Alaska Cruises: Excursions

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. The operators of this tour guarantee you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour!

Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore at Orca Point Lodge on beautiful Colt Island and enjoy a feast that includes fresh grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken kabobs, corn on the cob, rice pilaf, coleslaw, 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 boarding 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. Participants must be able to walk a distance of 40 to 50 feet to embark and disembark the vessel. less

Take a journey into the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chiapas. Your professional guides will provide in-depth information about the history of the area, the people of Chiapas and the intense work put into creating the perfect cup of coffee. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a complimentary drink along with a safety briefing before your hiking adventure. Follow your guide through a slow paced walk while observing different kinds of exotic flowers, small fauna and the forest that surrounds you. Also, enjoy a scenic view of the Tacana Volcano which marks the border between Mexico and Guatemala. After your hiking journey, enjoy a snack, taste some coffee or shop at the local stores before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Guest should wear a hat, light jacket and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. Guest must be able to walk on their own and be in good health. less

Travel into the Sierra Madre Mountains towards Argovia Plantation and Estate for your authentic temazcal experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a complimentary drink and educational information about the history of the Temazcal and its importance in ancient cultures. A safety briefing will be provided before your sweat bath. After your Temazcal experience, you’ll be applied a clay facial mask, which you will rinse off short after. Lastly, refresh yourself with a snack, taste some coffee or shop at the local stores before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Guest should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. There will be some time to change clothes, if needed, prior to and following the bath. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be in good health and sign a waiver release form. The maximum age recommended for participants is 70 years of age. less

Enjoy a five-hour fishing excursion to the richest game fishing grounds know to anglers. As the boat heads out to the fishing area, the poles will be set with lures by the mate to minimize the possibility of the lines becoming tangled. The type of fishing is trolling. Boats do not troll with live bait, as it is good for perhaps fifteen minutes maximum. This means the boat will be in the open ocean and four lines with lures will be utilized in pole holders and outriggers. All of the hooked fish will be rotated between the participants on the boat. When a fish is spotted, the mate will reel in the four lines and then set a line with the live bait. If a fish takes the bait, the mate will 'set the hook' and give the pole to the first person in the fighting chair. When the first person has landed the fish (or if the fish got away), the next person will have the next hooked fish and so on. When everyone has had a turn in the chair the rotation will start over. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart ailment, knee/spinal/neck pain or injury or any other recent injury should not participate. Typically six participants will share a boat, however arrangements can be made, at additional costs to share a boat by two or three anglers, thereby improving your chances of catching a fish. All fishing boats contain the latest in safety equipment. less

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.

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