At a glance
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Start/End:
- Juneau to Ketchikan
- From:
- $3,960
- Time of Year:
- May through August
On this 6-day Wild Alaska Escape itinerary, experience the pure power of primal wilderness on this compact expedition along the untamed southern regions of Southeast Alaska. Witness the electric blues of iceberg-dotted LeConte Bay and navigate narrow channels like Behm and Blake, as well as Walker Cove in Misty Fjords. Board Zodiacs to explore Prince of Wales Island and take kayaks and paddleboards into salmon-studded waters to trace the rugged, wildlife-rich shorelines of Kupreanof Island.
Highlights
- Venture by Zodiac into a fjord laden with blue ice from the Leconte or Baird glacier
- Sail Behm Canal into Misty Fjords National Monument in search of humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions
- Roam small, uninhabited islands, hiking through the moss-draped cedar and Sitka spruce or tidepooling along the craggy shores
- Scan the shorelines along Sumner Strait for a chance to spot black bears and bald eagles in search of salmon
- Visit a tribal house and a beach famous for native petroglyphs on remote Wrangell Island, or take a jet boat excursion up the Stikine River
- With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this wild corner of the world—from its massive glaciers to humpback whales
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell, and the Misty Fjords Details
Day 1: Juneau / Embark Ship
Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, in the early afternoon, and embark National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm
Today we explore either LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm. These areas feature some of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from glaciers, getting caught in shallow moraines and along the shorelines as they float out of the bay. Our experienced captain will evaluate the underwater morraine outside of LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm, where we’ll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Sumner Strait
Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around our ship. Explore the coast by kayak or Zodiac and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams. Along the way, learn about the rainforest ecosystem from our naturalists. Fix your binoculars on the banks to search for Sitka black-tailed deer and moose as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Wrangell
This morning we arrive in the small town of Wrangell. The Tlingit and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Take an optional jet boat journey up the Stikine River or explore town, including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, home to ancient rock carvings. This afternoon we cruise Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell Island where other ships rarely venture.
On select departures, choose an optional day trip to Anan Creek Bear Observatory to witness black and brown bears feasting on salmon runs (additional $390 per person). Speak with your expedition specialist for details.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Misty Fjords National Monument
Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of cloud drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as we cruise through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ketchikan / Disembark Ship
Arrive in Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, spread at the base of sylvan slopes on Revillagigedo Island. Its many monikers, from “salmon capital of the world” to “rain capital of Alaska,” capture the spirit of this city, famous for colorful buildings and abundant fishing boats and canneries. Visit the Totem Heritage Center to view the priceless collection of 19th-century totem poles. Enjoy breakfast aboard ship before disembarking.
Meals Included: Breakfast
| Dates | Ship | Direction | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 6, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Juneau to Ketchikan | $3,960 | $4,656 | $5,568 |
| Saturday, May 11, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Ketchikan to Juneau | $3,960 | $4,656 | $5,568 |
| Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Juneau to Ketchikan | $3,960 | $4,656 | $5,568 |
| Sunday, May 26, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,051 | $6,275 | $7,275 |
| Saturday, June 8, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Juneau to Ketchikan | $5,103 | $6,340 | $7,350 |
| Monday, June 10, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Juneau to Ketchikan | $5,103 | $6,340 | $7,350 |
| Thursday, June 13, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,051 | $6,275 | $7,275 |
| Saturday, June 15, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,051 | $6,275 | $7,275 |
| Friday, June 28, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Juneau to Ketchikan | $5,000 | $6,212 | $7,202 |
| Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,103 | $6,340 | $7,350 |
| Friday, July 5, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,103 | $6,340 | $7,350 |
| Saturday, July 20, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Juneau to Ketchikan | $5,103 | $6,340 | $7,350 |
| Thursday, July 25, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,103 | $6,340 | $7,350 |
| Sunday, July 28, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Juneau to Ketchikan | $5,051 | $6,275 | $7,275 |
| Friday, August 2, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Ketchikan to Juneau | $5,000 | $6,212 | $7,202 |
| Friday, August 9, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Juneau to Ketchikan | $4,950 | $6,150 | $7,130 |
| Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | Ketchikan to Juneau | $4,950 | $6,150 | $7,130 |
| Saturday, August 17, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Juneau to Ketchikan | $4,950 | $6,150 | $7,130 |
| Thursday, August 22, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | Ketchikan to Juneau | $4,950 | $6,150 | $7,130 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices subject to change.
Included
- Shore excursions
- The guidance and expertise of our expedition staff
- Sightseeing & entrance fees
- Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Excursions
- Zodiac, kayak & stand-up paddleboard explorations, where relevant
- Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel, where relevant
- Use of the fitness center
Not Included
- International and internal airfare, except where specified as included
- Meals not indicated in the day-by-day description
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Items of a personal nature such as internet access, voyage chronicle, laundry, and scuba diving fees
National Geographic Sea Bird
The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
National Geographic Sea Lion
The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
