The Captain will take the vessel into Glacier Bay Park Headquarters in Bartlett Cove where a Park Ranger will come aboard to provide a brief introduction to the Park. Then the crew will transfer you by inflatable excursion craft to the dock to spend time ashore. BLD

We’ll pick up a Glacier Bay Park Ranger and a local Tlingit Cultural Interpreter in Bartlett Cove. They will provide a comprehensive day of narrative sightseeing. Over 65 miles of pristine terrain and habitat have been revealed in Glacier Bay since its giant rivers of ice began dramatically retreating 200 years ago. Approach Marble Islands and hurry outside to encounter a teeming multitude of seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, murrelets and puffins, all swooping and swarming above the writhing, barking haul-out of Steller’s sea lions. We may encounter mountain goats on Gloomy Knob or watch brown and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Look for more harbor seals, sea otters and the humpback whales that call Glacier Bay their summer home and admire the 15,000-foot peak of Mt. Fairweather, the steepest climb from sea level in the world. BLD

Day 5 - WILDERNESS COMMUNITY
For those lucky and hearty few who call this wilderness home, "traffic" takes on a whole new meaning! We will port call at one of a handful of small Alaskan villages to briefly get a taste of what it would be like to be part of a community that rests in the wild and off-the-beaten-path part of the world.

We'll also  spend part of today in some of the richest whale waters in all of Southeast Alaska and take every opportunity to spot whales, letting our itinerary be dictated by their movements.  Enormous volumes of nutrient-rich water flow into Icy Strait and flood the coast of Chichagof Island at Point Adolphus.  This creates perfect conditions to attract humpback whales, seals, sea lions and porpoise.  We may even seen orcas if we are vigilant. BLD

Day 6 - SITKA
This beautiful little city is thought by many to be the “jewel of the Inside Passage.” Its setting alone is breathtaking. While big ships must plow through miles of open ocean and moor far from the tiny docks, your small ship will come to Sitka “through the back door,” threading through beautiful Peril Strait and navigating the delicate passage through Sergius Narrows where tides challenge all but the most expert mariner’s skill. Enjoy the peaceful setting as you stroll amongst the totems at the beautiful Sitka National Historic Park, or choose other optional excursions to further explore the gem of Baranof island. BLD

Day 7 - FREDERICK SOUND AND WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Frederick Sound teems with the humpback whale’s favorite food – and the whales take full advantage, feeding in the rich waters as they prepare for their long migration south. Once they leave Alaska waters at summer’s end, these giant creatures will not eat again until they return next year. This afternoon you’ll discover the joys of “gunkholing,” a nautical term that means, among other things, “exploring at leisure.” Your Captain and Exploration Leader know these waters intimately – and each voyage is likely to be different, depending on what magic they find to share with you. BLD

Day 8 - TRACY ARM
Many travelers consider these narrow fjords the most spectacular spots in Alaska. Sheer cliffs rise thousands of feet from waterline to snowcapped peaks, their sides studded and stunning waterfalls. And there's the ice. Conditions permitting, your crew will welcome you into inflatable excursion craft to explore the waters and shorelines amid bouncing bergie bits calved from ancient glaciers. BLD

Day 9 - ARRIVE IN JUNEAU
Disembark in Juneau this morning, and we'll escort you to the airport. B

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single, triple and quad available, call or email for pricing.