Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Board your Zodiac, skippered by an experienced eco-guide. After a brief safety lecture and orientation, take an exhilarating ride to Land’s End, past Lover’s Beach, the sea lion colony and the famous arch. Your first snorkel site will be at Chileno Cove, approximately 20 minutes along the coast. After re-boarding your Zodiac, you’ll head over to Santa Maria Cove for your second snorkeling. The transparent waters at both coves team with colorful fish, including Moorish idols, puffers and Cortez angelfish. You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes at each site. After your snorkel experience, your Zodiac transports you back to the tender pier. Enjoy the incredible view heading back into the harbor with a view of your ship, Land's End and the coastline of Cabo. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. The snorkeling sites may be altered due to weather and water conditions. This tour is not for pregnant women or guests with knee, neck, back or heart problems, as the ride can be rough. A signed waiver is required. Snorkeling is from the boat and guests must climb small aluminum ladder to get back into boat. Wear your swim suit and bring a towel. Sunglasses and sun protection are suggested. All snorkel equipment, safety vest, instruction, supervision and bottled water/soft drinks are included. Wetsuits are not included. less

This exciting tour combines a “whales guaranteed” cruise with Alaska’s finest wilderness salmon bake. Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a waterjet-powered vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as you ply the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. This area is world-renowned as a favored summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, as these graceful giants slowly arc their massive tail flukes into the air. Don’t forget your camera, and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. The whales are often close enough to hear them breathe! An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore at Orca Point Lodge on beautiful Colt Island, to enjoy a feast that includes fresh grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken kabobs, corn on the cob, rice pilaf, cole slaw, fresh hot rolls and desserts. The lodge offers peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before reboarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay. Note: Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the vessel observation deck and for enjoying the natural environment at Orca Point Lodge. Complimentary-use binoculars and souvenir route guides are provided. Must be able to walk 40 to 50 feet to embark and disembark the vessel. less

Cruise by Cabo’s famed Lovers Beach, past the sea lion colony and the towering rock formations of Land’s End, then set sail for Chileno Bay, cruising along Cabo’s Gold Coast. The bay features a large reef, which is home to many species of fish. Snorkel among the tropical fish in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. The adventurous can swim from the boat to the beach in search of treasures buried in the sand. On the return voyage, an assortment of finger foods and drinks will be served. Relax as the sails are hoisted and enjoy the beauty of Los Cabos. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 240 lbs. Not for guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems or pregnant women. Instructions are available upon request and equipment is provided. A signed waiver is required. less

Relax during your short drive to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls where you’ll climb 600 feet of cool refreshing water as it cascades over natural limestone terraces. Guides are provided to assist you when ascending the rushing waters as they plunge directly into the pristine Caribbean Sea. After this invigorating experience, you’re transported to Dolphin Cove where you are met by friendly hostesses and given a complimentary fruit drink. This unique cove surrounded by lush tropical jungle, is home to our beautiful family of bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, snakes and iguanas. There you’ll participate in a brief orientation and then enter the world of nature’s most fascinating creatures - the dolphins. Get to know the animals as you interact with them in deep water. Experience the thrill of 'riding' the dolphin belly to belly. Dance, sing, play and even enjoy a kiss or two. After enjoying this unique experience, spend the rest of the day at Dolphin Cove and all that it has to offer. At the conclusion of your tour you’ll have the option of being dropped-off at a local shopping plaza for shopping time at your leisure and then make your own way back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Participants must weigh no more than 250 lbs. Shuttle buses are available at 10-minute intervals to return you to your ship. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart, neck/ back problems, mobility/balance problems or pregnant women. The Dunn’s River Falls are the highlight of Jamaica and tend to be very congested. All guests participating in a tour that visits the falls should wear foot protection that can get wet. River socks are available for rent at the falls. The rocks at the falls are slippery. Climbing the falls is optional and at your own risk. Participants who do not wish to climb the falls may enjoy the small beach at the base. The walk to the beach is on a slope with many stairs, therefore participants should be in reasonably good health. less

No trip to Alaska is complete without a ride on the White Pass & Yukon route narrow-gauge railroad. Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass, a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride 40 miles round-trip in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. This fully narrated tour features panoramas of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands that took this route during their quest for gold. This narrow-gauge railroad is a designated International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, shared with the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.