OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking wildlife encounters with traditional Alaskan dishes at a seafood feast. Cruise the pristine waters of Icy Strait, home to one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in Alaska. Witness these awe-inspiring creatures as they breach, dive, and wave their flukes, showcasing their grace and power. Keep an eye out for playful Dall’s porpoises, towering Steller sea lions, curious harbor seals, and even the occasional pod of orcas. Don’t forget to look to the skies for bald eagles soaring overhead. After your wildlife adventure, return to Icy Strait Point for a feast of Alaskan flavors. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring seasonal shrimp, crab, and Andouille sausage, accompanied by a variety of sides. Finish the experience with a cozy moment around the campfire, roasting marshmallows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into waters with so many humpback whales.
• Watch the whales breaching the water’s surface and feeding voraciously.
• Look for porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles, as well.
• Feast on classic Alaskan seafood dishes and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy unlimited rides in a window-walled gondola to the mountaintop that looms behind Icy Strait Point and spend the day enjoying the outdoors as you please. As you ascend over the forested slopes, the views will be spectacular in every direction, especially once you reach the summit, which is more than a quarter mile above sea level. Glacier Bay stretches out before you and Tongass National Forest goes on as far as the eye can see. If you wish to hike through the woodlands, feel free. Wherever you wander, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as bald eagles and deer are abundant. You won’t have to rush your time at the summit because your all-day gondola pass allows you to descend whenever you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the breathtaking views while riding a gondola up the mountain behind Icy Strait Point.
• Spend as much time as you wish at the summit and descend on the gondola when you’re ready.
• Look for wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles while hiking through the woods.
• Your ticket includes unlimited rides on the Sky Peak Gondola

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

Ride a state-of-the-art window-walled gondola to the top of Hoonah Mountain and then board an open-air tram for an inspiring ride through an old-growth forest. The views will be spectacular in every direction as you ascend the mountain, which rises more than a quarter mile above the sea. The wheeled tram will offer a closer look at the natural world as it winds through the woods for about six miles. The towering stands of Sitka spruce and western hemlock are a wonder to behold. The significance of the forest becomes even clearer as your guide describes the delicate balance of its biodiversity and fascinating geology. Wildlife is abundant and it’s not uncommon to spot Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles. You will also enjoy sweeping views of the Port Frederick Inlet, Spasski River Valley, glacially carved reflecting ponds and beautiful bogs known as muskegs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the breathtaking views while riding an aerial gondola up Hoonah Mountain.
• Ride an open-air tram through a dense forest while the guide describes the flora and fauna.
• Look for wildlife such as Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.
• Enjoy unlimited rides on the Sky Peak Gondola

