SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

This Jet Boat Odyssey is truly the journey full of adventure while gaining knowledge and understanding along the way.

Beginning in Skagway, you will meet your representative on the pier to start the journey. First by a Catamaran ferry, setting sail to the port of Haines while taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. The waterway that you will be on is the longest and deepest Fjord in North America, with mountains that rise straight up from the ocean, to heights of 6,000 feet.

Reaching the port of Haines, you will meet your driver, who will take you on the second leg of the journey, venturing north for your 45 minute narrated drive along the Chilkat River on the Haines Scenic Byway. You will arrive at the Jet Boat Facility, where all the amenities are available, such as modern and sparkling clean bathroom facilities. This is where your river Captains await, anxious to prepare you for the Jet Boat Odyssey, where they love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about this valley that you are going to explore. This adventure will take you into the roadless portion of the Bald Eagle Preserve, in search of wildlife in the true Alaska Wilderness. Along the river journey, keep a watchful eye for moose, bears, eagles, swans and many other species of animals that call this area of the valley, their home. After exploring the many channels of the glacial fed river, you will return to the jet boat landing where all facilities are available. Before boarding the bus for your return trip, you will receive a box lunch to enjoy along the way, retracing your steps back to Skagway, by motor coach and ferry. You will return with a new appreciation for the Alaska Wilderness and those who call it home.

Travel in small groups on this 4x4 off road adventure and spend some time with breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins. Join your mini-bus and driver guide at the Jetty Visitor Centre for a 15 minute ride to nearby Newans Farm. Here you’ll meet your 4x4 drivers, who will take you to the nearby Gentoo penguins. Experience an off road adventure and admire the scenery while learning more about the Falklands way of life.

There are approximately 200 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins at this scenic site. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes with the penguins, before your returning off road journey.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through the island-dotted waters off Sitka in an expedition-style vessel while looking for iconic Alaskan wildlife. The vessel is open-air to offer maximum viewing opportunities and has a shallow draft so it can easily navigate waters that other boats can’t reach. There is no better way to observe animals in their natural habitats without disturbing Alaska’s delicate ecosystems. Although the sightings vary from day to day, you can expect to see harbor seals, sea lions and playful sea otters, the smallest of all marine mammals. Sea otters don’t have blubber; instead they are covered with two layers of exceptionally thick fur, which keep them warm. You may also spot brown bears along the shore and eagles overhead.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for a variety of wildlife while cruising off Sitka in an open-air vessel.
• Keep an eye out for marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and sea otters.
• Be sure to look overhead for bald eagles and on land for bears.
• Cruise into waters off limits to other boats that typically have deeper drafts.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Drive a four-wheel drive automatic Jeep Wrangler along mountainous roads through Tongass National Forest. Befriend your fellow travelers and group into teams of 4 per Jeep. The safari travels from sea level to the sub-alpine region of this unique coastal island. Learn about the area's natural history as you drive abandoned logging roads. Along the way, you’ll make a stop to take advantage of photo opportunities and to rotate drivers so everyone has a turn at the wheel. Your next destination is the secluded mountain lake - Lake Harriet Hunt - where you’ll board a Tlingit-style 37 foot, 20 passenger canoe, much like the Alaska Natives used to travel the coastal waterways. Your safari guide will then lead a brief nature walk through old-growth forest from the remote camp where your cook will prepare an Alaska-style snack.

OVERVIEW

Cruise in an open-air Zodiac along the spectacularly scenic Pali sea cliffs and snorkel the lengthy coral reef that lies just offshore. You will zip through the water on the Reef Explorer, a 60-foot custom super-raft with shaded and open-deck seating. Before long, you will arrive at the precipitous heavily vegetated sea cliffs, which will serve as a magnificent backdrop for the snorkeling adventure. Plenty of other natural wonders lie beneath the water’s surface. While there is no telling what you will observe along the reef, it will surely be extraordinary. Red-lip parrotfish, slender needlefish, orange-band surgeonfish and bluefin jacks all inhabit these crystal-clear waters. You may even see white-spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles, the most commonly seen sea turtle in Hawaii. The coral formations are just as eye-catching. Some are named for their odd shapes such as the mushroom, cauliflower and antler corals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the waters off Maalaea Harbor in a spacious, custom-built Zodiac boat.
• Enjoy spectacular coastal views, especially upon reaching the Pali sea cliffs.
• Snorkel along coral reefs that are teeming with exotic and colorful marine life.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

The Seahawk is another name for the Osprey bird of prey - and this one is our star attraction: 2,975 feet of open air, over the water ziplining fun! With a starting height of over 110 feet - don't worry, you'll take an elevator to get to the top; the 1,429-foot zip provides awesome views of the beach, reefs and surrounding islands help to distract the thought of launching yourself over the edge into the wild blue yonder.

Once you launch, open your eyes! Take in the blue hues of the Bahamian waters and watch for the marine life as you zip over coral reefs descending lower and lower finally landing adjacent to the Silver Cove lagoon.

The return is a includes a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb and for those with the mental and physical stamina try your hand at the 36-foot cargo net climb stationed 40 feet above the ground. Two additional long zips between these obstacles provide additional rushes of adrenaline and some great adventurous bragging rights!

