Alaska: Glacier Bay

• Moderate Sea Kayaking, Easy Day Hikes, Wildlife Viewing
• 3 Nights Hotels or Bed & Breakfasts, 4 Nights Tented Camp
• Plus 1 Day Travel To and From Your Home

When British Royal Navy Captain, George Vancouver, sailed up Icy Strait in southeast Alaska in 1794, he found the mouth of Glacier Bay completely locked in ice. Less than 100 years later, John Muir reported that the glaciers had retreated almost the entire distance of the Bay. The great news for sea kayakers is that the retreating icy veil revealed one of the top sea kayaking destinations and one of the most spectacular coastal wilderness areas anywhere in the world.

This trip combines an exploration of two of the most impressive locations in coastal Alaska: Point Adolphus for unsurpassed humpback and orca whale watching and a paddle back in geologic time up the West Arm of Glacier Bay, considered by many to be the most spectacular area in all of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. We paddle in both locations for encounters with wildlife and the surrounding environment.

Depending on conditions and the skills of our paddlers we plan to travel into impressive Rendu, Tarr and John Hopkins inlets to view tidewater glaciers, cascading waterfalls and numerous hanging glaciers. Sea life and terrestrial wildlife abound. You are likely to see humpback and orca whales, sea lions, seals, otter, migrating salmon and bald eagles as well as brown bears, black bears and more. We’ll explore the wild beaches and enjoy short hikes. The journey offers the magic of paddling among icebergs in deep, glacially carved fjords and silent nights under the stars.

Next it's back to the small community of Gustavus, with less than 500 residents. Set along the shores of Icy Strait and surrounded by mountains, Gustavus is the staging area for our trip up the West Arm of Glacier Bay and Point Adolphus across the strait. Gustavus is headquarters to the park service and is set amidst one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on the planet.  We'll kayak and camp inside this wilderness for three days.

Throughout the journey our professional sea kayak guides will provide a safe and fun experience, while offering sea kayaking instruction. This includes general navigation, beach landings and paddling techniques. 

This year, we have made available a one day extension to the trip.  Visit Pack Creek on Admiralty Island for world class brown bear viewing.  Known to the Tlingits as Kootznoowoo or “fortress of the Bears,” our extension to Admiralty Island is just 17 miles south of Juneau and reached by floatplane. The island supports one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Estimated at a density of one bear per square mile, Admiralty Island provides habitat for about 1,700 bears. Our destination here, Stan Price / Pack Creek bear sanctuary, is located on the eastern coast along the protected inside. Call for details and pricing.

Join us for your trip of a lifetime in Alaska.

Land Cost
Group Size 5-10: $3,690*

Group Size 2-4: $3,990*

Single Supplement: $480

Internal Charter Flights
$300

*Price does not include international airfare or mandatory trip insurance. Prices are given in US Dollars.