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

OVERVIEW

Watch a traditional tribal performance that reflects the history of the Tlingits as a prelude to a feast of fresh seafood and other Alaskan dishes. The Tlingits have lived in this part of southeastern Alaska for thousands of years and their traditions run deep. This unique experience is showcased by Huna Tlingit members through live storytelling and traditional dress, creating an immersive celebration of their heritage and customs. Learn about their history, from the time advancing glaciers displaced them from their original homeland in Glacier Bay to the founding of Hoonah, meaning “where the north wind doesn’t blow. Many of their performances express the significance of indigenous animals such as ravens, seals and eagles. Others tell of the tribe’s struggles with the harsh environment and poignant social issues. Following the performance, you will dine on a sumptuous meal of classic Alaskan dishes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover much about the Tlingit tribe through interpretive songs and storytelling.
• Watch Huna Tlingit performers dressed in traditional regalia.
• Feast on classic Alaskan seafood dishes and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Look for wildlife while zipping along the rugged coastline in an open-air, high-speed boat. You will ride in a Rigid Hull Inflatable vessel that is 27 feet long and designed to race through the sea with maximum maneuverability. It will be an absolute thrill the entire time. The exact route will depend on the weather conditions, but you can expect to enjoy close-up views of thundering waterfalls, tidal flats and land animals such as brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer. The seas here are also teeming with iconic Alaskan animals. You may spot humpback whales breaching the water’s surface, pods of orcas, frolicking sea otters and sleek seals. Be sure to look up, as bald eagles and puffins also make their homes in the area. Along the way, the captain will throttle back and elaborate on the importance of the waterways to the native Tlingit, many of whom still follow a traditional lifestyle around Icy Strait Point.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the pristine waters off Icy Strait Point in a high-speed Rigid Hull Inflatable.
• Scan the coast for land animals such as brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer.
• Watch the water’s surface for marine creatures that may include whales, orcas and seals.
• Look for bald eagles and puffins soaring above and along the rocky coast.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Venture into the pristine wilds to look for iconic Alaskan animals such as humpback whales and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Your adventure will begin aboard a whale-watching boat accompanied by a naturalist that will describe the creatures that you may soon observe. The nutrient-rich waters here are teeming with humpback whales that come to feed each summer before heading south to their breeding grounds. What a sight to watch these behemoths, which grow to about 50 feet long, as they breach the water’s surface and then dive down to feed again. Chances are, you will also catch sight of porpoises, sea lions and seals. After disembarking, you will drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for brown bears. Bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer are also commonly spotted here.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise waters teeming with humpback whales and watch them breaching the surface.
• Become familiar with the habits of humpback whales by listening to the onboard naturalist.
• Behold the glorious natural beauty in remote Spassky River Valley.
• Look for brown bears and other wildlife from the comfort of a raised platform.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers in case of cool temperatures.
• Wear flat comfortable water-resistant hiking shoes.
• Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

OVERVIEW

Watch humpback whales and other marine creatures cavorting in the nutrient-rich waters at Point Adolphus, one of Alaska’s premier observation points. During the cruise, a naturalist will describe the diversity of animals that converge here each summer. They come primarily to feed in the waters that are extraordinarily rich in halibut, salmon and plankton. Point Adolphus is noted for having the highest concentration of humpback whales in the Alaskan panhandle, so be on the lookout for these majestic and intelligent creatures. You can expect them to be breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive, and feeding voraciously to fatten up for their winter migration south. You might also observe frolicking Dall’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions, curious harbor seals and Orca whales. You may also see graceful bald eagles swooping down to grab fish in their talons, and perhaps even bears and deer in the surrounding wooded landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch for humpback whales breaching the water’s surface as they feed.
• Gain a deeper understanding of whales and other marine creatures from the naturalist.
• Look for playful porpoises, sea lions and harbor seals.
• Scan the sky for majestic bald eagles.
• Scour the shoreline for mammals such as bears and deer.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm layered clothing and flat comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
• Bring waterproof outerwear if you expect to sit on the open-air observation deck.
• Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

