Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Experience a true Alaskan adventure while supporting the official state sport! Take an exhilarating sled ride and play with our husky puppies, all in the heart of the lush Alaskan rainforest. When you arrive at our authentic summer training camp for mushers and their sled dogs, you'll participate in a sled dog summer training run on our custom designed, wheeled summertime sled. Discover the power in a team of Alaskan huskies as they whisk your sled down a mile long trail through the depths of the Tongass National Rainforest! Then join one of our dog handlers and sled dogs for interactive demonstrations on mushing equipment and the impeccable care the dogs receive. Your dog handler will also entertain you with knowledge about the training, history, races, and inspiring efforts required by this sport. Marvel at the untamed beauty that has lured you to Alaska when you walk across our suspension bridge overlooking Fish Creek. Our Musher’s Camp is surrounded by moss-covered forest with huge spruce and hemlock trees. The views are simply awe-inspiring. Finally, cuddle up with our husky puppies, and take your picture with these adorable future athletes! This excursion is the perfect mix of Alaska’s culture, history, adventure, ruggedly gorgeous wilderness, and of course sled dogs and puppies! Note: All ages welcome, and most special needs may be accommodated. Complimentary refreshments are provided. less

Start with a panoramic drive to view of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city. This monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the new world. After a quick drive through the narrow streets of the walled city, you’ll continue along the coastline to La Boquilla fisherman village. Embark on a leisurely canoe ride through the mangrove tunnels across the Swamp of the Virgin. Visit the mangroves at La Cienaga de Juan Polo, where a great diversity of birds such as Kingsfisher, White heron, Common Laura, Pink Spatula and Pelicans live. Relax as you enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna that encompasses this fascinating eco-system. Note: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat. The last portion of this tour is a canoe ride only; guests do not get to paddle the canoe. less

Seaplane only access to Alaska’s famous Taku Glacier Lodge combines classic powerful aircraft, true wilderness, 5-massive glaciers, bears, vivid history with dog sledding roots, seafood and exclusive glacier view dining! You're in for the journey of a lifetime. Fly in a classic de Havilland seaplane over 5 breathtaking glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield, deep blue crevasses, snow-capped mountains, and the lush Tongass National Forest. Seeing glaciers from the air is an Alaskan must, and doing so by authentic Alaskan bush plane is the quintessential Alaskan experience! The Taku River will be your "runway" as you land at the elegantly rustic historic Taku Lodge, built in 1923 and located across the river from the 5 mile wide Taku Glacier, Juneau’s largest glacier and one of only a few advancing glaciers in the world. Savor an all-you-can eat feast of Fresh Wild Alaska King Salmon grilled to perfection, a chicken alternative, Taku baked beans, coleslaw, pioneer fruit compote, fresh herb biscuits and sourdough bread, all made from scratch. Drinks are chilled and served with actual glacier ice and special recipe ginger cookies complete the meal. The scrumptious aroma of the alderwood grill attracts not only visitors daily, but also wild black bears. Take a guided interpretative nature walk, stroll the trails or soak in the serenity of a place barely touched by time before your return flight to Juneau. You can do it all with this exclusive combination tour of Alaska’s premier attractions! Note: Flight time is approximately 50 minutes. All participants enjoy a window seat for enhanced viewing and a headset for continuous narration. The Taku Glacier Lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places. Weight surcharge does not apply. This tour is non-refundable. For more details about this tour please visit: www.alaskaglacierflightseeing.com
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This experience allows for an intimate glimpse inside one of the most important aspects that defines Costa Rica as the strongest nation in all of Central America. Coffee cultivation has been the primary source of income for many Costa Rican families since the turn of the 19th century. You’ll visit a 670-acre cooperative farm owned by more than 2,300 farmers of who 60% are women. Each member contributes almost 10 acres of land to the coop. The coffee that they cultivate and produce is sold directly to one of the largest coffee companies in the world, Starbucks. This coffee is also purchased by Rainforest Alliance, an organization that focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. You’ll experience first-hand the coffee roasting process and have the chance to sample the flavorful brewing. Also see how the coffee beans, also known as cherries, are picked, sorted, peeled, fermented and sun-dried. Learn many interesting facts that will change your appreciation for this highly consumed beverage. Feel free to browse the selection of hand-made souvenirs before heading to the town of Sarchi. A photo-stop will be made at the largest oxcart monument ever built and stop at the factory that made it; see the ancient water wheel that propels most of the machinery they use to cut and saw the wood. Note: Minimum amount of walking over even surface and some steps. For wheelchair restricted customers, advance notice is required. Motorized scooters cannot be handled, only foldable wheelchairs. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and bring a camera and a light jacket. less

Take a panoramic drive to the Caribbean School of Jewelry. Once at the school, your instructor will provide you with the tools and techniques to begin your jewelry making experience. You’ll learn to melt metals, laminar, make rings and the welding position. Work on a .925 sterling silver jewelry piece to make a single ring, a pendant, pair of earrings or bracelet chain. Your guide will comment on the history of making Colombian emeralds with a video showing the most important mines and how they are extracted and carved. Note: This tour is designed for those with minimum skills but much interest in learning about easy jewelry making techniques. At the end of the class, each participant will receive a diploma, DVD, an emerald specimen and the self-made silver jewelry. less