2012 Prices: Twin cabin from $1,795 per person.
Kids 12 or younger receive a 25% discount off adult fares.
2012 Dates: May 12, 19, 26: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Jul 7, 14, 21, 28: Aug 4, 11, 18, 25: Sep 1
2012 Family Discoveries on the Wilderness Adventurer: Jun 25: Jul 23, (Kids 12 or younger receive a 30% discount off adult fares.)
Explore the inner passages and narrow waterways of the most remote areas of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. Navigating the waters and wilderness by small ships enables us to reach rarely seen areas where explosive scenery and pristine beauty are around every turn. How you choose to explore it further – by kayak, by skiff or by foot – is entirely up to you.
Day 1: Embark on your adventure in Juneau
Welcome aboard! After meeting your crew and getting acquainted with your ship’s features, finish the evening with a delicious meal as we anchor in Tracy Arm.
Day 2: Tracy Arm Wilderness and Frederick Sound
At the end of Tracy Arm, a winding fjord with sheer granite walls, hundreds of 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 and Cascade Creek
Choose kayaking and a lush forest trek on a scenic Cascade Creek trail. Or go big on the 5-mile hike to the glacially-fed and rarely visited Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking. 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: Thomas Bay, Baird Glacier, and Wrangell Narrows
In an area known for glaciers and rich in gold and quartz, take on the otherworldly boot-sucking Baird Glacier until you stand atop the mile-wide glacier. 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. Brush up on your Tlingit culture at Chief Shakes Tribal House for native storytelling. View recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park. Wrangell offers up many options to make your day.
Day 6: Yes Bay
Wildlife abounds in Yes Bay and the surrounding Tongass National Forest—humpback whales, orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Say yes to a kayak paddle up the bay or venture out on a wildlife-seeking hike along one of the area’s scenic trail.
Day 7: Misty Fjords National Monument
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
Enjoy a farewell breakfast before disembarking the ship this morning. Transfer directly to the Ketchikan airport or begin your add-on overnight stay or extended land tour.
Inclusions:
- Educational programming = interpretive lectures, guest speakers, narrative
- All meals aboard the ships
- Kayaking, guided hiking, and small boat exploration
- Onboard Expedition Leaders
- Airport transfers
Not included:
- Airfare to and from your home city
- Liquor, beer, wine
- Discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare
- Travel insurance
- Optional pre- or post-night hotel stays or land extensions
- Fishing excursions, caving, jet boat trips or guided overnight trips
- Port charges, taxes and fees
