Alaska Fjords & Glaciers

Day 1 : Juneau

Welcome aboard the Wilderness Discoverer. Meet your Captain and crew as you familiarize yourself with your home for the next week. In the lounge, a welcome cocktail and champagne toast await you as you prepare for the grand stories yet to be written about the coming week. As we push off the dock, get out on deck with a pair of binoculars (there is a pair in your cabin for your use this week), and start the search for spouts!

Day 2 : Endicott Arm Fjord & Dawes Glacier Wilderness Area

Sheer granite walls propel themselves thousands of feet above milky blue waters as the Discoverer glides between massive icebergs. Deep, U-shaped valleys tell the story of the last Ice Age and Harbor Seals haul out on the ice with this year’s recruitment of pups. Endicott Arm is a spectacular place to get out for our first activities of the week, and you’ll feel the air get cooler the deeper you travel into Endicott’s wilderness. The ship slows down as it approaches a massive wall of blue ice that blocks the end of the fjord–Dawes Glacier is our destination for the day. Bundle up and jump on a skiff tour for an intimate visit with one of the most active tidewater glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Back onboard, a warm meal welcomes you home.

Day 3 : Fredricks Sound Whale & Marine Mammal Search

Frederick Sound is a nutrient-rich intersection between multiple massive waterways. Upwellings from the Pacific bring in plankton-rich waters, beckoning enormous schools of herring, that bring in… whales! Humpbacks gather here in the hundreds each summer to partake in an epic feast, fuel for their long migrations to and from their winter breeding grounds in Hawai’i and Baja. Between Port Houghton, The Brothers Islands, and Five Fingers Lighthouse, there is no lack of extraordinary places to explore today, and your expedition leader and captain set a course for the most whale-rich waters they can find. Get out on a skiff tour in search of bubble-netters, or jump on a bushwhack or shore walk and become immersed in the old-growth of the Tongass.

Day 4 : Thomas Bay – Wrangell Narrows

In the distance, a symphony of water emerges–the resonant flow of Cascade Creek, cutting through the forest in a mesmerizing display of waterfalls. A crew favorite, this hidden gem is a rarity in Southeast Alaska, accessible through one of the region’s few trails. Don’t let this opportunity slip away, as we offer hiking challenges tailored to every skill level, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this pristine wilderness. Hiking not your forte? Jump into a kayak for a paddle. The afternoon cruise is a photographers dream, as the Discoverer deftly navigates the Wrangell Narrows–a famed waterway and home to eagles, Steller sea-lions, and more. Count the navigational markers as you get a peek into life as only local Southeast Alaskans can relate to.

Day 5 : Blashke Islands Watersports Paradise

Today, set your sights on the captivating Blashke Islands–a realm of endless possibilities for your adventure-seeking spirit. Immerse yourself in a day of personalized, choose-your-own-adventure delights. Whether you crave the unknown treasures found on a bushwhack, the serenity of kayaking, the exploration of skiff tours, the underwater wonders of snorkeling, or the thrill of full-day yak-n-whack excursions, the options are as diverse as the islands themselves. This hidden gem remains a mystery to most, featuring a chain of islands perfectly tailored for off-vessel escapades. Amidst the excitement, keep an eye out for the majestic whales that gracefully roam these waters–they may just surprise you with their awe-inspiring presence. Brace yourself for an entire day filled with exhilarating experiences in this undiscovered paradise!

Day 6 : Yes Bay and Misty Fjords National Monument

Embark on a morning of adventure as we kickstart our activities in the captivating Yes Bay–an opportunity too enticing to resist! Prepare to be surrounded by the wonders of wildlife, from the elusive black bears and playful minks to the majestic eagles soaring overhead. As we navigate through Behm Canal, be prepared for a journey into remote waterways, revealing the pristine beauty of the isolated Tongass National Forest. Our expert expedition team leads a low-elevation hike alongside crystal-clear, rushing streams. Immerse yourself in your own adventure with a guided paddle through the tiny, deserted waterways that seamlessly blend into Behm Canal. Say yes to an unforgettable day filled with exploration and the enchanting beauty of Yes Bay!

Day 7 : Walker Cove & Misty Fjords National Monument

Experience the overwhelming beauty and tranquility of Misty Fjords National Monument, a place that encapsulates the diverse ecosystems of Southeast Alaska. Navigate glacial valleys with sea-filled waters, towering 3,000-foot cliffs, and find sanctuary for wildlife like bears, mountain goats, and sea birds. Whether kayaking in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay, the area aptly nicknamed “The Yosemite of the North” offers an enchanting blend of paddle-and-go or sit-and-soak-it-all-in experiences. As a fitting end to your Alaskan journey, share a Farewell Dinner with your Captain, celebrating the week’s adventures and capturing memories with a photo slideshow presented by your dedicated guide team. It’s the perfect conclusion to a week immersed in wilds of Southeast.

Day 8 : Ketchikan

The Discoverer is hard to say goodbye to, but our time together ends here in Ketchikan. The Salmon Capital of the World, there are more adventures to be had–ask your crew for suggestions as you depart and wave goodbye to your crew–new friends made along the way.

*Itinerary also operates in reverse.