St. Matthew Island, Alaska

United States

Encounter massive walrus herds hauled out on remote Arctic ice floes in one of Alaska's most pristine and untouched wilderness destinations.

💱 Currency US Dollar (USD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone AKDT (UTC-8)

☀️ Best Time to Visit July and September for optimal wildlife viewing, ice-free waters, and extended daylight hours in the Arctic.

🚢 Typical Duration 17-18 nights

💰 Price Range $8,818-$9,779 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Remote Arctic wildlife viewing and access to pristine Bering Sea ecosystems, including seabird colonies and marine mammals in one of Alaska's most isolated locations.

Cruises that visit St. Matthew Island, Alaska

Build Your Day in St. Matthew Island, Alaska

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

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Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from St. Matthew Island, Alaska

About St. Matthew Island, Alaska

St. Matthew Island serves as a fascinating port of call in Alaska's remote Arctic region, primarily accessed through HX Expeditions' specialized expedition cruises. While this isn't a major embarkation hub, the island attracts adventurous cruisers seeking authentic Arctic exploration. Most voyages featuring St. Matthew Island are extended 17-night itineraries that weave through Alaska's most pristine and less-visited waters, connecting to notable ports including Nome, Dutch Harbor, and Saint Paul Island. The peak season runs through July and September when weather conditions are most favorable for Arctic navigation.

Ashore, visitors encounter one of Alaska's most remote and untouched landscapes, where wildlife viewing opportunities abound and the stark Arctic beauty captivates nature enthusiasts. The island's isolation means passenger facilities are minimal, making this a true expedition experience rather than a traditional cruise port. This is ideal for travelers seeking genuine adventure and willing to embrace the rugged, off-the-beaten-path character that defines Alaska's Arctic frontier. If you're drawn to remote exploration and exclusive Arctic encounters, St. Matthew Island offers an unforgettable addition to your Alaskan cruise adventure.

Witness Arctic Seabird Colonies

St. Matthew Island hosts one of Alaska's most spectacular seabird sanctuaries, where thousands of murres, puffins, and kittiwakes nest on dramatic coastal cliffs. Guided shore excursions offer unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities and close encounters with these remarkable Arctic species in their natural habitat during peak nesting season.

Explore Remote Arctic Tundra

Step onto pristine tundra landscape where few visitors ever venture, experiencing the raw beauty of Alaska's Far North. The island's windswept terrain reveals unique Arctic vegetation, geological formations, and sweeping vistas that showcase the untamed wilderness of the Bering Sea region.

Discover Historic Reindeer Herding Legacy

St. Matthew Island holds fascinating history as a former reindeer herding experiment site. Visitors can learn about this unique Arctic enterprise and its ecological impact while exploring remnants of early 20th-century settlement attempts on this remote, weather-beaten island.

Photograph Dramatic Coastal Geology

Capture stunning images of St. Matthew Island's rugged coastline, featuring towering sea cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and dramatic Bering Sea backdrops. The island's stark, otherworldly landscape provides exceptional photography opportunities for nature and adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic Arctic scenery.

Observe Marine Mammal Populations

Watch for seals, sea lions, and whales in the surrounding Bering Sea waters during your island visit. The rich marine ecosystem supports diverse Arctic wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment from shore-based vantage points.