Fredrick Sound, Admiralty Island, Baranof Island, Chatham Strait, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Lynn Canal, Juneau, Alaska

This trip begins in the quaint Alaskan fishing village of Petersburg – also known as Alaska’s “Little Norway”. Early on in the trip we have the possibility of hiking and kayaking in the vicinity of Baird Glacier.  From there, we will head Northwest in search of Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoise and other marine mammals in their summer feeding grounds of Fredrick Sound. We will spend hours floating, watching, and listening to the sights and sounds of the animals that call Fredrick Sound home.  We hope to see bears as we explore the shores of Admiralty Island – which supports the densest population of Brown Bears anywhere on earth.

Heading Northwest past Five Fingers Light House, we will visit the small island group called the Brothers.  Nestled in premiere humpback and sea lion territory, groups will have an opportunity to kayak in Fredrick Sound and walk the intertidal zone on a remote island.

As we awake the Snow Goose will continue its journey west toward The ABC island group (Baranof, Admiralty, and Chichagof).  Searching for Humpback and Orca whales, we will take a break and anchor in Warm Springs Bay.  Home to hot pools and Alaska Whale Foundation, guests will have the opportunity to soak in the natural hot pools and have chance to stretch our legs.

Departing Warm Springs we continue our journey toward the confluence of waters of Chatham Strait and Icy Strait.  As the exploration travels northward small changes occur with the landscape as we get nearer to Glacier Bay.  Entering Glacier Bay is like a trip back in time. Old growth forests give way to bare rock as we make our way back into the upper reaches of the bay. Here, the tidewater glaciers still rumble and roar as they make their slow retreat back, dropping huge icebergs into the sea. Magnificent granite cliffs tower above our small ship as we wind our way up the fjord through the ice floes towards the faces of these massive glaciers. Along the way, our expert naturalist and guide will point out the finer points of plant succession, glaciation, local geology, and the interconnectedness of the animals that call this area home. The biodiversity of this place is simply amazing.

After spending time in the rich waters of Glacier Bay, our voyage will exit the “bay” and transit east in Icy Straits to Lynn Canal.  An area frequented by transient Orca and local humpbacks, we will watch for blows as we make our way toward the Capitol of Alaska.  Guests will debark and have a chance to explore the largest Alaska City in SE.