Alaska Wildlife Safari

The Alaska Wildlife Safari is a multi-day guided adventure through Southeast Alaska featuring marine wildlife viewing, bear habitat exploration, cultural experiences, and scenic fjord travel. This small-group tour combines expert naturalist guides, upscale lodging, and immersive access to some of Alaska’s most wildlife-rich regions.

Trip Photos

Trip Notes

Departure Point: Juneau
Duration: 6 days
Destination: Juneau, Haines and Gustavus.
Price: $5750 per person double occupancy (+ tax, in USD)
Activities: Whale watching, glacier viewing, scenic raft float, native cultural centers, wildlife viewing, and more.
Small Groups: Max of 12 (larger custom groups possible)
Difficulty Level: Easy. Guests must be able to walk over loose gravel and embark/disembark from the bus unassisted.
Meals: 6 Breakfasts & 5 Lunches (Dinners facilitated, but not included)
Lodging: 6 nights accommodation at quality hotels
2027 Dates: June, July and August
2028 Dates: June, July and August

Trip Description

Experience the rugged beauty and pristine wildlife habitat of Southeast Alaska. This journey explores the best of the region as we travel from Juneau to the coastal town of Haines and onward to Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Wildlife Safari itinerary at a glance:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Gustavus by way of Juneau – Check into Lodging
  • Day 2: Gustavus and Juneau - Glacier Bay National Park boat tour and flight back to Juneau
  • Day 3: Juneau and Haines – Whale watching and scenic Fjordlines catamaran
  • Day 4: Haines – Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve river float and evening Chilkoot Lake Canoe
  • Day 5: Haines to Juneau – Scenic flight back to Juneau
  • Optional Day: Gustavus – Sea kayaking with whales at Point Adolphus

 
Hosted by expert Alaska-based guides, professional naturalists, seasoned boat captains, and veteran bush pilots, this journey offers direct access to the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of the Last Frontier through carefully selected outdoor and wildlife-viewing experiences.

We provide upscale lodging at every destination, gourmet meals, and travel by road, sea, and bush plane. From the glacial valleys of Juneau to the wildlife-rich waterways of Haines and the dramatic tidewater glaciers of Glacier Bay, this itinerary showcases the best of Southeast Alaska’s scenery and ecosystems.

Day 1: Arrival in Gustavus
Upon your arrival in Gustavus, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Once you are settled, you will have free time to enjoy Glacier Bay Lodge, the only hotel in Glacier Bay National Park. Your guide will let you know what time to meet the next day to start your adventure.
Meals on your own.

Day 2: Glacier Bay National Park and Juneau
Today, we will have an early start as we board the Glacier Bay Day Boat and sail 130 miles through the illustrious and jaw-dropping Glacier Bay National Park. This 7-hour tour will take you on a journey through land- and seascapes rich with wildlife, sailing through a waterway that was under a river of ice only 250 years ago. A National Park Ranger will provide informational commentary throughout the tour. We will sail very close to an isolated island to observe seabirds and marine mammals. Tufted and Horned Puffins and the Common Murre nest here, alongside Pelagic Cormorants and Black-legged Kittiwakes. The area is also the best place to see Steller Sea Lions, as their feeding grounds are close! We will enjoy lunch amidst the icebergs from the tidewater glaciers ahead. After lunch, you will be able to get closer to the river of ice hundreds of feet thick and nearly a mile wide. This will be our chance to see and hear the ice calving into the water – something you will remember for years to come! Upon arrival back to Gustavus, we will board a plane to return to Juneau and transfer to your hotel.
Included: B-L.

Day 3: Juneau and Haines
We will start the day by looking for humpback whales in a small 6-person boat specializing in personalized experiences on a 3-hour tour through the abundant coastal waters surrounding Juneau.
In the afternoon, we will board a catamaran to the coastal fishing town of Haines. We will pass Eldred Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed entities in Alaska, as we keep eyes out for sea lions, seals, bald eagles, Dall porpoises, humpback whales, orcas, and more! Upon our arrival in Haines, we will transfer you to your hotel. You will be at your leisure for the rest of the evening.
Included: B-L.

