Alaska Glaciers & Wildlife Multi-Adventure Tour
Raw Nature from Glacier Bay to Tongass National Forest
- Available: July-August
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodging
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Group Size:
4-8 Guests
Min Age: 12
Highlights
- Explore Southeast Alaska's largest protected wildlife habitats: Glacier Bay National Park and Tongass National Forest
- Spot humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, moose, and bears
- Ride a catamaran, helicopter, tram, and bush planes through pristine wilderness
Itinerary
Arrive in Gustavus
Day 1
Arrive in Gustavus and take in its frontier spirit and small-town charm. In the evening, join a pre-trip meeting with an MT Sobek guide, and a welcome dinner to review the adventure's itinerary.
Accommodation: Annie Mae LodgeAccommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Meals: Dinner
Discover Glacier Bay by Catamaran
Day 2
After an early breakfast, board a high-speed catamaran boat with a park ranger, who explains the geological wonders of the area. On this all-day tour, head to the farthest reaches of the dazzling Glacier Bay National Park, making stops for wildlife viewing along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch aboard the catamaran, paired with magnificent Alaskan backdrops. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Accommodation: Annie Mae LodgeAccommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Transportation: 8-hour catamaran boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture to Point Adolphus by Boat
Day 3
Today, set out by boat to see the humpback whales at Point Adolphus, the best place in the North Pacific to observe this majestic endangered mammal. The protected north shore of Chichagof Island is a paradise for marine mammals and bald eagles, with special conditions in the ocean currents making it one of Alaska's hottest wildlife zones. Traveling by boat offers the flexibility to find where the wildlife is congregating and to observe them from the deck of a vessel. Once we return to the town of Gustavus, we will hop a charter flight to Wrangell, Alaska, a classic quaint town nestled in the mountains alongside the ocean.
Accommodation: Stikine Inn-Wrangell, Alaska
Activity: 4-hour boat ride
Transportation: 2-hour chartered flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Wrangell & Visit Anan Bear Observatory
Day 4
In addition to its rich Native American heritage, Wrangell has another drawcard - it's located close to Anan Bear Observatory, one of the world's best places to view bears, and the main reason to visit this remote Alaskan town. An enormous run of humpback salmon draws these omnivores from many miles away to feed at this spot. Enjoy the rare opportunity to take in both brown bears (a.k.a. grizzlies) and black bears in the same sweep of the eye. Head back to the inn to recharge before another action-packed day ahead.
Accommodation: Stikine Inn-Wrangell, Alaska
Activity: 5 hours wildlife viewing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Juneau & Trek the Tongass National Forest
Day 5
Today fly to Juneau, which boasts one of the most extensive network of hiking trails in all of Alaska. Hike the trails of the country's largest national forest, the Tongass. From charming downtown Juneau, hop aboard a tram operated by a Native American corporation and ride into the mountains. On the way up, experience the power and beauty of the temperate rainforest. Start the walk at the border of the trees and the alpine and soon enter fields of wildflowers, above the fjords, and close to the mountaintops.
Accommodation: Baranof Downtown
Activity: 2 hours/2.5 miles hiking
Transportation: 2.5-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter
Day 6
Today embark on a helicopter adventure to Mendenhall Glacier, for an unforgettable experience hiking through the ever-changing glacial icescape. On this trek, there is an early emphasis on learning the proper use of the mountaineering gear and understanding the glacier features and hazards, in order to access the more remote areas of the glacier during the trek. Enjoy a farewell dinner and spend one last night in Alaska's capital city.
Accommodation: Baranof Downtown
Activity: 2 hours/2 miles glacier walking
Transportation: 2-hour helicopter touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bid Farewell to Alaska
Day 7
Today, depart from Juneau at any time.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- Jul 23 - 29, 2023$5,995 price per person dbl occ+$525 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplement+$90 alaska borough taxAvailable
- Jul 31 - Aug 06, 2023$5,995 price per person dbl occ+$525 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplement+$90 alaska borough taxCheck for Availability
- Aug 13 - 19, 2023$5,995 price per person dbl occ+$525 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplement+$90 alaska borough taxAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Call for Private Trip Pricing
Take Over One of These Dates
- Jul 31 - Aug 06, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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July, August
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Kate Boor
Growing up in the open country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kate fell in love with the outdoor life. Drawn to the west and eventually heading north to Alaska she started working for MT Sobek as an international river guide in 1980. Kate now shares her passion, knowledge, and leadership skills with fellow travelers, on our Multi Adventure trips in S. E. Alaska. Kate also enjoys skiing, biking, painting, reading and Pickleball! Kate divides her year between Alaska, Utah, and Mexico.
