Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Trip Details
Gear List
Deck Plans

Highlights

Trip Dates:

2008

May 10–17 Sold out
May 11–18 Sold out
May 17–24 Sold out
May 18–25 Sold out
May 24–31 Sold out
May 25 – Jun 1 Sold out
May 31 – Jun 7 Sold out
Jun 1–8 Sold out
Jun 7–14 Sold out
Jun 8–15 Sold out
Jun 14–21 Sold out
Jun 15–22 Sold out
Jun 21–28 Sold out
Jun 22–29 Sold out
Jun 28 – Jul 5 Sold out
Jun 29 – Jul 6 Sold out
Jul 5–12 Sold out
Jul 6–13 Sold out
Jul 12–19 Sold out
Jul 13–20 Sold out
Jul 19–26 Sold out
Jul 20–27 Sold out
Jul 26 – Aug 2 Sold out
Jul 27 – Aug 3 Sold out
Aug 2–9 Sold out
Aug 9–16 Sold out
Aug 16–23 Sold out
Aug 17–24 Sold out
Aug 23–30 Sold out
Aug 24–31 Sold out
Aug 30 – Sep 6 Sold out
Aug 31 – Sep 7

Price:

2008
Cabins: from $4990 (per person based on double occupancy)
Sole occupancy: from $7480

Additional Fees:

Airfare to start point

Total Days: 8

Group Size: 62 passengers

Activity Level:

Activities:

Wildlife viewing
Kayaking
Hiking

Accommodations:

All 31 cruise cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

The waters off Alaska’s coast are among the best for whale watching, with good chances of finding humpback and orca whales. Kayak, beachcomb and explore forest trails under the guidance of expert Naturalists. You may also join an optional land extension to Denali National Park.

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness Itinerary:

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Day 1 Juneau, Alaska - Embark Ship
Your Inside Passage Voyage begins with a morning flight to Juneau, Alaska's state capital. You'll visit the imposing Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaska State Museum, an excellent introduction to Alaska's natural history and cultures. There is time to explore Juneau on your own before we board the expedition ship for your Alaska cruise in the late afternoon.
Day 2 Tracy Arm
Today you'll enter Tracy Arm, a spectacular 22-mile-long fjord, with many waterfalls cascading from its high, glacially carved walls. The captain will maneuver among large icebergs, keeping an eye on the shoreline, where you can sometimes find black bears feeding, and watching the steep granite cliffs high above, where mountain goats may be spotted.
Day 3 Petersburg
Today you'll visit the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Petersburg was founded more than 100 years ago by rugged Norwegian fishermen, and this heritage is evident today in the attractive rosemaling (traditional painting in floral designs) that decorates the tidy homes and store fronts. A visit to friendly Petersburg provides some insight into the character of a true Alaskan town - isolated, with an obvious spirit of community and self-sufficiency. There is an opportunity for an optional flightseeing trip via floatplane or helicopter over nearby Le Conte Glacier (weather permitting), and for hikes on forest trails. Later today, you'll cruise out into the south part of Frederick Sound to look for whales, or to explore the mouth of Le Conte Bay, which is often a virtual sculpture garden of grounded icebergs.
Day 4 Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
These waters are often good for whale watching - humpbacks and orcas. You might also find Steller's sea lions hauled out on one of the small rocky islands that dot the channels. During the day, you can go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail accompanied by naturalists, or perhaps go kayaking.
Day 5 Glacier Bay National Park
Spend the entire day in magnificent Glacier Bay, where you'll see the enormous glaciers that flow from the ice fields far above. Some of these end abruptly at the water's edge, and you can watch and hear them calving as tons of ice crash into the sea. Venture near islets that are home to unusual seabirds such as puffins and guillemots, and watch for humpback whales and orcas; then go ashore to walk among towering spruce trees.
Day 6 Point Adolphus and Inian Pass
The waters just off Point Adolphus are consistently one of the favored summer feeding areas for humpback whales. Spend the morning whale watching and then cruise along the intricate northern coastline, where you might find playful sea otters. If weather permits, there will be a barbecue lunch ashore.
Day 7 Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. Perhaps a stop at an isolated beach, where the tidepooling and beachcombing are good and there are forest trails to walk. Or, some small ship cruising along the shoreline of Admiralty Island, where the massive brown (grizzly) bear is found, along with the highest density of nesting bald eagles in the world. And if conditions permit, kayaking!
Day 8 Sitka - Disembark Ship - Seattle
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka, a unique town with a strong Russian heritage. Visit Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park, where totem poles line quiet wooded trails. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flights home or to Anchorage to start your nest adventure with Alaska Wildland Adventures.

