At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Juneau, Alaska
- From:
- $7,500
- Time of Year:
- June - August
Set sail on the Wilderness Legacy for an unforgettable 8-day expedition from Juneau into the most spectacular reaches of Southeast Alaska, designed especially for discerning families who crave authentic experiences over traditional tourism. Unlike large cruise liners, this intimate small-ship journey gives you front-row access to dramatic wilderness, wildlife, and rugged landscapes that only a few ever see.
Perfect for families who value both comfort and exploration, the Kids in Nature sailing removes age limits and invites children, and adults, to engage with Alaska’s wilderness in meaningful ways. From kayak races and scavenger hunts for younger explorers to expert-led nature walks and wildlife quests, every moment is crafted to inspire curiosity and connection with the natural world.
Kids in Nature: Wild, Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay Highlights
- Glacier Encounters Beyond Compare: Paddle and skiff through the remote reaches of Glacier Bay National Park, far beyond where large ships venture, offering truly private glacier views and ice-studded fjords.
- Immersive Wilderness Playgrounds: Explore places like LeConte Glacier and Thomas Bay, where kayaking, bushwhacking, and shoreline hikes bring you deep into lush forests and serene waterways.
- Wildlife at Every Turn: Search for orcas, humpback whales, brown bears, moose, puffins, and playful sea otters alongside expert naturalists, turning every day into a story worth telling.
- Tailored Family Experiences: Special activities like Jr. Ranger programs, interactive learning adventures, and shared discoveries make this more than a cruise, it’s an intergenerational journey that families will treasure for a lifetime.
Your vessel, the elegant yet rugged Wilderness Legacy, offers refined onboard service, comfortable staterooms, and thoughtful touches designed for affluent travelers who don’t compromise on quality, even in the remote wilds of Alaska.
This is more than a vacation, it’s a luxury exploration where pristine nature becomes your playground, authentic experiences outweigh clichés, and shared family memories replace superficial sightseeing. For those who seek depth, discovery, and genuine connection, Wild, Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay: Kids in Nature defines what it means to travel exceptionally well.
Kids in Nature: Wild, Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Juneau, Alaska Embarkation
Board the Wilderness Legacy, a gateway to a family adventure that brings nature’s wonders to life. Let the journey begin with a warm welcome and a toast to new horizons, as you and your loved ones are treated to a refreshing mocktail for the kiddies or a sparkling glass of Champagne. Get ready for a week-long odyssey tailored to ignite childhood curiosity in both kids and adults!
Day 2: The Brothers, Robert & Crow Islands: Skiff, Hikes, Whales
Today, you will visit Robert and Crow Islands, offering everything from bushwhack hikes and shoreline walks to kayaking. Another option is the Brothers Islands, best explored by water, where skiff rides and paddles can bring you close to lively sea lion haul-outs. You will search for other types of wildlife throughout the day, including whales.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: LeConte Glacier
Today’s activities are designed to captivate both young and mature adventurers. Our journey today revolves around the rhythmic dance of the tides. Enjoy LeConte Glacier, noted as the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and an awe-inspiring landscape. Guests witness the glacier’s imposing beauty up close, a highlight of the Alaskan wilderness.
You won’t see any mega-ships here as they can’t navigate these complicated waters. You will have, though, an uninterrupted front-row seat to this incredible park. Explore by kayak or small boat, or go ashore and frolic among icebergs stranded on the beach.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Thomas Bay, Land of Kushtaka
Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, we have a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Whale Watching & Kuiu Island
The west side of Kuiu Island is our playground for the day. We’re in black bear country now and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of this iconic population. Tucked into a bay, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth: the sea otter. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring where guests may be able to witness bubble-net feeding. The cold, nutrient rich waters provide opportunity not just for above-water activities.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Brown Bear Search Near the Shores of Chichagof Island
Explore the untamed coastline in search of the elusive Coastal Brown Bear. The east side of Chichagof Island offers multiple distinct areas with exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Your Captain and Expedition Leader, leveraging their expertise, seek out the hidden corners of Chichagof-getting you deep into the home of the Coastal Brown Bear. Today’s options feature shore walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and the thrilling prospect of observing brown bears from our small boats and kayaks. The bear population thrives in this region, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Glacier Bay National Park's Rarely Visited Outer Bay
This national park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut; let that sink in). Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing. As the day winds down, it’s time for Captain’s Dinner. But that’s not all – you’ll also get to watch a slideshow of all the amazing things you’ve done this week. It’s like a movie starring you, the incredible explorers!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Juneau, Alaska Disembarkation
Welcome back to Juneau. Enjoy your last breakfast aboard. Check every nook and cranny of your cabin for all of your things and say farewell to the crew as we disembark, get that last family photo and wave goodbye until next time.
Meals included: breakfast
