Join an adventure of a lifetime aboard the Aleutian Ballad, as seen on Discovery Channel’s - The Deadliest Catch. Your experience begins with a short walk along the fishing pier of Ketchikan, a historic fishing port and the gateway to Alaska. On board you’ll find comfortable, heated theater style seating and modern amenities. As you head out on the calm waters of the Inside Passage, your seasoned crew will begin fishing and you’ll be up close to all the action! Crabs, octopus, eels, sharks, rockfish and prawns are all a possibility, as the crew demonstrates their expertise. Be on the lookout for whales, eagles, porpoise, and seals along the way. Admire the scenic beauty that surrounds you as the crew haul and set long line, barrel pots and huge king crab pots to reveal the catch of the day. The amazing marine life is placed in an on-deck aquarium so everyone can get up close look. This educational and interactive experience is perfect for all ages and is packed with stories and adventures shared by the men and women who risk their lives fishing the Bering Sea.

OVERVIEW

Ride through the wilderness in a Utility Terrain Vehicle designed for off-road adventure and admire the majestic panoramas while driving to and from Mahoney Lake. On the way to the base camp, you will enjoy spectacular views of George Inlet and Tongass National Forest. Still nothing rivals the exhilaration of hopping into the 2-seat or 4-seat UTV and following the guide caravan-style up the mountainous 5-mile trail to Mahoney Lake. Whoever drives on the way up will switch positions and ride as a passenger on the way down. The serene lake and roaring Mahoney Falls are at the end of the trail, and both are well worth viewing. During stops, the guide will offer commentary about the history and culture of Ketchikan, including the flora and fauna. Back at the White River base camp, you can relive the experience while dining on chili and a reindeer sausage. Highlight includes the extraordinary views while riding to and from Mahoney Lake in a UTV. Drive the UTV up to the lake and ride as a passenger on the way down. Or vice-versa. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Mahoney Lake and Mahoney Falls at the end of the trail. Hear enlightening commentary about the history of Ketchikan and its historical pulp mill.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the extraordinary views while riding to and from Mahoney Lake in a UTV.
• Drive the UTV up to the lake and ride as a passenger on the way down. Or vice-versa.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of Mahoney Lake and Mahoney Falls at the end of the trail.
• Hear enlightening commentary about the history of Ketchikan and its historical pulp mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Hike through the rainforest that blankets America’s largest national forest and toast your accomplishment with a beer at a local pub. It won’t take long to reach the trailhead, yet the setting is still remote and teeming with wildlife. As you follow the challenging two-mile route, the only sounds will be those of nature until the guide pauses to comment on the indigenous flora and fauna. There will be plenty to discuss as the trail meanders through giant cedar, hemlock and spruce trees with an understory that includes a plethora of berry bushes. Although there is no telling what types of wildlife you may encounter, the three viewing platforms along the trail provide the best opportunities to observe black bears feasting on ripe berries. Following this invigorating hike, you will stop at a pub that locals often frequent and quench your thirst with a cold beer or a different beverage if you prefer

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Travel along a wonderfully scenic highway to the historical George Inlet Lodge, where a chef will demonstrate how best to prepare crab cakes, which you will later enjoy for lunch. The road to the lodge winds through the wilds of Revillagigedo Island and passes an old sawmill and several salmon canneries that will offer a glimpse into the area’s past. Once you reach the waterfront lodge – which was originally a cannery bunkhouse – the attention will turn to food, especially seafood caught in the chilly depths of the surrounding sea. While the chef prepares your crab cakes according to a classic local recipe and recounts entertaining stories about Alaskan fishing and crabbing, you will be served a garden-fresh salad and half a Dungeness crab as an appetizer. The crab cakes will be served hot off the griddle and followed by a slice of creamy cheesecake topped with blueberries, another Alaska specialty.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch the chef at the George Inlet Lodge prepare crab cakes for your lunch.
• Dine on appetizers, including half a Dungeness crab, during the demonstration.
• Enjoy the waterfront setting of the remote lodge and learn a bit about its history.
• Drive along a coastal road and admire the stunning natural beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, raptors, a Native Totem Park and a historic sawmill at an exclusive reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. A pristine natural environment, it is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals and a variety of birds and other species attracted by the major salmon runs in the abundant marine estuary. A naturalist will guide you along an improved trail through the heart of the dense forest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar, stopping at strategically located viewing areas. At a protected, open estuary, you'll follow Herring Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. Major runs of salmon return to spawn here. Listen to the symphony of bird activity in this spectacular setting. Seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity. A mile trail walk brings you to the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill. Check out the amazing collection of totems in the courtyard. Shopping opportunities await you in the General Store before the scenic drive back to the ship.