Day 4: Haines
We begin our day with a float through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. We will enjoy a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the Chilkat Valley with great photo opportunities for eagles and other wildlife amidst the grandeur of glaciated snow-capped peaks. We will spend 2 ½ to 3 hours on the water before returning to Haines. After your float, we will head back to downtown Haines, where you will enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon. Check out the beaches, wander the local museums, or check out the local brewery, cafes, and restaurants, or take a nap.
After meals and a short rest, we will drive to the Lutak Inlet and the Chilkoot River Valley. The Chilkoot River corridor offers incredible wildlife viewing: brown bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are all common sights. Once at the lake, we will board our outboard (motorized) canoes and explore the serenity of Chilkoot Lake. We will discover the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams, and numerous waterfalls that spill from the mountains into this pristine lake. After your float, we will head back to downtown Haines, where you will enjoy free time for the rest of the evening. Check out the local brewery, distillery, and restaurants.
Included: B-L.

Day 5: Haines to Gustavus
Scenic flight on Alaska Seaplanes to Juneau down the Lynn Canal, offering breathtaking views of the Davidson Glacier. You will land at Juneau airport, where you will be able to connect with a flight home.
Included: B-L.

Optional Day: Gustavus – Sea Kayaking with Whales at Point Adolphus
The day begins with a water taxi ride from Gustavus to Point Adolphus. Once on shore, your guides will provide the essentials to paddle safely and efficiently in the beautiful Alaskan waters. We’ll continue to paddle and watch for whales until midday, at which point we’ll return to shore for a gourmet lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll hit the water and have plenty of time to watch whales, take photographs, and enjoy the true Alaskan wilderness! After a great day of paddling, we will head back on the vessel to Gustavus. Guides will transfer you back to the Glacier Bay Lodge.
Included: B-L.

Weather and itinerary flexibility: Alaska Yukon Discovery Tours may adjust the itinerary due to weather, operational considerations, or wildlife conditions. When necessary, alternate activities of equal quality will be substituted.

Map of Alaska Wildlife Safari route through Juneau, Haines and Glacier Bay

We partner with upscale, conveniently located hotels in Juneau, Haines, and Gustavus to provide a comfortable experience throughout your trip.

Lodging in Juneau:
Four Points by Sheraton

Lodging in Haines:
Aspen Suites

Lodging in Gustavus:
Glacier Bay Lodge

Group Price: Call for details

Private Booking Price: 2 person minimum (+ tax)
$5,750 – 2 people
$5,150 – 4 people
$4,550 – 6 people

Single Supplement: $855

2027 Dates: June, July, August, September
2028 Dates: June, July, August, September

Included
  • Professionally planned itinerary
  • Expert guides throughout the program
  • Upscale hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and lunch per itinerary
  • All listed activities
  • Transportation between destinations
  • Airport transfers
Not Included
  • Flights to departure city
  • Guide gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Dinners
  • Travel insurance
How to Book
  1. Call 1-800-766-3396 to confirm availability
  2. Place a deposit to reserve your spot
  3. Complete trip registration forms 45 days prior to departure

Questions?
Call 1-907-313-4422
Monday–Friday
8am – 4pm Alaska Standard Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the tour guides?

Our guides are highly trained Alaska professionals with extensive experience leading cultural and wilderness trips. All guides hold current first-aid certifications and complete ongoing training.

Do tours run in bad weather?

Yes. We operate rain or shine. In rare cases where weather prevents an activity, we provide an appropriate alternative.

What wildlife might we see?

Wildlife sightings vary by season and location, but may include bald eagles, moose, salmon, brown and black bears. While sightings can never be guaranteed, guides choose locations to maximize viewing opportunities.

What is included in the trip price?

Your trip includes professional guides, upscale lodging, breakfast and lunch, all listed activities, transportation between destinations, airport transfers, and necessary equipment.

What is not included?

Airfare, dinners, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and travel insurance are not included.

Are prices per person?

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy rates are available upon request.

What should I pack?

Pack comfortable layered clothing and rain protection. Southeast Alaska weather is variable, so layering is essential.

What happens if weather affects the itinerary?

Weather and operational conditions may require adjustments. Alternate activities or locations may be substituted when necessary.

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