In Southeast Alaska, meander through the largest national forest in the United States - home to grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and wolves. On your way to view Alaska's massive glaciers, enter some of the world's deepest fjords to hike and kayak while other vessels' guests stay shipside.
In the still of the evening, watch bears ambling along wild shorelines. Everywhere in the swirling currents below, the world's largest mammals, the great whales, forage in bountiful waters along the sheltered coastline. Meet Alaska and its wildlife at eye level for a vacation of a lifetime!
Journey Highlights:
* 2-days of in-depth exploration of Glacier Bay National Park with a Park Ranger
* Kayaking and small-boat exploration
* Quiet nights at anchor in secluded bays & coves
* Beachcombing and guided hikes
* Daily insights from your onboard Expedition Leaders/Naturalists
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival you will be transferred from the airport to board the yacht. Your crew greets you with champagne and smiles, and cruise to a secluded wilderness anchorage this evening.
Day 2-3: Glacier Bay National Park
Over the two days in the park travel nearly 60 miles cruising up-bay to Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers, which frequently calve huge icebergs into the bay. If conditions permit, lower the inflatable and weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings paddling your kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. And what will you find? Here in the bay there are puffins and sea lions, mountain goats and bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than any place on Earth. Glacier Bay is at its best when explored by small groups on a nimble yacht over the course of two days to hike and kayak inside the bay and wilderness areas.
Day 4: Icy Strait
During today's ultimate day of exploration, there's no agenda to follow except to experience every moment scouring the nutrient-rich waters in search for humpbacks, porpoise, sea lions and other wildlife. Marvel at the grand scenery of the Alaskan wilderness as your crew expertly guides you through those "not in the guide book" areas that only the locals know. Join the Captain on the bridge or out on deck in search for marine mammals. Late afternoon, have the opportunity to drop the skiffs and kayaks to further explore the shoreline of a remote bay. The afternoon and evening will be spent at Point Adolphus, Alaska's most famous humpback whale feeding area. Be on the watch for the telltale blow of humpback whales as we cruise through Icy Strait. Before retiring for the evening enjoy the wilderness solitude while relaxing in the upper deck hot tub or enjoy a nightcap with your fellow yachtmates in the salon.
Day 5: Frederick Sound & Sea Lions
Today cruise around wilderness Admiralty Island to more prime humpback-viewing waters in Frederick Sound. Take time for skiff operations and sea kayaking in Saginaw Bay, and cruise up-close to a sea lion colony at the Brothers Islands. Tonight anchor in a remote and picturesque bay.
Day 6: Admiralty Island - Bears
Tuck into Gambier Bay, a large, island-speckled body of water on the south coast of Admiralty Island National Monument. Drop the kayaks and launch the skiff for up-close exploration of this cool forested bay. Never logged, the thick evergreen forest crowds right down to the gravel beaches. Here is an outstanding opportunity to spot the huge brown or grizzly bears for which Admiralty Island is famous. At low tide they're right down on the beaches, seeking a shellfish supper. Once again under way, watch for humpback whales before anchoring at Wood Spit for more exploration by kayak and skiff.
Day 7: Fords Terror & Endicott Arm
Cliff-walled fjords sliced into the mountainous mainland are on tap today as you tuck into an area widely acclaimed as the most beautiful in all of Alaska. Snow gleams on mountaintops high overhead, as bears amble on the shoreline and mountain goats cling to impossibly precarious perches. Seemingly every few hundred yards another sparkling waterfall tumbles down the cliffs. Enjoy a skiff ride at Ford's Terror, named after an early mariner who was somewhat taken aback when a waterfall appeared at the turn of the tide where none had been visible at high tide. Anchor overnight at Taku Harbor to enjoy a festive Captain's Farewell Dinner followed by a slideshow presentation in the salon by the Expedition Leader recapping your week-long journey.
Day 8: Disembark in Juneau
Transfer to the airport or hotel.
Dates & Prices
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises.
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.
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).