LANDAUSFLÜGE

OVERVIEW

Look for wildlife while cruising through the sparkling waters just north of Ketchikan and experience exciting stories told by Alaskans as they share local culture, animal encounters and tall tales, all set to music with exciting sound effects. You will cruise onboard a Bentz boat designed for wildlife viewing as it features a comfortable enclosed cabin and luxury seating. The cold pristine waters are teeming with marine life, and there is no greater thrill than watching a whale breach the water’s surface while feeding. You may also spot seals and sea lions, usually along the coast. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead and perhaps swooping down to pluck an unsuspecting fish from the sea. High quality headphones will enable you to immerse yourself as you listen to tales from Alaskans reflecting on their lifestyle, describing their personal encounters with the local wildlife, and gripping adventures. Sound effects and music will make those stories come to life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean in a boat that is ideal for viewing wildlife.
• Look for whales breaching the water’s surface and seals and sea lions along the coast.
• Watch for bald eagles, which often swoop down to catch fish in their talons.
• Put on the provided headphones to hear Alaskans describe their experiences in the wild.
• Hear outrageous tales and personal stories enhanced with music and sound effects.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Follow an Alaskan trail guide on an enlightening walk through the rain forest on a remote island in the Tongass National Forest. You will reach the island aboard a Seahawk boat that is specifically designed for these waters. A nature walk follows, during which the naturalist guide will describe the forest’s botanical species. For instance, you will learn how the people of the Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian nations use the red and yellow cedars for shelter, transportation and spiritual enrichment. Following the informative hike, you will cruise back, looking once again for marine life such as whales, Stellar sea lions and harbor seals. Don’t forget to scan the skies for bald eagles and migrating seabirds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to a remote island in a national forest.
• Look for marine life such as whales and sea lions.
• Follow a naturalist through a rainforest and learn about the plants.
• Gain an understanding of the Alaska native historic and current use of the forest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Envision the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy along a series of nine ziplines and a cable suspended bridge between tall spruce, hemlock and cedar trees, all bordering the magnificent Tongass National Forest. This eco-adventure combines the rainforest canopy with a flight over nine ziplines and 2400 feet of high-tension cables guaranteed to thrill all. At Herring Cove, an all-terrain custom 4x4 Unimog will transport you up a steep rain forest hillside to the canopy chalet. Professionally trained guides will outfit you with the state-of-the-art safety equipment and provide a detailed orientation before you mount the first platform. Your rain forest canopy challenge features a ‘flight’ over nine zip-lines. Your guide will progressively ease you into the forest canopy along cables ranging from a short 100 feet up to 750 feet. Eagles and bears are often seen from the platforms. Cross a hanging bridge offering breathtaking views of the forest below. You will be up to 135 feet above the forest floor. Throughout this adventure, you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rain forest wildlife preserve. The final zip-line emerges from the rain forest and transports you over lush grassy wetlands to a viewing tower, 55 feet above where you will rappel to the ground. Time permitting, grab a freshly brewed coffee or a cold Alaskan beer and explore our Tsimshian totem park, see a master carver working, check out our historic sawmill and watch our local blacksmiths at work. Stop by the General Store to see photos taken during your zip-line experience and to shop for mementos of your Alaska adventure. Your excursion concludes with a scenic drive back to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Envision the thrill of gliding through the top of a rich rainforest canopy.
• Explore our Tsimshian totem park.
• Scenic drive back to the ship.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a 10-minute motorcoach ride to the takeoff site. After gearing up with layers, take a fast boat ride to the remote and protected Tatoosh Islands. Have your camera handy for the magnificent scenery and wildlife sighting opportunities on the fast and fun boat ride. Ancient cedars, spruce and western hemlock trees add to the peace and tranquility of the setting as you glide along the wild rocky shoreline. Bald eagles peer down from overhead, while seals often pop up to take a peek. You might spot a deer or mink along the shore or colorful seaweed, kelp, starfish, jellyfish, and other inhabitants of the intertidal area. Other life you might see are humpback whales, sea lions and orca or maybe an eagle catching a salmon from the water! Upon arrival guides will greet you and present a thorough but quick orientation. Get into your double kayak and launch onto the water. Practice your strokes as you approach the sheltered islands, circumnavigate the Tatoosh islands. After the kayak enjoy a fresh baked cookie. No paddling experience is necessary but expect to paddle 3 miles. The tour is operated for a limited number of guests under special use permit with the US Forest Service.

