Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

The reefs and wrecks around St. Thomas offer a variety of exciting possibilities on this two-tank certified diving adventure. After a visit to the dive shop to complete the necessary pre-dive formalities and receive your equipment, board your dive boat, a modern, motorized catamaran. Sites are chosen daily to ensure the best possible conditions. The waters around St. Thomas support a variety of marine life; the nooks and crannies of a coral reef make excellent shelter for tropical fish and the occasional spiny lobster or moray eel. A maximum depth of 60-feet is usually reached on the first dive; your second dive is in shallower water. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and in good health. Bring a towel, diver certification card, and log book. This is limited to certified divers who have been on a dive within one year. Certified divers must present a valid certification C-card in order to participate. Certified divers are responsible for knowing when health and physical issues exclude them from diving. Certain medical conditions may prevent your participation. A medical history/liability waiver must be completed prior to participating on this tour. The boat trip to the dive sites may be choppy. Scuba equipment, professional supervision, and transportation are included. Dive sites subject to change. Due to restrictions by the Dive Provider, any Scuba participants currently taking any medication or with a previous medical condition should bring a note from their primary physician sating that they are medically cleared to participate on a Scuba excursion. less

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

This is a PADI Learn to dive Program that offers the unique opportunity for beginners to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world in the easiest, safest and most enjoyable way. Conducted at the beach hideaway of Las Caletas by a certified PADI Scuba Instructor, you’ll learn the basics of scuba diving in just a few hours and still have time to enjoy the delights of this beautiful cove. A theory session prepares you to go into the ocean and dive in the tropical waters of Las Caletas. This one-tank dive will last approximately 30 minutes and will go to a maximum depth of 40 feet. Participants don’t receive a certification card, but the course does count towards the first part of the universally recognized PADI Open Water Course. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. A buffet lunch and complimentary drinks are included after the diving activities. You’ll be required to complete medical history form. Anyone with any medical condition will require doctor's consent note. Equipment is provided. You’ll not receive a certification card but the course does count towards the first part of the universally recognized PADI Open Water course. less

Travel the route of the “Trail of ’98” in a four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler®. Your small group of explorers will set out into the Yukon Territory via the same routes taken by the hardy gold prospectors in the late 1800’s. Your tour guide in the lead Jeep will entertain you with the lore of the gold rush era by interactive radio. Amazing vistas accessible only by off-road vehicle await you on this adventure. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture them.

There are several points along your route that drivers can rotate including Pitchfork Falls, Moore Bridge, Dead Horse Gulch, Bracket Wagon Trail, and Tormented Valley en route to the historic village of Carcross. Drive up Montana Mountain for a panorama view of the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world!

Note: This excursion enters Canada and all participants are required to carry a valid passport. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age, provide a current driver’s license and must sign a liability/insurance waiver. Participants must be at least 5 years of age. We provide a booster seat for children 5 through 8 years upon request and subject to availability. Canadian citizens may not drive the vehicles into Canada due to current regulations. Both parents must accompany minors across border or a signed letter granting permission from non-participating parent may need to be presented to Customs and Border Protection. The tour is approximately three hours with approximately one hour of off-roading.

Capture everything from glaciers to whales on this excursion that features a professional photography guide. Travel in a media-equipped shuttle bus and aboard a customized safari boat as your guide provides expert interpretation while also sharing tips and techniques to enhance your images. By land, at Mendenhall Glacier, you will be taken along a secluded moraine ecology trail. This gentle walk leads to beaver dams, salmon streams and remarkable glacier panoramas—sites to inspire your creative photography. By sea, board a covered safari vessel for an unforgettable journey through the pristine waterways of Stephens Passage. Large panel windows open to give you unrestricted views, while your captain safely maneuvers to give you the best angle on the shot. This excursion has never had a trip without a star-studded cast—often including humpback whales, sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, porcupines, eagles, salmon or even black bears. See more of Alaska’s natural wonders as you strive to capture that 'magical moment' in the medium that’s worth a thousand words. Note: Participants must be able to walk on their own for approximately 3/4 mile on an improved gravel trail. Raingear, umbrellas, camera towels, monopod walking sticks, bottled water and a snack are included. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers and bring your camera and plenty of film or digital capacity. Group size is limited to 14 participants to ensure a comfortable and interactive atmosphere. Children 12 and under receive a free waterproof kids camera. Each participant receives a complimentary instructional DVD with a photography tutorial and slideshow from Juneau’s best Photo Guides. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll receive $100 cash back as you disembark the whale-watching vessel. All tour participants on this excursion are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's 2012 Capture Juneau Photo Contest. For more details please visit: http://ncl.stepintoalaska.com/ less

This "hot shop" adventure invites you to create your own glass art with real gold in the “Last Frontier”. Your tour starts with a narrated tour of Skagway en route to Jewell Gardens, a tranquil oasis of organic flowers and plants. Upon arrival your guide will offer a private orientation of the garden and hot shop. You’ll create the ultimate Alaska memento, a handmade ornament to display or hang.

In the spirit of the Gold Rush, you’ll have the opportunity to incorporate 24K gold for a dazzling effect. Your work of art can be shipped anywhere in the world, compliments of Jewell Gardens. Then take a guided tour of the glass gallery, followed by tea service, lunch or light dinner (depending on time of day) made with fresh ingredients from the garden and served with a beverage, glass of wine or beer. After your meal, you’re free to visit the gardens, gallery or shop.

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age. Participants are advised to wear cotton or other natural fiber clothes if possible. Protective lab coats, safety glasses, and individual sterilized mouthpieces are provided.