At a glance
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Start/End:
- Sitka to Juneau (or reverse)
- From:
- $4,003
- Time of Year:
- April through September
On this 6-day Wild Alaska Escape itinerary, indulge your inner explorer on this compact expedition along the untamed coastal landscapes of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
This pristine wilderness is home to a rich Tlingit culture, an enduring frontier spirit, and a panoply of wildlife—from high-flying eagles and tail-fluking whales to salmon-fishing bears. Hike through forests of towering trees, kayak in glacier-carved fjords, and raft from an ancient Alaska native village.
There is no place like Alaska—a vast, untouched frontier of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking fjords, and extraordinary wildlife. Lindblad Expeditions has been exploring the region’s wildest corners for more than 40 years, seeking out inlets and coves where larger cruise ships can’t sail and taking guests deeper into pure wilderness. In these seldom-seen areas, you may witness the thunder of a calving glacier, kayak past foraging bears or Zodiac alongside a pod of orcas. Explore epic wildernesses like Glacier Bay National Park, guided by passionate experts with wide-ranging knowledge of America’s final frontier.
Highlights
- Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coastlines of Chichagof Island, home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world
- Hike through temperate rainforest on Baranof Island, listening for bald eagles calling out from the towering spruce and hemlock trees
- Explore Haines, the “adventure capital of Alaska,” via raft, bicycle, and hiking boot, or go fly fishing in the river for salmon and trout
- Cruise by Zodiac and kayak among abundant sea lions and search for whales in the Inian Islands
- Meet eagles at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center
- With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this wild corner of the world—from its massive glaciers to humpback whales
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Wild Alaska Escape: Haines, Inian Islands & Tracy Arm Fjord Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Sitka / Embark Ship
Arrive in Sitka, Alaska. Situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is known for its Tlingit culture and remnants of its Russian heritage which date back to the 1800s. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Exploring Baranof or Chichagof Island
Explore the breathtaking bays of Baranof or Chichagof. Both islands are part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. Chichagof harbors one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and both islands are home to diverse wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard along rugged coastlines and go hiking through the temperate rainforest, listening for bald eagles calling out from the tops of towering spruce and hemlock trees.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Icy Strait & the Inian Islands
Spend today 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 lush temperate rain forest where bald eagles dot the canopies.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Haines
A paradise for adventure seekers, Haines offers the chance to cycle along the edge of a glacial fjord, go fly fishing for salmon and Dolly Verdon trout, or choose from an array of world-class hikes. Other options include a visit to the ancient Tlingit village of Klukwan for a dance demonstration and cultural interpretation before rafting down the Chilkat River. This day brims with options.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Wake up in Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness. Cruise through this glacier-sculpted fjord, then set out to explore by Zodiac. View the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close—and keep an eye out for the dramatic sight of huge slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below. If conditions permit, paddle a kayak below the steep walls of the fjord. Celebrate your voyage with a farewell dinner on board.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Juneau / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