OVERVIEW

Drive a specially designed off-road adventure kart through a private rainforest preserve in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. After an orientation briefing, you will gear up for a 90-minute guided trek along winding mountain trails and off road. With the guide leading the way, your caravan of adventure karts will set off into the rainforest. A comfortable pace will be maintained as you thread your way around steep curves, climbing to a height that will present unparalleled views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal and the Inside Passage. Stops will be made along the way to soak up the grandeur and natural beauty. Drivers and passengers will have the opportunity to switch positions. Be sure to watch for wildlife the entire time, as eagles, deer and bears are frequently sighted.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive an off-road Polaris RZR through a private rainforest preserve.
• Pause at overlooks to marvel at the incredible scenery.
• Watch for wildlife such as eagles and deer.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Take in the gorgeous scenery within the pristine Misty Fjords National Monument while flying in a DeHavilland floatplane as your bush pilot elaborates on the natural wonders below. This completely undeveloped wilderness sprawls across more than two million acres in the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. Majestic beyond imagination, the landscape is a mosaic of sea cliffs, misty mountains, deep fjords, thundering waterfalls, jewel-like lakes and dense rainforest, all of which you will gaze down upon from your own window seat. The exact route for the flight will depend on the weather. If you fly south, you will likely see shimmering Big Goat Lake and New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire that rises above the sea. The northern route usually passes over Neets Bay and Bell Island Hot Springs. Be sure to look for brown and black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles as wildlife is abundant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the Misty Fjords National Monument wilderness in a DeHavilland floatplane.
• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a pristine landscape that glaciers sculpted centuries ago.
• Pass over dense rainforest, cliff-lined fjords, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes.
• Keep an eye out for bears, deer, bald eagles and other iconic Alaskan wildlife.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Pedal a pontoon-style Sea-Cycle around the estuary at Ward Cove as the guide describes the scenic beauty and area history. Each two-person Sea-Cycle boat allows for leisurely pedaling yet leaves your hands free to snap photos of the surrounding natural wonders. There is plenty to view, especially when passing Tongass National Forest, the largest such protected landscape in America. The dense forests of red cedars, hemlocks and Sitka spruces will seem to go on forever. Along the way, the guide will elaborate on how many Alaskans still subsist on food and medicines that they harvest from the woodlands and sea. Be sure to keep an eye out for eagles soaring overhead and seals and bears along the shore. Ducks are among the most prevalent animals in the tidal estuary. Ward Cove is noteworthy for being the site of Alaska’s first pulp mill and home to one of the area’s most productive fish canneries.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Pedal a two-person Sea-Cycle boat around the estuary at Ward Cove and along the sea.
• Take in the natural beauty of Tongass National Forest, America’s largest such landscape.
• Look for indigenous wildlife such as bears, eagles and seals.
• Learn about the history of Ward Cove and how it once fueled Ketchikan’s economy.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat, comfortable, non-slip shoes.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed on how the eruption of the Kilauea volcano dramatically changed the landscape of the Big Island and pause along the way to sample iconic Hawaiian products. Rainbow Falls will serve as an introduction to the island’s natural beauty, which is even more spectacular at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. There, you will enjoy a close-up view of how the volcanic eruption expanded the Halemaumau pit crater with a billion cubic yards of lava. As you walk across the now hardened lava field, you will notice new greenery that will eventually become rainforest. The island’s fertile volcanic soil is ideal for growing products such as macadamia nuts. You will be offered tastings of them – perhaps honey-roasted or dipped in chocolate – at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. A Hawaiian-style lunch follows at Volcano Gardens Arts. Confections and coffee are available at Big Island Candies.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold Rainbow Falls, which is named for the rainbows that often form in its mist.
• See how a volcanic eruption changed the terrain in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Walk across a hardened lava field from the eruption, where plants are now growing.
• Enjoy a lunch of traditional Hawaiian cuisine and sample iconic Hawaiian products.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Following a motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board an Alaskan-built expedition vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as you ply the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Once whales have been sighted, your skilled Captain will maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities, don’t forget your camera and be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation dec. An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. Then take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore on beautiful Colt Island and enjoy an Alaskan inspired meal at Orca Point Lodge. At Orca Point Lodge, local seafood and traditional family recipes come together to offer a true taste of Alaska. Enjoy dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients and hear the stories behind each recipe that connect you to the region’s rich heritage. The lodge offers peaceful seclusion with modern comforts in a remote wilderness setting. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and take a stroll along the beach before boarding the vessel for your return cruise to Auke Bay.

