Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Departing Ogden Point, your driver/guide will point out Mile Zero, the western end of the Trans Canada Highway, Beacon Hill Park and Thunderbird Park en route to Craigdarroch Castle an outstanding landmark home standing most affluent in a city steeped in heritage. Craigdarroch was built between 1887–1890 by Robert Dunsmuir and boasts a unique collection of residential stained and leaded glass, period furnishing, and excellent wood paneling and carving. Enjoy your self-guided visit in the castle with docents available to answer any questions you may have. After your visit, rejoin your driver/guide returning via Chinatown and welcomed by the Gates of Harmonious Interest. Continue to the inner harbor framed by some of Canada's most recognizable landmarks, the majestic Parliament Buildings aglow in 3,333 light bulbs and the ivy-covered Empress Hotel. At the inner harbor and shopping district you'll be given some free time to take in the local sights and sounds prior to your return journey to the pier and your ship. Note: Must have good mobility and be able to negotiate a gradual uphill walk to the castle and 87 steps to view all four floors of the castle. Referred to as a 'castle', the building is more a stately mansion with castellated features. Your visit of this unique neighbourhood stately home is self-guided with docents available to answer any questions you may have. Order of sights may vary. less

This is a short and pleasant paddling experience to the magnificent Los Arcos, a dramatic natural rock that arches starkly out of the sea at Land’s End. You’ll be transported by van from the pier to the kayak launching area and geared up as your guide briefs you. Easy paddling of your two-person kayak will take you across the San Lucas Bay, an underwater park and marine sanctuary and to the famed Lover’s Beach, only accessible by water and one of the few beaches in the world that joins two seas: the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. After you paddle back to the beach, you’ll return to the tender pier by van. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh no more than 220 lbs. This tour is not for pregnant women or guests with knee, back, neck or heart problems. Guests must be physically fit and able to paddle a kayak 1-1/2 miles. Snorkeling gear and a bottle of water will be provided. Snorkeling instructions are available upon request. Wear your swimsuit and bring towel. less

Experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers! A short drive brings you to the heliport where, following a safety video, you’ll be outfitted with boots and vests. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you’ll encounter.

Upon arrival at glacial destination you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work.

Note: Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily based on the weather forecast to ensure that you will see the best sights that the area has to offer. Tour includes approximately 40 minutes of helicopter time and 40 minutes on the glacier. Glacier boots, trekking pole and safety vest 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 and can’t be made online, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations.

Soar over the massive Juneau Icefield on this signature tour, the Glacier Adventure by Helicopter. Visit a landscape from another world. Experience the spectacular icefalls and rock formations of the Juneau Icefield from the air and on foot. Accessible only by air, the region is filled with lush forests, glassy alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and awe inspiring glaciers. On this unforgettable journey you may find Alaska’s unique glaciers in differing stages: advancing, retreating, cascading, or a one-of-a-kind floating glacier. After flightseeing over these amazing glaciers, your pilot will gently land on one of these ancient "rivers of ice". Under your pilot’s expert guidance you'll get the chance to walk on an Alaskan glacier, explore the ancient landscape, and experience the otherworldly blue of Alaska's glacial ice! Note: Participants must be at least 2 years of age. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes, with an approximate 20-25 minutes landing on a glacier. Although the glacier landing is not ADA accessible, guest will remain on board the aircraft with the doors opens to enjoy a scenic view of the glacier. Wheelchair access may be limited, for details please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. Guests weighing 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. This tour is non-refundable once booked. less

Want a fun way to see the sights, beat the heat and have a unique experience, all at the same time? Try the "Explore the Boardwalk-On a Segway" tour! Your approximately 90-minute escorted Segway tour begins and ends only a mile from the cruise ship port, on the beachfront Boardwalk in beautiful Philipsburg. Here you'll meet your tour guide and be assigned a personal Segway. Everyone is surprised at the ease with which young and old alike learn to ride the Segway during the short orientation. You are now ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caribbean as you glide past the many shops, cafes and bars that line the wide, 1 1/2 kilometer long boardwalk. At end of the boardwalk you'll Segway on to the beach for a glimpse at the way St. Maarten used to look, then circle back for a brief stop at an open-air bar and restaurant. Here you can buy a cool drink or just enjoy the shade. From here, the group glides further down the boardwalk through the local market before heading back to the white-sand beach where your Segway tour ends. Feel free to bring a swimsuit so that after the tour you can choose to lounge on the sparkling sand, take a swim in the warm turquoise waters, or walk across the street to the world-famous shopping district, where duty-free shopping and some of the finest boutiques are located. Then catch the complimentary water taxi back to port. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and weigh no more than 275 lbs. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be comfortable on your feet, have use of both hands and be able to stand for the duration of the tour. The total time spent on the Segway is approximately 45 minutes. We recommend you wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel should you choose to spend some time on the beach. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women. less

Soaring high above the lush rain forest, incredibly deep valleys and awe inspiring peaks, you'll marvel at vistas seen by few! Your pilot will give you an eagle's eye view of high alpine lakes, "icefalls" hanging from sheer cliffs and some of the most remote peaks and glaciers in the Juneau Icefield, places like Wonderland, Glacier King, the Mendenhall Towers, and Devil's Paw. The itinerary is flexible; your pilot is free to create the best possible tour under the current weather and glacier conditions. For an up-close opportunity to appreciate this ancient landscape, your pilot will land in two different locations, where you'll continue the tour on foot! During these two landings you'll also learn about the geological and environmental processes at work creating moraines, crevasses, seracs, and the glaciers themselves. The "Pilot's Choice" tour is an incomparable journey of discovery, a once-in-a-lifetime experience sure to provide enduring memories of Southeast Alaska's beautiful wilderness. This tour is 2 3/4 hours in length which includes approximately 50 minutes helicopter time and 2 separate landings (each landing approximately 15 minutes). The remaining time is for transportation to and from the dock, a safety briefing, outfitting of glacier boots and aircraft assignment All times are approximate and due to Security Purposes, no bags are allowed on the flight. This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. This tour is non-refundable once booked. less