The Escapist Trips – EYOS Coastal Alaska

EYOS’s shoreside team has decades of experience in Alaska, unparalleled expedition heritage that ensures a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We’ll maximize every opportunity for discovery and wildlife viewing, and exploring by private yacht allows us to venture into smaller fjords and inlets than larger vessels. A flexible itinerary is a hallmark of the EYOS experience: linger among a pod of bubble-net feeding humpback whales, or observe thundering, calving glaciers from the safety and comfort of the yacht’s deck. Your Alaskan expedition is unique to you, and choices abound.

Actively explore this wild frontier: kayak narrow inlets, hike lush temperate rainforests, or flightsee over alpine lakes, glaciers and moraines
Observe countless species of wildlife– humpback whales cooperatively feeding; Steller sea lion haul outs; soaring bald eagles; and brown bears feeding on salmon at the water’s edge
Watch spectacular thundering tidewater glaciers, some of the largest in North America, as they calve into floating bergs
Learn about Alaskan native culture and heritage from the Tlingit, with opportunities to connect with local artisans

Begin in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. There are many things to see around and outside the city: perhaps visit Mendenhall Glacier to enjoy views of the thirteen-mile-long river of ice which terminates on the far side of Mendenhall Lake, or take the Goldbelt Tram 3,819 feet to the top of Mt. Roberts for a bird’s eye view of the city. Embark your yacht and set sail later today.

On the northern edge of the Inside Passage, the Pacific Ocean flows into a narrow strait, creating one of the most biologically rich places on Earth–the Inian Islands. This archipelago teems with life thanks to the strong currents of the nutrient-rich waters from the open ocean. Observe Steller sea lion haul outs, soaring eagles and bobbing sea otters in this dense feeding ground for countless wild life species. Zodiac cruise alongside swooping seabirds, kayak into narrow inlets, and hike the verdant rainforest. By invitation, visit the Tidelines Institute, a true Alaskan homestead turned environmental education center, and meet John Muir historian and environmental writer, Kim Heacox.

For thrill seekers, opt for an unforgettable fishing charter, where the waters teem with salmon and halibut, promising an epic catch of the day. Sailing away from Hoonah, look out for the humpback whales that often feed in groups in Icy Strait just to the north.

Pavlof Harbor in summertime is Southeast Alaska at its peak. Along the salmon stream here, take a short hike to observe Alaska’s iconic brown bears in their natural habitat. As the salmon run begins, these magnificent bears gather along the pristine streams and waterfalls, showcasing their unmatched fishing prowess as they skillfully snatch leaping salmon from the water. Witness this remarkable wild life event from a respectful distance, all while expert guides share their insights.

AM: Hemp village in Lung Tam
Continue along Chatham Straight and explore Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof Islands (often called “the ABC Islands”), all among the largest islands in the country. In spite of their size, the islands are sparsely populated and provide many opportunities for wilderness landings, hikes on remote trails, and bush whacking through dense brush. Kayak the protected bays, and keep an eye out for brown bears along the shoreline, possibly with their cubs of the season– Admiralty has the highest density of brown bears anywhere in the world. If time allows, visit the Alaska Whale Foundation, and enjoy the opportunity to relax and reset in natural hot springs. Back onboard, keep watch for killer and humpback whales from the bow, and glimpse their fascinating behaviors: breaching, tail-slapping and various types of cooperative feeding.

Cap off your Alaskan adventure navigating through the towering granite walls and vivid blue water of Tracy Arm Fjord, a landscape sculpted by glaciers over millennia. Zodiac cruise or kayak amongst the newly formed ice bergs as you witness the breathtaking South Sawyer Glacier, where massive ice calvings echo through the fjord. As you sail through the surrounding Fords Terror Wilderness Area, observe trickling waterfalls and cascading glaciers while keeping an eye out for iconic Alaskan wildlife: seals, bald eagles, brown bears, and harbor seals on ice.

Bid farewell to your expedition yacht and disembark in Juneau to begin your journey homeward.

EYOS Coastal Alaska