Lindblad Expeditions: Exploring Alaska’s Wilderness

Day 1: Sitka, Alaska / Embark Ship

Arrive in Sitka, Alaska, situated on the western coast of Baranof Island and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Schedules permitting, walk among Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Sitka National Historic Park and visit the Alaska Raptor Center for an up-close look at Alaska’s birds of prey. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.

Please note: Itinerary stops and sequence subject to modification.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Sitka

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays & Fjords

Our Forest Service Special Use Permit for Tongass National Forest enables guests to hike and kayak in wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska.

Today, nature is our guide as we set forth with the flexibility to take advantage of wildlife and weather conditions. We may stop at an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails. Keep an eye out for old bear tracks worn into the soil as you move from forest to meadow. Sightings of bald eagles are common. If conditions permit, we will do some kayaking, always watching for marine and terrestrial life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands

Explore among the Inian Islands, a busy feeding ground for myriad wildlife species including Steller sea lions and sea otters. We will search for marine mammals in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and choose the perfect spot around Chichagof Island to hike where sightings of bald eagles are common.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park

We spend the entire day amid the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. Witness glaciers that end abruptly at the water’s edge and observe them calving, when tons of ice separate and crash into the water accompanied by a thunderous sound. Mountain goats scaling the peaks as well as harbor seals, Steller sea lions and puffins are some of the creatures we may observe. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears lumbering up the hillside.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait

These waters are prime areas for both orca and humpback whales. With luck, guests may observe their fascinating behavior—breaching, tail-slapping and variations on feeding—as we fill the deck and listen to the play-by-play from our expert naturalists. We will explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, we have the opportunity to walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking, offering another option for up-close exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Petersburg

Visit the small, true Alaska fishing town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, which still retains much of its Norwegian heritage. Explore a unique Southeast Alaska ecosystem, the muskeg, with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. There is an opportunity to stretch your legs with an optional bike ride around town. This evening, enjoy a crab feast.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: 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 cruise in a Zodiac for an unbeatable view among sculpted icebergs. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, harbor porpoises and arctic terns.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Juneau, Alaska / Disembark Ship

After breakfast we disembark in Juneau. Take time to visit the local shops before exploring the newly constructed Alaska State Museum, with its sprawling collection of natural history and cultural artifacts. Transfer to the airport for connecting flights home.

Departure Time: After 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Juneau

Meals Included: Breakfast