Silversea Expedition Cruises À WRANGEL (Alaska)

Escape the crowds on this private adventure into the spectacular and pristine Stikine/LeConte Wilderness. A private vessel just for you and your chosen traveling companions. Go at your own pace and get a customized excursion led by expert local guides. Your captain has 31 years of experience as a professionally trained guide and certified cultural and ecological interpreter.

Enjoy an exhilarating jetboat ride with ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploration near the edge of the ice fields. Learn about our interesting history and lifestyle while you enjoy a delicious local seafood snack and beverage, specially prepared for your private excursion. Get off the beaten path and out of the boat with a certified naturalist guide to take a closer, more leisurely look at this stunning Alaskan backcountry. Your tour could include: mountains, glaciers, wildlife, hot springs, a remote homestead visit, waterfalls and more.

Join this wildlife and history tour to the Anan Wildlife Observatory located in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska, 40 miles south of Wrangell Alaska. The tour begins with a 60-minute jet boat ride from Wrangell through the Eastern Passage. Seals, Stellar Sea Lions, dolphins and occasional Orca feed on herring and smelt in the bays and currents along the way. Eagle nests, seal haul outs and migrating waterfowl are a part of this educational wildlife tour. Your guides will make stops to discuss the history, geology and biology of the local area.

A graded and maintained 1/2-mile trail with sections of stairs and a 2ft wide wooden boardwalk leads up to the observatory platform above a cascading waterfall. Here we stop and take in the majesty of the rainforest. This is an area bears frequent, looking for salmon to feed on.

Discover the majestic scenery, Native culture and incredible wilderness of Alaska on this four-hour adventure. Learn from a Native local guide all about the unique culture of the Wrangell region as you make your way to the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, where (although your tour visits during non-peak season) there is still a chance to see a Black or Brown Bear.

Board your jet boat and set out for a one-hour, scenic ride through the Back Channel towards your hiking destination, the renowned Anan Wildlife Observation area, known for being a prolific salmon spawning stream that attracts both black and brown bears. Your local naturalist guide provides expert commentary on the pristine wild scenery around you of coastline, forest and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for wildlife and marine mammals, with the assistance of your guide's trained eye and deep knowledge.

Disembark at Anan Creek, the site of the early summer salmon runs that attracts a striking number of bears. Hike for 45 minutes to the end of the trail and the site of the Anan Wildlife Observation Area, where you are greeted by your local Native cultural host. Your generous host provides fascinating historic details all about the Alaska Native people and the way they interacted and benefited from with the bountiful mid-summer fish runs at this historical fish camp.

From the observation platform, make your return hike for 45 minutes (approximately half a mile in each direction) over a rustic trail as your naturalist and guide leads you through the beautifully scenic trail, sharing important detail about this special rainforest ecosystem. Much of the groomed trail is boardwalk, with several sets of narrow stairs and bridges over the waterways.

A snack and beverage are served when you're back on the boat after your hike.

Learn about Wrangell; the history the plants and the culture of this unique frontier community. Wrangell is one of the first communities in Alaska and the only one to be governed by 4 nations: Tlingit Nation, Russia, Britain and the United States. While the indigenous populations have been here since before recorded history, about 8,000 years, the non-Native city of Wrangell was founded by Russia in 1813.

Evidence of early indigenous dwellers is found in the petroglyphs found concentrated in the region.

Departing the pier, drive 10 minutes to see Petroglyph Beach to learn about the 8,000-year-old petroglyphs. Continue to the Volunteer Park Nature Trail and discover the local flora. At the Shakes Tribal House, enjoy a presentation on Native culture by members of the local Tlingit Clans. Take a self-guided tour at the Wrangell Museum with local guides on hand to answer your questions.

Enjoy some free time to walk through the town and meander your way back to the ship (optional shuttle available).

A world class fishing adventure in the Pacific Ocean along the famed Inside Passage of Alaska. Experience spectacular scenery and protected nearby calm waters while fishing for a multitude of sought after species including, salmon, halibut or rockfish. This trip is "Captains Choice" for best chances for catching!

All the fishing charter vessels have enclosed cabins with heat, marine toilets, galley with tables and benches and large fishing platforms. Fishing is limited to 4 persons per vessel, giving ample room for each angler, and unlike some other shared rod fishing trips, on this trip, each angler has their own fishing rod. Small groups, experienced guides, fast comfortable boats, and equal opportunity for anglers separates this fishing experience from the rest.

