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Alaska travel and dall sheep grazing on Alaska hillside

Eastern Coves 2015

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Explorer
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Highlights of this 8-day voyage include exploring the mainland—glacial landscapes, old growth and rainforest of Alaska. You are treated to wildlife and whale watching with a half-day in Frederick Sound; kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiffing in remote scenic bays. Along the way enjoy wilderness hikes, massive icebergs, and calving glaciers; discover isolated coves and dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument; and visit Wrangell's Kiksetti Totem Park and Chief Shakes Tribal House.
Alaska travel and aurora borealisKayaking past a waterfall.Family paddle boarding.View of Mendenhall glacier on an Alaska cruiseAlaska travel and dall sheep grazing on Alaska hillside
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Juneau, Alaska / Embarkation

Welcome aboard! Meet your crew and get acquainted as your small ship sets sail for the Tracy Arm Wilderness.

Day 2: Tracy Arm Wilderness / Frederick Sound

At the end of Tracy Arm, a winding fjord with sheer granite walls, 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

Choose kayaking and a lush forest trek on a scenic Cascade Creek trail. Or go big on a roundtrip 11-mile hike to the glacially-fed and rarely-visited Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking in the meltwaters of Patterson Glacier. 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: Wrangell Narrows

Step into the back country of Alaska's wilderness, in an area known for glaciers and rich in gold and quartz. Explore glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. 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. Before venturing into town, local islanders join you on board for an in-depth presentation on Tlingit and Haida cultures. View recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park and step inside the famed and historically significant Chief Shakes Tribal House.

Day 6: Behm Canal

Wildlife abounds in Behm Canal and the surrounding Tongass National Forest—orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Paddle along the canal or venture out on an intertidal shore walk or low-elevation trek on the Cleveland Peninsula.

Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

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 - Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy a farewell breakfast before disembarking the ship this morning. Transfer directly to the Ketchikan airport or begin your independent journey.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Explorer

Relax on the sun deck of the Wilderness Explorer.
Wilderness Explorer Bridge
Hot tub on Wilderness Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.
Wilderness explorer Navigator cabin
Navigator Cabin
#215; 302. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Trailblazer Cabin.
Trailblazer Cabin
#105-106; 207-214; 303; 305-306; 309-312. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer's Pathfinder Cabin
Pathfinder Cabin
#107-114; 202-206. Queen or twin beds, view window, and private bath with shower.
Wilderness Explorer Admiral Cabin
Admiral Cabin
#301, 304, 313-314. Sitting area, refrigerator, fixed queen bed, large picture window, and private bath with shower.
Navigator Single
#104. L-shaped twin beds; view window; private bath with a shower

Notes

Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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