Robin Peterson
Robin is a 20 year Sierra Club Outings leader veteran who has lead children and adults on a wide variety of hiking, kayaking and camping trips in the Southeast. She is an avid whitewater rafter and has run rivers in Alaska, The Southwest and in Chile. Robin has been venturing to Alaska for the past 30 years after falling in love with the majesty of the environment. She is an avid traveler and explorer of the natural world. Robin is a relative new comer to the MT Sobek Team of guides after having enjoyed many a journey as a participant herself and having recently retired from a corporate position. Robin lives in Atlanta, GA and spends summers in Alaska.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. There will be hikes of various length every day. Terrain includes the alpine zone above the tree line, beaches, and boardwalks or trails through the old growth forest. All hikes are optional.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
4-hour boat ride
Day 4
5 hours wildlife viewing
Day 5
2 hours/2.5 miles hiking
Day 6
2 hours/2 miles glacier walking
Accommodations
Deluxe lodging at the only hotel within Glacier Bay, a stellar urban retreat in Alaska\'s capital, and a cozy hideaway at Wrangell.
Annie Mae Lodge
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 three 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. Its guest rooms offer a cozy, cottage atmosphere and are well-appointed with modern amenities. Overall, a perfect stop on your Glacier Bay adventure.
Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Nestled under the spruce trees lining Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay Lodge is the only hotel within Glacier Bay National Park. Guests delight in striking sunset views of the Fairweather Mountain range and relax in the warmth of the lobby's massive stone fireplace. The cozy rooms all come with en-suite bathrooms.
Stikine Inn-Wrangell, Alaska
Located in Wrangell, one of Alaska's oldest towns rich in gold rush and Native American history, the Stikine Inn offers a cozy retreat in its newly remodeled rooms with expanded cable, in-room coffee makers, and spectacular views. The view from the rooms is panorama of unspoiled beauty, local culture, and natural landscapes. Between the mountains, the ocean, and the totems on the Post Office lawn, you can get a fair cross-section of local life from your windows.Popularly called "The Stik," the inn's onsite seasonal restaurant is famed for its burgers and fish & chips made with locally sourced halibut.
Baranof Downtown
Located in downtown Juneau, the historic 9-story Baranof BW Signature hotel provides excellent access to the city and Alaska's pristine wilderness. The hotel features a cocktail bar, handsomely updated rooms, all including Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and in-room coffeemakers. Just steps from Juneau's waterfront, the art deco-inspired building has served as an important hub for locals and visitors since it was built in 1939.
Weather
Enjoy mild summers, with almost daily light rain, chilly winds near glaciers, and breezy ocean sides. Daytime 55-75°F. Evenings 40-55°F.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An awesome MT Sobek guide will meet you at the airport in Gustavus and transfer you to the evening\'s accommodations within Glacier Bay National Park, only 8 miles down the road!
Is it easy to make arrangements for additional nights?
Super easy. We recommend extending your stay at the Lodge at Glacier Bay National Park or in Juneau at the Four Points Sheraton.
Am I guaranteed to see bears?
Yes! We guarantee you will see bears at the Anan Bear Observatory, where there are highly limited permits. You may even spot brown and black bears fishing the same hole for pink salmon!
Will it rain while I'm in Alaska?
The weather in Alaska is quite variable, so please expect that rain may fall every day. A good sturdy raincoat is recommended.
How intense is the helicopter ride and what does it entail?
You will be in a safe and stable helicopter flown by a crew of very experienced pilots. The helicopter ride will be a quick 15 minutes from the airport to the glacier landing, with touring on the way back.
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Guest Reviews
"Alaskan Wildlife Explorer is a trip everyone should take!"
Dorothy K.
MT Sobek Guest, Alaska Glaciers Whales and Wildlife Multi-Adventure
"If you love the natural world and learning about native people who are close to the natural world, this is a trip for you."
Ingrid S.
MT Sobek Guest, Alaska Glaciers Whales and Wildlife Multi-Adventure