The Experience
The famed Kenai Peninsula is home to the most impressive natural beauty that can be found in Alaska. Snow-capped mountains meet calm, glacier-fed bays while birds, whales and the occasional bear dot the surrounding landscape.
This is a journey of epic proportions across Southern Alaska. In Anchorage, enjoy a picnic lunch into the snow-capped mountains of Chugach State Park before marveling at the wilderness that surrounds you as you head to Seward in a glass-top train (often ranked as one of the top ten train rides in North America). In Seward, boat through the remarkable Kenai Fjords National Park, and keep an eye out for whales, porpoises, puffins, sea otters, bald eagles, and more along the way! Experience a dog sled ride to the base of Resurrection Mountain along Box Canyon Creek. In Homer, the other side of the Kenai Peninsula, explore the “spit” – a long line of restaurants, shops, and docks with breathtaking views you won’t soon forget.
A Behind-the-Scenes Nature & Wildlife Journey
Venture across Alaska’s breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Along the way, we’ll take you to leading organizations and introduce you to some of the most dedicated individuals working to protect the wildlife and resources of the 49th state.
Our Impact
As America’s last frontier, Alaska boasts a nearly endless amount of natural beauty. Add to that a litany of land and marine life found nowhere else in the U.S. and you have one of the most awe-inspiring experiences available to travelers today. We’ll learn about puffin conservation at the Alaska Sealife Center, explore tidepools by way of “belly biology”, take a boat to a remote scientific field station, visit an oyster farm (and try the oysters!) and get hands-on experience of true Alaskan dog sledding, riding with a local family that has dedicated their life to this tradition.
As we meet with these researchers, scientists, and local community groups, The Great Exploration across this region of Alaska will show you a side of Alaska that few others get to experience and provide you with a deeper sense of what is being done to protect it for future generations.
Where You’ll Stay
Start your trip at a boutique hotel in the heart of Anchorage. Enjoy all the comforts of home, walking distance to local breweries, shops, restaurants, and everything Anchorage has to offer.
In Seward, stay at Harbor 360 – the premier waterfront hotel in this small, scenic fishing village. Located directly on the Seward Small Boat Harbor, enjoy stunning 360 degree views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding Kenai Mountains, and views of the harbor while soaking in the hot tub or swimming in Seward’s only hotel pool. Harbor 360 Hotel is also a certified “Green Business” through the Adventure Green Alaska Program, committed to reducing their impact on the environment.
Finally, end your Alaskan adventure at Aspen Hotels in Homer. Each room is a suite that includes a work desk, generously sized guest rooms, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and mountain views.
Itinerary Overview
Begin the journey in Alaska’s capital, Anchorage where we’ll visit Chugach State park and meet with a member of the Beluga Whale Alliance. Continue to picturesque Seward on a glass top train. Board a boat for a day of glacier viewing along the Kenai Fjords National Park. Then visit the Alaska Sealife Center for a puffin encounter before a dog sled ride through the wilderness.
We’ll then venture to Homer to meet the Alaska Center for Coastal Studies and explore marine invertebrate life with a naturalist guide. Finally, explore the Homer Spit followed by an oyster farm with a local non-profit. View plankton under a microscope, use an underwater remote vehicle to explore, and practice “belly biology” on the docks.
Your Expert Local Guide
Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey. Please note that the actual guide may vary from date-to-date.
Sharman Piper
I grew up in Anchorage, enjoying the outdoors and having easy access to the wilderness. I sometimes am tempted to take all of our natural wonders for granted. However, being a tour guide means that I continually get to experience Alaska anew – through other people’s eyes! It is truly exciting to show off our state to people from all over the world. I enjoy learning new things about Alaska’s cultural and natural history and sharing what I know with our visitors. When I’m not being a tour guide, I love to travel – especially to visit my two sons who both live abroad. Recent trips have been to Turkey, the Republic of Georgia, France, Portugal, England and Scotland! During the winter months, I am very busy as a musician, playing with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and other musical organizations.
Traveler’s Journal
Angela Bailey
Seward, AK
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$5,995 Adult
$5,795 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Mandatory Single Room Supplement = $1295 for the core trip. This is required if we cannot find a suitable roommate
What’s Included:
- Double-occupancy lodging for 6 nights
- 15 meals throughout the trip, including one soft drink, local beer, or local wine with dinner
- Expert guide to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
- All reliable land and water transportation with experienced drivers, including public transportation
- Admissions and entrance fees to national parks and other scheduled events throughout the trip
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Discover Corps pre-departure support
- Turnkey customer support from preparing for your trip to arrival back home
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Alaska
- Two dinners and one lunch
- Alcoholic beverages beyond one per dinner
- Tips for Discover Corps guide and driver
- Laundry services, phone, and Internet services
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Want to make it private? Schedule a personal travel consultation and we’ll make it happen.
2024 Dates
June 15-21, 2024
July 20-26, 2024
August 3-9, 2024
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Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.
Customized Private Trips
Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.