Dates

Overview

Discover Southeast Alaska on a 7-night adventure that begins in Juneau, where you can explore its historic streets or take a scenic tram ride, and ends in the charming town of Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Along the way, paddle quiet waterways, hike through the Tongass National Forest, and spot whales, bears, and eagles. From towering Dawes Glacier to the misty cliffs of Misty Fjords, each day offers opportunities to experience Alaska’s rugged beauty.

Expedition Highlights

•  Dawes Glacier and ice-rich Endicott Arm
•  Whale-watching in Frederick Sound
•  Adventure exploration in Misty Fjords National Monument
•  Tongass backcountry by kayak, paddle board, skiff, and hike
•  Search for wildlife – bears, Sitka deer, sea lions, Eagles, mink, porpoises, and mountain goats
• Navigate winding Wrangell Narrows and Behm Canal

Itinerary

Day 1 – Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation

Arriving in Juneau and met with a warm welcome, that’s a good start. You have time to take in a bit of the city once you check in at the hospitality area. But after boarding, grab a glass of bubbly as you push off the dock. Set sail for the Endicott Arm wilderness. (D)

Day 2 – Endicott Arm Fjord & Dawes Glacier Wilderness Area

Sheer granite walls propel themselves thousands of feet above milky blue waters as the Discoverer glides between massive icebergs. Deep, U-shaped valleys tell the story of the last Ice Age and Harbor Seals haul out on the ice with this year’s recruitment of pups. Endicott Arm is a spectacular place to get outside and feel the air get cooler the deeper you travel into Endicott’s wilderness. The ship slows down as it approaches a massive wall of blue ice that blocks the end of the fjord–Dawes Glacier is our destination for the day. Bundle up and jump on a skiff tour for an intimate visit with one of the most active tidewater glaciers in Southeast Alaska. (BLD)

Day 3 – Frederick Sound Whale Watching

Humpbacks beeline it here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton, and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, your expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Paddle into the deeps of Port Houghton or Windham Bay or head ashore for a hike. Somewhere nearby, carrot-billed black oystercatchers are saying hello. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska. (BLD)

Day 4 – Thomas Bay / Wrangell Narrows

When you come this far, you might as well go all in. This is way back backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness. Glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. In this playground, it’s all an option today. Kayak and skiff in water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Hike through the outwash of Baird Glacier. Or keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. Later, wind into the Wrangell Narrows. Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. It’s nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane,” of course. (BLD)

Day 5 – Blashkee Islands

The Blashkee Islands are your playground today. A full day of choose-your-own-adventure fun. Hiking, kayaking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and full day yak-n- whack excursions. Get ready for a full day! (BLD)

Day 6 – Behm Canal

Wildlife abounds. Black bears, mink, eagles. In Behm Canal, it’s all remote waterways and the isolated Tongass National Forest. On Cleveland Peninsula, your expedition team leads a low-elevation hike near clear, rushing streams. Good opportunities for enticing forested shots of Southeast. In the water orca, porpoises, seals, and otters go about their business. Go about yours on a guided paddle in tiny, deserted waterways that feed into Behm Canal. (BLD)

Day 7 – Misty Fjords National Monument

There are places on the planet that completely over- come you. This is one of them. The beauty. The peace. The sense of place you feel. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska, and that alone is a lot to consider. Glacial valleys filled with sea water. Sheer 3,000-foot cliffs. Seabirds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. Or skiff to the base of a waterfall for a fjord-released shower. The area’s affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved, and it’s an amazing wrap to your week. Your captain joins you tonight for a Farewell Dinner. Celebrate and reminisce about your Alaskan journey with a “photo journal” by your crew. (BLD)

Day 8 – Ketchikan, Alaska – Disembarkation

After breakfast this morning, bid adieu to your new pals before you disembark and transfer to the Ketchikan airport or begin your hotel stay or land tour. (B)