Searching for the Wilderness with a capitol W and the untrammeled and quiet natural spaces it provides?
In 1964 The Wilderness Act was signed into law. Lands set aside as Wilderness are forever protected landscapes and waterways with a mosaic of ecosystems that function with as little influence from human beings and provide places for outstanding opportunities of solitude.
Two of our trips are especially well-suited for the wilderness adventure traveller – our Glacier Bay and Myriad Islands Expeditions.
Wilderness is not only a haven for native plants and animals but it is also a refuge from society. It’s a place to go to hear the wind and little else, see the stars and the galaxies, smell the pine trees, feel the cold water, touch the sky and the ground at the same time, listen to coyote, eat the fresh snow, walk across the desert sands, and realize why its good to go outside of the city and the suburbs.
—John Muir, Our National Parks, 1901
Glacier Bay Expeditions
Follow the footsteps of John Muir
Kayaking in Glacier Bay’s East Arm.
Experience world-famous Glacier Bay National Park away from the crowds, paddling and exploring the untrammeled wilderness known for its its snow-capped mountains, spectacular glaciers, and emerald–green forests.
Paddle in the glacially carved fjords of the McBride or John’s Hopkins Inlets with our experienced guides who will help you to safely enjoy wilderness solitude while watching for the charismatic megafauna of Glacier Bay. Weave your way amongst sapphire blue icebergs in our sturdy double kayaks as you listen to the crackling ancient ice.
We offer two options to explore Glacier Bay – the East Arm and West Arm itineraries.
A coastal brown bear walking near the Muir Glacier, Glacier Bay’s East Arm
Glacier Bay Expedition – East Arm
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Total Mileage: Between 33 and 45 miles (5 to 15 miles per day)
The less visited East Arm is renowned for its temperate glaciers; the luminous icebergs of McBride Inlet; an abundance of wildlife which includes brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, humpback whales, sea otters, and Steller sea lions; as well as an opportunity to follow in the adventurous footsteps of John Muir in search of wilderness and solitude.
McBride Inlet
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2021 Dates:
06/07/2021 – 06/12/2021
06/12/2021 – 06/17/2021
07/07/2021 – 07/12/2021
Price:
$2499 / person
Get in touch about planning your 2021 vacation with us!
Glacier Bay West Arm Trip – Two Options
Duration: Four days / Three nights
Total Mileage: Between 17 and 27 miles (3 to 9 miles per day)
A shorter trip than Glacier Bay’s East Arm with equally stunning scenery, active tidewater glaciers and great wildlife viewing or a weeklong expedition that takes you into rarely visited bays and cove.
Recently calved iceberg from the John’s Hopkins Glacier
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2021 Dates & Prices:
06/29/2021 – 07/02/2021 ($2099 / person)
07/31/2021 – 08/03/2021 ($2099 / person)
08/10/2021 – 08/16/2021 ($2699 / person) *7-Days/6-Nights itinerary
Get in touch about planning your 2021 vacation with us!
Myriad Islands Expedition
Goulding Harbor
A True Alaskan Wilderness!
Duration: 6 to 7 days
Total Mileage: Between 30 and 50 miles
Our Myriad Islands Expedition takes place on the outer, western coast of Chichagof Island. It is a truly remote destination with opportunities for paddling in protected “inside” waters, as well as among the outer islands along the Gulf of Alaska.
You really get the feeling of being on the edge of a continent, in one of Alaska’s most remote wilderness and kayaking destinations.
What makes this expedition extra special:
- remoteness of the location
- amazing paddling opportunities
- abundance of wildlife.
The calm waters of a remote cove in West Chichagof-Yakobi Island Wilderness Area
Brown bears spotted during a Myriad Islands Expedition
Setting up camp in Goulding Harbor
The endless islets of Goulding Harbor
2021 Date & Price:
06/15/2021 – 06/21/2021 ($3259 / person)
Get in touch about planning your 2021 vacation with us!
Looking for the untouched real Alaska and not a crowded tourist town?
All of our trips begin the small Alaskan town of Gustavus which is surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest, making it a hidden adventure marked with breathtaking trails, sweeping white sand beaches, and protected waters perfect for sea kayaking.
Our pristine location, accessible wildlife and warm community are guaranteed to keep any wanderer coming back year after year to enjoy unparalleled adventures, creating stories and photos that will last a lifetime.
Fireweed in full bloom in the Gustavus forelands
Are you interested in joining us on one of these expeditions? Spaces are limited!
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!
FAQ
What’s included in our trips?
- experienced and professional guides,
- all charter boat transportation,
- high quality 2 person kayaks with paddling and safety accessories; emergency communication, signaling and first aid equipment;
- all cooking gear, utensils and water bottles;
- 3 excellent meals for each full day plus snacks;
- camping equipment – 2 and 3 person tents, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses that convert into chairs;
- rain gear, rubber boots and dry bags.
Why go with Spirit Walker?
We are a local, guide-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience leading sea kayaking trips to the humpback whale feeding grounds at Point Adolphus.
These are our most popular expeditions and we have been guiding them longer than any other kayaking company in Southeast Alaska.
Having pioneered this guided adventure, we take great pride in making sure we remain the leaders in offering the safest and most sustainable paddling trips to this unique area.
With the most experienced guides, the highest quality equipment, and an unrivaled dedication to operating the best trips to Point Adolphus, we invite you to join us for the adventure!
Safety Precautions
We’re all looking forward to our next vacation right now and what better place to safely keep that 6 foot distance than in the vast open spaces of the Last Frontier?
Our little town of Gustavus (population 450) has ensured only the best for our visitors, placing all of the necessary CDC protocols into effect for your family (as well as ours) to stay safe during your special Alaskan getaway.
The kids will still be able to marvel at the orcas and humpback whales in Glacier Bay, and you’ll still be able to snag that enormous salmon in Icy Strait, free of crowds or worry.
My trip with Spirit Walker Expeditions was amazing. My experience kayaking among the whales is something I will never forget! Go! You will love it.
We had a wonderful experience on a Spirit Walker trip this summer. Six nights, seven days in the Myriad Islands Wilderness. The trip was well organized, the gear was top quality and the guides were great! ... an experience I'll always remember.
This experience was absolute perfection, from the initial call through the flawless execution. I can't say enough good things about this operation and I've personally worked in adventure travel. Thank you, Stephen and crew!
We booked the Whales tour to Point Adolphus for our family which includes a 6 year old and 9 year old... Great safety orientation for our boys who don't have a lot of experience kayaking. Thanks for an unforgettable experience.
It doesn't get any better than this. If you want to experience the real Alaska you must get out on the water... If we return to Alaska, we will make this expedition again.
"Magic Family Holiday" I can't say enough about the wonderful trips that Spirit Walker puts together. The safety and equipment is great. The guides are great fun and knowledgeable about the areas we went. The food is incredible.
The trip had it all: calving glaciers, breaching humpback whales, grizzlies, moose, bald eagles, harbor seals, and much more. I cannot recommend the Spirit Walker crew and the grandeur of Glacier Bay highly enough. Already thinking about my next return trip to the park.
