Our most comprehensive kayaking expedition starring Alaska's legendary wildlife

If you only have one shot at visiting Alaska, this is the trip for you!

You’ll  paddle sea kayaks at Point Adolphus in the Inside Passage, a famous feeding ground attracting countless marine mammals (humpback whales, sea lions, and seals among others), then head to Glacier Bay National Park for an overnight kayaking expedition amidst a panorama of sprawling tidewater glaciers, icebergs, and stunning mountain peaks. Our comprehensive adventure alternates hotel and inn accommodations with wilderness camping for a real taste of Alaska’s legendary wilds—all with the original Alaska Discovery company.

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Note: This trip is run with use under permit by the US Forest Service and the Tongass National Forest. Mountain Travel Sobek, including its subsidiary Alaska Discovery, is an equal opportunity employer.

Activities

8 days easy to moderate sea kayaking and hiking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Alaska with the experts since 1972 -- we are the only company with permits for all three of these stunning locations!
• See whales, bears, glaciers, and icebergs up close—all on one trip!
• Kayak at Point Adolphus, Alaska’s most active humpback whale feeding area
• Overnight kayaking and camping expedition in Glacier Bay
• Search for Coastal Brown Bears fishing for salmon

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Juneau End Location: Juneau

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Fly from Juneau to the bush town of Gustavus, Alaska

  On Day 1 we meet in the Juneau Airport and fly to Gustavus.  You will check into your lodge at the edge of Glacier Bay National Park and have a pre-trip meeting with your guide.  We share a welcome dinner and then you will have plenty of time to explore the nearby sandy beach and beach fringe meadows.

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  Day 2 : Point Adolphus

  Take a charter boat from Gustavus across Icy Strait to the whale-feeding grounds of Point Adolphus, and camp at the water's edge.

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  Day 3 : Point Adolphus

  Look for humpback whales, sea lions, otters, and seals as we kayak along the shore of Chicagof Island.

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  Day 4 : Glacier Bay – Gustavus

  Kayak along the shore to meet our charter boat back to Gustavus, where we'll explore the town and eat at a local restaurant.

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  Days 5 - 6 : Glacier Bay kayaking expedition

  Board a boat for a spectacular scenic cruise into Glacier Bay, followed by a kayaking expedition. Our pace is leisurely as we paddle and hike along the scenic shores of the bay, with ample time to appreciate and photograph the fantastic surroundings.

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  Day 7 : Gustavus

  Return to Gustavus by boat and enjoy a farewell dinner, followed by a stroll or bike ride outside in the "day" light.

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  Day 8 : Depart

  Morning hike, fly home via Juneau

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  Annie Mae Lodge

  Gustavus

  The Annie Mae Lodge rests on the banks of the Good River, surrounded by lush rain forest and overlooking the Icy Straits of Alaska's Inside Passage. Started by Annie Mae's 3 granddaughters and now run by her great-granddaughter, the aim of this family lodge has always been to provide traditional country hospitality in a place of exceptional beauty.

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.

• Shelli Ogilvy

  Shelli Ogilvy, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: Shelli was born and raised in Alaska. She grew up in Gustavus with Glacier Bay as her backyard. She has been guiding for Alaska Discovery as a wilderness leader since 1997. She has a deep love for this place and ecosystem, finding peace and joy through sharing the experience of the wilderness. When not guiding, Shelli tries to find time to paint and work on her cabin. She currently spends her winters in New Mexico skiing and eating green chilies.

• Tom Schwartz

  Tom Schwartz started guiding canoe, skiing and sea kayak trips in Southeast Alaska in 1997 with a non-profit organization for youth in Juneau. He joined the Alaska Discovery team in 2003 guiding trips to Berner's Bay, Pack Creek and Glacier Bay. His experience as a fine dining chef has inspired him to create excellent food in amazing places. Keep an eye out for a wilderness cookbook!

• Keith Thompson

  Keith Thompson, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: Originally from Pennsylvania, Keith left a job in medical research to pursue his love for travel and the outdoors. He's been involved in a rock and ice climbing business, worked as a bike guide, and traveled extensively throughout North and Central America, and Southeast Asia. In 1999, his travels led him to Alaska where he fell in love with his surroundings. Keith writes, "I found the pristine Alaskan wilderness an inspiration and guiding a way of sharing and learning about this special place." (Bonus: Keith is also a massage therapist.)

photo credits: ©John Baston