Explore the wilderness of Alaska on this dazzling 8-day voyage aboard the Safari Explorer. Discover Glacier Bay National Park's Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers, kayak and paddle board in Port Houghton and Chatham Strait, enjoy whale watching in Icy Strait, and experience shore walks and hikes at Bartlett Cove and Thomas Bay. Additionally, enjoy unmatched birding and wildlife viewing alongside an expert National Park Ranger and expedition team.
Highlights
Admire the nutrient rich waters of Icy Strait, home to porpoises & sea lions
Discover the glaciological history of the Glacier Bay National Park
Test your paddling skills as you explore the fantastic Thomas Bay
Hike inland and learn about the rainforest that blankets Southeast Alaska
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
It is an action-packed first day! In some of the richest whale waters of Southeast Alaska, join the captain on the bridge or go on deck with your expedition team, watching for the telltale blow of humpbacks. These nutrient-rich waters are also home to porpoise, sea lions, and other wildlife. Later today, set your eyes on shore for possible bear sightings—lumbering about for an afternoon nosh—as you explore the remote coastline by skiff and kayak. Take in the evening solitude with a relaxing soak in the upper deck hot tub or a tranquil view from the bow.
It is a day John Muir would have delighted in, but the majesty of Glacier Bay National Park is all yours to relish in today. Covered entirely by ice 200 years ago, discover the glaciological history of the park on a guided hike at Bartlett Cove. A National Park Ranger steps on board helping to spot colonies of guillemots, puffins, and cormorants on South Marble Island and sharing Glacier Bay’s history and greatness as you cruise deeper into the park. Explore Muir’s legacy of glaciology in the perfect “classroom” — at the tidal edges of the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Dress warmly, and ward off the chill as you enjoy an up-close view of their towering blue ice faces.
The options are aplenty — it is Captain's Choice today. Stretching for 150 miles within the Tongass National Forest and chockfull of mysterious hidden coves, the narrow and deep passageway of Chatham Strait separates the Baranof Islands on the west with Kuiu to the east. Life teems below the surface and above — as you set out uncovering the gems of this untouched wilderness, take a tally of all that you spy by kayak, paddle board, or skiff. Enjoy a nightcap in the lounge with your fellow shipmates and trade stories of the many discoveries you made.
The Coast Mountain Range rises above Thomas Bay, sheltering the glacial landscapes of this remote wilderness. It’s a magical place, and led by your expedition team you can test your paddling skills, or opt for some R & R and hot cocoa on a skiff tour of the fjord. Uncover myriad sea life on an intertidal shore walk, or hike inland learning about the rainforest that blankets Southeast Alaska.
Port Houghton is synonymous with the wildest Alaskan wilderness. As Muir did on his explorations in the late 1800s, feel the immensity of this cove’s remoteness, calm as glass water. While you won’t likely come across other humans, you are sure to cross paths with blue heron, bald eagles, harbor seals, oystercatchers, or black bear. Hike along a lushly vegetated river, or if it is low-tide investigate tide pools. Navigating by your internal compass or with a guide, kayak and paddle board along the towering fjord or explore the wilds of a salt chuck. It doesn’t get more remote than this!
Snow-covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. Navigate icebergs by skiff for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier view. As you glide through Endicott Arm you may find a few seals taking respite on the glacier's smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Fords Terror. Join the captain for a farewell toast during dinner, and afterwards, your expedition team provides an entertaining recap of your week’s adventure.
Day 8: Juneau | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, wish your travel companions fair winds. Transfer to the Juneau airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,895
Select a Date
Navigator Cabin
Cabins B3 and B7 - B14. Queen / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Select a Date
Trailblazer Cabin
Cabins B15 and B16. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Select a Date
Admiral Cabin
Cabins B1, C1, and C2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Select a Date
Jr. Commodore
Cabin B2. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Select a Date
Commodore Suite
Cabins A1 and A2. Separate sitting area with a step-out balcony. King / twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Select a Date
Single Cabin
Cabin B6. Fixed queen bed, view window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with TV/DVD player, heated tile floor in the bathroom, hairdryer, bathrobes, and eco-friendly hair and body products.
Notes
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Children ages 8-13 are welcome on all sailings and will receive a $500 per child savings
Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.