2025 Wild Alaska Odyssey

Welcome to beautiful Sitka — the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. We encourage you to arrive early and explore the community’s rich culture, history, and biodiversity. In the evening after embarkation, unwind and take in breathtaking scenery from the vantage point of our private Fin Island Lodge. With walkable shorelines facing both north and south, Fin Island Lodge offers multiple viewpoints of the island-studded waterways of Sitka Sound. Alaska crab and other delicious fare are served in the lodge, while s’mores are available at our beachside campfire.

*The lodge stop is subject to availability. If scheduling conflicts preclude the lodge an alternative evening activity will be determined by your captain and guide staff.

Spend the day exploring remote, Inside Passage wilderness. Hike a rainforest trail featuring towering spruce and hemlock trees and lush undergrowth. Your knowledgeable guide will provide commentary on the indigenous plants and wildlife of the area. Explore Chatham Strait alongside Admiralty Island, a place Tlingit Alaska Natives call Kootznoowoo, which translates to “Fortress of the Bear.” This remarkable island is home to the highest density of brown bears in North America and boasts a large population of nesting bald eagles.

This remarkable national park fjord extends 65 miles, contains tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is Margerie Glacier or John Hopkins Glacier, which have been known for their dramatic calving displays.

Your captain and expert expedition team will select the day’s remote wilderness adventure based on factors like weather and wildlife sightings in the area. Whether you’re lacing up your boots for a wilderness hike or beach trek, or grabbing a paddle to navigate remote shorelines, one thing’s for sure: you’re in for an unforgettable Alaska adventure that is tailor-made for your group.

Journey through Tracy or Endicott Arm in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, a place the famous naturalist, John Muir, referred to as, “A wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its glaciers, pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state.

View the world’s tallest totem pole, an artist demonstration, and experience the inspiring culture of the Tlingit in the Alaska Native village of Kake. Later, explore the Alaska wilderness in picturesque Frederick Sound — an area humpback whales and other wildlife frequent. Humpbacks are famous for behavior that lends itself to incredible viewing and photography, such as tail lobbing, lunge feeding, pectoral slapping, breaching, and graceful dives that showcase their massive flukes. Other opportunities for in-depth exploration may include the protected waters or shores of Security Bay, Skanax Bay, Pybus Bay, and The Brothers islands.

The final full day of your expedition includes an opportunity for a remote hike in the heart of the Alaska wilderness and more unscripted adventure. One of the major hallmarks of an Alaskan Dream Cruises experience is our flexibility. “Wilderness Exploration” days carry an exciting and unique spirit of adventure and discovery aboard a nimble vessel that is ideal for delving deep into places few Alaska travelers get to experience.

Disembark in the beautiful community of Wrangell. Transportation to your hotel or the airport is complimentary on the day of disembarkation. We encourage you to spend some time exploring this charming, small town. Options include the intriguing Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site, beautiful Wrangell Museum, hiking trails, and more.