Itinerary Highlights
- Exploring Ford's Terror Wilderness Area
- Hiking Chuck River Wilderness Area
- Kayaking in world famous Thomas Bay
- Visit Chief Shakes Tribal House, a rare look at the Tlingit culture
- Explore Misty Fjords National Monument, one of Alaska's most beautiful glacier area
- Explore the caves of El Capitan, and hike the beautiful Tramway Trail
- Whale Watching with our onboard naturalist in Frederick Sound
Day 1: Juneau — Embark
Welcome aboard! Meet your crew and get acquainted as we set sail into the Tracy Arm Wilderness.
Day 2: Tracy Arm Wilderness / Frederick Sound
At the end of Tracy Arm, a winding fjord with sheer granite walls, hundreds of cascading waterfalls, and some of the largest floating icebergs in all of Alaska, sits the twin Sawyer Glaciers—North Sawyer and South Sawyer. The fjord is home to brown and black bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, birds such as arctic terns and pigeon guillemots, and mountain goats, usually spotted high on the cliffs. Later today, move into Frederick Sound—summer feeding ground for the northern hemisphere’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Keep watch for humpbacks, orca, and Steller sea lions.
Day 3: Thomas Bay / Cascade Creek
Choose kayaking and a lush forest trek on a scenic Cascade Creek trail. Or go big on the 5-mile hike to the glacially-fed and rarely visited Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking. Discover the origin of its “Devil’s Country” nickname during a reading from “The Strangest Story Ever Told,” about the area’s mythical shape-shifting creatures called Kushtaka.
Day 4: Thomas Bay / Baird Glacier / Wrangell Narrows
In an area known for glaciers and rich in gold and quartz, take on the otherworldly boot-sucking Baird Glacier until you stand atop the mile-wide glacier. Adventure and natural beauty are sure to please whether you choose kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff riding, or hiking today. An abundance of bright red and green navigation lights guide you along “Christmas Tree Lane” as you cruise the winding Wrangell Narrows this evening.
Day 5: Wrangell
Home to native culture, wildlife, and wonder—Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. Brush up on your Tlingit culture at Chief Shakes Tribal House for native storytelling. View recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park. Wrangell offers up many options to make your day.
Day 6: Yes Bay
Wildlife abounds in Yes Bay and the surrounding Tongass National Forest—humpback whales, orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Say yes to a kayak paddle up the bay or venture out on a wildlife-seeking hike along one of the area’s scenic trail.
Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
Affectionately called “The Yosemite of the North”, Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water and steep, sometimes sheer, walls are a haven for ducks, brown and black bear, mountain goats, Sitka deer, mink, moose, river otters, and other wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove by kayak or explore by skiff soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world. This evening join the Captain in a farewell toast and reminisce about your Alaskan journey over a sumptuous dinner.
Day 8: Ketchikan
Alaska’s southern most city and “salmon capital of the world” also claims fame to having the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. While others end their adventure and new guests join later in the day, you will spend the day off the ship. Enjoy lunch in town on us and explore the notorious Creek Street, once a red-light district, then take in a zipline tour or one of the other optional excursions available for purchase. A complimentary laundry service is provided today. Later this afternoon keep watch for eagles as we embark and cruise through the Tongass Narrows out of Ketchikan.
Day 9: Tongass National Forest / El Capitan Passage
Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska hike winding through high forest on an old logging trail. Trek up to El Capitan Cave, where 400,000-year-old bones have been found. And cap off your day noshing on locally harvested oysters as a resident family tells of life in the Alaskan outback.
Day 10: Klawock Native Village
Discover living history in Klawock—one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds, and whales.
Day 11: Baranof Island / Port Walter
An active day is in store on the smallest of Alaska's ABC islands. Take to the water kayaking, snorkeling, and riding the skiff. Or push your limits with a rigorous hike in Alaska’s back reaches on wilderness trails. Along the southeastern side of Baranof Island, explore the former herring community of Port Walter, the rainiest place in all of Alaska, or hike to a mountain lake.
Day 12: Patterson Bay
Lush forest, spectacular views, 4000-foot vertical walls, and 2000-foot waterfalls highlight Baranof Island’s waterfall coast. Slip into the waters of Patterson Bay to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak keeping watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.
Day 13: The Brothers Islands / Frederick Sound
There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands in Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife and the area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, and sea lions. Tonight, anchor in Holkham Bay and listen for the song of the whales.
Day 14: Endicott Arm / Ford’s Terror Wilderness
Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness that surround it. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.
Day 15: Juneau — Disembark
Bid adieu to new found friends over breakfast before disembarking the ship. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your add-on overnight stay or extended land tour.
Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
