OVERVIEW

Delve into the world of volcanoes at a national park that contains active ones and see how volcanoes have shaped the Hawaiian landscape, sometimes in a positive manner. The terrain and natural diversity within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is so unique that UNESCO deemed it both a World Biosphere site and a World Heritage site. You will walk among steaming vents in the earth’s surface. Other highlights include seeing the active Halema’uma’u pit crater within the Kilauea summit caldera and driving along the winding road, which passes old lava flows and other reminders of past eruptions. The island’s volcanic soil is exceptionally fertile as you will discover by strolling through Lili’uokalani Gardens, a wonderland of native plants that was once the favorite picnic grounds of Queen Lili’uokala, Hawaii’s last monarch. Volcanic activity also created the black lava rock on many of the island’s beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit 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.
• Meander through a botanical garden that thrives in the island’s volcanically formed soil.
• See a coastline made of black rock made of volcanic materials and lava fragments.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a spectacularly scenic cruise to a lodge on secluded Grant Island for a bountiful seafood lunch. You will board the boat in Clover Pass and then settle in for a leisurely cruise, passing some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of Alaska. Along the way, the guide will point out an active eagle’s nest and one of the area’s few manmade structures, a naval facility used to measure the acoustics from submarines. You might also see seals and porpoise frolicking in the water. Upon arriving at Silverking Lodge in the heart of Grant Island State Marine Park, you will have time to check out the anglers’ fresh catch and stroll the boardwalk that winds through the rainforest. The tallest known red cedar in the Tongass National Park towers majestically at the end of the boardwalk. A family style seafood feast follows, featuring a crab boil that includes Dungeness crab, mussels, shrimp, corn on the cob, baby red potatoes and garlic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to Grant Island, admiring the coastal scenery.
• See an active bald eagle’s nest.
• Walk through a rainforest on Grant Island.
• Feast on freshly caught seafood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Paddle a kayak through the sheltered waters off Clover Pass, taking in the natural beauty of Tongass National Forest. After a scenic ride to the waterfront facility, you will receive a brief orientation on how best to maximize your kayaking adventure. Then, off you will go in a tandem kayak or a single if you have had experience sea kayaking. You can expect a wonderfully relaxing and immensely picturesque journey as you paddle along the coast of Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in America. The guide will point out various features of the land and describe some of the wildlife that lives around Clover Pass. Bald eagles are frequently spotted, as are seals. You might also see salmon leap or humpback whales’ surface out of the water and when the tide is low, starfish can be seen in the shallows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a kayak through the protected waters off Clover Pass.
• Behold Tongass National Forest from a unique perspective.
• Look for wildlife such as bald eagles and seals.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Embark on this memorable adventure with a scenic drive through downtown Juneau and along the Gastineau Channel, where your guide will entertain you with engaging stories and share highlights of the city’s rich history and notable landmarks en-route to Juneau’s star attraction – The Mendenhall Glacier. Upon arrival, soak in the striking 1.5-mile-wide glacier which flows down from the expansive Juneau Icefield. After your glacier adventure, indulge in a satisfying feast at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, nestled in the tranquil rainforest. Here, you'll savor wild Alaskan salmon along with a variety of mouthwatering side dishes. Enjoy your meal at your own pace, with convenient shuttles available to transport you back to your ship when you’re ready.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy scenic ride though downtown Juneau and along the Gastineau Channel.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Shoot photos of the glacier from several viewpoints, all spectacular.
• Indulge in a satisfying feast at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Pan for gold in the creek that launched a gold rush that lasted 60 years and then feast on wild salmon, another classic Alaskan experience. Accompanied by a costumed prospector, you will visit Last Chance Basin, where Joe Juneau struck it rich in 1880. After watching a panning demonstration, you will have the opportunity to coax a nugget out of the creek and take home whatever you find. Later, you may view the remnants of the old mine as your guide recaptures the history of Juneau’s gold discovery. Next, you will dine on freshly caught, wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an open-fire at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. Be sure to bring a hearty appetite, as this is an all-you-can-eat feast with plenty of other entrees and side dishes. You will also have time to roast marshmallows over a crackling fire, walk to a nearby waterfall and see the remnants of an historical mine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pan for gold in the creek that launched the Juneau gold rush.
