Glacier Bay & Outer Coast Expedition

Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating sites that highlight the community's rich Alaska Native and Russian history on an exclusive tour guided by an expedition leader. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Navigate the remote west coast of Chichagof Island in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness—a stretch of Southeast Alaska that few travelers have a chance to experience. The pristine coastline is adorned by miles of stunning cliffs, narrow passages, and towering rainforest. The vessel’s high-speed Zodiac and kayaks provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the region. In the evening, explore along the boardwalk “road” of Pelican, Alaska during a port call to this unique and charming community in Lisianski Strait.

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. Highlights include South Marble Island—a nesting area for puffins, a myriad of other birds, and Steller sea lion haul-out; Gloomy Knob—a dramatic rocky outcropping known to be excellent mountain goat habitat; and the mighty Margerie glacier—famous for spectacular displays of calving. During your park visit, keep an eye out for bears, wolves, moose, whales, and more.

Venture through the narrow entrance of Lituya Bay for exploration by Zodiac, kayak, and paddleboard. This bay has a fascinating history and is the site of one of Alaska’s most incredible tales. In 1958, a major earthquake in the area triggered a massive landslide, resulting in a “mega-tsunami.” The subsequent wave washed out trees and vegetation up to 1,720 feet in elevation. Astonishingly, a local fishing family safely “rode” the wave. After shooting skyward and looking down from the deck of their fishing vessel at the trees far below, they safely fell back to normal sea level. As you explore Lituya Bay, you’ll witness evidence of this catastrophic natural phenomenon.

Sail north along Southeast Alaska’s “outer coast,” enjoying the beautiful sight of the Gulf of Alaska to the west and the jagged peaks of the Fairweather Range, including several glaciers, to the east. Enjoy in-depth exploration of the untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife of Yakutat and Disenchantment bays. Cruise in comfort amidst beautiful icebergs en route to close-up views of the massive Hubbard Glacier--the largest tidewater glacier in North America. On a clear day in this temperate rainforest, you may even have the opportunity to view stunning Mount St. Elias, the second tallest peak in the United States. The Malaspina Glacier, a river of ice roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island, will also be in view.

Disembark in Yakutat, a small fishing community situated on a glacial moraine and set against an impressive mountain backdrop. Transport to the airport and/or lodging is provided by the company. Yakutat offers flight service through Alaska Airlines.