Our lay day in Wrangell turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip as most guests opted to visit the renowned Anan Wildlife Observatory—a bucket list stop for any wildlife lover. The journey to the site alone set the tone: a zippy ride aboard a fast boat topping out at 38 mph, a stark contrast to our typical cruising pace of 8 knots. The adrenaline rush was a fun change of pace.

Once at Anan, we were immersed in a scene straight out of a nature documentary. Black bears and brown bears shared the same river corridor, peacefully fishing for salmon, with playful cubs learning the ropes from their mothers. The proximity to these magnificent creatures was breathtaking—quiet moments watching them fish, interact, and nap will be etched into our minds for years to come.

Back in Wrangell, the rest of the day was filled with stories and reflection on what was truly a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. It’s not every day you witness bears in their natural habitat, undisturbed, doing what they’ve done for generations.