Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy your visit to Ketchikan with a bird's eye view of this historic town. Your flight takes off from the Ketchikan waterfront, flies over the community, and immediately enters the wilderness. Your expert local pilot/guide will point out the highlights and provide insights of Alaskan lifestyles. Make sure your camera is loaded and ready as your pilot watches for bear and mountain goats in this area of pristine grandeur. See how the residents of this frontier-style community live amongst islands and at the edge of a rich wilderness. Experience a richly forested fjord, lined with massive granite cliffs, waterfalls, and a multitude of lakes below. Marvel at the close-up views of the spectacular snowcapped Ketchikan Alps, including Deer, Fish, Achilles and Buck mountains. Your experience unfolds as you descend through a lush valley and over the rustic Herring Cove community. Your pilot will carry you along the Revillagigedo Island coast and by the Saxman Native Village. Admire Saxman's many totem poles as they tower into the sky and have one more glimpse of the mountainous background of town before descending onto the Ketchikan waterfront. Your flight path will be weather dependent and hand selected by your pilot. Note: Binoculars and telephoto lens are recommended. less

Your tour begins with a short walk or ride to the Briefing Center. Upon arrival, you’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line rain gear, hat, gloves, socks, boots and safety glasses. Be sure to keep your camera handy as this seafaring adventure offers photo opportunities from the moment you set sail. Throughout this nearly 25 mile coastal expedition, your guide will offer narrative covering the area's history, geology, culture and ecology. You'll board your four passenger boat and drive off the grid to behold the beauty of Alaska far away from the crowds. You'll follow your guide, who is in another boat, to the harbor in front of Saxman Native Village and chat about the totem poles and Tlingit culture. You'll search for bears, eagles, whales and seals and venture into the backcountry wilds of Nichols Passage, Blank Inlet and Blank Island. Enjoy the rich heritage of Thomas Basin's world famous Creek Street before heading back to city float where you'll dock your boat and warm up with another hot beverage before returning to the ship. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age. Maximum weight allowed 350 lbs. Drivers must be at least 26 years of age to drive the boat and in good physical condition. Comfortable warm layered clothing is recommended. Groups of two and three will share a boat with another party. Groups of four will have their own boat. This tour is not recommended for people with any previous back or neck injuries or guests who are pregnant because the water may get choppy. This tour is not recommended for those who are uncomfortable getting cold and wet. Routes may vary due to weather and tide conditions. This tour takes place on southeast Alaska's coastal waterways, not a calm lake, so water can and will become choppy at times. less

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a connection with these truly remarkable creatures. You’ll have an opportunity to talk, touch, play and swim with gentle and exquisite bottlenose dolphins. Your swim experience begins with a brief presentation on dolphin characteristics, how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dolphin and various safety guidelines. Next, your group of no more than eight participants will head to the Dolphin Lagoon where you’ll wade into the shallow, clear waters to begin your exclusive dolphin experience. You'll meet and play with a dolphin for 30 minutes, getting to know each other through hugs, kisses, rubdowns and ultimately, an exciting belly ride. The duration of the program is approximately 60 minutes, including orientation. After your dolphin swim, enjoy complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and some free time to purchase memories of your experience with the dolphins. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and no less than 4 feet, 5 inches tall. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing and bring a towel. Lockers available free of charge. 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.

Sit back, strap yourself in,and hit the accelerator for the off-road adventure of a lifetime! Mountain trails through a timber harvested area offer the perfect venue for off-road challenges. Learn about the history and culture of Ketchikan as you are transported by motorcoach to this rainforest wilderness. At the Adventure Kart base camp, you’ll receive a safety briefing and gear up in preparation for the exciting, 1 1/2 hour guided trek. Your caravan of karts sets out to explore the remote back country along several miles of forest trail, with your guide in the lead ATV. Feel the rush of adrenaline at the start of your journey as you navigate an obstacle course in a custom designed Tomcar that tests your ability to traverse through the remaining wilderness. A comfortable pace is maintained as you thread your way around steep curves, climbing to reveal unparalleled views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal and Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage. Stops are made along the way to soak up the grandeur and beauty of this lush land. Enjoy a snack and beverage, then drivers and passengers have the opportunity to switch positions for the return trip. Be prepared to watch for wildlife along the way where eagles, deer or bears are frequently sighted. Note: Participants must be at least 50" tall and weigh between 40 and 300 lbs. All drivers must provide a valid driver’s license. Karts accommodate two guests. Not recommended for guests with neck or back problems or expectant mothers. A damage deposit will be collected at the beginning of the tour by way of credit card or automobile insurance. less