Description
Experience the untamed landscapes and incredible wildlife of Alaska up close; on foot, kayak or paddleboard.Board your expedition ship, the Wilderness Explorer, and discover the remote and untamed wilderness of the Alaskan coast. Look out for wildlife including grizzly bears, orcas and bald eagles soaring overhead, and visit sights of outstanding natural beauty.
Overview
Sail along the scenic channels and winding waterways of Alaska aboard the Wilderness Explorer, passing glacier-carved fjords, snow-capped mountains and remote islands. Drop anchor and explore the rugged landscapes on foot, visiting wildlife havens such as Glacier Bay National Park, home to bald eagles, bears and mountain goats, and kayak along the canals where orcas, porpoises and sea otters abound. This safari takes you into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness to witness some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Stay on board the comfortable Wilderness Explorer expedition ship.
- Discover the glacial landscapes and old growth rainforests of Alaska.
- Enjoy two days in the pristine Glacier Bay National Park.
- Kayak and skiff around secluded islands, looking out for whales and sea lions.
Itinerary
Juneau - Wilderness Explorer
This morning you will board the Wilderness Explorer, your home for the next two weeks, and embark on your Alaskan adventure! Meet the crew and settle in, before beginning your cruise along the picturesque channels of the Inside Passage.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (D)
Tracy Arm
Deep U-shaped valleys, fjord cliffs, waterfalls and floating ice are the order of the day as you journey towards Tracy Arm with the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Look out for harbour seals and their pups likely lounging around as you explore from your skiff.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Frederick Sound
Humpbacks head here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton, and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Icy Strait
Head off in search of whales and marine mammals in some of the most remote waters in Alaska. Have your camera ready as you explore the wilderness on land and sea. Hop on a skiff for a closer inspection of the rugged coastline, keeping an eye on the shore for the chance of grizzly bear sightings.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Glacier Bay National Park
Two days to spend in Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, reaching parts that most visitors never get to! Here you will find puffins, black oystercatchers and sea lions at South Marble Island, mountain goats, bears and eagles in Tidal Inlet, as well as Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. You will also have the opportunity to hike, kayak and even bushwhack into the forest.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Chatham Strait
Your captain will set course today for either Port Frederick or another inlet in the Tongass National Forest. Hike, kayak or paddleboard along the beautiful rocky outcrops of these protected waters, accompanied by your expert guides who will point out wildlife, including harbour seals and bald eagles.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Juneau
Your ship will be in port to allow others to end their adventure and new guests to embark. You will spend the day off the boat, exploring the mountains around Juneau with local guides. Start the day with a driving tour, learning about the history and culture of the city, before heading to the Mt. Roberts tram. Climb 1,800 feet through temperate rainforest with views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel stretching far below. Step off to be greeted by your naturalist guide who will introduce you to the raptor programme - where you can measure your wingspan against a bald eagles! A half mile hike to “The Cross” provides stunning views, and you have the option of extending your hike 7.6 miles to reach the snowfields.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Endicott Arm
Visit the breathtaking Dawes Glacier, a striking blue glacier set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Sail through Endicott Arm, likely spotting harbour seals and their pups lounging on glacial islands in the surrounding waters. Tides permitting, you will also have a chance to explore the narrow passageway of Fords Terror where you can marvel at the many waterfalls that flow down the towering walls.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Stephen's Passage
As you make your way through Stephen’s Passage, look out for the frequent residents of these waters, humpback and orcas, who reside in the remote fjords of Alaska. Step into another world with a hike through the verdant green landscape, dotted with picturesque waterfalls. You may prefer to journey into the inner reaches of a salt chuck, a tidal salt-water lake, with your kayak or paddle board - making sure to lookout for bears, heron, moose, mink, and seals.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Thomas Bay
Journey through the back country of Alaska’s wilderness, known for its glaciers and gold and quartz deposits. You will have the option to explore this area of incredible natural beauty by kayak, paddle board or on foot. In the evening, sail along the winding Wrangel Narrows, guided by the bright red and green navigation lights that have given it the nickname “Christmas Tree Lane”.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Wrangell
Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and has a rich cultural history. Local islanders will join you on board your ship for an insightful presentation on the Haida and Tlingit cultures, before you venture into the town to view the totem poles of Kiksetti Totem Park and visit the Chief Sakes Tribal House.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Behm Canal
Visit the wildlife-rich Behm Canal and the surrounding Tongass National Forest, the largest National Park in the US. Resident wildlife includes orca, porpoise, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, eagles and otters. Kayak down the canal or head onto shore for an intertidal hike along the Cleveland Peninsula.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Misty Fjords National Monument
Today you will visit Misty Fjords National Monument, a diverse national park referred to as “The Yosemite of the North”. The park is a haven for sea birds, bears and Sitka black-tailed deer, with striking landscapes of 3,000 foot cliffs and glacial valleys. Head out on your kayak once again to explore this remote region, sailing through Walker Cove or Rudyard Bay. In the evening, you will join the crew and your fellow passengers for a Captains Dinner and a farewell toast.
Overnight: Wilderness Explorer (B, L, D)
Ketchikan - Depart
On your last morning aboard the ship, enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking at Ketchikan. Transfer directly to the Ketchikan airport in time for your onward flight.
Accommodation
- Wilderness Explorer
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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