Another major difference with fishing in this area is the normally short distance to the fishing grounds. A quick boat ride ensures that you will spend most of your time actually fishing rather than just getting there. Adventure awaits you the minute you arrive.

Your experienced licensed captain and guide will greet you as you disembark the ship and see to your needs whether you are seasoned angler or experiencing our renowned fishing for the first time. Your catch can be professionally processed and shipped to your home for an additional fee. (Please note shipment of your catch is limited to destinations in the US. International shipping is not possible).

The purchase of fishing licenses and tags onboard your charter boat is available for your convenience and to optimize your fishing time. Beverages available onboard. Fishing gear, tackle and bait are provided.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of activity and is not recommended for guests utilising a wheelchair or those with limited mobility. Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy waterproof footwear are recommended. Equipment, tackle, bait and raingear are included. A one-day, non-resident fishing license is required and available for cash purchase (US$25, plus US$15 if fishing King Salmon that day) from the boat captain. Please bring cash. The boat is licensed for up to 6 passengers, if sold for a group of more than 4 guests (on requests), poles will be rotated among all fishers.

Enjoy fantastic views of the coastal rainforest, Stikine-LeConte ice cap and Outer Islands of coastal Alaska on this invigorating tour through the rain forest.

Meet your naturalist guide at the dock and receive raingear and hiking sticks. Then depart by van for a short ride through the town of Wrangell and onto a remote road enroute to the trailhead. The trail itself is a narrow wooden boardwalk with steps, designed to have minimal impact on the forest floor.

This hike winds through the Tongass National Forest through both trees and muskeg to the destination; a series of ponds in the high meadows. Depending on weather, there are spectacular vistas of the islands of the Inside Passage from the trail at higher elevations.

Along the way, your naturalist guide will touch on a variety of topics such as botany, natural history, and rain forest ecology. Enjoy a healthy snack and needed break on the spine of Wrangell Island high above, as eagles soar by at eye level before making your way back down the trail and returning to the ship.

Please note: This tour is designed for athletic, energetic and physically fit adventurers. Approximate walking distance is 4 miles (6.4 Kilometres) with many steps throughout. Due to the nature of the wilderness trail you may encounter mud and slick trail conditions. We suggest you dress in layers and wear waterproof hiking boots. There are no toilet facilities during the on-site portion of the tour, therefore we recommend guests use the facilities on the ship prior to departure. Guests are requested to sign a waiver.

Take a high country hike through the muskeg terrain of the Tongass National Forest on this vigorous excursion. Stretching over 16.7 million acres the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States, containing multiple ecosystems (primarily Pacific temperate rain forest) and is where many endangered plant and animal species can be found.

Meet your guide at the pier, and receive your raingear and hiking stick. Take a 20-minute ride through the charming town of Wrangell and onto a remote road en route to the trailhead. The trail itself is a narrow wooden boardwalk with steps, designed to have minimal impact on the forest floor. Your 4-miles hike winds through the Tongass National Forest through both trees and muskeg to the destination; a series of ponds in the high meadows.

Depending on weather, there are spectacular vistas of the islands of the Inside Passage from the trail at higher elevations. Your guide is with you to not just ensure safety, but also to give information about Wrangell; its people, history, daily life and to point out plants and animals along the way.

Please note that this is a rugged, steep and strenuous hike on a narrow (2ft wide) boardwalk with many, many steps. There are no restroom facilities, but the guide does carry supplies. Guests are tasked with carrying some of their own water.

Return to the ship after your full four-hour-plus hike

Walk in the footsteps of John Muir up the Mount Dewey trail, which is dedicated to one of the most renowned naturalists of the last two centuries. It was on this trail in 1879 that Muir built a fire so large that the people of Wrangell thought it was St. Elmo's Fire, as its light reflected on the clouds above it and created an eerie effect for all to see.

Set out on your short excursion (only 2.25 hours) and travel 30 minutes via coach to meet your guides and sign a waiver before making your way to the trailhead. Make a short 20-minute hike to the Mt. Dewey trail, which in part was constructed by local high school students participating in a hands-on educational program.

Enjoy a moderate hike of 1.5 miles (described as challenging for those in normal physical condition but still "doable"), listening to your local guide as they share the colourful history of Wrangell and point out species of flora and fauna along the way. The trail gains over 500 feet of elevation in just over half a mile, but there is time to rest at viewpoints along the way, with the best vantage point at the top, overlooking Wrangell and the scenic Zimovia Strait.

