Kayak, hike, and explore Icy Strait and 3 exclusive cruising days in Glacier Bay National Park aboard the Wilderness Explorer

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and remote wilderness exploration highlight this adventure. Spend days cruising among massive icebergs; hiking into wildlife-rich forests; standing atop a glacier; kayaking, paddle boarding and riding a skiff along a dramatic fjord; learning about the Tlingit culture; and whale watching.

Activities

8 days small ship cruising with easy to moderate optional acitivites including hiking, sea kayaking, and paddle boarding

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Three exclusive days in Glacier Bay, the jewel of the US National Parks
• View stunning glaciers throughout Glacier Bay National Park & Biosphere Reserve
• South Marble Island sealion haul-out and spectacular birding
• Whale watching in Icy Strait and wildlife viewing in Peril Strait
• Treks ashore in Glacier Bay National Park and along Chichagof Island's waterfall coast.
• Captain's choice exploration of remote "not in the guidebook" places.

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Juneau, Alaska End Location: Sitka, Alaska

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Juneau, Alaska — Embarkation

  Welcome aboard! Meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates. Within minutes you’ll cruise the scenic channels of the Inside Passage.

• Day 2 : Glacier Bay National Park

  One of America’s crown jewel national parks is yours to explore and marvel at for the next three days. At Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, you’ll pick up the National Park Ranger who will be with you to explore coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. In the bay there are sea lions, mountain goats, sea otters, bears, moose, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops.
  
  Linger near South Marble Island and spot the many species of rare sea birds that call this area home, keeping your eyes on the water and the island for brightly-colored puffins and black oystercatchers. Visit thePark Service’s Headquarters at Bartlett Cove.
  
  Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. Conditions permitting, you'll have an opportunity to kayak or tour via skiff.

• Day 3 : Glacier Bay National Park

  Enjoy another day of guided exploration in the park.

• Day 4 : Glacier Bay National Park

  Make the best of your third and last day in this majestic national park.

• Day 5 : Icy Strait

  Set your course for arguably the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the Captain on the bridge or the Expedition Leaders/Naturalists out on deck in search of marine mammals. Camera in hand, begin your land and sea exploration of these remote reaches. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the rugged and wild coastline with eyes set on the shore for possible bear sightings.

• Day 6 : Chichagof Island

  Meander along the spectacular waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. In the spirit of expedition un-cruising, marvel at the grand scenery as our crew expertly guides you through unsung, glacier-carved fjords. Anchor in remote waters for an opportunity to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Enjoy another delectable dinner onboard and relax in the hot tub before calling it a day.

• Day 7 : Peril Strait

  Running 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound, this haven for small boats is scenically highlighted by a very narrow connecting passageway called Sergius Narrows and an opening at Hoonah Sound. This historic and wildlife-rich waterway is a great place to explore the shoreline for bears, the waters for otters and whales, and to watch for eagles. The passage narrows to only 300 feet in one spot (24 feet deep.) After an adventurous, but “non-perilous” day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your Expedition Leaders

• Day 8 : Sitka — Disembark

  Gather for breakfast this morning as you cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. A transfer will be provided to the airport or your hotel.

   

  Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.

• Wilderness Explorer

  Insade Passage, Alaska

  With three accessible decks and an interior designed to complement the outside, the Wilderness Explorer is fully equipped for comfort and action. A Douglas fir bar top and communal dining table, respectively, highlight the lounge and dining room, and the EZ Dock launch platform makes getting in the water a cinch.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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