See all of Glacier Bay National Park and enjoy the comforts of a floating basecamp

There are good reasons why Glacier Bay is a National Park , a World Heritage Site, and a Biosphere Reserve. Wildlife is abundant and the scenery is diverse.  Our vessel is a beautifully restored wooden boat that was decomissioned from service after WWII. Combine the comforts of eating and sleeping on the ship with hiking and kayaking in the wilds of Glacier Bay, on this journey with the original Alaska Discovery company.

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Activities

6 days easy to moderate sea kayaking and hiking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• See Glacier Bay National Park like very few others, from a small ship
• Wake up to new surroundings everyday without having to pack your bags!
• Daily opportunities for sea kayaking and hiking
• Learn in depth natural history of one of America's premier marine wilderness areas

Duration: 6 days Start Location: Gustavus, Alaska End Location: Gustavus, Alaska

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Embark and enter Glacier Bay National Park

  Today we board the ship and head northward into Glacier Bay.  After an introduction to Sea Kayaking we take to the sea to paddle and explore the beaches.  A few hours farther north brings us to our anchorage for the evening, within site a glacier that touches the ocean.

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  Day 2 : Upper Glacier Bay

  Today we hike alongside the Reid Glacier and can see what the world might have looked like just as the ice age was ending.  We then kayak near one of glacier Bay's most impressive 'tidewater' glaciers and see huge chunks of ice fall off of it into the sea.  Strange ecologies of animals choose to call this their home and we learn about their special place in nature. 

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  Day 3 : Muir Inlet

  Few visitors get to explore the Muir Inlet in Glacier Bay.  It is a kayaker's paradise with long beaches and plenty of wildlife.  We will paddle near the glaciers in the upper Muir Inlet.  John Muir explore this inlet in 1890 an fell into the glacier that bears his name.  He had a profound experience of wildness here that inspired him in his efforts to preserve the National Parks.

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  Day 4 : Where the Wild Things Are-Lower Glacier Bay

  Lower Glacier Bay, the mouth of Glacier Bay, and adjacent Dundas Bay are hot spots for wildlife.  The abundant animal life here is due to plentiful small schooling fish that feed the birds and marine mammals that will feed here all summer.  This area is also a favorite of the Sea Otter, whose numbers have been growing steadily.

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  Day 5 : Dundas Bay

  All of Glacier Bay was covered in ice less than 300 years ago.  Dundas Bay has not been covered in ice for over 10,000 years.  We explore this different ecosystem.  Here there are mature forests and muskeg.  We hike in the morning and paddle this remote part of the national park in the afternoon.

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  Day 6 : Whales of Icy Strait

  Icy Strait is world renown for whale watching.  There is a sizeable population of Humpback whales that come here from Hawaii every year to feed.  We spend the morning focused on marine mammals and learn why this area hosts so many of them.

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.

• Kimberly Owen

  Kimber has a variety of life experiences with people, horses and wildlife. She grew up in a hotel restaurant family learning fine restaurant skills from being a cook to handling marketing. Before moving to Alaska she owned/operated an equine facility and worked with individuals with disabilities in therapeutic riding. She has participated in many equine and wildlife studies nurturing her love for nature and the conservation of wildlife habitat. Alaska has always been in her heart. A romantic historical ship plying the coasts of Alaska & British Columbia - showing people the wonders of nature - what better life could there be!

photo credits: ©Kimber Owen