From the top of the trail it is easy to see the fascinating horseshoe shape of Wrangell and witness its bustling activity, all in sight of the awe-inspiring, far-off mountains that were just as beautiful when John Muir was here. As you step, enjoy the peaceful quiet of the trail, with the forest floor dampening sound, making it easier to hear birdsong and detect hidden wildlife rustling amidst the trees.

After some time at the scenic overlook to take in the beauty of the view and forest, it is time to make the return hike down and transfer back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, approximately 1.5 miles total, including walking uphill 700 meters to a trailhead with a mix of stairs and fairly even trail. It does include a 300m total elevation gain. Much of the walking is a forest trail with natural surfaces and exposed roots; this trail is not suitable for those with mobility or serious vision issues and cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Guests should be in adequate physical shape; this tour is not recommended for those who are knee replacement candidates. Guests must sign a waiver to participate. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old, provided the child can follow directions. If guides or other guests find children to be disruptive or jeopardize the safety of the group, they and their guardians will be escorted back to the trailhead and still charged for the tour. Guests are recommended to dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes; open-toed shoes are not acceptable as trails are muddy. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings likely but not guaranteed. Snack or meal not included on this 1.75-hour tour; we suggest you bring a small snack if needed.

Travel amidst incredible wildlife and spectacular glacial landscapes as you tour Le Conte Glacier Bay by boat. Le Conte Glacier Bay is a fjord 12 miles long that was carved by glaciers over thousands of years through the coastal mountain range. Transfer at the pier to your jet boat and after a safety briefing, travel 50 minutes by boat through to Le Conte Bay, home to the awe-inspiring Le Conte Glacier.

The Le Conte Glacier is the southern-most tidewater glacier in the United States. Because of its structure, with waters at its face that are 500 to 800 feet deep, the glacier does not advance so much as break into pieces, causing almost reliable calving events (where parts of the glacier break off in stunning, loud fashion). As a result of all of this calving, the bay is replete with icebergs, often featuring dozens to hundreds of Harbor Seals resting and sunning themselves on a single berg.

These icebergs can make the bay challenging to pass through, so much of the tour is dependent on the conditions of the day. At the mouth of the bay, lucky visitors may see humpback whales feeding on the schools of herring that frequent here. Bird lovers can watch for a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, and nesting Mew Gulls.

In the narrow inlet with towering granite walls of Le Conte Bay, see up close how glacial action vigorously carved the landscape over time: the closer you are to the ice, the newer the land.

After your 2.5-hour jet boat tour, make your way back to the pier and return to the ship.

Take a memorable boat ride towards LeConte Glacier, a 21-mile-long wonder located in a stunningly beautiful fjord. The glacier is extremely active, with regular calving events, and is famous for its "shooters" (massive submarine icebergs dramatically rising to the surface).

The fjord, where the glacier terminates, is surrounded by steep snow-capped mountains adorned with waterfalls. The glacier's calving events produce a phenomenal collection of icebergs and bergie bits, making it a great place for you to experience Alaska's glacier culture.

North America's southernmost tidewater glacier, LeConte is part of a massive glacial system that stretches 120 miles between the Stikine and the Whiting Rivers. Snow-covered peaks rise out of the fjord to heights of over 1,000 meters (4,000 feet), completely dominating the bay. Various waterfalls weave through the mountainsides and thunder into the fjord below.

Enjoy crossing the water by boat as you head to the glacier, traveling through the vast iceberg fields. Watch for harbor seals resting on the icy, aquamarine blue or snowy white icebergs. These seals take up residence in the bay each spring to give birth to their pups and raise their young. Keep a keen eye for mountain goats grazing on the razor edge paths along the stony mountainsides.

After your three and a half tour, disembark and make your way back to the ship.

Enjoy the severe beauty of the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness area surrounded by the comfort of a jetboat with a heated cabin on this four-hour tour that features a boat ride through the waterways of the Stikine River.

Enjoy an approximately 1-hour scenic jet boat ride through the pristine wilderness area as you make your way to the glacier. Waterfalls can be seen thundering down mountainsides that rise to heights of 3,000+ feet. Step onto the back deck to breathe in the crisp glacial air and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you. Step inside to warm up and indulge in hors d' oeuvres featuring Alaskan wild smoked salmon and wine as you cruise through the iceberg fields on your way to the face of the glacier. Your Alaskan guide will share information on the geology and natural history of the area while ensuring your comfort each step of the way.

As you depart the glacier area, make the scenic 1-hour boat journey back to the pier, making stops for photography or wildlife spotting along the way.