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 Demaree Inflatable Boat (DIB).
• 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 in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join this small group tour for a scenic two-mile hike on the Chilkoot Trail, which winds through a lush rainforest and board a raft for a tranquil, scenic float back to historic Dyea. After a safety orientation, board a van and drive through Skagway to the backcountry deep in the heart of the Dyea Valley. You’ll travel to the historic town of Dyea to hike the first two scenic miles of the Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of gold rush history in Skagway. Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals, and wildflowers. Your route climbs and descends 350 feet over Saintly Hill. Along the way, your guide will share information about the natural history and Klondike folklore with you. Photo opportunities abound as you retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeders who forged this route 100 years ago. Arrive at the banks of the Taiya River, where your 18-foot raft awaits for the scenic float back to Dyea. The forest gives way to fields of beach greens and wild iris, and the granite walls of the fjords rise steeply to the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack of homemade cookies and a hot beverage before returning by van on the 30-minute drive to Skagway. This VIP experience is designed for smaller groups and limited to 10 guests.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Begin with a drive through Skagway to the backcountry of Dyea Valley, leading to the historic town of Dyea.
• The route climbs and descends 350 feet over Saintly Hill, offering numerous photo opportunities.
• After the hike, board an 18-foot raft for a tranquil float back to Dyea along the Taiya River, with stunning views of fjords, wild iris fields, and snow-capped peaks.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing, a jacket, hat and gloves.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly high above the Alaskan wilderness in a helicopter and then cruise to Taku Glacier and walk across its ancient frozen surface. Few outdoor adventures offer such diverse opportunities and spectacular panoramic views. Moments after boarding the helicopter, you will soar above the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. You will pass over the Juneau Ice Field, Gastineau Channel, and the Taku River on the way to Taku Point, where you will touch down. You will then board a covered airboat and cruise several miles up the river to the Taku Glacier, where you will behold its sheer face from a unique water perspective. The airboat Captain will help you board the covered airboat as you cruise the 5-mile terminus of the only advancing glacier of the Juneau Ice Field. You’ll come within arm’s reach of the ice, and you’ll understand the immense size of this glacier as you stare up at it from the river. The captain will stop in various locations for photos, and to talk about the glacier and the river basin that it has been carved by nature over the years. Back at Taku Point, you’ll again board the helicopter that will take you up, up, up to the top of the Taku Glacier. Step out onto the amazing 4,500-foot-thick ice for a brief glacier landing. You’ll have time for more photos, and your pilot will give you details about the ice field and Taku Glacier. The helicopter will then return you to the airport and the van will return you to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly in a helicopter over some of Alaska’s most spectacular wilderness.
• Cruise up the Taku River in an airboat for an up-close view of Taku Glacier.
• Touch down in the helicopter on the glacier and walk across its ancient icy surface.
• You’ll have a chance to take pictures of the pristine Taku River basin, and the Taku Glacier spread before you.

HELPFUL HINTS

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