Reserve Your Vacation Home

Discover wilderness on the grandest scale. Ice-capped mountains are the backdrop for a network of fjords carved by glaciers. The world’s largest temperate rainforest blankets hundreds of islands that dot the Inside Passage, the sheltered saltwater between the open Pacific and the Coast Range. Bears, whales, seals and eagles dominate these environs, where human presence is slight. The Safari Explorer, a luxurious private yacht, meanders through the Tongass National Forest—the largest in the United States. On your way to view massive glaciers, enter some of the world’s deepest fjords to hike, kayak and explore the natural wonders of this stunning landscape.

Your fabulous Alaska Adventure includes luxury accommodation, activities and transfers as well as the services of two Natural Habitat Adventures Expedition Leaders and a 15 member crew.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Juneau
Upon arrival, you’ll be met at baggage claim by local guides and transferred to the Safari Explorer, docked in downtown Juneau.

Upon boarding, the captain and crew of the Safari Explorer welcome you aboard with smiles and champagne. Begin cruising the scenic channels of the Inside Passage while relaxing with hors d’oeuvres and favorite cocktails and getting to know new shipmates. Anchor in a secluded wilderness bay for dinner, fine wine and pristine scenery.

Days 2 – 3: Glacier Bay National Park
Explore and marvel at Glacier Bay National Park for the next two days. Cruise close by the shoreline of South Marble Island and linger to find the many species of birds that call this area home, scanning the water and the island for brightly colored puffins.

Enjoy virtual isolation inside Glacier Bay National Park at anchor in a hidden cove after larger vessels have exited the bay. Hike or kayak or tour via shore boat if conditions permit. After searching for wildlife along the shores, stop at the Park Service’s Headquarters at Bartlett Cove just inside the park boundaries for a hike through the rainforest. Anchor for the evening outside Glacier Bay.

Day 3: Icy Strait Whale Watching and Waterfalls
Set course for arguably the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the captain on the bridge or Natural Habitat Adventures Expedition Leaders and the ship’s naturalists out on deck in search of marine mammals. The more adventurous may choose to ride in skiffs for a closer inspection of the remote coastline known for its many eye-grabbing waterfalls. Watch the shoreline for bear sightings.

Anchor for the evening in a remote shelter, and lower the kayaks and skiffs, keeping eyes open for sea otters and bears nearby. Enjoy another delectable dinner on board. Afterwards, relax on deck or in the hot tub before calling it a day.

Day 4: Frederick Sound – Home of Humpback Whales
The feeding grounds of Frederick Sound offer an excellent chance to view humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Linger with whales as they appear on the horizon or nearby – possibly within a hundred yards or so as the captain cuts the engines. Later, tour the quaint town of Petersburg, which is bathed in Norwegian history. Take a stroll through the streets to reveal Scandinavian influences on just about every corner. Enjoy a performance by the Leikarring Dancers to highlight this detour to Little Norway. Optional tours (at additional cost) include floatplane flights over dramatic ice-choked LeConte Bay and over the top of the glacier itself or charter fishing out of Petersberg.

Day 5: Thomas Bay & Scenery Cove
Thomas Bay offers some of the finest hiking and small boat exploration in Southeast Alaska. Take a walk or longer hike along the stunning Cascade Creek Trail. Enjoy a unique opportunity to walk on the spongy surface below Baird Glacier and then right onto the lower outstretches of its glacial arms. Choose to kayak through the calm and beckoning waters of Scenery Cove or try stand-up paddle boarding. Those desiring an exclusive venture into the remote wilderness may hike to Patterson Lake then climb into kayaks and paddle to the face of Patterson Glacier.

Day 6: Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier & Ford’s Terror
Alaska has more designated Wilderness Areas than any state in the nation. Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area, a pristine tidal inlet and fjord buffered by the 5,000-foot coastal mountains just to the east, is one of them. Cruise slowly more than 30 miles through the rugged ice-covered mountain range and into the ice-filled inlet of Endicott Arm and Ford’s Terror to view a glacier that actively calves icebergs into the fjord.

Day 7: Return to Juneau, Choice of Helicopter Adventure Experiences
Cruise the final leg of the journey while enjoying a delicious breakfast before returning to historic Juneau. The day brings a choice of thrilling adventures:

Alaska Heli Mush Dogsledding Adventure
Families of all ages will enjoy this heli dogsledding adventure. The only way into the remote camp is by helicopter. Be greeted by friendly “mushers” and by 200 sled dogs barking in anticipation of going down the trail. Enjoy the dogsledding adventure of a lifetime on the glacier before returning to Juneau on a scenic helicopter flight.

Heli Fly-Fishing
Enjoy approximately 30 – 45 minutes of flight time in an A-Star helicopter on the way to this remote fly-fishing site. Take part in some of the world’s best fly-fishing with the stunning scenery of Alaska as the backdrop.

Heli Glacier Hiking on the Juneau Icefield
This glacier hiking trek includes approximately 30 minutes of flight time in an A-Star helicopter. On the way, the breathtaking views of the enormous Juneau Icefield and the surrounding untouched wilderness are awe-inspiring. The knowledgeable pilot will point out highlights, such as the rare and unique opportunity to clearly view the diverse landscape of ocean, temperate rainforest and ice all in one glance.

After a full day of adventure in and around Juneau, return to the Safari Explorer to toast the voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a slideshow of the adventure.

Day 8: Disembark Juneau
Gather for a final breakfast this morning before disembarkation at the dock. A transfer is provided to your hotel or to the Juneau airport for return flights home.