Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

This exclusive opportunity combines Alaska’s favorite experiences, a flight on a De Havilland Beaver float plane, and dining on Alaskan Dungeness Crab! Your flight begins as you take off from the downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks. This bustling Alaskan community will quickly be revealed below, along with panoramic views of the Tongass National Forest. Your flight will include the historic importance of the De Havilland Beaver float plane and the landmarks below! After 30 minutes of spectacular scenery, you’ll land at the remote, yet rustic and elegant George Inlet Lodge. Snack on smoked salmon as you learn about the colorful George Inlet Lodge and its epic journey across 90 miles of ocean to its current location. Sip white wine or Alaskan amber beer as your host entertains you with stories and knowledge of Alaska, Ketchikan, and so much more. Your feast will consist of a fresh romaine salad topped with homemade oriental-style dressing, followed by steamed baby red potatoes and Dungeness crab. A steaming hot second helping of crab will be by shortly. Last but certainly not least indulge in rich, smooth cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries. A quick visit to the George Inlet Lodge gift shop is a must before you depart. You’ll disembark on the second half of your journey enjoying a narrated coach ride along the coastline back to downtown. On this coastal path, you’ll pass and learn about totem poles, a fish hatchery, and the coast guard station in Ketchikan. This is an exclusive experience incorporating the best Alaska has to offer. Note: Flight path is subject to change due to weather patterns. This tour may run in reverse. This tour is non-refundable. 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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Learn about, meet and interact with the most beloved mammal in the ocean - the bottlenose dolphin. Transfer to and from Blue Lagoon Island, home to 19 bottlenose dolphins, by boat from the pier (approximately 40 minutes each way). Upon arrival, meet the trainers for an educational briefing. This program takes place in approximately 20-foot-deep water, in small groups of no more than 10, so everyone has the opportunity to meet the dolphin while in the water and to ask questions. Highlights include a petting and feeding session with the dolphins, the popular high speed 'foot push' and optional professional photo and DVD/video opportunity. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age. Pregnant women are not allowed. Actual in-water encounter time is approximately 30 minutes. Children between the ages of 6 to 12 must be accompanied in the water by a paying guardian/parent. The paying guardian/parent must be book at the same time of the child participant; these booking cannot be made onboard as space is very limited. Lifejackets are required and provided on a complimentary basis; wet suits are available during cooler weather. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel from your ship. You must be able to walk about 1/2 to 1 mile on the pier. Guests must sign a waiver release form. less

Experience the thrill of taking off by floatplane with a veteran Alaska bush pilot on a unique wildlife expedition. The 20-minute flight takes you by historic homesteads and over the sparkling waters of Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage. View a landscape of forested mountains and pristine lakes on your way to the remote viewing location. Upon landing, you’ll be met by an Alaskan naturalist, and be driven approximately a mile by van along a forest road to the trailhead. A pleasant and short hike along an improved trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking a beautiful salmon spawning stream. In addition to black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, mink, and marten also frequent the area. From the viewing platform, you’ll look down on stunning rapids as the fast-flowing creek cascades towards the sea and large numbers of salmon congregate. This is where black bears gather to feed on runs of pink, coho, and chum salmon as they head upstream to spawn. Bald eagles perch in the surrounding trees waiting for fish scraps left by the bears. Note: Flight time is 40 minutes with 1 1/4 hours at the platform (times are approximate). We recommend you wear comfortable footwear. Although ponchos are provided, rain gear is still recommended. This tour is fully narrated by the pilot, with supplemental information provided by a CD stereo sound system. This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Bear watching tours operate during prime bear viewing months, usually late July through mid- September. Wildlife sightings are frequent, however they cannot be guaranteed. This tour is non-refundable. less

The ultimate experience to see one of the most majestic creations on earth is by both boat and plane. You can have it all, a cruise and flightseeing trip. Your excursion through Misty Fjords National Monument provides the opportunity to enjoy both perspectives of this magnificent creation through a unique Alaskan journey. During your voyage, keep a sharp eye out for bears and whales. Encounter the Monument up close during your cruise to the far reaches of Rudyerd Bay, the heart of the Monument where your vessel will slip into a floating dock and you’ll transfer to an authentic Alaska floatplane. From the air, you'll be able to truly appreciate the magnitude and majesty of Rudyerd Bay, the crown jewel of this two-million-acre monument. Soar over pristine wilderness and enjoy dramatic waterfalls and unspoiled forests, lakes and muskeg bogs. Upon your return you’ll see a wide, panoramic view of the city of Ketchikan before making an exhilarating water landing. less