Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay

After time in Juneau, board the Wilderness Legacy before dinner. A welcome drink is provided, followed by introductions from the captain and crew and an overview of the itinerary. The ship departs with horn signals from the captain’s personal collection.

Activities in this historic logging area include bushwhacking, full-day yak-and-whack outings, skiff tours, forest walks, shore excursions, and kayaking. The area features old-growth trees, remains of logging cabins, and views of the Five Fingers Island Lighthouse.

There is something in the water. The Legacy glides through a narrow waterway flanked by sheer cliffs, leading to LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere and is rarely seen by visitors. Large cruise ships cannot access this remote corner of Alaska. Today, you choose your own adventure: skiff among towering icebergs or simply absorb the reverent silence. This is sacred ground for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Listen to the sounds of this place. You belong here today.

The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay just as the summer sun breaks through the mist. You hear Cascade Creek before you see it; a dramatic series of waterfalls crashing through the forest. This is a crew favorite and home to one of the few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska, with options for all skill levels, to reach a stunning waterfall or a hike deeper into the forest. When conditions allow, enjoy an open paddle on calm, glassy waters by kayak or paddle board.

Welcome to black bear country. The west side of Kuiu Island hosts the densest population of these iconic creatures on Earth. As you explore its calm bays, you may spot sea otters, the smallest marine mammals, floating nearby, unbothered and adorable. Humpback whales hunt for herring here, and with luck, you witness their bubble-net feeding. If conditions permit, do not miss your chance to snorkel in the cold, nutrient-rich waters (warm wetsuits are provided). For those looking to stay a bit dryer, there are opportunities for hikes (including a hard charger bushwhack) and even an all-day paddle.

Today, you explore the wild coastline of Chichagof Island in search of the elusive coastal brown bear. This remote area is rich with life and offers some of the best bear-viewing opportunities in Southeast Alaska. Your captain and expedition leader take you deep into bear territory using their expert local knowledge. Activities include shoreline walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and up-close (but safe) bear spotting from the water. This is a day of awe-inspiring encounters with nature at its most raw.

Spanning 3.3 million acres, just slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut, Glacier Bay is vast. Most visitors only see a small part of it. But not you. You venture into parts of the park that 99 percent of visitors never explore—one of the only companies goes to this area. Wildlife is abundant. Keep your eyes open for Steller sea lions and otters as you hike, walk, kayak, or skiff through untouched wilderness. If you’re looking for a relaxing activity, meadow walks may be offered as well. Back on board after a full day, your expedition team shares photos from the week, sent to you as a farewell gift.

Welcome back to Juneau. After a warm and satisfying breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the crew as you disembark.