SHORE EXCURSIONS

On this two tank dive you’ll travel through deep submarine canyons just off San Lucas Bay and marvel at the rich marine environment on this adventure. Diving locations are just off the rocky shore and feature large boulders and pinnacles; the rocky walls attract schools of fish such as snapper and goatfish. The ledges are covered with marine invertebrates, starfish, nudibranchs and urchins. Keep an eye out for King and Cortez angelfish, Moorish idols and guinea fowl puffers.

Drive a Jeep through the island’s naturally beautiful terrain and then head off-road to one of Tortola’s most secluded beaches. With the lead Jeep/guide providing commentary via a VHF, you will take in the best of the West End on the way to isolated Smuggler’s Cove. Here, you will be free to relax however you please. You might stretch out on the sheltered beach, stroll along the shore and take a refreshing swim in the sea. In time, you will drive off once again into the tropical landscape, where you will pass beach-blessed Long Bay and the surfer’s paradise of Apple Bay before arriving in the fishing village on Carrot Bay. While browsing its museum, you will behold an impressive collection of shells, all found on Tortola’s many beaches. More spectacular sights await you atop Windy Hill, and at Sky World, an elevated vantage point with 360 views of the British Virgin Islands.

Here’s your opportunity to enjoy the Alaskan adventure of a lifetime by air, water, and ice! The van driver will take you from the pier to a private helicopter base on Douglas Island. At the airport, you’ll be given a pre-flight safety briefing. Aboard the helicopter, you’ll fly high above Juneau, the Tongass National forest, the Juneau Ice Field, Gastineau Channel, and Taku River, all the way to Taku Point. 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 has been carved by nature over the years. Back at Taku Point, you’ll again board the helicopter that will fly to the Taku Glacier for your brief glacier landing. Step out onto the amazing 4,500 foot thick ice. 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 heliport and the van will return you to the pier.

Celebrate southeast Alaska’s rich logging history on this rip-roaring good time with quality entertainment for all ages! Alaska’s frontier lumberjacks battle British Columbia’s premier woodsmen in a no-holds-barred competition for the title of “Bull of the Woods.” Watch these world-champion athletes compete in springboard chopping, buck sawing, axe throwing, log rolling, and the thrilling 50-foot tree climb while your host delights with lumberjack lore. The show is held in a covered, heated and cushioned grandstand. Videotaping is not permitted but guests can participate in our annual photo contest. Meet the jacks after the show for pictures, then the fun continues as you compete in a thrilling Axe Throwing Competition. You’ll learn the art of throwing a 7-lb razor-sharp axe, and then, after a little practice, you will go head-to-head in a thrilling competition against other participants.

OVERVIEW

Fly over gorgeous Bora Bora in a helicopter that will provide a literal bird’s-eye view of the lush volcanically formed landscape that James Michener, author of Tales of the South Pacific, described as “the most beautiful island in the world.” The exact route of the flight will depend on the wind and weather conditions, but regardless of where you fly the sights will be absolutely spectacular in every direction. During the 20 minutes or so that you spend in the air, you will gaze out over turquoise lagoons, secluded beaches, dense forests and dramatically soaring peaks such as Mount Otemanu, one of two extinct volcanoes at the heart of Bora Bora. It rises more than 2,400 feet above sea level. Bora Bora means “first born” in the Tahitian language, a reference to the Tahitian story of the creation of the world. Few islands are quite so inspiring, romantic and steeped in legend as Bora Bora.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View Bora Bora from the air while flying over its most gorgeous areas in a helicopter.
• Behold the island’s turquoise lagoons, secluded beaches and dramatically soaring peaks.
• See firsthand why Bora Bora is considered one of world’s most beautiful islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a 10 minute van 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.

Zip through Placencia Lagoon on a wave runner leaving a rooster tail in your wake and the mainland in your rear view mirror. After watching a short orientation video that will help maximize the experience, you will hop aboard a two-person wave runner and tear off across the lagoon. You can drive the personal watercraft or be the passenger. It’s up to you. Either way, the ride will be exhilarating from start to finish. To ensure that you see all the sights, a guide will lead the way with the wave runners following more or less caravan-style. The numerous mangrove-rimmed islands that you will spot scattered about are well-protected, as their ecologically important trees filter impurities from the water and stabilize the shoreline. The lagoon’s water is typically smooth enough so you can easily carve your way across the surface without encountering any wakes other than your own.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Tear across the typically smooth waters of Placencia Lagoon in a two-person wave runner.
• Drive the wave runner or be the passenger, if you prefer.
• Enjoy an exhilarating ride and gorgeous natural scenery in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS • Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Retrace the historic gold rush route to the Klondike while coasting down from the White Pass Summit on a bicycle! This fun tour starts with a 20 minute van ride to the top of the 3,292 foot pass. Along the way your knowledgeable guides versed in the ecology and history of the area will inform and entertain you. After a bicycle orientation and safety briefing, enjoy the refreshing outdoors and scenic splendor while you cruise downhill on your bicycle for 15 miles on the paved road back to Skagway. Stops are made along the way for photos of waterfalls, the White Pass Yukon Railroad, glaciers, wildlife and the majestic mountains. This exciting excursion offers a unique way to tour Skagway and the surrounding area.

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.

The Island Zipline Adventure course is a combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zip to give you six high-flying zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs and cargo nets, designed to challenge but not overwhelm your physical and mental strength. Tour starts with an elevator ride to the top of the Flighthouse.

With platforms at 120-feet above ground and top speed of over 50 mph, your senses will be dazed with adrenaline as you zip out over the beach and reef of Great Stirrup Cay. The V nets allow you to transverse from one zipline to another while providing you with bird’s-eye view of your fellow guests, the many islands to the South or the turquoise waters and their inhabitants below.

For those feeling extra strong and confident we’ve added an almost vertical cargo net climb or by-pass the cargo net and continue the course via the chimney climb and V net bridges.

Either way this zipline course is great for individuals, families or just a bunch of friends who want to get together to experience some adventurous fun. Tour space is limited, secure your adventure today.

Paddle a two-person kayak across the calm waters of Connell Lake, a manmade reservoir that the Tongass National Forest surrounds. Following a briefing to help you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the guide around the lake. This beautiful body of water was created in 1952 by damming several creeks to feed millions of gallons of freshwater to the Ketchikan pulp mill. The 60-foot concrete dam still exists and continues to supply water to resources throughout the community. Today, Connell Lake is known more for its spectacular natural beauty, which you will see up-close as you paddle along the forested shore of America’s largest national park. Unusual flora and fauna abound, which the guide will describe as you paddle around the lake to several hidden wonders.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Kayak across naturally beautiful Connell Lake, all of which the Tongass National Forest surrounds.
• 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.

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.