SHORE EXCURSIONS

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.

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.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Feast on freshly caught, wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an open fire to bring out its flavors and enjoy the outdoor setting along a beautiful creek. This salmon bake has been operating for more than 30 years and has been fine-tuned to a culinary art form. The salmon will be grilled over a fragrant Alderwood fire, imparting the fish with a unique taste. Be sure to bring a hearty appetite, as this is an all-you-can-eat feast. Besides succulent salmon, the menu will include classic dishes such as Barbecue ribs, baked beans, wild rice pilaf, cornbread and various salads. Go back for seconds or even more but leave room for blueberry cake for dessert. To enhance the alfresco dining experience, local musicians will perform throughout. Afterwards, you will have time to roast marshmallows over a crackling fire, walk to a nearby waterfall and see the remnants of an old mine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor an all-you-can-eat feast of salmon and other Alaskan dishes.
• Dine alfresco in an idyllic forested setting.
• Enjoy a musical performance while you dine.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Cruise into beautiful Auke Bay looking for humpback whales feeding and breaching the water’s surface, and then enjoy a traditional Alaskan salmon bake. Humpback whales are often spotted there, even close to shore, and the sight is breathtaking. You may see these majestic creatures 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 even spot them bubble-net feeding, a unique technique in which several whales swim in an ever-shrinking circle while blowing bubbles below a school of fish. The bubbles force the fish upwards and cluster them into a column, presenting the perfect opportunity for the whales to gorge themselves. It is a mesmerizing sight you will not soon forget. Following the whale-watching adventure, you will dine at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. The Alaskan salmon will be grilled over a fragrant Alderwood fire, imparting the fish with a unique taste.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise a jet-powered catamaran around Auke Bay, looking for humpback whales.
• Observe the whales breaching the water’s surface as they feed voraciously.
• Feast at an Alaskan salmon bake with abundant side dishes and desserts.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Raft down the magnificent Mendenhall River, a short but wonderfully picturesque river whose source is Mendenhall Lake, the terminus of massive Mendenhall Glacier. Following an orientation briefing, you will embark the raft and head downriver. If you are feeling ambitious, you may paddle along with your guide. If not, simply settle into the raft and enjoy the natural beauty in the shadow of Mendenhall Glacier as the guide does all the paddling. The scenery will be absolutely stunning, especially from your river perspective. Along the way, the guide will impart all sorts of fascinating facts about the area’s natural history, native lore and legends from the Tlingit people that first settled here thousands of years ago. After rafting, you will pause for snacks at an authentic Tlingit clan house.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Raft a pristine river fed by waters from Mendenhall Lake and Glacier.
• Admire some of the most majestic wilderness scenery in Alaska.
• Learn about the area’s natural history and wildlife.
• Visit a Tlingit clan house and learn about the tribal culture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
• 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.

Enjoy a magical evening cruise with a family-owned, Tlingit-operated tour company, proudly sharing the wonders of the region for over 50 years.! 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.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Experience Alaska’s spectacular natural beauty on an exhilarating hike through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area. Your adventure begins not far from Juneau on a meandering trail through a valley that will stimulate your senses and leave you with an even greater respect for Mother Nature. You can expect to pass a rushing mountain stream, feel the gentle mist of a cascading waterfall, hear the high-pitched whistle of a bald eagle and smell the fragrances of a secluded forest glen. Along the way, a naturalist will point out the natural wonders and describe the wildlife that flourishes here. The surrounding peaks are home to mountain goats, black bears, beavers and porcupine, and there is no telling what you may spot. As you follow the trail, you will pause at the best viewpoints to take in panoramic vistas of this expansive wilderness in the shadow of Mendenhall Glacier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through a rainforest with a naturalist that will explain the ecosystem.
• Look for wildlife such as mountain goats, beavers and porcupine.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Go deep-sea salmon fishing with a captain and crew that know the prime fishing grounds from Auke Bay and the best methods to catch salmon. Once you reach a spot where the fish have been biting lately, you will begin trolling for salmon using a downrigger to ensure that the bait reaches the desired depth. All the fishing tackle will be provided so you can concentrate on landing a big one. Five species of salmon are found in this part of Alaska, including king salmon, which are also called Chinook salmon. Pink or humpy salmon are the most abundant species, and they are vigorous fighters. You might also land sockeye, coho and chum salmon, all of which have unique characteristics. If you want to keep what you catch, within the limits, it can be processed and shipped anywhere in the United States, with an additional fee. Be sure to snap lots of photos first.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish for hard-fighting salmon in a small group of not more than six guests.
• Follow the crew’s tips on the best way to troll the waters with a downrigger.
• Enjoy the comforts of the fishing boat, which includes a heated cabin, and a marine head.
• Ship your catch home (within the USA only) fully processed, with additional fee, if you want to eat it later.
• Look for wildlife, especially seabirds, and whales, marine mammals, etc, while cruising through Auke Bay, out around Stephen’s passage, Lynn Canal, Saginaw, or favorite channel!

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring camera, ID, and fishing license.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Waterproof shoes and clothing are recommended but not required.

OVERVIEW

In your intimate group setting, watch for humpback whales while cruising Stephens Passage and walk a scenic trail near Mendenhall Glacier accompanied by an expert nature photographer as your guide. You will meander down the Trail of Time, a gentle path that passes waterfalls, wildflowers and beaver dams, offering a multitude of excellent photo opportunities, including shots of the glacier. The guide will show you the best vantage points for taking pictures and provide tips to enhance your images, if you wish. More natural wonders await you while cruising Stephens Passage aboard a covered exploration vessel with large windows that provide panoramic views of the surroundings. The wildlife seen varies cruise to cruise, but you can expect to spot Humpback Whales breaching the water’s surface, Sea Lions and possibly Orca. The surrounding landscape is equally photo worthy, as it may include blue-hued glaciers, rugged mountains and foggy channels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In an intimate group setting, cruise Stephens Passage, a waterway where humpback whales are commonly seen.
• Walk a nature trail that offers extraordinary photo opportunities.
• Enhance your photos with tips from a nature photography expert.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Bring along a camera with plenty of film or storage to capture every moment.
• A snack including water is provided during the tour.

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.

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.