Kayak among glaciers and whales with the experts on this one-of-a-kind adventure through pristine Glacier Bay

Few places are as hauntingly beautiful as Southeast Alaska. One of the world’s last wilderness frontiers is home to Glacier Bay National Park, the densest convergence of tidewater glaciers in the world. Hearing the thunderous sound of calving glaciers from your kayak and the cavernous breathing of humpback whales, you can’t help but marvel at the symphony before you. We have pioneered kayaking expeditions here since 1972. Not only are one of only two companies to be issued rare permits to paddle the bay, but our seasoned, professional guides are true “salty dogs”—the best of the best!

Your adventure centers around the rustic bush town of Gustavus, home to writers, artists, and conservationists. Venture out for two three-day kayak excursions and camp along isolated, pristine beaches. Kayak around Point Adolphus, the world renowned feeding ground of the humpback whales and see porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles. Paddle in the remote upper west arm of Glacier Bay at a leisurely pace, taking in massive glaciers, majestic peaks, and icebergs, and stop along the shores to see wildflowers and waterfalls. See nature in its rawest form on this MTS-exclusive.

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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

• Explore Southeast Alaska with the original kayaking pioneers on this one-of-a-kind adventure through Glacier Bay National Park—only with MTS!
• Paddle among icebergs and marvel at the size of whales and glaciers from up close—a rarity given that MTS is one of only two companies to have permits to kayak Glacier Bay
• Visit Point Adolphus, a world-renown humpback whale feeding ground, where you’ll also see sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles
• Camp for four nights on isolated, pristine beaches and enjoy delicious meals prepared by your local, expert guides
• Live it up like a local in the tiny bush town of Gustavus

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, Chichagof Island

  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 : Kayaking Point Adolphus & the shores of Chichagof Island

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

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  Day 4 : Point Adolphus & return to 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