Red helicopter sits turned off atop a high meadow with snowy peaks beyond as Within the Wild Alaska guests have a picnic lunch.
Naturalist points to a large tree in a dense forest as 4 Within the Wild Alaska guests look on during a nature hike.
Woman stands at river's edge fishing while nearby man watches on a sunny day of the Within the Wild Alaska tour.
Man photographs glacier ice from the front of a helicopter while pilot flies on a sunny day during the Within the Wild Alaska tour.
small group in a cooking class with the chef at tutka bay lodge in alaska
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North America Alaska Land Tour

Within the Wild

The 5- or 6-day Within the Wild luxury Alaska adventure offers guests intimate exposure to Alaska’s backcountry using an incredible backcountry accommodation: the Tutka Bay Lodge. Depart Anchorage by floatplane and immediately take in three distinct mountain ranges, including Mount Denali. Exploratory hikes, helicopter- and floatplane-assisted adventures, glacier trekking, fishing and bear viewing are followed by relaxation and comfort back at your lodge. Each day begins and ends with world-class dining, inspired by the landscapes just explored, as well as relaxation classes, yoga, hot tub soaks or time in the wood-fired sauna. 

Enjoy helicopter excursions to captivating coastal destinations featuring awe-inspiring whale-watching. Take in breathtaking flightseeing over the majestic glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula. Embark on unforgettable bear-viewing expeditions along the famous Katmai Coast. Experience invigorating hikes through old-growth forest, explore the pristine Kachemak Bay State Park and sea kayak to nearby islands, sometimes right alongside whales.

Tutka Bay Lodge, adjacent to Kachemak Bay State Park, offers hikes through an old-growth Sitka spruce forest right from the front door. Sea kayaks and fishing boats launch from the lodge deck into renowned waters known for halibut and salmon. An in-house yoga instructor and personal guide provide guests with plenty to do after a day spent deep sea fishing or bear viewing on the Katmai Peninsula.

Throughout the Within the Wild experience, expert naturalist guides and expedition leaders enhance daily excursions while award-winning chefs deliver unforgettable cuisine, daily wine and cheese tastings and culinary sessions to create an atmosphere of refinement. For travelers interested in a coastal seaside escape, this luxury Alaskan land adventure is perfect. Relax knowing all the details have been handled for you and enjoy a full menu of activities during your upscale and intimate Alaska experience, while being surrounded by nature and wildlife. Custom trips are also available.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.



Itinerary

Within the Wild: Mountains & Sea Itinerary

This Alaska land-based 5- or 6-day adventure begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska, with added-cost transportation to arrive and depart from Tutka Bay Lodge.

Map of Within the Wild luxury Alaska land tour showing the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage & Tutka Bay Lodge.
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Day 1
Arrive Anchorage, Alaska to Tutka Bay Lodge

This morning, be met at your hotel or the Anchorage airport for a complimentary transfer to your air taxi at Lake Hood. Depart Anchorage around 9:00 a.m. (departure time is customizable) for a scenic floatplane flight to Tutka Bay Lodge. You will depart from Lake Hood, the world’s largest floatplane base, and land on the ocean at the lodge dock. Tutka Bay Lodge is situated approximately one hour by air southwest of Anchorage.

Lodge managers will greet you and introduce you to the lodge and your cabin. Check into your room with a view of the Grace Ridge and Tutka fjord. Meet your guides and discuss your week’s itinerary. Your guide will have suggestions. Today perhaps explore the artist’s community of Halibut Cove, or the forests and waters around the lodge, with your naturalist guide. Nearly all guests at the lodge enjoy hiking in the Kachemak Bay State Park. Lodge owner Kirsten recommends visiting a nearby oyster farm.

Lunch is served in the main lodge at 1:00pm. After lunch, join in a stretch class, beach combing, garden tour, or leisurely walk through the surrounding old-growth forest. In the late afternoon, consider joining a cooking class in the kitchen with the executive chef, followed by wine tasting and appetizers in the main lodge bar area, and the nightly three-course dinner at 7:00pm.

Accommodations

Tutka Bay Lodge

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Days 2 - 4/5
Tutka Bay Lodge Excursions

Ahead of breakfast each day, consider optional morning yoga on the deck or enjoy the early morning serenity by exploring the beach during low tide. Then depart on full-day out-of-camp excursions or enjoy activities based from the lodge; the experience is fully customizable. Lunch and snacks will be provided daily.

