Alaska

14-Day Ultimate Alaska: Peninsula Wildlife Reserve to Glacier Bay

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Anchorage
Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and overnight in Anchorage, as you will be starting early tomorrow morning. Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn or similar.

Day 2 – Scenic 500 Mile Flight – Anchorage / Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuge, Ocean River Jet-Boat Wildlife Excursion, Ancient Native Village Ruins
Your tour begins with an early departure from Anchorage's Merrill Field for a scenic flight over Cook Inlet, named for its discoverer, Captain James Cook, and across the majestic Alaska Mountain Range through Lake Clark and Katmai National Parks and passing the volcano-studded Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuge to our remote lodge. Glacier-shrouded volcanos tower more than 10,000 feet above sea level along our route and can often be seen billowing sulfuric steam from their calderas. As your flight nears the lodge, watch for wildlife along the streams. After touching down on the lodge’s private runway, you will meet the lodge staff and check into your cabin with time to unpack before lunch and afternoon activities.

Afternoon: Artesian Waters, Local Flora and Fauna with our River Guides.

Jet Boat to the waterfalls and artesian source of the Ocean River, Alaska’s largest artesian sport fishing river, flowing from ancient lava tubes beneath Mt. Veniaminof, the Peninsula’s largest glacier-shrouded volcano, towering 8,000 feet on our eastern horizon. Look for wildlife, colorful wildflowers, spawning salmon and abundant bird life.

Ancient Native Village Site: with River Guides and Local Village Historian.

Visit the site of an ancient civilization recently discovered near our lodge, dating back 4,000 years. Because of its perpetually clear drinking water and abundance of delicious salmon, trout, and char, this site was once home to many native Alaskans and shows evidence of nearly 400 prehistoric dwellings near the confluence of Ocean River and Wildman Creek. Walk with our guides on the same paths as the Alutiiq hunter/gatherers.

Day 3-8 – Choose from Alaska’s Best Wildlife Photo Safaris:
We keep our itinerary flexible, so we can take advantage of the best weather and wildlife-viewing opportunities during your stay. To minimize our impact on wildlife and best utilize our facilities, aircraft and boats, each activity has a maximum capacity, listed below.

Walrus & Wildlife Fly-Out: With Bush Pilots and Master Guides.

You will fly in specially equipped bush planes with extra-large "Tundra Tires" so we can safely land you right on the black volcanic sand beach, within walking distance of Alaska's most rare and unique wildlife spectacle. Pacific Walrus haul out on the beach below sandstone bluffs which also serves as a nesting rookery for kittiwakes, cormorants, various raptors and numerous sea and shore birds. Take as much time as you like viewing and photographing while your guide explains the lives of the walrus. Seals and rare Steller's sea lions bask on the rocks; and bald eagles, falcons, puffins, occasional whales and numerous other unique species are commonly sighted. We often see fox or wolves on the beach as well! 8 person maximum

Brown Bear & Wildlife Jet-Boat Tour: with River Guides and Naturalists.

Explore the Ocean River and Ilnik River systems with our long time river guides, each with years of experience on this river and around Alaska's bears and wildlife. We use quiet, fuel efficient 4-Stroke jet-boats to minimize the impact of our presence on the river. You will depart the lodge after an early breakfast, searching for wildlife and stopping at each viewing opportunity for photos and to learn about the different species that make their home on the Alaska Peninsula's vast coastal plain. Wildlife that we’ll target for today’s photo-safari are wild Alaska Brown Bear fishing for spawning salmon, however, we normally also encounter Barren Ground Caribou, Red Fox, Wolves, Mink and River Otter. Whether you are into birds, incredible game or magnificent scenery, you will want to keep your camera handy because each bend of the river could present you with the photo opportunity of a lifetime. We plan a salmon bake and bit of beach combing along the black sand Bering Sea coast where you never know what will wash up and may even find a rare antique, glass fishing float, used by oriental gill netters. 8 persons maximum

Air-lift Coastal Brown (Grizzly) Bear & Wildlife Safari with Bush Pilots and Guides.