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness Itinerary:

+ Show Details

Day 1 Juneau, Alaska - Embark Ship
Day 2 Tracy Arm
Day 3 Petersburg
Day 4 Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait
Day 5 Glacier Bay National Park
Day 6 Point Adolphus and Inian Pass
Day 7 Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords
Day 8 Sitka - Disembark Ship - Seattle

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Cruise Cost Includes:

Accommodations aboard ship, meals indicated, all shore excursions and sightseeing, use of kayaks, entrance fees, group transfers as indicated in itinerary, tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges, services of Lindblad Expeditions' natural history staff.

Not Included:

Air transportation, optional extension, flightseeing, individual transfers, meals in Juneau, gratuities to cruise staff, insurance of any kind, baggage charges, alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature. Tips to ship's crew at your discretion.

Qualifications:

This is rated as an Easy Active [2] adventure cruise; excursions include kayaking, beach and forest hikes, which average about 3 - 4 hours of activity most days. Beginners are welcome. A kayaking orientation is held aboard ship the first day of the cruise.

Weather:

This area of rain forests is characterized by cool, moist days with overcast skies. In the summer, the Inside Passage enjoys mild weather. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-60s, and into the 80s on clear, sunny days. Some rain is common on all departures.

Naturalists on board:

All of the expeditions set out with a generous complement of Naturalists aboard, under the direction of an experienced Expedition Leader (EL). The most senior ELs have led many Alaskan expeditions. They and their handpicked teams of Naturalists know the terrain and share its secrets with you, including specific landfalls that few, if any, passengers on any cruise will ever see. You travel with and learn from a team of geologists, zoologists, marine biologists and botanists, who are among the best in their field. And each team includes people who are specially trained in sharing their knowledge with young people of all ages.

Reservations:

An advance payment of approximately 10% of your voyage cost is required at the time of reservation to confirm your place; payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.

Final Payment:

For trips eight nights or less, final payment is due 70 days prior to departure. For trips nine nights or more, final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
90 or more days	$150*
89-60 days	Advance payment cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund
For Expeditions 9 Nights or More
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days	$150*
119-90 days	Advance payment cost
89-60 days	25% of trip cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund

*Note: You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate.
This policy is in accordance with the cruise company and REI Adventures’ standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

The key to staying comfortable on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary. This will help you and the field staff. Emphasis should be based on comfort because the dress code is informal and casual.

Weather

Summer weather in The Inside Passage is typically mild, with temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s. On sunny summer days the temperature may soar into the 80s, but you should still be prepared for cooler weather, light rain, mist or clouds. When the boat is underway there is a breeze on deck. Summer days are long in Alaska: May has an average of 16:47 hours of daylight; June has 18:15; July - 17:36; August - 15:25 and September has 12:51 daylight hours.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear

Kayak (2 person, enclosed cockpit)

Paddle, spray skirt, life vest

Official Papers

Airline tickets

Cruise ticket and other vouchers

Luggage

Duffel bag or soft suitcase

Luggage tags and luggage locks

Footwear

Lightweight hiking boots (optional)

Comfortable walking shoes

Waterproof boots with a strong non-skid soles (or traditional English Wellington calf-high rubber boots)

Outerwear

Rain jacket(s) and rain pants, waterproof, breathable material (see “Hints” section on the back side)

Midweight wool or fleece pants

Wool or fleece jacket/pullover

Clothing

Wool or fleece sweater

Thermal underwear top and bottom

Wool or synthetic socks

Clothing Accessories

Sun hat

Rain hat

Wool or fleece hat

Wool or fleece gloves

Paddling gloves or fleece liner w/shell

Travel Accessories

Binoculars (highly recommended)

Camera equipment, film and/or spare batteries

Sunglasses with retainer strap

Sun screen and lip protection with high SPF

Water bottle

Insect repellent

Personal toiletries / medications

Optional Accessories

Small dry bag for camera gear

Waterproof disposable camera

Ear plugs / eye shades

Watch with alarm or travel alarm

Folding umbrella for use in towns

Motion sickness remedies

Things to Consider

Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. We also recommend packing your camera and all film in your carry-on bag.
If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
Good raingear is essential on this trip! Your raingear should be able to repel a full day of rain without leaking. It should have taped seams and preferably an attached hood. We recommend bringing two jackets: A waterproof, non-breathable jacket with attached hood for use aboard the ship or on the zodiak, and a waterproof, breathable jacket with attached hood for use while kayaking or other physical activities.
A dry bag is highly recommended to keep your gear dry while kayaking (or hiking in the rain). Dry bags can be affixed to the top of your kayak.
Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wools or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) is also happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness