The Ultimate Alaska Adventure

When you arrive in Gustavus, a friendly staff member of our team will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the lodge and take your luggage to your room(s). You will arrive in the afternoon and most guests really enjoy this time, they breathe in the fresh air and decompress from the travels while enjoying the afternoon snack time that we offer at the lodge. This afternoon period is great as you unpack, eat a snack, and become familiar with our accommodations and lodge property while you wait for dinner time.

Join us on The Baranof Wind Glacier Tour, an 8 hour cruise aboard a 149 passenger high-speed catamaran. The tour itinerary covers the west arm of Glacier Bay National Park and highlights the natural history, wildlife, geography, and tidewater glaciers of the area. Spend the day on the waters of Glacier Bay and see magnificent tidewater glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, spectacular wildlife, whales, sea lions, rare birds, black bear, brown bears, seals, eagles, and much more along mile after mile of pristine coastline. A knowledgeable Park Naturalist narrates the tour and answers your questions. This is a wonderful family trip! Lunch is included and served on board with additional snacks and beverages available from the concessionaire. (Ask about changing this to a Private Tour for an additional cost)

Fishing in the inside passage is not just a fishing experience because while you fish you are surrounded by beautiful scenery of mountains and wildlife. It is also one of the best halibut fishing destinations in the world. Some of the other species we target depending on the season include: King and Silver Salmon, Ling Cod, and several varieties of Rock Fish. You will have your own experienced boat captain and all fishing equipment is provided. We will drive you to the dock and introduce you to your captain, you just go out and enjoy the day and the boat captains will fillet the fish you catch at the end of the day and we will package them in wet-lock boxes so the fish is ready to be taken home. Lunches will be prepared by the lodge and packed and loaded on the boat for you. The waters are normally very calm as there are no ocean swells in the inside passage (see picture). However, during Salmon fishing, the water can be a little rougher depending on the weather. Our boats are 28-31 ft with indoor heated cabins (with head) as well as spacious fishing decks and fish holds to handle your catch! There are typically 4-5 anglers per boat.

You will embark on a ½ day whale watching excursion aboard the 45′ M/V TAZ, into North America’s most famous Humpback whale feeding grounds – Icy Strait and Point Adolphus. Their unique feeding techniques, acrobatics, and vocalizations make every tour unforgettable. You may also see a variety of other marine mammals, including Minke whales, Orcas (killer whales), Stellar sea lions, sea otters, Dall porpoises, and the elusive Harbor porpoises.

This day could be spent exploring the local area or going on hikes in the National Park. Or you could use this day to simply relax at the lodge and take in the surrounding beauty. We are happy to provide ideas of unstructured activities for this day.

This is a day where you really get out in nature and see, taste, and smell Alaska. You will take a boat to one of the rivers in the nearby areas and fish along the banks while watching bears come and go. This is a guided adventure and your guide will help you fish and keep you safe and make sure you have a fun and memorable experience.  All fishing gear is provided. Both fly and spin rods and tackle are available. Waders and boots are also available.

Enjoy the Glacier Bay National Park on your own boat, at your own pace. Prior to your excursion, we will talk to you about the areas that you can visit and you can select the places and things you would like to see. You will enjoy seeing marine wildlife, birds, and glaciers, all in one of the most beautiful places on the earth. The East arm of Glacier Bay National Park is the one least traveled. No huge cruise ships go this way and often we see no other people.

Because you plan this day’s activities, you can take kayaks and kayak near the McBride Glacier alongside Ice Bergs that have broken free. This private tour of the East Arm of the National Park is an activity that very few get to experience, one that you will not soon forget.

Unfortunately, at some point, the adventure must come to an end. You will be taken to the airport and checked in for your flights by a staff member.  We will help you load your luggage and any fish boxes you may be taking home. The flight from Gustavus to Juneau is scenic and enjoyable.