• See one of the original gold rush mines.
• Learn fascinating facts about the discovery of gold in Alaska.
• Savor an all-you-can-eat feast of salmon and other Alaskan dishes.
• Dine alfresco in an idyllic forested setting.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring rainwear as a precaution.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Stroll through the largest Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan and enjoy free time browsing the shops and farmer’s market near Hilo Bay. To reach Liliuokalani Gardens, you will travel down Banyan Drive, a sun-dappled street lined with banyan trees that celebrities such as Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart planted. More botanical treasures await you within the gardens, which is named for Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. It opened in 1917 as a tribute to the many Japanese immigrants that worked Hawaii’s sugarcane fields. While meandering through the serene setting, you will notice that nearly every plant is indigenous. They include species such as the rosy trumpet tree and the towering kukui, the national tree of Hawaii. Afterwards, continue to Wailuku State Park where you’ll find picturesque Rainbow Falls. Watch as water from the Wailuku River plunges 80 feet over the lip of the waterfall to cascade into the pool below, often forming a beautiful rainbow effect. Later, you will independently explore the abundant boutiques, art galleries and marketplaces along the waterfront. There will be plenty of time to dine on your own if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive down a beautifully shaded street lined with banyan trees that celebrities planted.
• Meander through Liliuokalani Gardens, a botanical oasis with mostly indigenous plants.
• View breathtaking Rainbow Falls at Wailuku State Park
• Spend time exploring Hilo’s main shopping and dining district along the bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilderness on a utility task vehicle and then cruise along the gorgeous shoreline to a waterfront lodge for a hearty crab feast and beer pairing. After taking the wheel of the UTV, you will tear through mountainous terrain and along old logging roads at adrenaline-pumping speeds that will make this driving adventure even more memorable. Upon reaching the coast, you will board a vessel and cruise down an inland arm of the sea. The views will be spectacular, especially while passing the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, an amphitheater-like valley that ancient glaciers carved through the rugged landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout this remote area, especially bald eagles. A sumptuous meal awaits you at George Inlet Lodge, a former 1940s bunkhouse for a fish cannery. It is a beautiful setting to dine on the lodges crab chowder and Dungeness crab s paired with five unique craft beers from two local breweries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a utility task vehicle off-road through densely forested, mountainous terrain.
• Cruise past the gorgeous Mahoney Glacial Cirque.
• Feast on Dungeness crabs and local craft beers at the historical George Inlet Lodge.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Salmon, cod, rockfish, and lingcod are the order of the day on this highly adaptable adventure fishing excursion! On the Alaskan Combination Fishing trip, you and your guide are free to chase whatever species offers the best chance of action that day. This five-hour trip is about fun, fishing flexibility, and adventure. If the salmon are running, your guide is likely to recommend a day spent trolling through schools of pink, silver, and the elusive mighty king salmon. If you’re looking to have fun hooking fish on light tackle, you’ll be seeking out schools of rockfish suspended in the water column. On a particularly calm day, you might run farther in search of pacific cod and lingcod. Along the way, you’ll see primeval forests, mountains soaring up from the sea, and have a good chance of spotting marine mammals such as whales; porpoises; seals; and more! Though we can’t retain halibut on this trip, you may end up fighting some of these mighty fish in the process of chasing other species on the bottom. While we love catching and eating fish, we also love to safely release them back into the wild. Our company, and this excursion, are about accessing the absolute best experiences Alaska has to offer.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish in protected, relatively remote waters away from other anglers.
• Use the crew’s advice and fishing tips to increase your chances for landing a big fish.
• Watch for breaching whales, seals and eagles when cruising to and from the fishing grounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing and light rain gear.
• Wear flat comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

Catch gold fever and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold, keep all you find and discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage. Head out with a prospector guide in authentic 19th-century dress for a historical tour of Juneau then continue to Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin. Your prospector will show you how gold panning is done creek side, in a beautiful, secluded, mountain setting. You’ll work the pan with helpful tips, and you’re guaranteed to find gold. Take home a souvenir Ore love Brothers Gold Claim Certificate and all the gold you find.