OVERVIEW

Experience the magic of Point Adolphus first thing in the morning! Departing directly from the pier as soon as your ship docks, this is the first adventure of the day, leaving you with plenty of free time afterwards to explore the wonders of Icy Strait Point. Point Adolphus is noted for having the highest concentration of humpback whales in the Alaskan panhandle, so it is highly likely that you will see these behemoths feasting on teeny crustaceans known as krill and on small schooling fishes. It is quite the spectacle to watch a 50-foot-long, 35-ton humpback whale waving its fluke up and down before diving to feed and fatten up for its winter migration south. You may also spot them bubble-feeding, a group effort in which several whales work together to drive fish into a mass to easily consume them in great quantities. The onboard naturalist will describe the behavior and characteristics of the whales and the other marine life that inhabits these waters. They include Dall’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and orca whales. Whale sightings are guaranteed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for humpback whales in the waters off Point Adolphus in the early morning.
• Watch for whales breaching the water’s surface before diving to feed.
• Keep an eye out for other marine life such as orca whales, porpoises and sea lions.
• Learn fascinating facts about the marine life from the onboard naturalist.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride the Sky Peak gondola to the summit of Hoonah Mountain as many times as you like and enjoy a flight of locally brewed beers at the top. The thrills will begin the moment the window-walled gondola starts ascending, and the views will only get better the higher you go. You will gaze out over the dense forest that blankets the mountain, across Glacier Bay and beyond to the northernmost point of Chichagof Island. Upon reaching the summit, you will drop by a brewery outpost for a sampling of its most popular beers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. You will be free to descend on the gondola whenever you wish, but there is no need to rush. If you would like to stretch your legs, you could wander along the spectacularly scenic half-mile trail that winds through the Tongass National Forest. Keep an eye out for eagles and deer along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy unlimited rides up and down Hoonah Mountain on the Sky Peak gondola.
• Admire the surrounding natural beauty, which is breathtaking in every direction.
• Sample a flight of Alaskan beers at the microbrewery on the mountaintop.
• Follow a short trail through the Tongass National Forest on the summit if you wish.
• Descend on the gondola whenever you are ready.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Admire the surrounding natural beauty while riding the Sky Peak gondola to the top of Hoonah Mountain, where you will gather around a crackling campfire and make s’mores. The scenery will be breathtaking on the ride to the summit, which takes about 7 or 8 minutes. The gondola passes over part of the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest and the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Little has changed in the landscape since the Tlingit tribe first settled there centuries ago. At the summit, you will be provided with all the ingredients needed to make s’mores, a concoction of marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers and toasted over the campfire until gooey. The first written recipe for s’mores was in the 1927 Girl Scout guidebook and over time this treat has become a classic. If you wish to extend your stay, you could walk the short trail through the mountaintop forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy unlimited rides up and down Hoonah Mountain on the Sky Peak gondola.
• Admire the surrounding natural beauty, which is breathtaking in every direction.
• Toast s’mores over a campfire on the mountaintop and enjoy this classic sweet treat.
• Follow a short trail through the Tongass National Forest on the summit, if you wish.
• Descend on the gondola whenever you are ready.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride the world’s largest and longest zip-line high above the treetops and down a mountain at hair-raising speeds. This exhilarating adventure on the Zip Rider is for the thrill-seeker, not the faint-hearted. Available to virtually everyone, your fun starts with a mesmerizing ascent on the Sky Peak Gondola. You will find the views of Icy Strait, your ship, and maybe even a glimpse of the Glacier Bay National Park breathtaking. Upon reaching the staging area at 1,300 feet above sea level, the real thrill begins as you are strapped into the harness seat and step off the zip-line platform into thin air. Traveling at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, you will zoom along over the dense forest. As you look down, the scenery will zip by. The ride is more than a mile long with a plummeting vertical drop. It is just like flying but without the airplane. As you approach the landing zone on the beach, the Zip Rider will automatically brake, easing you onto the soft sand. Incudes unlimited Gondola rides!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a zip-line over the forest at adrenaline-pumping speeds of up to 60 mph.
• Travel more than a mile on the zip-line, enjoying a literal bird’s-eye view of the mountain.
• Savor the majestic scenery from a different perspective while driving up the mountain.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in waterproof outerwear.
• Wear sturdy flat and closed toe shoes.

OVERVIEW

Look for bears, deer, and bald eagles in their natural habitats from an elevated observation area in the remote Spasski River Valley. As you leave Hoonah, Alaska’s largest Tlingit Indigenous settlement, the guide will enlighten you with stories about the Tlingits and their fascinating history. Upon reaching the valley, you will walk along a gravel path and boardwalk to the elevated viewing platform. Be on the lookout for the diverse wildlife that makes its home here, including brown bears, which are highly intelligent omnivores that primarily eat vegetation. While this is an excellent area to observe animals, they roam freely, so there are no guarantees that you will see them. The Sitka black-tail deer is another native that may be spotted from the observation area, as well as land otters, mink and marten. And don’t forget to look skyward for bald eagles, a highly efficient bird of prey that frequents the valley.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch for brown bears in one of their prime habitats.
• Look for other commonly seen wildlife such as deer, land otters and mink.
• Don’t forget to scan the sky and treetops for bald eagles.
• Gain an appreciation for the culture of the Tlingit people that first settled the valley.

HELPFUL HINTS

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