Alaska's Glacier Country

Arrive independently to Juneau, make your way to the designated meeting point and join your transfer to the port to board your vessel. Settle into your comfortable cabin as we set sail from this picturesque port town towards Icy Strait.

Our first full day onboard will take us through the channels of deep, twisted mangroves of the Icy Strait where we will be on the lookout for whales and sea lions, as well as smaller marine wildlife like starfish and jellyfish. You can enjoy your first kayaking or paddleboarding excursions, or join a thrilling hike with your naturalist guides through the coastal paths of some of the area’s beautiful remote bays. Alternatively you could choose to simply chill out in the hot tub onboard or watch for whales and seals from the deck.

Today may well be one of the highlights of your trip as we make our way to the 3.3 million-acre Glacier Bay National Park for some thoroughly enjoyable exploration. The park was completely covered by ice just over 200 years ago but receding glacier activity has made it now easier to access the inner reaches and enjoy a deeper discovery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your onboard naturalists are experts on the glacial activity here, as well as the wildlife habitats that are also a treat to discover. As you get up as close as possible to the stunning Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers, you will also be on the lookout for Steller sea lions and the abundant seabirds that flock here including puffins, common murres, pigeon guillemots, cormorants and much more. On South Marble Island the birdlife is particularly abundant, whereas along the shoreline of Tidal Inlet we might be lucky enough to spot bears foraging along with mountain goats. At the far end of John Hopkins Inlet or Tarr Inlet you can enjoy the fascinating sight of the glaciers calving icebergs into the water, and in Bartlett Cove you may be able to take an enjoyable hike around the park’s headquarters. A busy and certainly memorable day!

Stretching 150 miles into the Tongass National Forest, Chatham Strait offers adventure aplenty. Our likely plan of action today will be to anchor in Chichagof Island inlet and hop into our kayaks, skiffs or paddleboards to explore the waters and search for whales, seals and seabirds soaring above. A hike up through the moss-covered trees and rain-fed waterfalls will be strenuous but rewarding, or you may wish to stay on lower ground and beachcomb the rocky shores whilst looking for seals and sea creatures.

More adventure and wildlife opportunities today as we make our way to Kuiu Island whose jagged arms stretch from 25 to just six miles wide and are home to many black bears that we will be on a mission to spot. The black bears come here for the abundant salmon streams, and a kayak excursion or skiff ride will hopefully bring us some sightings of these imposing animals as well as eagles and other seabirds. You could also choose to kayak along the Keku Islands or take the pace down a notch with an easy stroll amidst the tide pools. This area is incredibly remote, and simply remarkable.

Our attention turns to marine mammals as we enjoy some whale watching in the abundant glacial waters of Frederick Sound. Humpbacks are likely to be spotted, along with possibility of orcas, and based on weather conditions your crew will chart the best course for observation opportunities. You will likely cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs.

You might enjoy Kayaking and skiffing through the wild, forested islets including Port Houghton or Windham Bay, or you might simply enjoy a stroll along the tide pools looking for sightings of eagles and other seabirds.

A fantastic way to finish our adventure, we skiff up Endicott Arm, surrounded by harbour seals lazing on the icebergs, to reach the incredible Dawes Glacier and cruise below it in unforgettable awe. Watch in amazement as thunderous icebergs calve and splash into the sea and the crystal blue ice slithers down from the mountains. On the way back, surrounded by glacier-carved valleys, we may slip into Fords Terror Wilderness Area to see its marvellous waterfalls and gain some more impressive photo opportunities. In the evening you can join your captain for a special farewell dinner and slideshow presentation celebrating your voyage.

Arrival back in Juneau signals the end of your voyage and after breakfast you will disembark and join your transfer to the airport for onward or homeward travel. Should you wish to extend your stay in Alaska, please enquire for options and suggestions.