The unyielding forces of nature are on full display throughout Alaska’s Inside Passage. Mountains erode by the crushing force of massive glaciers, icebergs drift across aquamarine waters, and the life cycles of flora and fauna are compressed into the scant weeks of an arctic summer.
During this expedition cruise through some of nature’s more secluded landscapes, navigate narrow channels and waterways with skilled naturalists at your side—ready to encounter Alaska’s abundant wildlife, breathtaking peaks and fjords, and ice-blue glaciers of unfathomable proportions.
Enjoy the agility and flexibility of small-ship travel, up-close encounters with wildlife, stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and the guidance of two expert naturalists including an Orbridge Expedition Leader.
Trip Itinerary:
July 26
Arrive in Juneau – Embarkation
Today, travel to Juneau from your home city or from Anchorage if you visited Denali National Park on the six-day Orbridge Pre-Tour.
For those arriving by the suggested time, join an included excursion to explore the Alaska State Museum. Peruse the museum's artifacts and art objects that tell the tale of Alaska's history, including extensive ethnographic exhibits of the cultures of Alaska's native people. Then visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to view the fascinating glacial mass.
Afterward, take a short bus ride to the Chichagof Dream for embarkation. Enjoy your first dinner on board as you get to know your Expedition Leader, naturalists, crew, and travel companions.
July 27
Icy Strait
Relax on deck with your binoculars and a hot cup of cocoa as you sail through Icy Strait in search of wildlife, including orcas (killer whales), Steller sea lions, seals, porpoises, and magnificent humpback whales. Watch the treetops along the shoreline for bald eagles. Choose from activities such as kayaking, skiff rides, and hiking.
July 28
Glacier Bay National Park
Arrive in Glacier Bay National Park, where scientists have found exposed rock that's believed to be more than 200 million years old. While at Bartlett Cove, visit the park lodge and visitor center or participate in a guided forest walk. Watch for puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, mountain goats, bears, and eagles, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Alaska.
July 29
Tracy Arm Fjord
This morning, experience Tracy Arm, a narrow fjord that winds through towering mountains and massive glaciers. Witness the “calving” of glaciers as gigantic chunks of ice break and crash into the water. Watch for harbor seals that often dot the ice floes and mountain goats on nearby perches. In the afternoon, if conditions permit, glide through and discover coves or bays by kayak or skiff, soaking in the splendor of some of the most untouched wilderness in the world.
July 30
Petersburg / Frederick Sound
This morning, visit charming Petersburg, a fishing village founded by a Norwegian fisherman in the late 1800s. At the Sons of Norway Hall, see customary Norwegian dances and taste traditional home-made pastries and cookies. After lunch on board or in town, take a skiff across Wrangell Narrows for a beautiful hike on the Petersburg Creek Trail.
July 31
Eastern Baranof Island / Hidden Falls
Experience a rare tour of the Hidden Falls Hatchery and learn about the release of Chinook, coho, and chum salmon fry and smolts, and the vital role fishing has played in Alaska for centuries. In the evening, share the day's adventures with your fellow travelers over dinner.
August 1
Eastern Baranof Island / Lake Eva
Spend the morning cruising to Lake Eva to kayak, take a guided hike, or join a skiff excursion if conditions permit. Recount your trip highlights with fellow travelers tonight during a Captain's Farewell Dinner.
August 2
Sitka – Disembarkation / Depart Sitka
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Take a complimentary shuttle to your accommodation if you reserved a post-night in Sitka or to the airport for your flight home.
Map:
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