North America and the Caribbean

Wild Alaska | Talkeetna and the Kenai Peninsula

with the Indianapolis Zoological Society
Date:
Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2024
Duration:
8 Days
Price:
From $5,495
Interests:
Natural History
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Sea otter
Downtown Anchorage
Mount Alyeska aerial tram
Brown bears
Kenai Fjords
Humpback whale in the Kenai Fjords
Kayaking excursion
Tufted Puffins
Talkeetna scenery
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About this trip

Set foot in the remote wilderness of Alaska, America’s last frontier – the perfect setting to examine wildlife and ecology, and the balance between humans and natural resources. This overland journey with Indianapolis Zoological Society immerses you in the stunning scenery of the Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna, and Denali State Park, and enlightens the relationship between people and land, from early native communities to pioneering settlers to today’s modern inhabitants. As you kayak, boat, and hike through magnificent landscapes amid forests and glaciers, you’ll search for moose, bears, and eagles, discuss the past and future effects of climate events, and learn about ongoing conservation initiatives.

Highlights

  • Learn about wildlife education and rehabilitation efforts and photograph iconic animals like moose, wolves, and musk ox in their natural habitat at the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
  • Journey by boat into Kenai National Park, taking in the majestic mountain peaks and tidewater glaciers while keeping an eye out for the puffins, otters, whales, and seals that thrive in this ecosystem.
  • Witness the effects of climate change on a hike to Exit Glacier and learn about the geology and biology of Resurrection Valley.
  • Experience Alaska’s incredible beauty at Byers Lake and surrounding mountains in Denali State Park, with a chance to see nesting Trumpeter Swans, loons, eagles, and foraging bears.
  • Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a closer look at traditional and contemporary ways of life for Alaska’s Indigenous cultures.

 

Land Cost

$5,495

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $860

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Low stress travel planning

We take care of all the details so you know your trip will be smooth sailing

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Anchorage
Upon arrival in Anchorage, travel on your own to the hotel. (Uber and Lyft pickup upstairs at departures or Taxi's depart from the commercial lanes outside the Alaska Airlines baggage claim #). With most flights arriving late into the evening, your group will meet for orientation the next morning.
Captain Cook Hotel
Seward
This morning at 8am, meet the group at "The Pantry Restaurant" for program orientation and breakfast before the 10am departure to Seward. Stop en route in the town of Girdwood and a favorite local eatery for lunch. Afterwards ascend up the side of Mt. Alyeska on an aerial tram. From the top (weather permitting) take in views of several glaciers and the upper reaches of a temperate rainforest. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre natural habitat that provides wildlife education and rehabilitation for some of Alaska’s most famous animals. This is Alaska’s only guaranteed wildlife viewing, close enough to observe and photograph some of our favorite land animals like moose, reindeer, bison, wolves, and musk ox. While we cannot guarantee bears due to the size of their habitat, it is common to see both brown and black bears at the Conservation Center. Make sure to take photos of wildlife with an amazing backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Continue southbound along the Seward Highway,for a stop at the Exit Glacier visitor center for a leisurely nature walk and views of Kenai Fjords National Park's famous Exit Glacier!
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Gateway Hotel
Seward
10:20am pick up for the 6 hour boat journey into the Kenai National Park to explore the classic Alaskan sights including wildlife, mountain peaks and tidewater glaciers. Keep an eye out for puffins, otters, whales and seals who are thriving in this ecosystem.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gateway Hotel
Seward
Please fill out the kayak waiver before enjoying your kayaking trip today! Meet your guide in the lobby at at 7:00AM to head to check in for your kayaking tour. The kayaking guides will drive you out to where you will put in, on this 25-minute tour, our van guide will share stories of Seward’s vibrant history, while transporting you through Seward’s harbor and downtown areas. Along the way, we’ll grab a snack and make a short stop at the Lowell Creek Waterfall for a photo opportunity before continuing on beautiful Lowell Point Road to meet your kayaking guides. All of our tours begin with a paddling orientation and safety talk. Your guide provides a personal flotation device (PFD), spray skirt, waterproof boots, pogies (neoprene mitts) and if needed, we also have splash jackets and splash pants to help keep everyone dry. After this brief kayak orientation, paddle along the shoreline of Resurrection Bay and the nearby State of Alaska Recreation Areas. It is common to encounter sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles and leaping salmon as we kayak. This the perfect trip for those experiencing kayaking for the first time or for those short on time. After kayaking, you will have an included picnic lunch and then head over to the Alaska SeaLife Center for your Wilderness Response tour as well as free time to explore the Alaska SeaLife Center. There will be time to go back to the hotel to freshen up before your included group dinner included in the evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Gateway Hotel
Talkeetna
After breakfast, embark on a journey from Seward to Talkeetna. Before leaving Seward, visit Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in all of Alaska and is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. Enjoy a 2.4 mile hike and learn about the geology and biology of beautiful Resurrection Valley and see how Exit Glacier has receded in the last century. This day tour will include photo stops as well as lunch & dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Susitna River Lodge
Talkeetna
Transfer to Denali State Park this morning to meet our local guides at Byers Lake. Denali State Park is one hour north of Talkeetna. A box lunch is included in your day adventure; please bring your filled reusable water bottle with you today. Take an easy stroll along pristine and tranquil Byers Lake in Denali State Park. This hike is on a well-maintained trail. This crystal-clear lake is tucked between the Talkeetna Mountains and the Alaska Range, making this a spectacular natural setting. Your professional naturalist guides will share their knowledge of the park and its inhabitants. They can help you spot trumpeter swans, loons, beavers, bears and spawning salmon so keep your eyes open and cameras ready! Look for blueberries and cranberries (when in season). Enjoy wildflowers like wild iris, dogwood, and twin flowers and take home a healing salve made from native plants. Lastly, visit a historic log cabin built when the area was home to trappers, traders and gold miners.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Susitna River Lodge
Anchorage
Transfer from Talkeetna to Anchorage today. Lunch is included this afternoon as well as a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers a unique experience for each visitor to learn and explore the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska's Indigenous cultures. More than a museum, the Heritage Center is a place to engage and interact - to ask questions and discover! Your visit will take you on a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance and Native Games demonstrations, exhibits and traditional Native dwellings. Our farewell dinner is this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Captain Cook Hotel
Anchorage
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your airport transfer in time for your flight home.
Land Cost

