SHORE EXCURSIONS

Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an exceptional experience near the face of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns nest in the towering cliffs and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls.

Refuel with an Alaskan-style snack. You’ll make your trip in a traditional easy to paddle, 15 - 20 passenger Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28 foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the U.S. Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants.

Your kayak adventure along Juneau's coast begins with a short drive by bus to North Douglas Island, where you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Here, your guide will hand out life jackets and rain gear before teaching you paddling techniques. Board the two-person kayaks, with your travel companion or assigned partner for your breathtaking trip, which will give you a sense of how Aleut Indians traveled the coastal waterways.

The stable yet nimble kayaks will allow you to silently approach any wildlife in the area, including porpoise, seals, sea lions, eagles, herons, or even whales. Explore the Mendenhall Wetlands and view the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier. Your guide will entertain you with stories about Smugglers Cove and the history of the surrounding area. Back at the kayak base; enjoy a tasty snack before the journey back to port.

Step into Alaska on this fully guided nature hike! Juneau is the place for switch-backing through the canopy of Alaska's Tongass National Forest to views of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Your professional guides will select the trail best suited for your group’s ability and the day’s hiking conditions. Experience cascading waterfalls, serene meadows and quiet forest glens. During much of the hike, the views are panoramic, encompassing expanses of glacier-carved wilderness. Your guide will help you keep a look out for signs of animals and wildlife encountered along the trail. Perhaps you'll discover a hidden porcupine or hear the song of a hermit thrush. Whether you're interested in wildflowers or wildlife, scenery or activity, expect a refreshing outing with many opportunities for photography and lasting memories of Alaska.

Experience up-close views of the stunning Dawes Glacier while exploring Endicott Arm in comfort aboard a high-speed expedition vessel. The adventure begins as soon as your board our custom-built expedition vessel directly from your cruise ship. The vessel will travers the rugged glacier carved arm studded with towering cliffs and waterfalls while learning about the Fords Terror Wilderness and its unique ecosystem. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced captain guides you past shimmering icebergs. The singular maneuverability of this vessel will allow you to get as close as possible to the ever-changing face of the Dawes Glacier. From the topside observation decks, you will be able to enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. While exploring the length of this ice-carved fjord you will cruise beneath cliffs that rise high above the jade-colored waters. There will be stops along the way to view and photograph wildlife when present. Species you might see include, harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats and the occasional bear

Travel in comfort aboard a high-speed expedition vessel to experience the very best of Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, including glacier-carved cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and exciting close-up views of the Sawyer Glacier. The adventure begins as soon as you board the high-speed expedition vessel from your cruise ship. This Alaskan-built vessel is custom built from our Sitka shipyard, specifically to explore the beautiful Tracy Arm Wilderness Area. The vessel is equipped with: comfortable seating, wrap around windows, heated cabin, restrooms, outside viewing deck and galley gift shop. The exceptional agility of the vessel will allow you to have an in-depth exploration of this amazing fjord. Your Captain will make many detours and stops, allowing you incredible opportunities to view and photograph cobalt-blue icebergs, spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Species of wildlife you might see include: harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats, whales and the occasional bear. The onboard naturalist will provide a wealth of information about the area, which naturalist John Muir called “a wild, untamed Yosemite.”

Experience a genuine Alaskan adventure while supporting the official state sport! Take an exhilarating sled ride and play with husky puppies, all in the heart of the lush Alaskan rainforest. Upon arrival at this authentic summer training camp for mushers and their sled dogs, you'll participate in a sled dog summer training run on a custom designed, wheeled summertime sled. Discover the power of a team of Alaskan huskies as they whisk your sled down a mile long trail through the depths of the Tongass National Rainforest! Then join a dog handler and sled dogs for interactive demonstrations on mushing equipment and the impeccable care the dogs receive.

Your dog handler will also entertain you with knowledge about the training, history, races and inspiring efforts required by this sport. Admire the untamed beauty as you walk across a suspension bridge overlooking Fish Creek. This camp is surrounded by moss-covered forest with huge spruce and hemlock trees. Then cuddle up with a husky puppy and take your picture with one of these adorable future athletes! This excursion is the perfect mix of Alaska’s culture, history, adventure, rugged wilderness, and of course sled dogs and puppies. Complimentary refreshments are provided.

