Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alaska Glaciers & Wildlife Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Gustavus
10-minute airport transfer
Arrive in remote Gustavus and take in its frontier spirit and small-town charm before a short drive to the Glacier Bay Lodge, the only lodging inside Glacier Bay National Park. In the early evening, meet your MT Sobek guide in the lodge lobby for a welcome briefing before heading out on a short hike, or a visit to the Whale Exhibit. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group at the lodge.
Accommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge
(D)
Day 2 Discover Glacier Bay by Catamaran
8-hour catamaran boat ride
After an early breakfast, board a high-speed catamaran accompanied by a park ranger, who explains the ecological wonders of the area, ranging from rainforest to tidewater glaciers. On this all-day tour, head to the farthest reaches of the dazzling Glacier Bay National Park, with chances to spot whales, Stellar sea lions, puffins, coastal bears, seals, eagles, and more along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch aboard the catamaran, paired with magnificent Alaskan mountain backdrops. Back on dry land, explore the Huna Tlingit Tribal House where you learn how clans sustained themselves for centuries on the abundant resources of the land and sea around Bartlett Cove. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Accommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Cruise to Point Adolphus for Whales and Wildlife
3.5-hour wildlife cruise, plus 3 hours/4 miles hiking with minimal elevation change
This morning, set out by boat to see the humpback whales at Point Adolphus, the best place in the North Pacific to observe this majestic, endangered mammal. The protected north shore of Chichagof Island is a paradise for marine mammals, bears, and bald eagles, with special conditions in the ocean currents making it one of Alaska's best wildlife zones. Traveling by boat offers the flexibility to find where the wildlife is congregating and to observe them from the deck of a vessel. In the late afternoon, hike the Bartlett River Trail through enchanting spruce and hemlock forest, emerging at the estuary where you might get a moose or river otter sighting before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Fly to Haines & Afternoon Hike
Scenic charter flight, 30-minutes round-trip private van transfer
3-4 hours/4-5 miles hiking with 750' feet elevation gain/loss; shorter options available
After breakfast, board a flight to Haines, Alaska. This settlement straddles the peninsula between Chilkat and Chilkoot Inlets, Tlingit territory and a gold rush gateway. Visit Fort Seward, established to bring order to the unruly gold seekers, the last of a series of 11 Alaskan military posts constructed during the gold rush era. After lunch, take a short scenic drive into Chilkat State Park. Based on your group's interests and ability, there are several hiking options and if weather permits, the possibility to summit Mt. Riley. Hike through old-growth forest, mossy bogs, and fascinating geology. On a clear day, enjoy a 360-degree view including Chilkat and Katzehin Rivers, Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers, Juneau and Skagway, and Berner's Bay—all framed beneath incredible glaciated peaks.
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Float through a Bald Eagle Preserve & Hike Alaskan Coastline
1-hour private van transfer
3-hour easy rafting float, plus 2 hours/2 miles walking
Today, board rafts for a scenic float (there is no whitewater on this section of river) through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles. The watersheds of the preserve, vital habitat for the eagles, are fed by freshwater upwellings and swollen by melting glacier. The park is rich with wildlife including five species of Pacific salmon, nearly 100 bird species, and large mammals such as brown and black bears, moose, lynx, wolverines, river otters, foxes, and mountain goats. After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon will be filled with a walk through forest and meadows, and beach combing along the coast near Battery Point, where it is common to observe colorfully beaked surf scoters, seals, and sea lions.
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Kayak Chilkoot Lake & Hike Moose Meadows
20-minute transfer
2 hours kayaking, 2 hours/2 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain/loss
This morning, get ready for an unforgettable professionally guided kayak adventure on Chilkoot Lake! Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Alaska's wilderness as you paddle this serene glacial lake, surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, and lush forests. Glide silently, experiencing the tranquility and splendor of one of Alaska's true gems. Back on shore you'll use spotting scopes to search for wildlife and learn about the rich history of the area and the cultural significance of Chilkoot Lake to the native Tlingit people. Enjoy a private oceanside picnic on Lynn Fjord before embarking on an easy hike through Moose Meadows, a pretty beach meadow with great views of the Rainbow Glacier. Tonight, celebrate your week of adventure!
(B, D)
Day 7 Bid Farewell to Alaska
10-minute transfer (this is not included)
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, then say farewell to your guide(s) and Southeast Alaska before your journey homeward.
(B)
