Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Learn to handle a kayak from an expert then put your new skills to use with an unforgettable seaborne adventure. Glide through the waters native-style, get up-close looks at wildlife and enjoy ever changing views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Start with a narrated tour through a historic part of Juneau on your way to North Douglas Island. Don protective raingear, boots and lifejackets, and learn the paddling techniques you’ll need to handle your kayak. Then join a friend or new traveling companion in your two-person craft and you’re off to explore! Against a backdrop of forested slopes, nearby peaks and the spectacular Mendenhall, you’re on course for an informative and memorable tour of Fritz Cove. In small groups of six kayaks, you’re able to stealthily approach wildlife. Bald eagles and their nests, herons, shorebirds and waterfowl are all common sights. Porpoises and even humpback whales occasionally surface for air. If you’re lucky, you might see a humpback’s enormous tail fluke. You’ll also visit the Mendenhall Wetlands, a protected habitat teeming with more than 140 species of birds, nearly a dozen different mammals and an abundance of marine life. Along the way, your guide will satisfy your curiosity about local flora and fauna, and explain the history behind landmarks such as Smuggler’s Cove. Note: Participants must weigh between 40 and 260 lbs. and be in good physical condition. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. For more details about these tours please visit http://www.bestofalaskatours.com/NCL/
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Explore Alaska’s wilderness by boat and savor Dungeness crab amid the hospitality of a historic Alaska lodge. At George Inlet Lodge, board your vessel and cruise the Inside Passage waterway on a journey that explores the region’s history and natural beauty. On your journey up the fjord, you’ll pass the old George Inlet Cannery, and Mahoney River Valley, home to bears, eagles, and salmon that return to spawn annually. Cross the fjord and view the Tongass National Forest in its entire splendor. A remote cove is home to Dungeness crab. Volunteers help pull crab pots, and while these crab are set free, you’ll have the opportunity to see them up close and learn about their anatomy and life cycle. Once the pots are reset, return to the lodge for a well-deserved meal that includes a beverage, oriental salad, steamed baby red potatoes, one full serving of Dungeness crab, and a slice of cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries! For more details about this tour please visit: http://alaskacrabtours.com/crabbing.html
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Come and experience an unforgettable 3-in-1 value packed adventure. Take a picturesque journey into the countryside to the Pristine White River Valley Property. Our extensively trained Canopy guides will give a short safety briefing before taking you on an invigorating nature walk to your first platform. Soar through the trees on three horizontal traverses ranging from 65 to 160 feet in length. Become “Tarzan” or "Jane" while overlooking the pristine waters of the White River, where your next adventure takes place. Your river tubing adventure begins at the 17th century landmark, “Spanish Bridge”. As you get ready to journey down the cool waters of the White River, you will receive a safety briefing from our experienced River Guides, who will also outfit you with all necessary equipment for your journey ahead. This refreshing ride down the White River not only gives you the rich history of Jamaica; it also shows you the beauty of our land as you pass through coconut plantations, bamboo groves and along river banks filled with indigenous flora and fauna. The real adventure lies on the white river as you enjoy her many moods, which will bring you to challenging rapids and enchanting lagoons. As you disembark the River back at the White River Valley property you will have a garden paradise to enjoy. Visit the property’s facilities nestled within the architecture of a traditional Jamaican village. Be sure to stop by the Parrot Bar and Grill to indulge in some of our traditional Jamaican Jerk cuisine, refresh yourself with a cool drink, and browse the Valley Trader gift shop before leaving for Dunn's River Falls. Dunn's River cascades its splendor 600 feet down the Jamaican Mountainside to the Caribbean Sea below. Be adventurous and climb the falls with the assistance of an experienced guide. Or, if you prefer, relax in one of the many pools at the base of the waterfall, swim out in the blue Caribbean Sea and let the salty water soak your cares away; or bask in the sun on the white sand beach before returning to your cruise ship. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age and weigh no more than 265 lbs. Not recommended for guests with back or neck injuries or pregnant women. Must be able to walk uphill unassisted for 20 minutes. 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

Learn about some of the world’s endangered species of turtles. You’ll meet seven of eight species of marine turtles that exist worldwide at the Turtle Sanctuary located in Mazunte. This sanctuary is dedicated to the breeding study and preservation of turtles. You’ll also see different growing stages and learn what the Mexican government is doing to protect these very special creatures. Some of the marine turtles swim to the local shores to lay their eggs every year. Your next stop will be a cottage industry and cosmetic’s factory, set up in Mexico by 'The Body Shop' and now exporting their products around the world. Here, you may buy cold and facial masks, creams, shampoo, soap and oils, prepared only with natural ingredients. Then continue to Ventanilla Lagoon, a little community dedicated to maintain and preserve a crocodile farm. Ride a non-motorized canoe to see crocodiles, several species in their natural habitat; such as birds, raccoons, wild ducks, iguanas, crustaceans and reptiles. Note: Participants must be 8 years of age and in good physical conditions. Bring repellent, wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes. The nature of the tour requires walking both in the museum and the crocodile farm areas. The trails are mostly rough roads. less

This exclusive opportunity combines Alaska’s favorite experiences, a flight on a De Havilland Beaver float plane, and dining on Alaskan Dungeness Crab! Your flight begins as you take off from the downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks. This bustling Alaskan community will quickly be revealed below, along with panoramic views of the Tongass National Forest. Your flight will include the historic importance of the De Havilland Beaver float plane and the landmarks below! After 30 minutes of spectacular scenery, you’ll land at the remote, yet rustic and elegant George Inlet Lodge. Snack on smoked salmon as you learn about the colorful George Inlet Lodge and its epic journey across 90 miles of ocean to its current location. Sip white wine or Alaskan amber beer as your host entertains you with stories and knowledge of Alaska, Ketchikan, and so much more. Your feast will consist of a fresh romaine salad topped with homemade oriental-style dressing, followed by steamed baby red potatoes and Dungeness crab. A steaming hot second helping of crab will be by shortly. Last but certainly not least indulge in rich, smooth cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries. A quick visit to the George Inlet Lodge gift shop is a must before you depart. You’ll disembark on the second half of your journey enjoying a narrated coach ride along the coastline back to downtown. On this coastal path, you’ll pass and learn about totem poles, a fish hatchery, and the coast guard station in Ketchikan. This is an exclusive experience incorporating the best Alaska has to offer. Note: Flight path is subject to change due to weather patterns. This tour may run in reverse. This tour is non-refundable. less