Full-Day: Deep Sea Fishing

With an early start, this excursion will take you to the deep, pristine waters of Kachemak Bay. Spend the day fishing for salmon and halibut alongside informative local captains with all gear included. Kachemak Bay is home to one of the most productive fisheries in the world due to intense tidal fluctuations. Listen to stories from your guide about this unique region. A specialty lunch will be provided from the lodge chefs for your day on the water. At the end of the day, your captain will clean and fillet your catch at the dock. Ship it home or take it to the lodge for the chefs to prepare.

Full-Day: Bear Viewing

This excursion provides an amazing opportunity to explore one of the most populated wild habitats of Alas­kan brown bears. The day starts with an early rise at Tutka Bay Lodge and a water taxi over to Homer where you meet your pilot and guide. At the hanger, you will be fitted with waders for the day, then take off for a 1-hour scenic flight. The destination flight takes you over glaciers, volcanoes and the rugged coastlines of Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park. Land on a remote beach where you may walk alongside bears in their natural habitat and, depending on the time of year, see bears grazing on sedge grass, digging for clams, playing together, courting, resting and/or fishing. Expect to make some stream crossings and do light hiking (2-6 miles) alongside highly knowledgeable and helpful guides. (Please note this is a remote trip and there is no access to facilities.)

Marine Wildlife Cruise

Cruise the Bay for pristine coastal views, including rainforests, geologic formations, waterfalls and wildlife. Watch for shorebirds; sea bird rookeries (puffins, oystercatchers and harlequins); sea otters; bald eagles; porpoise; humpback, minke and orca whales; sea lions and harbor seals. Enjoy a gourmet picnic amid pure sea air.

Heli Adventures

Fly deep into the mountains and explore untouched land for miles. After a scenic flightsee to the Outer Coast, touch down on a glacier and step foot on the ancient blue ice. Land on a mountain peak and hike the alpine ridgelines taking in expansive mountain-to-sea views. Fly to a freshwater stream to experience fly fishing or seek out a mountain biking trail. Helicopters provide all sorts of possibilities.

Nearby Activities

Visit an oyster farm and learn about raising oysters and mussels in the cold waters of Alaska. Visit artisans and galleries in the coastal towns of Homer or Seldovia. Visit local villages and hiking trails.

Tutka Bay Lode-Based Activities

Join your guide for a hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake and maybe bring along a pack raft to float with the icebergs. Today might be a day for a long exploratory sea kayak tour around the bay, another expedition up Grace Ridge, or just relaxing around the lodge and soaking up the local scenery. Back at Tutka Bay Lodge later in the afternoon, consider a kayak around the Herring Islands, enjoy the hot tub and sauna, or relax on the expansive deck.

Evenings at Tutka Bay Lodge

When you get back to lodge from daily activities, enjoy a hot sauna or soak, plus wellness offerings like forest and sound bathing. Each evening, join the lodge managers for wine, cocktails, local Alaskan brews and gourmet sodas during appetizer hour. Following dinner, take a walk to Sunset Beach to relax before views of Mt. Illiamna. On your final night, join an after-dinner bonfire oceanside to bid farewell to favorite guides and fellow travelers, and enjoy a Within the Wild traditionhomemade blueberry marshmallows with graham crackers freshly made by the lodge chefs.

Accommodations

Tutka Bay Lodge

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5/6
Tutka Bay Lodge to Anchorage, Alaska & Depart

After optional morning yoga at 7:00am, enjoy breakfast at 8:00am in the main lodge. Bid farewell to fellow travelers, favorite lodge employees and resi­dent sea otters. The adventure ends with a water taxi ride to Homer (added cost) followed by a 9:30am commercial jet flight back to Anchorage (added cost), or a one-hour seaplane flight direct from the lodge dock to Anchorage (added cost).

