expedition as the work ashore.
Each expedition sails with a small team working alongside leading scientists in real fieldwork while sharing the daily rhythms of life aboard a small research vessel.
Evenings may include reviewing the day’s discoveries or helping scientists organize notes and samples from the field.
There is also time for doing your own thing—canoeing, fishing, crabbing, watching wildlife, or reading, writing, sketching, or simply enjoying the scenery.
For advance notice on future expeditions, sign up for our Captain's Log.
“By the second day it felt like we were part of a real expedition team. The days were full, the conversations were fascinating, and every landing brought something new.”
— Expedition Participant