Join us on an excursion where you learn about Alaska’s official state sport with a trip to Dog Sledding Summer Camp. Your adventure begins on the breathtaking drive along Gastineau Channel, through the historic AJ Gold Mine site and into the remote and scenic Sheep Creek Valley. As you arrive at the summer camp training site, you will be greeted by a professional dog musher and some of the state’s most famous athletes: the Alaskan Huskies! You will receive an educational tour of the camp, and visit a 19th century replica Iditarod Outpost. Next, climb aboard a comfortable wheeled cart and relax as your energetic Alaskan Husky team guides you along the one-and-a-half-mile trail through beautiful landscapes. You’ll return to Dog Sledding Summer Camp for your chance to meet the dogs and snuggle the next generation of great Alaskan athletes: sled dog puppies! This family-friendly excursion is truly an authentic Alaskan experience.

Experience the beauty that surrounds Juneau with friendly, local guides. On the van ride to the departure point, hear about Juneau's history plus interesting information about the city. You'll be fitted with a disc brake bicycle, helmet, and water bottle and you’ll receive a safety briefing. Your first stop is by the Chapel-by-the-Lake, a lovely old log chapel with a spectacular view of Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier in the background. Your ride continues to the west side of the Mendenhall Glacier, with a beach stop for a short break.

You’ll then proceed to the visitor area at the east side of Mendenhall Glacier. This portion of the ride includes a one mile trail ride through the rainforest. At the end of the ride, you'll have a chance to spend time admiring the glacier. The ride covers approximately 8.5 miles on a mostly flat road with some rolling hills. Next travel by van to Merchant’s Wharf, an old sea plane hangar in downtown Juneau and a landmark in aviation history for a taste of award winning beers from micro-breweries around Alaska.

This 4 hour boating adventure is aboard a 26 to 36 ft. fully appointed cabin cruiser, setting sail from scenic Auke Bay Harbor. You'll be trolling and utilizing downriggers to set lines at a range of depths to optimize your opportunity for catching various salmon species. You'll be greeted at the ship and joining fellow anglers on your boat of up to 6 guests maximum.

Lucky anglers may have their catch locally processed to their specifications and shipped for home for an additional charge. Please bring $20 cash for fishing license and $10 cash for king salmon stamp.

Enjoy a magical evening cruise that features guaranteed whale viewing! Following a short ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board an Alaskan-built expedition vessel specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin as you set out to explore Stephen’s Passage, a pristine marine wilderness surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Once whales have been sighted, your Captain will maneuver the vessel to provide you with exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities. Be sure to bring a warm jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. Your onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the humpback whale and other wildlife you may encounter, including killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. While enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Alaska’s long evening glow you’ll be treated to a variety of appetizers, desserts and complimentary beverages. A no-host bar offers wine, beer and soda for an additional charge.

Come experience the wilderness of Alaska on a one-of-a kind adventure – zipping through the rainforest! Navigate through a series of ziplines and suspension bridge, never leaving the treetops! Begin your zipline adventure by taking a "leap of faith" into the canopy. Soar through an old-growth temperate rainforest while the sights and smells of the Alaskan wilderness put a smile on your face. Land in uniquely designed, fully enclosed treehouse platforms where you can comfortably take in the scenery, snap a photo and ship on blueberry tea. Your friendly and knowledgeable guides are there every step of the way to ensure safety and share facts about the forest and local area. Before the tour ends, top off your journey by trying your hand at Axe Throwing and embrace your inner lumberjack. Relax back at the lodge and enjoy a snack while sharing a picture slideshow with your friends and family before returning back to your ship. This course consists of 7 ziplines, 10 platforms and an aerial suspension bridge. The lines vary in length and height, ranging from 100 ft tall to 800 ft long. Smooth landings are ensured by the guide-operated braking and handrails.

All tours include the digital guide, fuel, unlimited mileage, insurance, umbrellas, rain ponchos, gold panning equipment and car seats (if needed). The four-door Jeep has five seatbelts and adequate storage space for a foldable wheelchair. All passengers must be in a seatbelt. No smoking allowed in the jeep. Each party must have at least one licensed driver that is 25+ years old. There is no charge for additional drivers. Licenses can be domestic or foreign but must be on their person (copies are not accepted). The digital guide is GPS integrated to know where the guest is located along their route and will discuss the site they are going to see before they get there. It is programmed to automatically move to the next location once they leave the last site. It will also discuss Alaska's history, wildlife and ecosystem along longer drives and as the guest heads back to their ship near the end of the tour. The guest can simply select 'Next' if they want to skip a location or need to head back to the ship. Guests who go ashore do so with the understanding that they will be mixing with members of the general public.