Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Experience an authentic fishing excursion in the unspoiled wilderness of Alaska’s coastline. You’ll be outfitted with waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jacket, hat and gloves. Then, glide into a breathtaking landscape aboard a stable, custom, 19-foot skiff. Cast a line, and what you catch will become the fresh basis of a gourmet campsite meal! With only five guests per boat, your professional guide customizes the excursion to fit your interests and skill level. Along the way, you may view seals, eagles, whales, birds, porpoise, spawning salmon, and even bears. With quality fishing gear, hone your skills landing a variety of rockfish, cod, or Pacific halibut. After fishing, the skiff heads to a remote wilderness campsite, where a crackling fire awaits in the rain forest of ancient cedars and spruce. Here, you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal of your own freshly caught fish, served atop a saffron-infused, bouillabaisse-inspired stew (no shellfish). Savor sourdough rolls with garlic-aioli spread, a signature rhubarb and blueberry bread pudding, and steaming mugs of coffee or hot chocolate. You’ll leave having experienced the Alaskan way of life. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age, weigh at least 30 lbs. and no more than 300 lbs. and be physically active. We recommended that you wear warm, layered clothing. Actual fishing duration varies from two to three hours. Tour requires negotiating uneven terrain and the skiff is open to the elements. Alaska State Law requires a fishing license that can be purchased in cash at the outfitting room for $20. less

Your guide will meet you in the Fish House Excursion Lounge to escort you to the tram departure area. A leisurely walk will take you to board the tram for this 2 1/2 hour tour where you will discover firsthand the natural wonders of the wild southeast Alaskan rainforest. Along with your local guide, you'll ride a covered wheeled- tram approximately two miles through an old growth rainforest and along the shoreline where Chichagof Island meets the bountiful waters of Icy Strait. Your guide will describe the ecological and cultural significance of the forest's unique plants and animals and how the island's Native Tlingit people are bound to its rich landscape. Upon your return to Icy Strait Point gather at the Heritage Center Native Theater for the Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends performance where outstanding performers will entertain and educate you by sharing their culture and history through song, dance and storytelling. Note: We recommend you bring a raincoat. less

Explore the coastal village of Hoonah with a local guide who will share the history and culture of the Tlingit. Learn about life in the Inside Passage, the importance of the Alaska Marine Highway, the fishing industry, the Tongass National Forest and more! Upon your return to Icy Strait Point you will gather at the Heritage Center Native Theater for the Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends performance where you will be thoroughly entertained and educated through song, dance, and storytelling. You'll be invited to dance with our Tlingit family on stage and will also have an opportunity to have your photo taken with one of the performers. less

This once-in-a-lifetime wildlife expedition with wild black bears of Southeast Alaska is certain to charm everyone. Take off in a floatplane, with all the amenities to make your trip a memorable experience, including a digital CD audio system and individual passenger headsets, to Neets Bay, one of the finest bear viewing locations in Alaska. The flight to Neets Bay is over the largest National Forest in the United States. Neets Bay is also home to one of Southeast Alaska's salmon. Upon arrival join a 1/4 mile guided walk along a stunning, well-maintained wilderness road to the viewing area, where black bears fish for their next meal. A naturalist guide will describe the habits of the bear and the lifecycle of their favorite meal - the salmon. The secure, covered viewing area allows for up-close observation in their natural habitat among the wilderness beauty of the Tongass National Forest. Other wildlife possibilities include eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, marten and seals. Note: Flight time is approximately 45 minutes. Wear comfortable hiking footwear and dress warmly. Rain gear is recommended. There is a 1/4-mile walk over uneven and sometimes difficult terrain, to/from Neets Bay, with a few steps and narrow passageways. This tour is not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Bear watching tours operate during prime bear viewing months, usually late July through mid-September. Wildlife sightings are frequent, however they cannot be guaranteed. less

Imagine the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy along a series of dual cable zip lines and aerial bridges suspended between tall spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. Your professionally trained guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment and provide a detailed orientation, prior to mounting the first platform. Your rainforest canopy challenge features a flight over 8 zip lines and 3 suspension bridges. Progressively ease into the forest canopy along cables ranging from a short 100 feet to the 800 foot pulse pounding “Ben’s Revenge”. Discover Eagle Creek falls and cross 3 hanging sky bridges offering views of the virgin forest below. You'll be up to 135 feet above the forest floor offering fantastic wildlife viewing chances. Gear down at base camp and receive a custom cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal, in recognition of your achievement. Upon completion of this once in a lifetime experience, enjoy a complimentary snack, view your photograph, shop in the General Store and take the opportunity to visit Alaska Wildlife's Reindeer and Raptor Center Exhibits before returning to town. Note: Participants must weigh at least 90 lbs. and no more than 250 lbs. Minimum height is 5 feet. All guests must be in general good health and have full use of their limbs. Pregnant women and those with a history of seizure disorders should not participate. All guests must wear closed toe shoes. No video cameras allowed while zipping. less