Please note: This tour involves moderate activity, including 200 feet of walking and a ramp that may be steep at low tide. The jet boats are boarded from the dock where some large steps are required to get into the vessel. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The boat ride may be bumpy and is not recommended for those prone to motion sickness or those with back or neck issues. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. Depending on weather conditions, guests are recommended to wear warm wool or fleece layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and comfortable shoes for walking and standing. Space on this tour is limited; you may need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Calving may be seen but is not guaranteed. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. This tour operates in a remote wilderness area, where weather and ice conditions can alter both the duration and route of the journey, including shipside embarkation/disembarkation areas.

Discover the wildlife of the harbour and waters surrounding the Alexander Archipelago on this adventurous tour. The tour focuses on areas frequented by the Sea Otter, a playful (and ravenous) animal that, unlike other sea mammals, does not have a protective coat of blubber to keep warm, instead eating crabs, fish and other sea life in the quantities of 25% of its body weight each day.

While Sea Otters are abundant in Southeast Alaska today, they were extinct by the early 1900s due to the fur trade that began the century before. During this time of regional extinction, the fishing trades flourished as the natural predator of crabs and fish was gone from the area. In the 1960s, 400 Sea Otters were brought to the region from the Aleutian Chain to repopulate the area and successfully flourished, to a population of 25,000 Sea Otters in an area where there were once none.

The typical diet of a Sea Otter includes sea urchins, clams, crabs, abalone and Dungeness Crab; all of these foods are also caught by Southeast Alaskan commercial fishermen, creating a tension between nature and industry as locals lose jobs in several and fishery locations.

Embark on your tour boat and ride through the lovely Sumner Straits after a safety briefing. Your tour guide can tell you all about the history of Wrangell, from the 1700s through today as you make your way towards Level Islands (Big Level and Little Level), where the Sea Otter watching begins in earnest. Sea Otters love the kelp forests of the Level Islands, as they provide a source of protection and rest, and a natural anchorage while they sleep without worry of floating away.

The mating season for Sea Otters in Alaska results mostly in late spring, though Sea Otters can mate and give birth throughout the year. Pops weigh 3 to 5 lbs at birth and near 30 lbs when they are weaned. Adults weigh in the range of 40 to 50 pounds for females and 60 to 90 pounds for male Sea Otters.

Ride 45 minutes through the Sumner Straits to Level Islands looking for Sea Otters and keep your eyes open for other wildlife including Humpback Whales, sea birds, sea lions and Harbor Seals. There is plenty of time to photograph the Sea Otters as they eat and play; be sure to bring a fully-charged camera with plenty of memory.

Make the 45-minute return boat ride to the Wrangell pier.

Please note: This tour requires moderate physical ability; there is a small amount of walking (75 feet) over a ramp that can be steep at low tides to the boat. There is no easy access for a wheelchair on the boat but guests who book ahead may be able to be accommodated. This tour is suitable for walkers and canes; guests with slower mobility are recommended to board early. There is a minimum age of 8 to participate, parental supervision required. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. are recommended to dress warmly in layers, prepared for Alaska's changeable weather and wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera, binoculars and an extra layer. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Discover Tlingit culture and take an enjoyable paddle by 17-foot canoe to Shakes Island to visit the Shakes Tribal House. This excursion is geared to the novice, but those with more experience will also enjoy the destination as much as the short journey. Shakes Island is on the National Historic Register and receives over 10,000 visitors a year. This island was listed as a historic site for being one of the view living examples of the Alaska Native population of the Southeast, and for their legendary totem art.

Meet your guide at the pier, a Tlingit retired school teacher who can tell you all you need to know about the canoe, as he once paddled from Seattle all the way to Wrangell in his younger days and continues to take annual adventures in Southeast Alaska and Canada. Once you receive your safety gear and get a safety briefing, embark on your 30-minute canoe ride to Shakes Island.

The primary landmark of Shakes Island is its replica 19^th century tribal house of the Tlingit Nation. Receive a window onto Tlingit culture at Chief Shakes' Tribal House, where you are an invited guest. You are greeted by local tribe members as you land at the boat ramp. Once you are granted passage to Shakes Tribal House, enjoy a presentation on the history and cultural attributes of the Wrangell Tlingit. Learn of the Tlingit way of life and hear stories that have been passed down generation to generation. Please bring a curious mind as you are encouraged to ask questions.

