Alaska Whales & Wilderness

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Juneau

Transfer to the Goldbelt Hotel. The hotel's waterfront locale is perfect for exploring Alaska's beautiful capital city - and a gret step-off for exciting optional excursions during your time here.

Day 2: Sail from Juneau

Your small ship sails in late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore Juneau. Once onboard, step out on deck to watch the shores of Gastineau Channel glide by as you enter Alaska's true wilderness.

Day 3: Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm

Words can't prepare you for the splendor of these narrow fjords. Many travelers consider them the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet from waterline to snowcapped peaks, their sides studded with stunning waterfalls. Conditions permitting, the crew will welcome you into inflatable excursion craft where you'll explore the waters and shorelines among bouncing bergie bits calved from ancient glaciers.

Day 4: Frederick Sound and Wilderness Exploration

The waters of Frederick Sound teem with the humpback whale's favorite food - and the whales take full advantage, feeding in the rich waters as they prepare for their long migration south. This afternoon, you'll discover the joys of "gunkholing," a nautical term that means, among other things, "exploring at leisure." Your Captain and Exploration Leader know these waters intimately and each voyage is likely to be different, depending on what magic they find to share with you at the moment.

Day 5: Sitka

This beautiful little city is thought by many to be the "jewel of the Inside Passage." Its setting alone is breathtaking. But, for you, getting there is half the fun. While big ships must plow through miles of open ocean and moor far from the tiny docks, your small ship will come to Sitka "through the back door," threading through beautiful Peril Strait and navigating the delicate passage through Sergius Narrows where tides challenge all but the most expert mariner's skill. In town, take in the historic beauty of St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church. Come face to face with majestic birds of prey at the fascinating Sitka Raptor Rehabilitation Center.

Day 6: Icy Strait

Watch for the gentle humpbacks as they feast on tiny krill churned by waters from the Pacific Ocean. Today, try to count, not only the whales, but the different behaviours you'll see them exhibit. Spouting. Sounding. Breaching. Tail Slapping. And more! The tiny Inian Islands stand between you and the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, with enticing opportunities to get out there and explore by inflatable craft. Be sure to keep an eye out for Stellar sea lions, orcas, harbor seals and porpoise.

Day 7: Elfin Cove

Tucked on the north shore of Chichagof Island, Elfin Cove gives you a rare look at what it means to live "off the grid." No vehicles are used here because there are no roads. Wooden boardwalks connect the few structures. You'll have time to hike, explore, and maybe even share a friendly chat with the locals while you're here.

Day 8: Glacier Bay National Park

Declared by many to be the most extraordinary place in the world, Glacier Bay National Park shows you the earth in transition. In a timeline unmatched anywhere on the planet, the glaciers here are receding rapidly, leaving in their wake scoured cliffs and deep fjords. You'll witness firsthand as nature moves in to reclaim newly revealed territory.

Day 9: Arrive in Juneau

You'll say goodbye with regret as you disembark in Juneau this morning. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may have time to explore this charming city a bit more. When you're ready to leave, we'll escort you to the airport and send you home with a lifetime of unforgettable memories.