Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay

Step aboard the Wilderness Legacy, a gateway to family adventure where nature’s wonders come alive. The journey begins with a warm welcome and a celebratory toast—sparkling Champagne for adults and a refreshing mocktail for kids. Look forward to a week of discovery designed to spark curiosity in both children and adults.

Today’s exploration includes Robert and Crow Islands, with choices ranging from bushwhack hikes and shoreline walks to kayaking and even snorkeling. Another option is the Brothers Islands, best explored by water, where skiff rides and paddling bring close views of lively sea lion haul-outs. Throughout the day, search for whales and other wildlife.

Today's activities are designed to captivate both young and mature adventurers. The adventure today revolves around the rhythmic dance of the tides. Enjoy LeConte Glacier, noted as the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and an awe-inspiring landscape. Guests witness the glacier's imposing beauty up close, a highlight of the Alaskan wilderness. 
 
Realize there are no mega-ships at this most amazing glacier, as they are much too large to enter the shallow entrance to this magical wilderness fjord. Spend most of your day here, exploring by kayak or small boat. You may even have a chance to go ashore and frolic amongst icebergs stranded on the beach.

Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day.

The west side of Kuiu Island is the playground for the day. You're in black bear country now, and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of this iconic population. Tucked into a bay, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth: the sea otter. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring where guests may be able to witness bubble-net feeding. The cold, nutrient-rich waters provide opportunity not just for above-water activities.

Explore the untamed coastline in search of the elusive Coastal Brown Bear. The east side of Chichagof Island offers multiple distinct areas with exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Your Captain and Expedition Leader, leveraging their expertise, seek out the hidden corners of Chichagof-getting you deep into the home of the Coastal Brown Bear. Today's options feature shore walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and the thrilling prospect of observing brown bears from the small boats and kayaks. The bear population thrives in this region, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters.

This national park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut; let that sink in). Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing. As the day winds down, it's time for Captain's Dinner. But that's not all – you'll also get to watch a slideshow of all the amazing things you've done this week. It's like a movie starring you, the incredible explorers!

Welcome back to Juneau. Enjoy your last breakfast aboard. Check every nook and cranny of your cabin for all of your things and say farewell to the crew as you disembark, get that last family photo, and wave goodbye until next time.