At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Juneanu, Alaska
- From:
- $7,815
- Time of Year:
- June - July
Embark on an active 8-day exploration of the crown jewels of Alaska’s Inside Passage, the ABC Islands.
Discover what makes this area so special as you circumnavigate Admiralty Island in waters teeming with wildlife and hike and kayak on Baranof and Chichagof Islands. With insights from expert naturalists, witness the full spectrum of biodiversity that thrives in this natural wonderland, from plants and mushrooms to bears and whales, and even the vibrant undersea landscape.
Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands Highlights
- Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coastline of Chichagof Island, home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world
- Spend a full day exploring the scenic outer bays of Glacier Bay National Park by kayak, by Zodiac or on foot
- Explore the wild and remote areas of southeast Alaska by special use permit with the Tongass National Forest
- Cruise an ice-filled fjord toward the face of a glacier in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area
- Venture into Frederick Sound or Chatham Strait in search of breaching humpbacks and pods of orcas
- Meet the fleet’s conservation partners from the Alaska Whale Foundation (schedules permitting) and learn how you can contribute to their research throughout your voyage
Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Juneau, Alaska / Embark Ship
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon, and embark in time for cocktails and an introduction to the vessel, staff and crew.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Juneau
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands
Spend the day searching for wildlife in nutrient-rich waters where the Pacific Ocean meets the Inside Passage. Options include a Zodiac cruise among the Inian Islands, home to a sizeable population of Steller sea lions; kayaking in the protected coves of Chichagof Island; or hiking in a lush temperate rainforest where bald eagles dot the canopies.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3 - 7: Exploring Alaska’s ABC Islands and Surrounding Areas
For the next six days, explore these wild gems of southeast Alaska, located in the northern part of the Alexander Archipelago. This area is a staff favorite for its exceptional wildlife and opportunities for active exploration. With nature as your guide, you will experience wild Alaska up close on Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards and hikes, including an option for an all-day bushwack adventure.
Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait (Admiralty Island)
The dense forest and snow-capped peaks of Admiralty Island provide a scenic backdrop for exploring its productive surrounding waters. These are prime areas for spotting both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding—while standing on deck and listening to the play-by-play from expert naturalists.
Baranof Island
The smallest of the ABC islands, Baranof Island is home to the archipelago’s highest peak, as well as a diverse ecosystem. Meander through the old- growth temperate rainforest, following a stream studded with sockeye salmon making their journey upstream to spawn. The salmon nourish a variety of land and ocean animals including bears, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and more. Your naturalists will provide a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the Alaskan temperate rainforest, from its edible and poisonous plants to the fascinating mating habits of the banana slug.
Chichagof Island
Chichagof Island is one of the largest islands in the U.S. and harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The lush foliage offers excellent opportunities for naturalist-led hikes and photo walks. With the help of your certified photo instructor, practice your macrophotography skills on the variety of mushrooms rising from the mycelium that carpets the forest floor. Stroll the shorelines to witness a kaleidoscope of colorful intertidal life, while keeping an eye peeled for bubble-netting humpbacks feeding in the surrounding waters.
Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a Zodiac cruise for an unparalleled view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and Arctic terns.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Juneau / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Departure Time: Depart after 10:30 a.m. local time
Departure City: Juneau
Meals Included: Breakfast
