Lost Alaska by Kayak

With 100 countries under his belt and a fleet of sea kayaks at his disposal, Explorers' Corner founder and "chief exploration officer" Olaf Malver knows just the right ingredients for a perfect paddling trip. So trust us when we point you to his new kayaking journey up the West Arm of Glacier Bay, where the ice has retreated just far enough for clients to slip into the heart of Alaska, far from the madding cruise ships. Only in a kayak—gliding past glittering icebergs—can paddlers get this close to whales and sea lions. The nine-day voyage starts from Juneau and ventures by floatplane and charter boat to Glacier Bay. Long sunlight hours are devoted to following the retreat of the glaciers, with stops every so often to explore the mountains by foot. Nights mean camping under the fluorescent-bright constellations. Kayakers also visit Kootznoowoo Wilderness (a habitat for some 1,700 bears on Admiralty Island) and Tongass National Forest to view pods of humpbacks feeding. Land, ho? As you near the end of your aquatic encounter, you'll say, land, no!

Departures: June 9–17, June 30–July 8, July 19–27, August 10–18

Price: From $3,750,including lodging and meals; charter flights, $300; originates in Juneau

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