Embark on an 8-day Alaska with Glacier Bay adventure cruise aboard the Wilderness Legacy. Begin from Juneau with a welcome cocktail and dinner as the captain and crew introduce the adventure ahead. Wake up in Hobart Bay and choose from activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. Witness the stunning LeConte Glacier, paddle among icebergs, and explore the untouched wilderness. In Thomas Bay, hike to Cascade Creek and kayak to a salmon run. At Kuiu Island, marvel at sea otters, black bears, and possibly snorkel in its diverse marine ecosystem. Seek Coastal Brown Bears along Chichagof Island’s coastline, with opportunities for kayaking and skiff tours. Finally, delve into the lesser-seen parts of Glacier Bay National Park. Conclude back in Juneau, cherishing memories of an extraordinary experience.
Highlights
Explore Hobart Bay for paddling, skiff rides, hikes, and biking adventures
Witness the imposing beauty of LeConte Glacier up close by kayak
Encounter black bears and sea otters on Kuiu Island
Hike the outwash field of glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Board the Wilderness Legacy just in time for a welcome cocktail or glass of champagne before dinner. The captain and crew will introduce themselves and provide an overview of the adventure that awaits this week with a kick-off toast!
Wake up in Hobart Bay, deep within the Tongass National Forest – tucked into a calm pocket of water where you can take your first paddle, skiff ride, hike, or bike. There’s nobody here but you and you have options that fit any activity order you can dream of. As the day unfolds, set out on a skiff expedition, offering an intimate encounter with the bay's wildlife; a chance to witness majestic eagles soaring gracefully overhead. For avid cyclists, a thrilling mountain bike excursion awaits, beckoning you to explore the hidden depths of the lush forest. A locally sourced meal awaits you back on the boat, so don’t be afraid to go big on your first full day.
Enjoy LeConte Glacier, noted as the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and an awe-inspiring landscape. Guests witness the glacier's imposing beauty up close, a highlight of the Alaskan wilderness. Realize there are no mega-ships at this most amazing glacier, as they are much too large to enter the shallow entrance to this magical wilderness fjord. You will spend most of your day here, exploring by kayak, small boat, and if conditions permit, by stand-up paddle board. You may even have a chance to go ashore and frolic amongst icebergs stranded on the beach.
Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, a hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day.
The west side of Kuiu Island is the playground for the day. You're in the black-bear country now, and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into the Bay of Pillars, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth – the sea otter. Rafts of otters float by – unperturbed by your presence and about as cute as one might imagine them to be. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring–resident bubble-netters are a rare and exciting sight. The cold, nutrient-rich waters provide opportunities not just for above-water activities. Try your hand at a snorkel (the warmest wetsuits in the industry are available, fear not) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you discover the most diverse population of sea stars on earth, a surprise to many who visit this place. The cold water is forgotten for a moment as you're transported into what can only be described as a "cold water tropical reef." The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine.
Day 6: Brown Bear Search Near the Shores of Chichagof Island
Seek out the elusive Coastal Brown Bear along this rugged coastline. The East side of Chichagof Island includes three specific areas that have exceptionally good opportunities for sighting these wonderful creatures. Your Captain will use his knowledge to put you in the best spot, which changes regularly. This day may include the opportunity for hikes ashore, kayaking, skiff rides and hopefully watching brown bears from all our small boats and kayaks. The bear population is abundant in this area. The day concludes as you get underway, and guests share their experiences and photos with fellow travelers.
This national park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and ice fields is energizing. As the day winds down, it's time for Captain's Dinner. But that's not all – you'll also get to watch a slideshow of all the amazing things you've done this week. It's like a movie starring you, the incredible explorer for kids and families.
Welcome back to Juneau. Enjoy your last breakfast aboard. Check your cabin's nook and cranny for all your things and say farewell to the crew as you disembark, get that last family photo, and wave goodbye until next time.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,8002-3 travelers
Navigator
Cabins 103, 104, 319, 320 (double bed),
View window, private bath with shower. 103 and 104 may be sold as single occupancy. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Cabins 212, 214 (queen)
211, 213 (queen or twins)
View window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
Admiral
Cabins 101, 102 (queen)
201 (twins), 202, 309, 310
(queen or twins)
View window, private bath with shower. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Jr Commodore
Cabins 301 and 302 (queen bed)
View windows, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
Commodore Suite
King bed.
Two-room suite with view windows, private bath with tub. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
3 weeks ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
Nancy Brown-Koeller
1 month ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
1 month ago
From the initial booking all the way through the trip, this was by far our favorite trip. Small boat travel is the only way to see a location. The excursions were so much more than I could explain. The locations were remote and awesome.
Lori I
2 months ago
Personal, knowledgeable service. We felt so informed and supported before our trip. Highly recommend and would use again.
