Alaska Cruises: Excursions

This excursion gives you the best opportunity to view moose and other Alaskan wildlife in their natural setting. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, they are frequent. Your tour begins with a 45 minute ferry to Haines aboard a comfortable 150 passenger catamaran. The naturalist will guide you through this adventure from the gold rush town of Skagway to the quaint community of Haines with access to miles of different channels of the Chilkat River in a specially designed, flat-bottom riverboat. Most of the 48,000 acre preserve is untouched wilderness, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and unspoiled nature.

The boat is uncovered for better wildlife and photo opportunities but extra jackets and large waterproof, windproof lap blankets will you keep you dry and warm. Join your hosts, the Hess family at their private property with modern restroom facilities and a covered and heated lunch pavilion. Enjoy a meal of hot dogs, vegetarian chili, chicken noodle soup, chips,cookies and beverages. Afterwards you’ll have time to sit by the campfire or watch for mountain goats on the nearby mountains.

Note: Although wildlife sightings are frequent, they’re not guaranteed. Outdoor wear, hats, gloves, and blankets are provided at the site. Your lunch may be served either before or after the river portion of the tour, mealtime appropriate.

Journey to the spectacular Chilkat Eagle Preserve home to the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles. Explore North America's deepest fjord on your voyage to the beautiful port of Haines. Your journey continues along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the preserve. After a riverside picnic, you’ll board 18-foot inflatable rafts to enjoy a peaceful float (no whitewater) down the river through the very heart of the preserve. Watch for eagles, bears, moose, and even wolves, drawn here by the spawning salmon. 7,000 foot tall peaks tower above as you float past the ancient native village of Klukwan. This is an unforgettable adventure into the grandeur of Alaska!

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age and weigh no more than 350 lbs. Ponchos and boots are provided at the site. Guests must be in good health and able to walk over loose gravel and dry river delta to board the rafts.

Take a scenic drive up the spectacular Klondike Highway and into Canada’s historic and beautiful Yukon Territory. Your mountain guide and mini bus with big windows will transport you up the original White Pass “Trail of ’98.” Along the way, you’ll be greeted by the rugged expanse of land that both Infuriated and enchanted gold seekers over 100 years ago. Pass waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks before crossing the mountain cradling the 3,292 ft. summit and following a jewel-like string of lakes that feed the Yukon River.

In the Yukon, you’ll visit the village of Carcross. Rich in history, you’ll be charmed by its picturesque log cabins, hotel and General Store. Further north, see the “smallest desert in the world,” and then continue to Emerald Lake, truly a gem in its green valley setting. Lunch is a home-style affair at the Spirit Lake Lodge, famous throughout the Yukon for its wonderful pies. You’ll then return to Skagway with plenty of time left for exploring the historic downtown or shopping.

Note: This excursion enters Canada, all participants are required to carry a valid passport.

This is the experience many anglers dream of when planning an Alaskan vacation, fishing for the largest flatfish in the world, the Pacific Halibut. Imagine catching your first wild halibut with your friends or family and the bragging rights that will come with sharing this delectable fish back home. Unlike many other Alaska destinations, Ketchikan fishing is in protected waters, a short ride from the marina. No matter your skill level, you'll fish like a local, with a Penn rod and Penn 114 reel in your own two hands, working the sandy flats, drifting with the current, jigging in waters as deep as 300 feet. Spend the day with an experienced Alaskan guide, in pursuit of the elusive halibut, learning the secrets of fishing circle hooks, working the tides and battling your leviathan. You can choose to custom process your halibut, as well as purchase a selection of local Alaskan seafood to include with the shipment of your bounty home. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age, weigh a minimum of 30 lbs and a maximum of 300 lbs. Deck or rubber soled shoes must be worn on board. We recommend that you wear warm, layered clothing. Rain gear, rubber boots, comfortable float jackets, wool socks, hat and gloves. Halibut fishing equipment and tackle are provided. Actual fishing duration is 4 1/2 hours. Alaska State Law requires a fishing license that can be purchased in cash at the outfitting room for $20. You’ll need a credit card in order to have your catch processed and sent home (U.S. only). Fish cannot be stored on board the ship. less