Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Board your air-conditioned vehicle for a brief introduction and orientation as you proceed through Philipsburg, past the Great Salt Pond up little Bay Road with its breathtaking views of the Great Bay Harbor. At Cole Bay Hill, see the panoramic overview of Simpson Bay Lagoon, Simpson Bay Village, Queen Juliana International Airport and the lowland areas of French and Dutch St. Maarten. From here you’ll continue through Cole Bay Village passing the border monument through Belle View into the French capital of Marigot. Enjoy an approximately 30-minute stop at the marketplace before continuing to Orient Bay Village for a drive along Orient Beach. The tour then proceeds through the small village of Orleans, more commonly known as the French Quarter. Then cross the border back to Dutch St. Maarten and return to the cruise pier. Note: Transportation can accommodate one confined wheelchair passenger and one scooter (or 2 confined wheelchair passengers) and up to 6 additional passengers. There are two accessible vehicles available. Collapsible wheelchairs/walkers can be folded and stored. Maximum weight limit for the lift is 600 pounds. The immediate area where the transportation stops in Marigot is accessible. Some parts of the town are not. Please visit the Shore Excursions Desk once onboard to advise the staff what kind of wheelchair or scooter you will use on the tour. Space is very limited. less

Begin your Ketchikan adventure with a "splash" as you ride on Alaska’s only "Duck" tour. A modern, state-of-the-art amphibious vehicle will take you through the rustic streets and literally into the scenic harbor for a fun-filled adventure that will showcase all the best that Ketchikan has to offer. See picturesque Whale Park with its beautiful flowers and antique clock; travel by the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek, viewing the spawning grounds and live salmon in season; loop through the Totem Heritage Center, where you’ll discover and listen to tales of Alaska Native totem poles and stop at Creek Street and learn of Ketchikan’s colorful past and salty beginnings. Pick up your feet and put your hands in the air as you drive (literally) into Ketchikan’s bustling harbor. You’ll motor down the channel for up-close views of local fishing canneries, seaplane docks and Ketchikan’s waterfront community. See neighboring islands and the spectacular scenery of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. Bald eagles are everywhere when in season and there’s always a chance to view other local wildlife. Your guide will entertain you on your journey aboard this Coast Guard-certified and inspected amphibian that doubles as a boat and a bus. Note: For more details about this tour please visit: www.akduck.com
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Journey to the spectacular Chilkat Eagle Preserve home to the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles. Explore North America's deepest fjord on your voyage to the beautiful port of Haines. Your journey continues along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the preserve. After a riverside picnic, you’ll board 18-foot inflatable rafts to enjoy a peaceful float (no whitewater) down the river through the very heart of the preserve. Watch for eagles, bears, moose, and even wolves, drawn here by the spawning salmon. 7,000 foot tall peaks tower above as you float past the ancient native village of Klukwan. This is an unforgettable adventure into the grandeur of Alaska!

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age and weigh no more than 350 lbs. Ponchos and boots are provided at the site. Guests must be in good health and able to walk over loose gravel and dry river delta to board the rafts.

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.

The Bay of Banderas, a fantastic place to sail, has protected waters, moderate consistent winds, nice secluded coves to break the day, and lots of sea life. Your experienced sailboat crew will greet you with fruit, sweet rolls, coffee and juice, while you are given a short safety briefing and information about the marine life you may encounter. Start your sail in the direction the wind is blowing, your itinerary will take you on the best course depending on the conditions of the day. Relax, feel the breeze and enjoy sailing! We’ll drop the anchor in the afternoon for a refreshing swim or some snorkeling. Enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks on board before we hoist the sails to return to Puerto Vallarta. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. No previous sailing experience required. Snorkel equipment and towels are provided. Please wear your swimsuit if you would like to participate in water activities. less