Join this bear-viewing opportunity, which is accessible by road. You'll begin with a narrated eight-mile coastal drive to the forested area of Herring Cove located within the Alaska Rain Forest Sanctuary. Meet your guide and set out on a walking expedition to locate some of the black bears that call this area home. You will pass through tall stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar as you explore the sanctuary. An elevated boardwalk trail leads you to private viewing platforms overlooking Herring Creek, where bears often come to fish for salmon in the stream. The nearby Whitman Hatchery ensures that the river is teeming with salmon every summer. Typically, large numbers of black bears gather here to feed on these huge runs of salmon that are returning to spawn in the stream. Bald eagles perch in the trees, waiting patiently for scraps left by the bears. Mink and marten often frequent the area, and seals often hang out near the mouth of the stream feeding on the bountiful fish runs. You will have ample time to observe the wildlife activity. Walk through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill established by legendary pioneer Ben Fleenor. Transportation to and from the sanctuary is by motorcoach.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through spectacularly scenic Neets Bay to a bear observatory where you can watch these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Tongass, the largest national forest in America, blankets the shores of the bay, making for an extraordinary setting. Few places are so wild and pristine, which is why wildlife thrives throughout the area. While cruising the typically calm bay, you may spot whales, sea lions and bald eagles, all of which are prevalent there. Even so, the highlight will surely be the opportunity to observe bears as they feast on spawning salmon. Enjoy a short walk through the rainforest as you keep an eye out for bears. The end of the trail will bring you to the viewing platform, an excellent spot to see bears catching and eating large salmon along the stream. It can be quite the show, especially if the bears are leaning over the water with their mouths open, just waiting for salmon to unknowingly leap within easy reach.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for bears along a stream where they typically come to fatten up on spawning salmon.
• Enjoy the rare opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats, undisturbed by humans.
• Watch for whales, sea lions and bald eagles as you cruise through Neets Bay to the bear locale.
• Admire the gorgeous setting of Tongass National Forest, the largest such forest in America.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Enhance your shoreside experience with a NCL small group tour. Hosting no more than 20 guests, these tours provide a more intimate experience and allow for more personal engagement with your knowledgeable guide.

Become a citizen science observer for the day aboard a safari vessel, where you will observe marine animals such as humpback whales and collect data of great scientific value. After departing from the pier, you will soon board a safari vessel specifically designed for wildlife viewing. The custom-built vessel features large-panel windows and sits low in the water to offer the best vantage point from inside the heated cabin or out on the open bow. A naturalist guide will be onboard as you take on the role of a citizen science observer, which entails collecting data and documenting wildlife activities for a local university and regional science programs. During the cruise, you will attempt to track and record the behaviors of various marine creatures, including humpback whales. It will be a hands-on experience that may include invasive species monitoring, humpback whale identification, and recording observations of marine mammals. Your completed data log will be used to help scientists improve their understanding of the marine food chain and environmental factors that affect wildlife populations. You might even spot a humpback whale breaching the water’s surface, as they feed voraciously here to fatten up for their winter migration south. Whatever you observe and record, you can be assured that your effects will contribute to the safeguarding and deepening of our understanding of the delicate marine environments of Southeast Alaska.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Collect data that is contributed to local ongoing research projects.
• Cruise a bay where humpback whales and other marine creatures are commonly seen.
• Receive a free digital publication commemorating your experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

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