Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell & the Misty Fjords

Description

Exploring the southern regions of Southeast Alaska on our expedition is an unrivalled experience. Navigate narrow channels like Behm and Blake, Walker Cove in Misty Fjords, Eastern Passage, and Wrangell Narrows. Lower Zodiacs to explore places like Hole in the Wall State Marine Park on Prince of Wales Island and drop kayaks and paddleboards into salmon-studded waters to trace the rugged, wildlife-rich shorelines of Kupreanof and Kuiu Islands.

Trip Name

Wild Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell & the Misty Fjords

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 52 metres Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins) Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015 Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships. - The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market. - The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored. - Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. - Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Juneau / Embark

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Just north sits the Juneau Icefield, one of the world's largest non-polar masses and source of many glaciers. Transfer to downtown Juneau to visit the Alaska State Museum or explore the area before embarking our ship. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2: LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm

Today we explore the LeConte Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska and the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Icebergs regularly break off from the glacier face, getting caught in this shallow moraine and along the shoreline. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor. Our experienced captain will read the ice and bring us as close as possible to the glacier, where we’ll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - 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 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 as you learn about the rainforest ecosystem from our naturalists. Fix your binoculars on the banks to spot Sitka black-tailed deer and moose as well as black bears, wolves, and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - 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 excursion up the Stikine River or explore town, including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and the Petroglyph Beach, home to the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. This afternoon we cruise Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell island where other ships rarely venture. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 6: Ketchikan / Disembark

Arrive in Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, spread at the base of forested 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. (B)

Day 7 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Leave the ship every day with active options for exploring Alaska's wildness up close
Venture by Zodiac into a fjord choked with blue ice from Leconte or Baird Glacier and walk along the shoreline among the ice sculptures stranded on the beach
Sail Behm Canal into Misty Fjords National Monument in search of humpbacks, killer whales and sea lions, then hike the moss-draped cedar and Sitka spruce forest of nearby islands
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
Whale-watch daily from the bow, keeping eyes peeled for orcas on the hunt
Explore Ketchikan’s local port with its vast fleet and thriving commercial fishery