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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Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 45-minute drive to the infamous mud volcano. On the way to the volcano, pass by the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress situated outside the walled city. Here, you’ll have the opportunity enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. Upon arrival at the mud volcano an orientation to the rustic facilities will be provided. A mud volcano is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground and forms what appears to be a huge anthill. As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge it grows in size, gradually forming what you can see today: a miniature 50-foot volcano with a rich, creamy, mud crater at the top. If you have never been in a mud volcano before, then the initial feeling of mud on your skin is unusual to say the least. When you feel like you are about to become one with the earth, just climb back down the staircase and stroll down to the nearby freshwater lake where you can wash the mud off. Note: The temperature of the mud is very warm to hot, therefore those who are susceptible to heat must not participate on this tour. It's said that the mud has healing properties; however the truth to this statement is not proven. To reach the top of the mud volcano where the pool of mud is located, requires the negotiation of numerous, steep steps. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. less

Join professional mountaineering guides for a two-hour trek through a glacial icescape. A scenic helicopter flight will take you to your trekking site. No experience is necessary, as guides will teach you the proper use of the mountaineering gear so that the remote areas of the glacier can be accessed. All you need to bring is a camera, a willing attitude and an appetite for adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, in good physical condition and able to hike two miles over varied terrain. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes. Wind/water-proof outerwear, boots, gloves, ice axe, gaiters, crampons, harness and helmet are provided. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. This tour is non-refundable once booked. For more details about this tour please visit: www.helitrek.com
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Join professional mountaineering guides for a three-hour trek through a glacial icescape. A scenic helicopter flight will take you to your trekking site. No experience is necessary, as guides will teach you the proper use of the mountaineering gear so that the remote areas of the glacier can be accessed. All you need to bring is a camera, a willing attitude and an appetite for adventure. For the more adventurous, there is the Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek which includes three hours of hiking and climbing over the rugged terrain of a glacier. Your guide will teach you basic climbing techniques enabling you to safely climb and descend the ice walls and lead your group on an exploration of the glacier’s most pristine and remote areas. Note: Participants must be at least 16 years of age and in good physical condition. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes. Wind/water-proof outerwear, boots, gloves, ice axe, gaiters, crampons, harness and helmet are provided. This tour is non-refundable. This tour is not available in late September.Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. For more details about this tour please visit: www.helitrek.com
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Be among the select few, under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit, to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience near the face of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns nest in the towering cliffs and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. Then refuel with a snack of Alaskan-style fare for the return. You’ll make your trip in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28 foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the U.S. Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants. Be one of the lucky few to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must weigh at least 40 lbs. All guests must be able to participate in paddling the canoe. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. Outerwear is provided at the site. less

While the existence of the cave complex near Horne Lake was no doubt known about for centuries by the island’s indigenous people, it was not mentioned in writing until 1912. As news of it spread outside the local community in the ensuing decades, increasing numbers of visitors, resulted in acts of vandalism and “souvenir gathering.” The caves gained protection and professional management when they were designated a Provincial Park in 1985. Meet your guide on the pier and drive for an hour north east along the coast to Horne Lake Provincial Park, voted BC's Best Natural Site. A gravel road leads you to the trail head, from where you'll hike about 1.5 miles / 2.4 km along a fairly steep trail to the cave entrance. Follow your guide down the narrow ladder and into the cave, where you’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring the Main Cave, with its beautiful crystal formations and numerous fossils. Once back on the surface, hike back to your van and drive to a spot above Horne Lake for a gourmet picnic of smoked wild salmon, local cheeses, crackers, olive/pickle platter and a Nanaimo dessert bar. Afterwards, return to Nanaimo, where you may elect to be dropped off downtown or return directly to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 300 lbs. less