Hidden Glacier Bay

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The ultimate way to experience the wilderness wonders of Glacier Bay is from a small, private expedition vessel. Aboard the 12-passenger, 97-foot M/V Sea Wolf, we’ll feel as if we have Glacier Bay to ourselves as we anchor in hidden coves, walk on massive tidewater glaciers, and kayak through pristine turquoise waters. The wildlife is as spectacular as the scenery, with Steller sea lions congregating on rocky islands, harbor porpoises feeding along the shores, and bald eagles peering down at us from giant spruce snags at water’s edge. Our Trip Leaders bring the natural history of this epic landscape to life, and each evening we relax in the cozy warmth of our historic ship, wildlife watching from the deck during the long Alaskan twilight.

Day 1
Gustavus / Reid Glacier

Embarking from Bartlett Cove, we cruise up the bay to Reid Glacier, where we kayak ashore to hike onto the ice and learn about ice worms and the ebb and flow of glaciers.

Day 2
Lamplough Glacier / Johns Hopkins Inlet / Margerie Glacier

We hike alongside Lamplough Glacier for a bird’s-eye view of the top of a glacier. Back on board, we enjoy views of Johns Hopkins Inlet, edged by nine spectacular glaciers. Once inside Tarr Inlet, where the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers pour into the water, we paddle below a sheer cliff with a kittiwake and puffin rookery, and in front of Margerie Glacier to watch an active, calving glacier from a safe distance.

Day 3
Tidal Inlet / North Sandy Cove

At Tidal Inlet, we enjoy a beautiful paddle past craggy bluffs, forested hillsides, and shimmering waterfalls cascading about us. Later, we explore North Sandy Cove, a rich ecosystem with a plentiful marine environment, where we may see whales, sea lions, porpoises, and seals feeding as we kayak around the shores.

Day 4
Dundas Bay

With its many islands and calm shoals, rarely visited Dundas Bay is an exquisite spot. Wildlife here includes sea and river otters, marmots, and moose. Birdlife abounds, from eagles to cormorants to cranes. After a stroll on the beach, we enjoy a leisurely kayak excursion, scanning the shores for moose as we paddle past flower-strewn meadows.

Days 5-6
Inner Dundas Bay / Whale Watching

In inner Dundas Bay, we explore by skiff, then walk through Sitka spruce to a mature muskeg bog with orchids, insect-eating sundews, stunted spruce, hemlock, marsh marigolds, and violets. After a morning of whale watching, we disembark and depart via Gustavus on Day 6.

The M/V Sea Wolf

The historic expedition ship M/V Sea Wolf, owned and operated by Kimber Owen, is a beautifully maintained ocean-going vessel, absolutely perfect for exploring the most remote reaches of Glacier Bay in comfort. The M/V Sea Wolf caters to just 12 guests with six double staterooms, all with private baths. At 97 feet in length, she is intimate in size yet large enough for you to slip away for private time. Guest areas include a main viewing salon, covered aft viewing deck, and covered side deck. And of course, with the open bridge policy, guests are always welcome to come up on the bridge to watch navigation. We enjoy the use of six double kayaks, plus a 21-foot inflatable skiff.

Taking full advantage of Alaska’s bounty, our meals are prepared simply but are definitely delicious, created around fresh-caught fish including salmon, Dungeness crab, and halibut. Breakfasts are simple, with a variety of fresh baked pastries, homemade cereals, fresh fruits and a hot delicacy. Lunches include halibut tacos, unique sandwiches, and chunky chowders.

Deck Plan

Note: The hotels and lodges listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.