The Alaska Peninsula beaches are a smorgasbord for brown (Grizzly) bears, fox, wolves, wolverine and many raptors, all looking for an easy meal to wash up. This provides a unique opportunity for our lodge bush pilots to position adventurous wildlife viewers and photographs in close proximity to these feasting predators. With hundreds of miles of coastline as our back yard, we have a very high success rate finding rare wildlife as well as witnessing hunting, foraging, territorial conflict, nurturing of babies and other unique wildlife behaviors that make for a truly once in a lifetime wildlife encounters! 4 to 6 persons

“Fire & Ice” Upland Wildlife, Glacier & Volcano with Wildman Pilots and Guides.

After breakfast, depart the lodge with our pilot/guides for an all-day adventure to include flightseeing, hiking, wildlife viewing and photography. Our lodge sits at the base of Mt. Veniaminof, the largest active volcano on the Alaska Peninsula. We are also just 70 air miles from the Aniakchak Crater with its deep 6-mile diameter caldera. We have a number of options for this tour, but getting up close and personal with the volcano depends on the weather and how active the mountain appears that day. We’ll also land at an upland location for wildlife viewing which may include: moose, caribou, brown bear, wolf dens or beaver dams where these critters are most active during the wee hours of the morning and waning hours of the day. We plan a short hike to knock off a chunk of glacier ice to bring home for Muktuk hour and a picnic style lunch. 4 to 8 persons

Wild Planet Exclusive!

Ilnik River Cabin Overnight Wolves & Wildlife Adventure - with River Guides and Naturalists. Select your days so everyone can get a stay. Our pilots will fly you and your guide to the remote Bering Sea beach, near the outlet of the Ilnik River, where we own a very comfortable two-bedroom cabin with kitchen & dining, six bunks and cozy wood stove. Spacious windows provide a panoramic view of an active river confluence. We keep two jet-boats here for use on this river expedition. This two day / one night excursion provides a unique opportunity to view and photograph several species of marine and coastal species. By jet-boat from our Ilnik Cabin, we have access to abundant waterfowl habitat where we find Sandhill Crane, the Alaska tundra swan and rare Emperor Goose as well as numerous species of sea and puddle ducks. Salmon are abundant in the river and attract brown bear, as well as both harbor and spotted seal up the river and into Ilnik Lake, providing excellent opportunities to photograph them out of the water, basking on the numerous sandbars. Barren Ground caribou enjoy the bug free breeze on the open coast, and this attracts the Wolves. There are usually wolf dens within walking distance of the river, where Red Fox, beaver and river otter are often seen as well. On the beach side we often spot whales close to shore, as well as playful seals and the occasional Stellar Sea Lion, an endangered species. There is a lot to see and two drainages to explore, so this makes an excellent overnight adventure! Overnight Capacity is limited to 4 to 6 persons

Day 9 – Tundra Trek / Scenic Return Flight to Anchorage
Stretch your legs and walk off your big breakfast on a one-hour walk along our tundra, birding and wildflower loop. This will be your last chance to walk on Aleutian Tundra where along the river you will see the spawning salmon and typically brown bear feeding in the clear artesian waters near our Lodge. Your flight will depart for Anchorage at about 11:00 a.m. Upon boarding our speedy twin engine aircraft for the scenic flight back to civilization, be sure to set your watch ahead one hour and prepare yourself to rejoin the human race and the crazy world you managed to escape during your stay with us.

Arrive Anchorage and transfer from Merrill Field to Anchorage Airport in time for your flight to Juneau.

Arrive Juneau and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight Baranoff or Similar. Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 10 - Scenic Flight, Exclusive Wild Grizzly Bear Viewing / Gustavus
Admiralty, Chichagof and the islands of Tongass National Forest are one of Alaska’s premiere areas to see grizzly bears feasting on wild salmon. A breathtaking scenic flight brings us to this ideal habitat that is home to one of the densest populations of grizzly bears in the world. We take just 3-6 people (although we can accommodate up to 10 in 2 groups) to observe these amazing animals forage, graze and chase wild salmon. You’ll see the bears in their natural habitat and without crowds of people. Because human visitation is limited, particularly during the salmon runs, we ensure that the bears’ needs come first. We’re typically on the ground for about 3.5 hours. While July – August is the peak of bear activity, bear activity can be excellent in May, June and September as well. Return to Juneau in time for your flight to Gustavus. Once you are settled, you will have free time to enjoy Glacier Bay Lodge, the only hotel in Glacier Bay National Park. Dinner on your own.