After your visit to Shakes Island, hop back into your canoe and paddle back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves moderate activity and the physical ability to enter and exit the canoe and 100 meters walking to the canoes on a ramp that can be steep at lower tide. Assistance is available, but guests should be able to have some maneuverability and the ability to help with self-rescue in case of an incident. This tour is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for those with limited mobility. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. Children under 9 that can listen to direction may participate if they are accompanied by an adult guardian. Depending on weather conditions, guests are recommended to wear warm wool or fleece layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, scarf and rain gear, as well as comfortable shoes for walking and standing. Space on this tour is extremely limited; to avoid disappointment you are recommended to book early.

Explore the Stikine River, or Stik-Heen in Tlingit meaning "Great River." Referred to as the fastest navigable, free-flowing river in North America, this impressive waterway travels 400 miles, with its originating headwaters in British Columbia and its mouth near Wrangell. This river's delta flats cover over 27,000 acres and are home to 120 species of migrating birds. The river has been carving glaciers for tens of thousands of years and roars amidst beautiful waterfalls, massive walls of granite and snow-topped mountains.

Take a two-hour boat ride navigating the Stikine River with a capable captain and crew. Prepare to be astounded at the stark beauty found in the contrast of the bright white of the glaciers against the deep green of the surrounding forests. In addition to thousands of migratory birds, the river is also where moose, deer, brown and black bears, beavers and hundreds of bald eagles can be spotted. This diverse wildlife and scenery inspired John Muir, a famous 19^th century North American naturalist, to compare the Stikine to a "Yosemite 100 miles long."

Make the 30-minute transfer to meet your guides, the captain and crew of your jet boat. Receive a safety briefing and tour of the vessel and then zip your way along the Stikine, enjoying the comfort of a covered, heated cabin. Your route includes crossing an important Pacific Migratory Route which maximizes your chances of spotting a bald eagle amidst the river delta.

Travel amidst rainforest-enclosed channels where moose, deer and wolf live. Conditions permitting, enter into the Shales Lake area to move amidst the icebergs, glaciers and stunning waterfalls amidst gigantic mountains. All the while, your crew is available to educate you on the plant and animal life and natural history of this spectacular wilderness land and riverscape.

Make the return trip to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a small amount of walking (500 meters) over a ramp to the jet boat dock, although depending on the tie the ramp may be rather steep, making this tour is not suitable for guests who utilise walkers or a wheelchair. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. Guests with a fear of water should not participate on this tour. The weight limit is 300lbs for this tour. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old, provided the child can follow directions and is accompanied by a guardian. If guides or other guests find any children to be disruptive or jeopardize the safety of the group, they and their guardians will be escorted back to the trailhead and still charged for the tour. Guests are recommended to dress warmly in layers, prepared for Alaska's changeable weather and wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera, binoculars and an extra layer. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Please note that entering Shakes Lake depends on the river level.

The Stikine River is considered one of the last truly wild rivers in North America, running directly through the nearly ½ million-acre Stikine LeConte' Wilderness area. Famed American naturalist, John Muir, described it as "a Yosemite 100 miles" (160 kilometers) long. The Stikine River has spectacular scenery with great photo opportunities.

Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the world's largest temperate rain forest. This dense forest is home to a variety of wildlife species and though elusive, you may have a chance sighting. Experience the excitement of an exhilarating jet-boat ride, learn a bit of the area gold rush history, enjoy a snack at a wilderness riverside location or on board while floating peacefully, all in the company of the most experienced energetic captains.

Take a short walk from the ship to Wrangell city dock and embark the custom, purpose built, heated and covered, jet-boat. Traverse the ever-changing river delta, meander through side sloughs and explore the banks of the river. Seek out views of distant mountain peaks, spy on spawning salmon and listen to thundering waterfalls.

Your journey culminates at Shakes Lake with sparkling blue and crystal-clear icebergs. If accessible, venture in farther for a view of Shakes Glacier and the ancient ice from which it was created. Next, you may come ashore at a wilderness location on the banks of the Stikine and experience the wilderness up close and watch as the peaceful river rolls by. A snack of wine and cheese awaits you when you get back on the jet boat. All too soon it is time to return to your ship.

Discover the wildlife of the Tongass National Forest, accompanied by knowledgeable biologist guides on this memorable excursion. Stretching over 16.7 million acres, the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States, containing multiple ecosystems (primarily Pacific temperate rain forest) and is where many endangered plant and animal species can be found. The forest was declared a national reserve by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907.

