2007 - 2008 Glacier Bay Alaska Sea Kayaking
and Exploration Trips

Between Asia and North America, isolated by oceans and immense distances, rivaling Europe in its scale, complete with its own flora, fauna, and unique personalities, it's not difficult to think of Alaska as an eighth continent, the lost continent of North America; a world we've never known, alive with animals, mythical in its proportions and the architecture of its landscape. As the bumper stickers in Juneau say, "After you've seen Alaska, everything else looks like Texas."

Sea kayaks permit a unique intimacy with the sea. Only a kayak will take you silently slipping in and out of the numberless bays, bights, and crannies of the southeastern Alaska coast, where barnacles feed, sea otters float on their backs cracking mussels, seals sun themselves on icebergs, and whales breach between the islands. Here the architecture of the Ice Age, sprawling down from 13,000-foot summits lost in cloud and earth alike recedes to let the sea rush in where killer whales, with their six-foot dorsal fins, gather around a kayak and lead it for miles.

This sea kayak adventure explores the entire length of Glacier Bay National Park's tranquil East Arm, including several days spent intimately experiencing famous Muir Inlet with its gorgeous McBride and Riggs Glaciers.

It is our most comprehensive paddling trip. In just one week we can observe the complete ecological process from densely vegetated lush rainforest to newly exposed rock. Paddling between huge icebergs in front of a towering glacier face is an unforgettable experience. It's the best way to see Glacier Bay! We will also fly over the Bay in a floatplane, which gives us a bird's eye view of this World Heritage site.

When we aren't paddling, there will be opportunities to beachcomb, hike, and observe and photograph birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife. We hope to see both black and brown (grizzly) bears. We'll move camp most days, although we may be able to spend two nights at one location to permit a full day of rest and relaxation, or an optional hike. Explorations on foot give us another wondrous view of this elaborate ecosystem. This is one of our most popular and active trips where expectations are exceeded and abilities are pushed. Begins and ends in Gustavus.

Itinerary: Glacier Bay Expedition
Day 1: We will pick you up from the Gustavus airport and go to our cozy, quiet inn. Borrow a bike, go for a walk, or just relax in this rural setting. We will gather for a delicious Alaskan dinner and attend the pre-trip meeting held at the inn.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we head to Glacier Bay. We begin at Bartlett Cove, headquarters for Glacier Bay National Park. By the afternoon you will be comfortable at sea kayaking and able to fully observe the splendid beauty of the Park. Paddling along the Beardslee Islands we often see humpback whales feeding. In the evening we will set up camp on the beach and feast on the first of many delicious meals.
Days 3-7: Depending on the group's desires, weather, and tides, we plan our itinerary from day to day, covering a total of 60-70 miles. This is an ambitious journey, and we ask that guests be in good physical condition. We have time for explorations and short hikes, and we will be able to stop and stretch our legs frequently. Wildlife sightings will cause us to stop and enjoy their company. But we will have some long paddling days because of the distance we need to travel.
Day 8: Following a morning hike or paddle, we return to Gustavus by boat in time for the afternoon jet to Juneau.

Our trip will begin by flying into Juneau then Gustavus/Glacier Bay where we will begin our adventure. Call or e-mail us for a brochure complete with itinerary.

Prerequisites: Wilderness travel experience, no prior kayaking experience needed
Group size: 8 participants maximum; 4 participants minimum
Primary Activities: Sea kayaking, tide chart reading, water safety, leadership skills, group trust and initiatives, wilderness travel skills, map and compass, and minimum impact camping skills
Additional Activities: Group dynamics, geology, history, and ecology
Trip Dates: See below
Length: 8 days 7 nights
Cost: $2645 (includes: kayak rentals, meals, and ferry passage. Round-trip airfare from Phoenix not included)