Journey to Southeast Alaska's largest protected habitats, home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and nature. Explore Glacier Bay National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its marine wildlife and stunning glaciers, and Tongass National Forest. At Point Adolphus, watch 50-ton humpback whales, and spot porpoises, sea lions, seals, and sea birds. Fly in a small plane to Wrangell to witness brown and black bears fishing for salmon together at Anan Bear Observatory, and hike on a massive glacier only accessible by helicopter.
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, a helicopter, a tram, and bush planes through pristine wilderness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, depart from Juneau at any time.
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Download ItineraryMT Sobek has been pioneering adventure travel in Southeast Alaska since 1972.
Our expert Alaska guides emphasize teaching proper use of mountaineering gear, glacier features and hazards, for safe treks into remote wilderness areas.
This adventure is the most comprehensive of its kind - with many off-the-charts experiences in one itinerary, at a relaxed pace.
Our expert guides and trip leaders are truly the key to our trips' success. Many are locals who live in-country year-round; others have made it their second home—all are passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
Educational boat rides and treks through glacial icescapes and rainforests, spotting humpback whales, bears, and other mesmerizing wildlife along the way.
Deluxe lodging at the only hotel within Glacier Bay, a stellar urban retreat in Alaska's capital, and a cozy hideaway at Wrangell.
Enjoy mild summers, with almost daily light rain, chilly winds near glaciers, and breezy ocean sides. Daytime 55-75°F. Evenings 40-55°F.
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!
Super easy. We recommend extending your stay at the Lodge at Glacier Bay National Park or in Juneau at the Four Points Sheraton.
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!
The weather in Alaska is quite variable, so please expect that rain may fall every day. A good sturdy raincoat is recommended.
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.
We offer this trip on a private basis with seasonal departure dates that offer great flexibility (pending availability). Click below to request dates and an MT Sobek Regional Specialist will be in touch to help organize your private adventure.
"Alaskan Wildlife Explorer is a trip everyone should take!"
Dorothy K.
MT Sobek Guest, Alaska Wildlife Explorer
"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 Wildlife Explorer
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