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All meals, snacks, coffee, tea and house wine, house beer and house cocktails served with lunch and/or dinner; two days out-of-camp excursions from Tutka Bay Lodge (option to add a third day at added cost), with options including a Robinson R-44 helicopter-assisted excursion, a bear viewing excursion to Katmai Peninsula, a marine wildlife day cruise or a deep sea fishing day in Kachemak Bay (option to repeat any for second included excursion); daily yoga class; daily cooking class; accommodations in private cabin; wireless internet in the Main Lodge; in-room and lodge amenities; daily housekeeping and evening turndown services; all lodge guided activities; use of adventure gear.

Exclusions

Internal transit, including optional round-trip commercial jet travel between Anchorage and Tutka Bay Lodge ($550 per person in 2024 & subject to change, contact us for floatplane charter options and pricing), and shared water taxi between Tutka Bay Lodge and Homer ($100 per person in 2024); airfare to and from Alaska; premium wines and alcohol; lodge staff gratuity (at your discretion); insurance of any kind (strongly recommended); Mat-Su Borough tax ($15 per person in 2024); additional excursions (can be supplemented or added for extra cost; please inquire for custom interests).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days prior to your arrival at the lodge. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost or penalty-free reservation change or transfer

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Within the Wild adventure begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage prior to the 9:00am meeting time on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to maximize time at Tutka Bay Lodge; custom pick-up can be arranged. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to depart Anchorage no earlier than 1:30pm on the final day, following a 9:30am departure from Tutka Bay Lodge (10:45am arrival into Anchorage); custom drop-off can be arranged. This trip may require additional (excluded) overnights in Anchorage. AdventureSmith experts can assist with any additional hotels or transfers.

Internal Flights

Internal flights on this trip are not included in the rate, except for the optional scenic flight from Homer to go bear viewing and two helicopter excursions. Additional internal flight fare is based on your selection (commercial jet or private floatplane) for the flights between Anchorage and Homer or Tutka Bay Lodge. The optional private floatplane flight between Anchorage and Tutka Bay Lodge is booked aboard a small plane. While these are regularly scheduled flights they are almost like a flightseeing excursion and we feel this is part of the Alaska experience. Baggage limits on these flights are 50 pounds per person + one carry on item. For travelers opting to return to Anchorage by floatplane, additional baggage can be stored with the airline at Lake Hood.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include flightseeing, hiking, morning yoga and stretching, cooking classes, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, snorkeling, glacier trekking & pack/paddle rafting, wildlife observation, day boat excursions, deep sea fishing, fly fishing, mountain biking, (added-cost) Homer/Seldovia cultural tours (art studios, pottery, local food & craft breweries), and visiting an oyster farm or peony farm.

Room Configuration

Triple occupancy rates are not available. Please contact us for single pricing. Upgrades may be available, contact us for details.

Families & Children

Children 12 years old and under receive a discounted rate reflected in the following 2024 child pricing:
5-Day: $7,500
6-Day: $8,600

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

The above is a sample itinerary. Actual adventure offerings and schedule may vary due to guest interests and weather. Itineraries should be used as a guide only and may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

2024 Rates
From $10700USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Wilderness Lodge on Your Itinerary

Lodge
Tutka Bay Lodge

Tutka Bay Lodge sits at the entrance of a rugged nine-mile fjord at the southern end of Kachemak Bay near Homer, Alaska, on an 11-acre property, accessible only by floatplane. Four private guest cabins (one split into two separate units), boat house, sauna, hot tub and main lodge are all connected by boardwalk.

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Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Land Tour

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7 Day Land Tour
Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure

This 7-day Alaska coast to Denali Adventure visits two Alaska national parks: Denali and Kenai Fjords. With up to 16 total guests, travel from Anchorage to Seward, Kenai, Talkeetna and Denali, then return via historic Alaska railroad, with opportunities to sea kayak, hike and optional flightsee!

Special Offer
From $6345USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Denali Backcountry Explorer

Spend 3-4 nights at a remote backcountry lodge situated 90 miles inside Denali National Park. Unbeatable wildlife viewing, landscape photography, guided hikes, fishing, dog sleds and an Alaska railroad ride can be customized to complement any Alaska small ship cruise.

From $6765USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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9 - 11 Day Land Tour
Alaska Grand Adventure

Designed to complement any coastal cruise or make the most of your Alaska vacation, the Alaska Grand Adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park by raft, hike, kayak, fishing and flightseeing. Explore in a small group capped at 16 guests.

Special Offer
From $8745USD
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Within the Wild