Ride through the wilderness on the outskirts of Juneau in a Jeep with a retractable top that will offer unobstructed views of the extraordinary natural beauty. A short drive along the Gastineau Channel will take you to Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers. As a bonus, a leisurely walk along the Steep Creek Trail offers an added chance to possibly observe a bear in the forest. Take a memorable drive toward the end of the road system, where the views from Eagle Beach are sweeping and this secluded stretch of sand is a great spot to view the majestic Chilkat Mountains. Also on your journey is the National Shrine of St. Thérèse; the building’s cobblestone exterior on a serene island is particularly memorable. Depending on weather conditions and guest preferences, your host will select a fourth destination that may include a scenic drive on Douglas Island, a visit to the salmon hatchery or a trip into Juneau’s past at historic Gold Creek.

OVERVIEW

Ride an electric bike inland to Connell Lake while admiring the natural beauty of the surrounding Tongass National Forest. As you will discover during the initial briefing, the electric-enhanced bicycle will boost your pedal power, allowing you to ride farther and negotiate hills with considerably less effort than with a conventional bicycle. It’s only about three miles to the Connell Lake, all of it staggeringly beautiful. Sitka black-tailed deer are commonly seen along this route. The flora is also exceptional, especially the carnivorous sundew plants that consume insects that they trap on their sticky pads. Upon reaching the lake, you will learn how it was created in 1952 by damming several creeks to provide millions of gallons of freshwater to the Ketchikan pulp mill. The dam continues to feed water to different resources throughout the community even after the pulp mill closed more than 25 years ago. Before pedaling back, you can relax around a campfire under a canopy of coniferous trees or walk a short nature trail.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pedal an electric-enhanced bicycle to and from Connell Lake, a roundtrip of about six miles.
• Gain a historical perspective of the manmade lake, which once provided millions of gallons of freshwater needed to operate the Ketchikan pulp mill.
• Learn about the indigenous flora and fauna from the naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your guide will meet you at the Kayak Center to escort you to the staging area for an orientation and safety instruction. The protected waters of Port Frederick are yours to explore as you set off from the beach at Icy Strait Point in your two person wilderness sea kayak. Led by your safety certified, local guide, you'll paddle along the Hoonah waterfront enroute to quieter waters where bald eagles are often seen. Keep your eyes open and your spirit of adventure high throughout this 2 1/2 hour tour as humpback whales have been known to feed along the very same route you'll be paddling.

OVERVIEW

Ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in southeast Alaska on an electric-enhanced bicycle that will make the trip all the more exhilarating and fulfilling. After a brief orientation on how best to maximize the experience, you will pedal off caravan-style and follow a trail that runs through Sitka and along the coast. Although the Trek bike is able to boost your pedal power and reduce the physical demands, the ride will still be challenging. Even so, it will be well worth the effort. Depending on the route that the guide selects, you will ride somewhere between 16 and 22 miles. The trail will begin in Sitka but before long you will head into more rolling and mountainous terrain, much of it presenting sweeping views of the sea. Tongass National Forest provides a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, ensuring that no matter where you look the sights will be spectacular.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride an electric-enhanced bicycle that will boost your pedal power.
• Follow an incredibly scenic trail that is typically between 16 and 22 miles long.
• Be awed by the majestic wilderness and surrounding natural beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of the Big Island’s most dramatic landscapes and come away with a deep appreciation of its volcanic formation. After pausing at America’s southernmost bake shop, where you might try a mango malasada treat, you will travel to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. The jet-black sand is made of volcanic materials and lava fragments and is quite the sight, especially if you spot a green sea turtle basking on the beach. Symbols of wisdom and good luck, they are the only sea turtles known to sunbathe. The wonders of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be even more extraordinary. The terrain and natural diversity there are so unique that UNESCO deemed the park both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will see volcanic craters, the active volcano Kilauea and hot water vapor rising from countless steam vents. Rainbow Falls is yet another captivating natural wonder.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the volcanically formed black sand beach at Punalu’u and perhaps see a green sea turtle.
• Drive through stunning Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View an active volcano, craters and steam vents releasing hot water vapor into the air.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of Rainbow Falls as it plummets 80 feet into the pool below.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour was awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for three consecutive years - 2017, 2018, and 2019! Interact with the world’s most fascinating creatures in a tropical atmosphere for a 40-minute dolphin experience, enjoy unlimited food and drinks, snorkel with tropical fish in the natural aquarium and venture onto the ocean for kayaking and paddle boarding.

You’ll meet your guide outside your cruise ship for an approximate 5-minute taxi ride along the coast to the facility. Upon arrival, you’ll attend a 10-minute interactive orientation session so you can learn more about the dolphins’ history, physiology and anatomy. Next, step onto a waist-deep platform in a sparkling lagoon to experience a world of dolphin excitement! Greet your new dolphin friend with a “fin shake”, a hug and a kiss. Time in the water with the dolphins is 40 minutes. Relax after your dolphin interaction and take full advantage of everything the facility has to offer. Stop by the palapa restaurant for lunch with the family and cool off with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Kids and adults alike will love Serenity Cove, a safe inlet with snorkel equipment where you can swim through an underwater aquarium filled with tropical fish!

Head out to the ocean for fun-filled activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. The Dolphin Encounter program includes all food, beverages, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. Photos, souvenirs, towels, and lockers are at an additional charge. After your tour you can easily walk into downtown Cozumel for some great shopping before heading back to the dolphin entrance where your transportation will take you back to the ship.