Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay

 

Alaska Adventure Curated Just for You

Join fellow adventurers on the most active back country itinerary of our Alaskan expeditions. This is real adventure for the active traveler. Stretch your legs and your imagination in new areas.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore parts of Glacier Bay National Park rarely seen by visitors as we explore the "Outback"
  • Hike, mountain bike, skiff, and kayak inside Hobart Bay
  • All day kayak and "yak-and-whack" opportunities
  • Wildlife search - humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, seals, bears, moose, puffins, and other sea birds
  • Isolated LeConte Glacier Wilderness Area, no mega ships here!
  • Opportunities to hike, kayak, paddle board, skiff, and bushwhack, all in one week
  • Brown bear search near the shores of Chichagof Island
  • Hike and kayak Thomas Bay, the land of the kushtaka, a half-man, half-sea otter.
  • Bay of Pillars exploration of a remote bay, a kayaker's paradise.
  • B= Breakfast L=Lunch D= Dinner



Your day-by-day detail


DAY 1 Juneau Embarkation


Welcome aboard the Wilderness Legacy. After a day of exploring Alaska’s Capital City of Juneau, you'll be greeted by your captain and crew as you explore your home for the next week. A cocktail and Champagne toast kicks off the trip in the lounge as you receive an overview of the adventure that awaits this week! Listen for the vintage whistles as the Wilderness Legacy departs.These horns and whistles come from Captain Dan’s family collection, and speak to the company’s “legacy.” Keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife as you pull away from the dock – Alaska is waiting. (D)

 

DAY 2 Hobart Bay


Wake up in Hobart Bay, deep within the Tongass National Forest – tucked into a calm pocket of water where you will have the opportunity to take your first paddle, skiff ride, hike, or bike. There’s nobody here but us, and we have options that fit any activity order you can dream of. As the day unfolds, set out on a skiff expedition, offering an intimate encounter with the bay's wildlife; a chance to witness majestic eagles soaring gracefully overhead. For the avid cyclists, a thrilling mountain bike excursion awaits, beckoning you to explore the hidden depths of the lush forest. A locally sourced meal is waiting for you back on the boat, so don’t be afraid to go big on your first full day. (BLD)

 

DAY 3 La Conte Glacier Fjord, Wilderness Area


There is something in the water.The Wilderness Legacy glides through a tight waterway–sheer cliffs on either side of the fjord lead to the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.LeConte Glacier is rarely seen as large cruise ships simply can’t get here. This is our special corner of Alaska for the day, and you get to choose your own adventure. Grab a paddle and go for a kayak or even a paddleboard if conditions permit. Jump in a skiff and cruise among icebergs that can tower over the Legacy herself. This is a place of deep wonder and reverence for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people; pause and listen to the sounds that surround you – this is where you belong today. (BLD)

 

DAY 4 Thomas Bay, Land of the Kushtaka


Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, we have a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day. (BLD)

 

DAY 5 Kuiu Island


The west side of Kuiu Island is our playground for the day. We’re in black-bear country now and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into Bay of Pillars, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth – the sea otter. Rafts of otters float by – unperturbed by our presence, and about as cute as one might imagine them to be. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring–resident bubble-netters are a rare and exciting sight. The cold, nutrient-rich waters provide opportunity not just for above-water activities. Try your hand at a snorkel (we have the warmest wetsuits in the industry, fear not) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you discover the most diverse population of sea-stars on earth, a surprise to many who visit this place. For just a moment, the cold water is forgotten as you’re transported into what can only be described as a “cold water tropical reef." The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine. (BLD)

 

DAY 6 Brown Bear Search Near the Shores of Chichagof Island


Explore the untamed coastline in search of the elusive Coastal Brown Bear. The east side of Chichagof Island offers multiple distinct areas with exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Your captain and expedition leader, leveraging their expertise, seek out the hidden corners of Chichagof–getting you deep into the home of the Coastal Brown. Today’s options feature shore walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and the thrilling prospect of observing brown bears from our small boats and kayaks. The bear population thrives in this region, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters.(BLD)

DAY 7 The Rarely Visted Outback of Glacier Bay National Park


Welcome to the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park.Today, we'll drop anchor in one of three remote areas within this extraordinary place, venturing into the rarely explored landscapes of Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay, or No Name Cove near Excursion Inlet. The entire day is dedicated to immersive activities, starting with early morning kayak and birding excursions into the park. The array of possibilities includes kayaking, paddleboarding, skiff expeditions, hiking, leisurely beach strolls, and more. Get off for an “All-Day” Yak & Whack–deep into the backcountry of one of the most remote national parks in the country. This UNESCO Heritage site is filled with opportunity, and it’s yours for the taking. Back onboard after a full day (dare we say a full week), your expedition team shares photos from the week – sent to you as our parting gift. Lift the anchor and make way for Juneau. (BLD)

 

DAY 8 Juneau Disembarkation


Wake up to the sounds of your crew preparing the Legacy to dock back in her favorite port. As Juneau comes into sight, get out on deck for one last cup of coffee before you head to a farewell breakfast. Say goodbye to your crew and traveling companions (new friends, galore). Fair winds and following seas to you and yours as you return to the Great Land’s capitol city. (B)