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Kayaking through Alaska.

Western Coves 2015

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Explorer
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Explore Alaska's “wild and woolly” wilderness on this 8-day voyage! Embark on this adventure through the western coves of Alaska's coast, where you are treated to wildlife and whale watching in Frederick Sound and Stephen's Passage, glacier calving in Endicott Arm, and trekking El Capitan Cave. Discover the region's epic waterways by kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiffing in remote scenic bays. Finally, get a sense of the local culture on a visit to the carving school and totems at Klawock, a native Tlingit Village.
Hiking through the mountainsKayaking among beautiful Alaskan mountainsAn ice-coated sunriseWhale watching from a zodiac in Alaska.Kayaking through Alaska.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Ketchikan, Alaska

Welcome aboard! Meet your crew, get settled in, and keep watch for eagles as your Alaskan cruise sets sail through the Tongass Narrows out of Ketchikan.

Day 2: Tongass National Forest / El Capitan Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska trek winding through high forest on an old logging trail, find your way to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. And if the stars are right (okay maybe it's the tides), you just may get lucky today and snag some organic oysters from a local grower.

Day 3: Klawock Native Village

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discover living history in Klawock — one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds, and whales.

Day 4: Chatham Strait

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
It's Captain's Choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait's Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water. Conditions permitting, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel. Snorkeling is optional, but hidden beneath the surface lies a magical array of sea life only seen from below. Take a deep breath and go for it! Today's discoveries will be within some of the most untouched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.

Day 5: Frederick Sound

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife—they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak. Gear up for snorkeling or guided treks. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

Day 6: The Brothers Islands / Stephen's Passage

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There is plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of tiny, rocky islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife, including a haulout for Stellar sea lions. The area is also the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for orca, humpbacks, and porpoise.

Day 7: Endicott Arm / Ford's Terror Wilderness Area

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you may find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness that surround it. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.

Day 8: Disembark in Juneau, Alaska

  • 1 Breakfast
When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as your ship voyages into Juneau. A Bon Voyage breakfast ends your ship journey. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your independent journey.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Explorer

Kayaks with Wilderness Explorer
Wilderness Explorer lounge
Relax at the bar aboard the Wilderness Explorer.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,795
Wilderness explorer Navigator cabin
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Navigator Cabin
#215; 302. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Trailblazer Cabin.
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Trailblazer Cabin
#105-106; 207-214; 303; 305-306; 309-312. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Pathfinder Cabin
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Pathfinder Cabin
#107-114; 202-206. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer Admiral Cabin
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Admiral Cabin
#301, 304, 313-314. Sitting area, refrigerator, fixed queen bed, large picture window, and private bath with shower.
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Navigator Single
#104. L-shaped twin beds; view window; private bath with a shower

Notes

- All rates are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy.
- Rates do not include port taxes and fees, which vary by itinerary.
- Children 8-13 years of age are welcome on all sailings and will received 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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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