$5,495

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $860

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Airport transfers are provided on group basis (not individual flight basis)
  • All tips
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time guide per region for the duration of your program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • Items of personal nature
  • Round-trip airfare to and from destination
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 10 participants in double occupancy.

A $500 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 120 days prior to departure excluding a $200 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $860


Final payment due date: March 15, 2024

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens age 18 and over are required to carry valid government-issued identification—such as a driver's license, passport, or permanent resident card—for air travel. A passport is required if traveling to Alaska through Canada.

To enter the U.S. by air, Canadian citizens need a passport or valid NEXUS card; to enter the U.S. by land or water, Canadian citizens need a passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented, or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

If you are not traveling from the United States or Canada, please check with the U.S. Embassy for requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, before every trip.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and is due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include patches of reddened skin that become white, hard, and swollen; or skin that burns, tingles, or is numb or painful. Severe cases can result in blisters or ulcers forming and may involve deeper tissues. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks.

To avoid frostbite, dress warmly and in layers but avoid tight clothing as it may reduce circulation. Keep the face and extremities covered. Avoid overheating and excessive perspiration. Change wet clothing, especially socks and gloves.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is life threatening. It is caused by cold, wet, or windy weather that causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce heat. Hypothermia can occur in rugged mountain terrain where the weather can change extremely fast, or after being soaked in a stream crossing or a boating accident since most Alaskan waters are very cold all year long.

Symptoms include feeling cold, uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness due to loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech, inability to think clearly, and eventual unconsciousness and cessation of reflexes including heart and lung functions. Many victims in the later stages of hypothermia feel warm and try to shed clothing.

To treat hypothermia, first warm the core of the body before the extremities. Remove any wet clothing. Re-warm the victim slowly; do not warm fast by immersing in warm/hot water. Provide shelter out of the weather. Warm drinks are not necessary, but may help in the psychological recovery. Do NOT give alcohol. Try to keep victim awake as this helps keep the body temperature up.

ANIMAL BITES/RABIES

Avoid wild animals that seem curious or don’t run away from humans. Mammals such as foxes and wolves, lynx, caribou, beavers, and others are known to carry rabies in Alaska. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.

Resources

Print Resources

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences, specific itinerary, and time of year.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

  • A combination of short- and long-sleeved shirts that can be worn in layers
  • Shorts: one or two pairs for warm days
  • Long pants, jeans, or trousers, plus a pair of fast-drying pants
  • Sweater/sweatshirt/medium weight jacket
  • Waterproof gear - lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Wool hat or beanie and/or a hat with a brim (for sun protection)
  • Gloves
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Socks: bring extra pairs
  • Shoes: You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with good ankle protection. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual slip-ons or sandals for around the hotel.
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, a travel pack of tissues, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your ID, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Photo ID (or passport, if traveling internationally) and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long transfers, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Chargers for electronics
I wanted to see as much of Alaska as I could in one week and step outside my comfort zone. My goals were certainly met!
- Caroline D.
,
Questions

For more information contact Jennifer Barker at 317-630-2019 or jbarker@indyzoo.com 

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