On this 7-night adventure cruise, explore the Alaska wilderness that inspired John Muir. Visit Glacier Bay National Park's Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers. Kayak, paddle board, and skiff exploration in Port Houghton and Chatham Strait. Enjoy whale watching in Icy Strait and intertidal shore walks and hikes at Bartlett Cove and Thomas Bay. Experience unmatched birding and wildlife viewing alongside an expert National Park Ranger and expedition team.
Highlights
View glaciers — Dawes and Grand Pacific, Margerie, or Johns Hopkins
Hike the forest at Glacier Bay National Park headquarters in Bartlett Cove
Kayak, paddle board, & explore by skiff in Port Houghton and Chatham Strait
Enjoy intertidal shore walks and hikes at Port Houghton and Thomas Bay
Experience unmatched birding, wildlife viewing, and whale watching
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
It is 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.
It is a day John Muir would have delighted in, but the majesty of Glacier Bay National Park is all yours to relish in today. Covered entirely by ice 200 years ago, 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.
The options are aplenty — it is Captain's Choice today. Stretching for 150 miles within the Tongass National Forest and chockfull 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.
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.
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. While you won’t likely come across other humans, you are sure to cross paths with blue heron, bald eagles, harbor seals, oystercatchers, or black bear. Hike along a lushly vegetated river, or if it is 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!
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 may find a few seals taking respite on the glacier's 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.
Day 8: Juneau | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, wish your travel companions fair winds. Transfer to the Juneau airport.
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.
Navigator Cabin
Feature queen or twin beds, view window or porthole, private bath with shower, desk & chair.
Feature king or twin beds, view windows, private bath with shower, desk & chair.
Admiral Cabin
Feature king or twin beds, view windows, private bath with shower, refrigerator, desk & chair.
Commodore Suites
Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with jacuzzi tub & shower, view window and french doors to a small balcony.
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.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
1 month 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
2 months 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.
