Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Board a high speed vessel for a Gastineau Channel crossing passing Mayflower Island and Suicide Falls, with a beach landing at the remote Treadwell mine site on Douglas Island, with direct access to the forest outfitting base camp. Your professionally trained guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment and provide a detailed safety briefing, before transporting in a 4 x 4 Unimog all-terrain vehicle up the densely forested hillside to the first zip line tree platform. This is your introduction to nearly a mile of high tension cables linking a network of platforms mounted high in carefully selected old growth spruce trees. Your guides will progressively ease you into the forest canopy. Cross aerial suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of spectacular Bullion Creek, and enjoy towering views of Juneau from the tree tops. Discover hidden ruins of the historic Treadwell Mine (1881-1917), once one of the world’s largest gold mines and zip over a 150 foot deep “glory hole”. You'll have an opportunity to explore the ruins of the original mine refinery, where millions of dollars of molten gold was poured into ingot molds. The last zip line transports you to the base camp, where each participant receives a light snack and is presented with a custom cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal, in recognition of their achievement. An informative narration is provided on the channel crossing. Throughout this nature based adventure you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Alaska’s rainforest. Note: Participants must be at least 5 feet tall and weigh at least 80 lbs and no more than 250 lbs. Guests must be in good overall physical condition with full use of limbs and be able to follow instructions in English. All guests must wear closed-toe shoes. No video cameras allowed while zipping. less

Imagine the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy along a series of dual cable zip lines and aerial bridges suspended between tall spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. Your professionally trained guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment and provide a detailed orientation, prior to mounting the first platform. Your rainforest canopy challenge features a flight over 8 zip lines and 3 suspension bridges. Progressively ease into the forest canopy along cables ranging from a short 100 feet to the 800 foot pulse pounding “Ben’s Revenge”. Discover Eagle Creek falls and cross 3 hanging sky bridges offering views of the virgin forest below. You'll be up to 135 feet above the forest floor offering fantastic wildlife viewing chances. Gear down at base camp and receive a custom cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal, in recognition of your achievement. Upon completion of this once in a lifetime experience, enjoy a complimentary snack, view your photograph, shop in the General Store and take the opportunity to visit Alaska Wildlife's Reindeer and Raptor Center Exhibits before returning to town. Note: Participants must weigh at least 90 lbs. and no more than 250 lbs. Minimum height is 5 feet. All guests must be in general good health and have full use of their limbs. Pregnant women and those with a history of seizure disorders should not participate. All guests must wear closed toe shoes. No video cameras allowed while zipping. less

Hike the historic Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This world famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush. Enjoy the exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, pristine forest, and history of a bygone era as the trail takes you up and over the 350' tall Saintly Hill. When the trail reaches the banks of the Taiya River you’ll board an 18-foot inflatable raft for a scenic float (no whitewater) back down the tidal estuary, where the forest gives way to fields of beach greens, wild iris and the granite walls of the fjord rise steeply to snow- capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack and countless picture perfect moments before making the return journey back to your ship.

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age, weigh no more than 350 lbs, be in good physical condition and must be able to hike approximately 2 miles with an elevation gain and descent of 350'. We recommend you dress in layers. Ponchos and boots are provided. The float trip has no white water and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Designed for maximum adventure, this excursion takes place in a pristine, unspoiled forest where scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats create a true tropical paradise. The scenery and incredibly varied flora and fauna you’ll encounter while hiking through the sub-tropical forest makes this the adventure experience of a lifetime. Your adventure begins with a speed boat ride across the bay to a secluded beach, then an off-road adventure to the heart of the tropical forest. From the base camp at 2,000 feet, take a short mule ride to the peeks of the tropical hills where you’ll start a series of fantastic zip-lines that take you soaring 250 feet above the ground over the jungle foliage. The adventure continues as you splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools and negotiate the jungle bridges that bring you back to the base camp for a deserved rest, some snacks, and a chance to see photos of your wild adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. Not for guests with physical disabilities. This tour is physically demanding so you must have strength in your arms to climb a ladder and the ability to walk up steps or hills for 15 minutes. Wear hiking/tennis shoes and shorts, bring mosquito repellent and a change of clothes as you’ll get wet on the tour. Cameras can not be taken on the tour for safety reasons but a professional photographer will accompany the group. Light snacks and bottled water included. There will be some time for pictures and souvenirs. less

Your excursion begins as you board your motor coach for a scenic, narrated 25 minute drive out of downtown Ketchikan to Knudson Cove, an "off the beaten track" waterfront property in the Tongass National Forest, your playground for the next 2 hours. Before you begin your adventure, professional guides will instruct and outfit you with the best safety equipment in an open air forest pavilion. Then the adventure begins as gravity pulls you along a series of zip lines and connecting elements. You'll catch glimpses of bald eagles and the ocean below as you glide through old growth cedars, break out onto an ocean platform, zip back to a soft forest landing, onto the Eagle’s Nest Platform, traverse a swaying log, swing across rope loops, feel the speed and acceleration of landing on the "Ocean Zip" platform located 50’ over the water, and finally the rush of zipping to the ground. Once back on ground, if you still haven't had enough, head over to the 50-foot climbing tower where guides will show you techniques needed to climb to the top. A circular staircase inside the tower enables others to climb up, take in the mountain and ocean views, and snap photos of climbers proudly ringing the bell at the top of the wall. Don’t worry! These ziplines are easy. There is no hand braking, the braking systems are state of the art. For the less adventurous members of your party, guides can assist you to skip elements. After your adventure, there is time to shop for souvenirs before boarding your motor coach for the return drive back to the pier. Note: participants must be at least 4’6’ tall, weigh a minimum of 70 lbs and maximum of 280 lbs. Not recommended for pregnant women or those who have back, neck or spinal issues. less

Wildlife is everywhere in Alaska! Crabs, eagles, whales, octopus, sea lions, porpoise, wolf eels, sharks and seals are all frequent visitors on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour. Come aboard the Aleutian Ballad for the adventure of a lifetime! The Aleutian Ballad was made famous in season two of Discovery Channel’s award-winning TV series Deadliest Catch. But there are no rough seas here! You'll set out in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage to witness first-hand the amazing way of life of commercial fishermen. Marvel at the scenic beauty that surrounds you from the comfort of the heated and sheltered stadium-style seating lower deck or the open-air top deck. Watch as the skilled crew haul and set long line, barrel pots and huge 700 lb. king crab pots to reveal the catch of the day. The amazing marine life is placed in an on-deck aquarium so everyone can get up close with these unique creatures of the sea. This fascinating, educational and interactive experience is perfect for all ages and is packed with stories and adventures shared by the men and women who risk their lives fishing the Bering Sea. NOTE: This tour does NOT go out into the rough waters of the open ocean. It remains in the calm protected waterways of the Inside Passage surrounding Ketchikan. Participants must be at least 5 years of age. less