After exploring Alaska’s Capital City of Juneau, step aboard the Wilderness Legacy for a welcome cocktail or glass of Champagne before dinner. Meet the captain and crew as they introduce themselves and outline the week’s exciting adventure. Celebrate with a kickoff toast! Listen for the distinctive whistles as the Wilderness Legacy departs, featuring horns from Captain Dan’s family collection. Capture the moment on video!

Wake up in Hobart Bay, nestled deep within the Tongass National Forest. This tranquil spot offers the perfect setting for your first paddle, skiff ride, hike, or bike adventure. Choose from a variety of activities tailored to your preferences. Embark on a skiff expedition for an up-close encounter with the bay's wildlife, including majestic eagles soaring overhead. Avid cyclists can enjoy an exhilarating mountain bike ride through the lush forest's hidden depths. After a day of adventure, return to the boat for a delicious, locally sourced meal. Embrace the excitement of your first full day.

 

There is something in the water. The Legacy glides through a tight waterway – sheer cliffs on either side of the fjord lead to the southernmost tidewater glacier in the northern hemisphere. LeConte Glacier is rarely seen. Large cruise ships simply can’t get here. This is the special corner of Alaska for the day, and you get to choose your adventure. Grab a paddle and go for a kayak, if conditions permit. Jump in a skiff and cruise amongst icebergs that can tower over the Legacy herself. This is a place of deep wonder and reverence for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples; pause and listen to the sounds that surround you – this is where you belong today. 

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, there is a level of 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 black-bear country now and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into a Bay, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth – the sea otter. As you pass each other – they are 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 (fear not, a warm wetsuit is available for you) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you peruse the most diverse population of sea stars on Earth – a surprise to many who visit this place. For just a moment, the cold water is forgotten 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. 

Explore the untamed coastline in search of the elusive Coastal Brown Bear. The east side of Chichagof Island offers multiple distinct areas with exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Your Captain and Expedition Leader, leveraging their expertise, seek out the hidden corners of Chichagof–getting you deep into the home of the Coastal Brown. Today’s options feature shore walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and the thrilling prospect of observing brown bears from our small boats and kayaks. The bear population thrives in this region, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters. 

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. Back onboard after a full day, your expedition team shares photos from the week–sent to you as their parting gift.

Welcome back to Juneau. After a warm and filling breakfast, bid farewell to the crew as you disembark.