INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

• Glacier Bay National Park—UNESCO World Heritage Site
• View glaciers—Dawes and, Grand Pacific, Margerie, or Johns Hopkins
• Park ranger joins you on board in Glacier Bay
• Whale watching in Icy Strait
• Forest hike at Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove
• Unmatched birding and wildlife viewing
• Kayak, paddleboard, and skiff exploration in Port Houghton and Chatham Strait
• Intertidal shore walks and hikes at Port Houghton and Thomas Bay



FRIDAY
Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation at 5pm
Your Captain and Crew welcome you aboard with champagne and smiles, and we’ll cruise to a secluded wilderness anchorage.

SATURDAY
Icy Strait
It will be an action-packed first day! In some of the richest whale waters of Southeast Alaska, join the Captain on the bridge or go on deck with your expedition team watching for the telltale blow of humpbacks. These nutrient-rich waters are also home to porpoise, sea lions, and other wildlife. Later today, set your eyes on shore for possible bear sightings—lumbering about for an afternoon nosh—as you explore the remote coastline by skiff and kayak. Take in the evening solitude with a relaxing soak in the upper deck hot tub or a tranquil view from the bow.

SUNDAY
Glacier Bay National Park
It’s a day John Muir would’ve delighted in, but the majesty of Glacier Bay National Park is all yours to relish in today. Covered entirely by ice, as recently as 1795, discover the glaciological history of the park on a guided hike at Bartlett Cove. A National Park Ranger steps on board helping to spot colonies of guillemots, puffins, and cormorants on South Marble Island and sharing Glacier Bay’s history and greatness as you cruise deeper into the park. Explore Muir’s legacy of glaciology in the perfect “classroom”—at the tidal edges of the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Dress warmly, and ward off the chill as you enjoy an up-close view of their towering blue ice faces.

MONDAY
Chatham Strait / Kuiu Island
The options are aplenty—it's Captain's Choice today. Stretching for 150 miles within the Tongass National Forest and chock full of mysterious hidden coves, the narrow and deep passageway of Chatham Strait separates the Baranof Islands on the west with Kuiu to the east. Life teems below the surface and above—as you set out uncovering the gems of this untouched wilderness, take a tally of all that you spy by kayak, paddle board, or skiff. Enjoy a nightcap in the lounge with your fellow shipmates and trade stories of the many discoveries you made.

TUESDAY
Thomas Bay
The Coast Mountain Range rises above Thomas Bay, sheltering the glacial landscapes of this remote wilderness. It’s a magical place, and led by your expedition team you can test your paddling skills, or opt for some R & R and hot cocoa on a skiff tour of the fjord. Uncover myriad sea life on an intertidal shore walk, or hike inland learning about the rainforest that blankets Southeast Alaska.

WEDNESDAY
Port Houghton
Port Houghton is synonymous with the wildest Alaskan wilderness. As Muir did on his explorations in the late 1800s, feel the immensity of this cove’s remoteness. Calm as glass water. Misty mountains. And while you won’t likely come across other humans, you’re sure to cross paths with blue heron, bald eagles, harbor seals, oystercatchers, or black bear. Hike along a lushly vegetated river, or if it’s low-tide investigate tide pools. Navigating by your internal compass or with a guide, kayak and paddle board along the towering fjord or explore the wilds of a salt chuck. It doesn’t get more remote than this!


THURSDAY
Endicott Arm / Fords Terror
Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. Navigate icebergs by skiff for a once-in-a-lifetime glacier view. 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 Fords Terror. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner, and afterwards, your expedition team provides an entertaining recap of your week’s adventure.


FRIDAY
Juneau – Disembarkation at 8am
Enoy a delicious breakfast. Transfer to the Juneau airport or other activities.


Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience. Passport required for non-USA citizens.