Your biologist guides are knowledgeable about this region's animal behavior, migratory patterns, feeding rhythms and other habits, which maximises your chances of some spectacular wildlife sightings. Late summer is when animals feed intensely in water and in the woods here, so while specific wildlife appearances cannot be predicted, some likely animals you may spot include Whales (which feed on Herring and Sand Lance abundant nearby), Eagles (feeding with their baby fledglings on salmon), Sea Otters and many others.

Arrive to meet your guides, sign a waiver and get a safety briefing on your jet boat. Then enjoy a 5.5-hour tour of the Tongass National Forest wildlife. Depending upon the day's conditions with respect to weather, temperature and other factors - even time of day - your guides may take you to observe any number of animal behaviors. You might see Sea Otters frolicking amidst the kelp, bears feeding on fish in a stream, Harbor Seals nursing their pups amidst ice floes, or any other magical sights such as these.

Your tour includes a short hike, and may include bird watching, whale watching, or a search for bears. Return to the ship after your day of wildlife discovery.

Please note: This tour involves a small amount of walking (50 meters) over a ramp to the jet boat dock, although depending on the tie the ramp may be rather steep, making this tour is not suitable for guests who utilise walkers or a wheelchair. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. The weight limit is 300lbs for this tour. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old, provided the child can follow directions and is accompanied by a guardian. If guides or other guests find any children to be disruptive or jeopardize the safety of the group, they and their guardians will be escorted back to the ship and still charged for the tour. Guests are recommended to dress warmly in layers, prepared for Alaska's changeable weather (waterproof outer layer recommended) and wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camera, binoculars and an extra layer. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Discover the highlights of this truly Alaskan town and see its colorful history and native culture come to life while visiting the Wrangell Museum and Petroglyph Beach with Kiks Adi Totem Park and Alaskan Native interpretation.

Depart the pier by a vintage but comfortable and spacious school bus and meander downtown Wrangell to Kiks Adi Totem Park. Here listen to an interpretive narration provided by local natives. Then, learn about the Stikine River and its significant influence on the development of Wrangell. Pass through the town and see its historic churches, while on the way, catch a glimpse of a traditional Tlingit Tribal House.

Visit Wrangell's famous anthropological sight, Petroglyph Beach. See the carvings dated 6,000 years before the settlement by the Tlingit tribes. Enjoy a petroglyph rubbing demonstration before heading to the Wrangell Museum. The local museum houses a rich assortment of over 5,000 historic photos, native artifacts, a collection of Tlingit petroglyphs, and fishing, mining and logging displays. Afterwards, make your way back to the ship onboard the school bus, or you may choose to stay longer and do the short walk on your own.

Your adventure begins with an on-board equipment and safety orientation by your guides. You'll then depart from the ship by Zodiac, and embark your kayak in a chosen location.

Begin your excursion by paddling along the town's harbor and waterfront. Here you will get a sense of what life is like for the people living in the small town of Wrangell. We will then continue past Chief Shake's Island, site of one of the most authentic Native tribal houses in Alaska, surrounded by totem poles.

The many tranquil inlets and bays surrounding the islands are the perfect place to paddle silently and take in the raw nature of this region. You'll likely spot seals, otters and bald eagles. As you cruise around the waterways there's a good chance you will run into commercial fishermen at work.

Your expert guides will help to point out wildlife and anything else of interest, and talk to you about the ecology of the region.

Please note: This tour is recommended only for guests in good physical condition and requires up to 60-minutes of paddling. Although no walking is required, guests must be able to climb into the transfer Zodiac and to lift their own weight to transfer from the Zodiac into the kayak and vice versa. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair, and for guests who suffer from bodily injuries which prevents the movement of all joints. Tour is conducted in 2-person kayaks, in groups of up to 6 kayaks. Lifejacket, dry suit, Neoprene booties, gloves, and dry bags are provided. Maximum available dry suit size is XXL. We suggest you wear warm, comfortable, flexible clothing to wear under the dry suit. Wear long-sleeved thermal layers, a warm hat with a brim, sunglasses, propylene, wool, silk or synthetic clothing (not cotton as it has poor heat retention when it is damp or wet). The minimum age to participate is 16 years. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests must be able to speak conversational English in order to understand safety instructions. Some prior kayaking experience is required to participate in this activity. Binoculars, cameras and UV protection are recommended. We strongly suggest to book well in advance as space is very limited. This kayak tour is operated and guided by a team of guides/naturalists who will be sailing with you onboard the Silver Muse.