For those seeking an Alaska experience that transcends the ordinary, the Keku Islands offer a rare and breathtaking adventure. Tucked within the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska, this remote island group is a wilderness jewel--where dense temperate rainforests, fossil-rich shorelines, and uninhabited islets merge to form a tapestry of wonder. Aboard the Nordic Endeavor, travelers gain unmatched access to this secluded paradise, where every turn of the tide reveals a new chapter in nature's unfolding story.
Discover the Hidden Wilds of the Keku Islands Aboard the Nordic Endeavor
The Keku Islands lie just off the coast near the small community of Kake, Alaska. Rugged and undeveloped, the islands appear today much as they did centuries ago, rising green and lush from waters teeming with life. The journey there aboard the Nordic Endeavor is more than just a scenic ride. It is an immersion into a world rarely touched by modern development.
Cruising through these waters, travelers are surrounded by the grandeur of Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a wall of green along the island slopes, and moss-draped branches sway with the coastal breeze. It's a setting that invites deep breaths and quiet contemplation—an Alaska far removed from the bustle of cruise ports and bus tours.
For amateur and professional photographers, the Keku Islands are a dreamscape. The contrast between deep green forests and bright blue water, the ever-changing cloudscapes, and the abundance of wildlife offer endless subjects. The Nordic Endeavor provides both the proximity and the stability needed for great shots, whether you're focused on capturing the flash of a breaching whale or the delicate swirl of mist rising from a cedar-studded shore.
Golden-hour light here feels like magic. With long summer evenings and the dramatic interplay of sun and clouds, the islands seem to glow from within. It's no wonder many visitors say this part of the journey is their favorite—one that stays with them long after the boat has returned to the harbor.
Wildlife Encounters from the Deck of the Nordic Endeavor
One of the greatest privileges of exploring the Keku Islands aboard the Nordic Endeavor is witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. From the comfort of the boat's deck, you may see humpback whales surfacing in the distance, or closer still, sea otters floating on their backs like buoys among the kelp beds. Harbor seals often pop up curiously as the vessel passes through narrow channels, and bald eagles soar overhead with outstretched wings.
Black bears may be spotted foraging along the shores at low tide in late spring and summer. On the islands themselves, deer graze in quiet coves, and songbirds flit among the trees. Each hour brings a new opportunity to encounter the untamed rhythm of Southeast Alaska's ecosystem.
Unlike traditional sightseeing, where wildlife is glimpsed from afar, here the encounter is intimate. The Nordic Endeavor's quiet approach and small-group format allow guests to truly connect with nature, observe without intrusion, and appreciate the intricate balance of life in these remote isles.
A Fossil Hunter's Dream—No Pickaxe Required
Though seemingly timeless in appearance, the Keku Islands are more than a living wilderness—they are also a window into ancient history. Along certain shorelines, exposed sedimentary rock reveals layers of the Triassic period, offering a geological treasure trove.
While you won't need to dig or disturb the land to enjoy it, simply walking the beaches or cruising near the shore may provide a chance to glimpse fossilized ammonites, ancient corals, and the remains of marine reptiles preserved in stone. These fossil beds have attracted paleontologists for decades, but the islands' beauty ensures that even a casual visitor can feel the mystery of the past written in every rock stratum.
The Culture of the Keku Islands
These islands are also steeped in the culture and heritage of the Tlingit people, who have called this region home for thousands of years. The surrounding waters and forests continue to support traditional ways of life, from fishing and berry gathering to canoe carving and storytelling.
As you cruise near the islands or pause near the village of Kake, you may gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of the landscape. This is not merely land to be seen—it is land that is lived with, respected, and understood in ways that span generations.
The team at Nordic Endeavor honors this connection to the land and approaches every voyage with respect for the region's cultural and ecological richness. While the itinerary is yours to shape, the experience is always framed with thoughtful navigation and an appreciation for the spirit of place.
A Journey to the Keku Islands on Your Terms
Unlike large commercial vessels or packaged excursions, your journey aboard the Nordic Endeavor is customized to your preferences. Want to anchor in a quiet cove and enjoy coffee on deck as seals swim nearby? Prefer to cruise through narrow island passages and take in dramatic vistas as the clouds shift across the peaks? It's your adventure.
The captain is there to safely pilot the vessel according to your wishes, as long as it's safe. That freedom is one of the most unique offerings of a trip with Nordic Endeavor. Whether you want to enjoy photography, reflection, conversation, or simply let the wilderness wash over you, the Keku Islands are an ideal place to be still and savor the moment.
If you're seeking a destination that offers not only scenic beauty but a genuine connection to nature and culture, a journey that includes passage through the Keku Islands aboard the Nordic Endeavor is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's where rugged wilderness, geological wonder, and serenity converge—an invitation to slow down, look deeper, and rediscover your sense of awe. Come aboard, and let the rhythm of the tides and the whisper of the forest guide your journey.