Overnight, you have arrived in another world. Towering granite walls rise thousands of feet above milky blue waters. Massive icebergs drift past as we glide deeper into Endicott Arm. U-shaped valleys whisper stories of the last Ice Age, and harbor seals haul out on floating ice with pups in tow. As the air cools and the ship slows, Dawes Glacier comes into view. Bundle up and board a skiff for an intimate encounter with one of Southeast Alaska’s most active tidewater glaciers. Or hop in a kayak for a paddle with beautiful views (conditions permitting). 

Misty spouts on the horizon signal what is in store. Humpback whales are in the neighborhood. As we navigate whale-rich waters, your expedition team has the day’s adventures ready. Paddle at your own pace, watch for sea stars and shorebirds along the shoreline, or charge ahead on a longer kayak journey or a guided hike into the heart of the Tongass. Skiff tours, snorkeling opportunities, and hikes offer another perspective on this wildlife-filled region. Either way, today is about going big in whale country.

Glacially carved Thomas Bay is a mosaic of moraines, muskegs, and shimmering mudflats. Enjoy an open paddle over glassy waters where fjord walls reflect like mirrors, exploring at your own pace. Or join a skiff tour over these waters or a waterfall hike or bushwack. Depending on when Captain sets sail, you may get to witness Wrangell Narrows, nicknamed Christmas Tree Lane for its vibrant red and green navigational lights. It is a peek into everyday life in Southeast Alaska’s backcountry.

Today, you have space to roam. Remote and rugged, the Blashke Islands are a choose-your-own-adventure playground, where dense forests beckon exploration. Hike, kayak, snorkel, skiff, or opt into a full-day yak-and-whack expedition. Here, you can experience the unique intertidal life that exists between this wonderland of islands. Keep your eyes out for orcas, who frequent these waters.

Winding through remote coves and forested bays, Behm Canal is Southeast Alaska in its purest form. This day offers a choice of low-elevation trail hikes alongside rushing streams, with opportunities to photograph dripping moss, dense forest, and the wildlife that calls this place home, including black bears, eagles, and mink on land, and porpoises, seals, and otters in the water. Calm, protected waters make this one of the best places of the week for open paddling, with options for all-day hikes, kayaking, and skiff tours as you explore the quiet beauty of the canal.

Some places do not just take your breath away; they leave you speechless. Misty Fjords is one of them. Sheer 3,000-foot cliffs, glacially carved valleys, and rainforest-cloaked slopes cradle every paddle and skiff ride. Explore Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay by water during an open paddle, skiff, or even (if the conditions are just right) a long-drop paddle where you’ll enjoy the experience of feeling truly left in the wilds of Alaska, or float quietly and take it all in. End the day with a festive Farewell Dinner and a slideshow of the week’s best moments, lovingly assembled by your guide team.

All good journeys must end, and this one concludes in Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World. After breakfast, say farewell to your crew and fellow adventurers. Ask for local tips if you are staying longer. There is still plenty of Alaska to explore. Until next time!