Wild Alaska Escape: Ketchikan to Juneau

Day 1:Ketchikan / Embark Ship

Arrive in Ketchikan, the southeasternmost 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 its colorful buildings and abundant fishing boats and canneries. Visit the Totem Heritage Center to view a unique collection of 19th-century Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles from abandoned villages around Ketchikan before embarking the National Geographic Sea Lion.

Day 2: Behm Canal / 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 expedition landing craft and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

Day 3: Wrangell

Drop anchor at the remote town of Wrangell, situated on the northern tip of Wrangell Island. The indigenous Tlingit people have made their home on this island for thousands of years. In the 19th century, Russian fur traders established one of the oldest non-native settlements in Alaska at the site of present-day Wrangell. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, including a visit to a tribal house and a beach famous for native petroglyphs, or set out on an optional jet boat excursion up the Stikine River.

Day 4: 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 expedition landing craft and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams as you learn about the rain forest 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.

Day 5: LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm

Today we explore either LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm. These areas feature some of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from glaciers, getting caught in shallow moraines and along the shorelines as they float out of the bay. Our experienced captain will evaluate the underwater moraine outside of LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm, where we'll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from our certified photo instructor.

Day 6: Juneau

Disembark in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, spread out on the banks of the Gastineau Channel at the base of Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. Transfer to downtown Juneau and visit the Alaska State Museum to learn about the history and culture of this incredible region of the world, then transfer to the airport for flights home.

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages on board
• Cappuccinos, lattes and filtered water
• 24-hour coffee, tea and soda on demand
• Hors d'oeurves and snacks during recap
• Guidance of the experienced expedition staff
• Park fees and port taxes
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak explorations
• Presentations

• International and internal airfares
• Travel Protection Plan
• Passport, visa and immigration fees
• Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Laundry, internet and telephone
• Gift shop items and any other items of a personal nature