Day 11 - Gustavus Glacier Bay National Park Day Boat Tour / Juneau
Today, we will have an early start as we board the Glacier Bay Day Boat and sail 130 miles through the illustrious and jaw-dropping Glacier Bay National Park. This 7-hour tour will take you on a journey through land- and seascapes rich with wildlife, sailing through a waterway that was under a river of ice only 250 years ago. A National Park Ranger will provide informational commentary throughout the tour. We will sail very close to an isolated island to observe seabirds and marine mammals. Tufted and Horned Puffins and the Common Murre nest here, alongside Pelagic Cormorants and Black-legged Kittiwakes. The area is also the best place to see Steller Sea Lions, as their feeding grounds are close! We will enjoy lunch amidst the icebergs from the tidewater glaciers ahead. After lunch, you will be able to get closer to the river of ice hundreds of feet thick and nearly a mile wide. This will be our chance to see and hear the ice calving into the water – something you will remember for years to come! Upon arrival back to Gustavus, we will board a plane to return to Juneau and transfer to your hotel. Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 12 - Juneau/ Haines – Morning Specialty Whale Watching, Afternoon Catamaran Ferry to Haines with Wildlife Viewing Enroute
We will start the day by looking for humpback whales in a small 6 person boat specializing in a personalized experiences on a 3 hour tour through the abundant coastal waters surrounding Juneau. In the afternoon, we will board a catamaran to the coastal fishing town of Haines. We will pass Eldred Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed entities in Alaska, as we keep eyes out for sea lions, seals, bald eagles, Dall porpoises, humpback whales, orcas, and more! Upon our arrival in Haines, we will transfer you to your hotel. You will be at your leisure for the rest of the evening. Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 13 - Haines – Chilkat River Float & Bald Eagle Preserve, Chilkoot River Corridor & Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Drive/Float
We begin our day with a float through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. We will enjoy a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the Chilkat Valley with great photo opportunities for eagles and other wildlife amidst the grandeur of glaciated snow-capped peaks. We will spend 2 ½ to 3 hours on the water before returning to Haines. After your float, we will head back to downtown Haines, where you will enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon. Check out the beaches, wander the local museums, or check out the local brewery, cafes, and restaurants, or take a nap. After meals and a short rest, we will take a drive to the Lutak Inlet and the Chilkoot River Valley. The Chilkoot River corridor offers incredible wildlife viewing: brown bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are all commons sights. Once at the lake, we will board our outboard (motorized) canoes and explore the serenity of Chilkoot Lake. We will discover the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams, and numerous waterfalls that spill from the mountains into this pristine lake. After your float, we will head back to downtown Haines, where you will enjoy free time for the rest of the evening. Check out the local brewery and restaurants. Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 14 - Haines / Juneau – Scenic Flight to Juneau, Lynn Canal, Davidson Glacier
Scenic flight on Alaska Seaplanes to Juneau down the Lynn Canal offering breathtaking views of the Davidson Glacier. Arrive at Juneau airport and connect onward or overnight at additional cost. Included: Breakfast

*Note: In the event of inclement weather affecting the scenic flight, return will be substituted by ferry at same cost, however, the ferry returns to Juneau at 9:30pm which can impact return flights. It is therefore recommended that you overnight in Juneau. We can arrange this for you upon request.

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*Optional Additional Day, adds $500/person to trip cost: Gustavus Sea Kayaking at Point Adolphus
The day begins with a water taxi ride from Gustavus to Point Adolphus. Once on shore, your guides will provide the essentials to paddle safely and efficiently in the beautiful Alaskan waters. We’ll continue to paddle and watch for whales until midday at which point we’ll return to shore for a gourmet lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll hit the water and have plenty of time to watch for whales, take photographs, and enjoy the true Alaskan wilderness! After a great day of paddling, we will head back on the vessel to Gustavus. Guides will transfer you back to the Glacier Bay Lodge.
Included: Breakfast and lunch
(Optional Day must be inserted between Days 10-11 above)