ALASKA'S ULTIMATE EXPEDITION (GUIDED)
8 nights Departures from June to August Trip level: Moderate
Highlights
Sea kayaking near Point Adolphus, an area renowned for its marine mammals Sea kayaking and hiking past glaciers Bear watching at Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary Sea kayaking along Admiralty Island Wilderness Monument Two nights lodging in Juneau and two nights in Gustavus Four nights wilderness camping Floatplane and charter boat sightseeing and transportation
Overview
The combination of areas visited on this trip provides diversity not encountered on any other adventure we offer.  In addition to watching wildlife amid scenic vistas, we will enjoy sea kayaking, camp in some of the most beautiful places on earth, hike in pristine wilderness, and learn the fascinating natural history of coastal Alaska. We visit both mountainous inner fjords and the lush, deeply forested coastline of the Tongass National Forest.  These highly contrasting areas offer superb paddling and beach camping.  The humpback whale watching along Icy Strait is unsurpassed in all of Alaska.  Sea lions, otters, seals, and sometimes Orcas may also be seen in these rich feeding grounds.  On Admiralty Island we arrive when brown bears are likely to be grazing in the tidal flats or feeding on salmon in Pack Creek.  Our third segment will allow us to camp near and access some of the most active glacier activity in Southeast Alaska.  We access these wild areas via floatplane and charter boat.  These authentic Alaskan transportation styles enhance our grasp of Alaska's immense wilderness lands. If you are a photographer, have an interest in wildlife, or just want to experience the ultimate Alaskan wilderness, the Ultimate was designed for you.
Itinerary
We will try to adhere to the following itinerary as closely as possible.  However, it is subject to change due to weather, tides and government regulations.  Some departures will follow a slightly different itinerary than the description below.
Day 1  Arrive in Juneau and make your way to the designated hotel meeting place (TBA).  You will have a trip briefing in the lobby at 6.00 pm.  This is a must-attend event!  You will meet your guides and other guests, have an orientation to the trip area, learn about bear-country camping techniques and be issued rain gear and rubber boots.  Dinner and lodging is included this evening. Day 2  Bear watching at Pack Creek!  We'll board floatplanes early in the morning for our short but scenic flight to Admiralty Island National Monument, a lush rainforest wilderness with the largest density of brown bears in the world.  The famous virgin old-growth forests of Admiralty Island are part of the Tongass National Forest, one of the largest protected temperate rainforests in the world.  We will have a one-mile kayak paddle to the Stan Price Brown Bear Reserve at Pack Creek, one of the prime bear viewing areas in Alaska.  We hope to see bald eagles and brown bears congregating at the creek.  Returning to Juneau by floatplane in the late afternoon and connect with a flight to the charming community of Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.  We will overnight in a cozy Gustavus bed-and-breakfast. Days 3 & 4  We will meet for breakfast and then board our charter boat for a spectacular scenic cruise into Glacier Bay, a journey through geologic time.  Travelling by sea kayak, we set off on our two-day paddling expedition.  We'll explore the scenic shores seeing the spectacular glaciers along the way.  Photographic opportunities may include glaciers, fascinating land forms, icebergs, flowers, seals, birds, and (if the skies are clear) the magnificent mountains that rise above us.  Depending upon the desires of the group, we have varied itineraries for short hikes and day paddles.  The pace will be leisurely.  We will camp both nights.
Day 5  After breakfast and breaking camp, we will kayak along the shore to meet our charter boat for our trip back to Gustavus.  In late afternoon we can explore this charming community, and then dine at one of our favourite local restaurants before settling in for a great night’s sleep. Day 6  After an early breakfast, a charter boat will be waiting to carry us across Icy Strait to the whale-feeding grounds of Point Adolphus.  We'll have a kayak lesson and then make our way leisurely along the shore, taking time to watch for humpback whales and other marine mammals in the area.  We will set up camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery as we prepare and eat our evening meal at the water's edge.  We will be lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of whales breathing as they pass by. Day 7  We anticipate humpback whale displays and chances for viewing sea lions, otters and seals as we kayak along the shore of Chichagof Island.  We'll picnic on the beach and return to camp in early evening after a day of exploring. Day 8  We'll return to Gustavus by boat and head back to the B&B.  We will have a farewell dinner together.  After dinner, borrow one of our mountain bikes, go for a stroll, or just relax. Day 9  After breakfast, we will go for a hike.  At noon we board an air taxi to Juneau.  The flight from Gustavus to Juneau is about a half hour, and lands at Juneau’s main airport where you can connect with your homeward-bound flight.  (You can schedule your flight out of Juneau for anytime after 3.00 pm.)  We can drop you at your lodging if you are spending the night in Juneau before flying home.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person sharing twin room for 8 nights.  Single supplement available on request.
Departure Date Price  9, 16 & 30 June 08  £2225  7, 14, 21 & 28 July 08  £2225  4 & 11 August 08  £2225
Price Includes: Accommodation, 4 nights' camping and 4 nights' inns and hotels, meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on day nine, all activities listed. Price Excludes: Return flights from the UK to Juneau, gratuities for the guides and items of a personal nature.