Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell and Misty Fjords

Arrive in Ketchikan, the southernmost city in Alaska, spread at the base of forested slopes on Revillagigedo Island. Known as the “salmon capital of the world," it's famous for colorful buildings and abundant fishing boats and canneries. Embark <i>National Geographic Venture </i>in time for cocktails and an introduction of the vessel staff and crew.<b>Arrival Time: </b>Arrive by 3:00 p.m. local time.<br /><b>Arrival City: </b>Ketchikan, Alaska

Wake up this morning to catch the sunrise over the stunning cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument, rising more than 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters of the fjord. Watch wisps of cloud drift down the winding waterway and drape over green peaks as you cruise through the mists that give this extraordinary landscape its name. Set out by Zodiac and kayak to get close to the forested banks and the many dramatic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

This morning, arrive in the small town of Wrangell. The Tlingit and their ancestors have made this island their home for thousands of years. Take an optional jet boat journey up the Stikine River or explore the town, including a visit to Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, home to ancient rock carvings. This afternoon, cruise Eastern Passage and Blake Channel, narrow waterways on the backside of Wrangell Island where other ships rarely venture. <i>On select departures, choose an optional day trip to Anan Creek Bear Observatory to witness black and brown bears feasting on salmon runs (additional $390 per person). Speak with your expedition specialist for details.</i>

Navigate the stunning Wrangell Narrows, an area inaccessible to larger ships, and then cruise into the Sumner Strait, keeping watch for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea otters gliding through the clear water around the ship. Explore the coast by kayak or Zodiac and go ashore to trace bear trails through forests intersected by crystalline salmon streams. Along the way, learn about the rainforest ecosystem from your naturalists. Fix your binoculars on the banks to search for Sitka black-tailed deer and moose as well as black bears, wolves and bald eagles that frequent the shoreline in search of plentiful salmon. 

Today, you'll explore either LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm. These areas feature some of the most active glaciers in Southeast Alaska. Icebergs regularly break off from glaciers, getting caught in shallow moraines and along the shorelines as they float out of the bay. Your experienced captain will evaluate the underwater moraine outside of LeConte Bay or Tracy Arm, where you'll set out by Zodiac to navigate among these surreal floating sculptures. Take advantage of spectacular photographic opportunities, practicing tricks and tips from your certified photo instructor.

Disembark in Juneau and transfer to the airport for flights home.<b>Departure Time: </b>After 10:30 a.m. local time.<br /><b>Departure City: </b>Juneau, Alaska