5-Day Sea Kayaking Exploration of Alaska’s Glacier Bay

John Muir came to Glacier Bay in 1879 and was so stunned by its epic beauty that immediately upon his return he began to secure wilderness protection for this spectacular region he called “unspeakably pure and sublime.” Come join us as we retrace the famous naturalist’s route, and observe how the dynamic world of the bay changes continuously as receding glaciers reveal new landscapes.

Glacier Bay’s fascinating geology, plentiful wildlife (including the endangered humpback whale), and breathtaking scenery of soaring mountains and gorgeous tidewater glaciers are the setting for an unforgettable wilderness experience. On this trip you’ll enjoy a relaxed exploration of Glacier Bay National Park’s scenic West Arm, including the pristine wilderness of Johns Hopkins Inlet. You’ll start with a charter boat trip across the lower bay, then after a drop-off on a remote glacial beach, spend the next few days kayaking and camping amidst awesome mountain scenery and stunning tidewater glaciers, and taking short hikes to observe some of the interesting geological and biological processes so evident in Glacier Bay. You’ll watch for wildlife on both land and sea, learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the bay, and see land recently unveiled by retreating ice thousands of years old. This is one of our most popular and active trips, where expectations are always exceeded.

Activities

4 days moderate sea kayaking, easy to moderate day hikes

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy leisurely sea kayaking and wilderness camping in Glacier Bay National Park's West Arm
• Experience magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife, including the endangered humpback whale
• Paddle around icebergs and hike to the face of awesome tidewater glaciers
• Perfect for those who want a true wilderness experience but are short on time!

2010 Prices
$1,995 + tax (7-10 members)
$2,195 + tax (3-6 members)
$180 internal airfare
$190 single supplement

Duration: 5 days Start Location: Juneau End Location: Juneau Best time to go: June - August

Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Juneau – Gustavus

  Meet in Juneau, Alaska, and fly to Gustavus. Overnight at a quiet cozy inn. Dinner and pre-trip meeting.

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  Day 2 : To Glacier Bay

  Board a boat for a spectacular ride into the West Arm of Glacier Bay National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the lush forests of Bartlett Cove behind and enter a land still under the influence of the Little Ice Age. We'll be dropped off in the remote upper West Arm, where we'll unload gear and have a kayak lesson.

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  Days 3 - 4 : West Arm, Glacier Bay

  Explore the pristine upper fjords of Glacier Bay by kayak and on foot. Keep your camera ready for dramatic scenery of awe-inspiring mountain peaks and calving glaciers (you'll listen to them thunder, crackle, and pop as huge icebergs topple into the sea!), and wildlife that may include brown bears, mountain goats, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and a variety of sea birds. A flexible itinerary allows for fabulous hikes and serene paddles. You may explore Reid, Lamplugh, and Johns Hopkins Glaciers, each with its own stunning beauty and personality.

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  Day 5 : Boat pick-up - Departure

  Following a morning hike or paddle, a charter boat transfer takes the group back to Gustavus. Fly to Juneau and depart.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
 

• Wade Panzich

  Wade Panzich, Alaska Discovery Kayak and River Guide: Wade has lived in Alaska for 7 years, 4 of these working for Alaska Discovery. During the fall, Wade travels the globe searching for the perfect wave. Winters are spent teaching snowboarding in Alaska. Spring and summer finds Wade kayaking and rafting beautiful southeast AK. He has also spent time on the water in the western U.S., Central and South America. All seasons he is an avid backpacker and an aspiring mountain man. Wade’s got some good stories to tell, from hitchhiking across the country to tropical subsistence living, a trip with him will never be dull.

• Maureen D'Armand

  Maureen D'Armand, Alaska Discovery Kayak & River Guide: It might be her childhood in Austria combined with her school years in Alaska that give Maureen her blend of sophistication, charm, and tremendous outdoor skills. She has traveled from pole to pole- from the Arctic to Antarctica. She is building a house in Haines, Alaska, but still lives in Juneau when she is not exploring the rest of the world. As for guiding, Maureen says, "I do not intend to stop anytime soon. My passion to explore is ever-growing."

• Solan Jensen

  Solan Jensen, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: A fourth generation Alaskan, Solan is at home in the Alaska wilderness. Solan has been hiking, skiing, and kayaking through this landscape longer than he can remember. Although he is a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of Alaska, he is just as likely to engage you in a philosophical discussion, pull you into his latest film project, or discuss music. With a degree in philosophy and his roots in muskeg, Solan is full of surprises. Currently, Solan spends his winters in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean reading, writing, teaching, and working with a number of non-profit organizations, but he plans on attending graduate school "just as soon as I read Hegel without skipping, or finally track down the sublime."

• Shelli Ogilvy

  Shelli Ogilvy, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: Shelli was born and raised in Alaska. She grew up in Gustavus with Glacier Bay as her backyard. She has been guiding for Alaska Discovery as a wilderness leader since 1997. She has a deep love for this place and ecosystem, finding peace and joy through sharing the experience of the wilderness. When not guiding, Shelli tries to find time to paint and work on her cabin. She currently spends her winters in New Mexico skiing and eating green chilies.

• Tom Schwartz

  Tom Schwartz started guiding canoe, skiing and sea kayak trips in Southeast Alaska in 1997 with a non-profit organization for youth in Juneau. He joined the Alaska Discovery team in 2003 guiding trips to Berner's Bay, Pack Creek and Glacier Bay. His experience as a fine dining chef has inspired him to create excellent food in amazing places. Keep an eye out for a wilderness cookbook!

• Keith Thompson

  Keith Thompson, Alaska Discovery Kayak Guide: Originally from Pennsylvania, Keith left a job in medical research to pursue his love for travel and the outdoors. He's been involved in a rock and ice climbing business, worked as a bike guide, and traveled extensively throughout North and Central America, and Southeast Asia. In 1999, his travels led him to Alaska where he fell in love with his surroundings. Keith writes, "I found the pristine Alaskan wilderness an inspiration and guiding a way of sharing and learning about this special place." (Bonus: Keith is also a massage therapist.)

• Jeff Sloss

  Jeff Sloss, Alaska Discovery Kayak, Canoe, & River Guide: Jeff has been a lead guide for Alaska Discovery for over 20 years. He has helped set the high standards of quality and commitment that makes us a great company. Whenever we think of exploring a new area we turn to Jeff to make it happen. In the winter, Jeff teaches skiing and snowboarding in Juneau, works on film projects, and helps raise his two daughters. Jeff is an active conservationist and has lobbied Congress to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Jeff carries a deep love for Alaska onto all of his trips. Jeff writes, "Among the high points of this career are experiencing some of the world's finest places, and meeting new people as well as enjoying the company of returning guests that share an appreciation of this Great Land."

photo credits: ©Keith Gunnar