Whales, Wildlife & Glaciers
ALASKA CRUISING
SITKA | KRESTOF SOUND | NAKWASINA SOUND | ICY STRAIT | GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK | CHICAGOF ISLAND | HAINES | JUNEAU
Every nature lover’s dream - on this tour you’ll see an abundance of wildlife including everything from otters to whales, porpoise to black oystercatchers. To top it all off you’ll be surrounded by amazing scenery and serene glacial waters.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Full day in Glacier Bay National Park, joined by a park ranger
- Haines history and adventure—hike, bike, or river float trip
- Learn about Chilkat Tlingit Native culture
- Wilderness wildlife—whales, Dalls porpoise, sea lions, and black bears
- Birdwatching—eagles, puffins, black
- oystercatchers, and other seabirds
- Kayak, paddle board, and skiff in rugged wildlife-rich coves
- Hike in Tongass National Forest
- Captain’s choice wilderness exploration
Click here to check out more holidays in Alaska.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
Day 1 : Sitka Embarkation
Welcome aboard! It’s time to relax and meet your crew and as you sail away in Sitka Sound, what’s also worthy of your precious time are the unmistakable views of Mt. Edgecumbe - a volcanic wonder in its own right.
Day 2 : Krestof Sound / Nakwasina Sound
Dense Baranof Island forest to one side. Small, wild, lesser-known islands on the other. You might even spot black bears loping on shore although they’re likely to catch a whiff of you first. And keep watch for neighbouring sea lions and eagles, too. Your first day offers options to drop anchor and find adventure. Slip into a kayak. Nose along shore in a skiff. Or head into the Tongass National Forest on foot with your expedition team.
Day 3 : Icy Strait
In and around Icy Strait, glide through giant bullwhip kelp (it can grow to over 100 feet long). Skiff to a rocky outcropping and watch sea lions play. Mud boots serve their purpose on a forest hike with your top-notch guides, who are sharp and have plenty to share about everything Alaska—animals, plants, and even geology.
Day 4 : Glacier Bay National Park
Today you’ll visit Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Once you round Point Gustavus, a park ranger joins you on board with a font of knowledge. The specialness of this place starts to sink in, as one of its truly privileged visitors. Sea lions jockey for position among puffins, black oystercatchers, and other sea birds at South Marble Island. Mountain goats climb and bears scrounge for food along the park’s inland shores. Motor deeper into the park to Margerie and Grand Pacific, two tidewater glaciers on their downward march into the bay.
Day 5 : Chichagof Island
Your course is set—wildlife-rich Alaskan wilderness. Head to the bridge or bow and watch for whales and other creatures before tucking into Port Frederick or some other wild inlet. You’re about to get a close up look. Muskeg under foot, head out on a bushwhacking hike in the Tongass National Forest or board a skiff, eyes wide for bears on shore.
Day 6 : Lynn Canal / Captain’s Choice
Not so much a canal as a fjord, in fact, North America’s deepest at over 2,000 feet. This once major route of Klondike gold rushers is now a busy inlet for humpbacks, orcas, Dall’s porpoise, Steller sea lions, salmon, halibut, and mischievous river otters. And that’s at water level. Look up, and you see bald eagles. But it’s not all looking and seeing today, your captain is on task to pick the prime spot for adventure. Feel the burn on a long paddling excursion. Search tide pools for microscopic life. Or, hike a shadow-filled forest.
Day 7 : Haines, Alaska
The unofficial adventure capital of Alaska. Hit the trailhead with your guides to the top of Chilkat Peninsula or the shores of Chilkat Inlet. Some of the best trails with the best views. Or, raft along the Chilkat River on a float trip through the bald eagle preserve. The local history—native culture, influence from European explorers and its gold rush past. Chilkat Tlingit members come aboard and share their tribe’s cultural history. Then see the sites on foot or by bike with free time in town. Tonight, celebrate your voyage with a Farewell Dinner and special photo recap from your expedition team.
Day 8 : Juneau Disembarkation
A last breakfast with new friends, then disembark in for your transfer to the airport.