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.

Race through the wilderness on a utility task vehicle and then cruise along the gorgeous shoreline to a waterfront lodge for a hearty crab feast and beer pairing. After taking the wheel of the UTV, you will tear through mountainous terrain and along old logging roads at adrenaline-pumping speeds that will make this driving adventure all the more memorable. Upon reaching the coast, you will board 46-foot enclosed sightseeing vessel and cruise down an inland arm of the sea. The views will be spectacular, especially while passing the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, an amphitheater-like valley that ancient glaciers carved through the rugged landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout this remote area, especially bald eagles. A sumptuous meal awaits you at George Inlet Lodge, a former 1940s bunkhouse for a fish cannery. It is a beautiful setting to dine on freshly caught Dungeness crabs paired with a number of unique craft beers from several local breweries.

Discover how Alaska’s cold, nutrient-rich waters are ideal for growing oysters and kelp by touring a floating farm and then sampling both sustainable products. The tour offers a unique and very exclusive experience with local guides and a maximum of 14 guests. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque coastal drive along the Tongass Narrows to Bonfire Bay. From here, you will cruise to Clover Pass, all the while watching for humpback whales, seals and sea lions, which frequent these pristine waters. Be sure to look overhead too, as eagles are also abundant. Upon arriving at Hump Island Oyster Company’s floating oyster farm, you will tour the family-owned floating facility. The deep, nutrient-rich tidal waters of Clover Pass are ideal for farming oysters in trays suspended from cedar floats. The oysters are nurtured as they grow from thumbnail size to market size, and as you will discover it’s a fascinating process. The company was also the first in Alaska to grow kelp at a tour site, another sustainable endeavor only possible because of the bay’s extraordinary water conditions. To delve even deeper into the challenges of aquaculture, your guide will explain the threats to the industry along with the sustainable operation. Next, your inner-child will be delighted with our on-site touch tank featuring critters from the local waters. Make sure to bring your camera as the views are amazing offering great photo opportunities. Still, there is no better way to understand how conditions affect oysters and kelp than to taste the final products in a true farm to table experience. A sampling will reveal that the plump oysters have a unique briny flavor that finishes with a hint of melon. The kelp harvested in Southeast Alaska is used liberally in products such as salsa and seasonings.

OVERVIEW

Cruise into the sheltered waters of the Tongass Narrows looking for whales, porpoise and other Alaskan wildlife, and then pull up to a forested island to feast around a bonfire. There is no telling what you may see as the captain navigates the boat into remote coves and around forested islands. Humpback whales are often spotted and the sight is mesmerizing. Two other types of cetaceans – orcas and Dall’s porpoise – are also commonly seen. Orcas tend to travel in large groups. Dall’s porpoise can easily be identified by their distinct rooster-tail splash when traveling quickly just below the water’s surface. This wildlife safari includes a stop on secluded Annette Island for a classic Alaskan meal of reindeer-sausage hot dogs, kettle chips and Seasonal jam. Leave room for a dessert of s’mores around a roaring bonfire. Chances are, there will be time for an enlightening exploration of the island’s old-growth forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the Tongass Narrows and Revillagigedo Channel looking for whales and porpoises.
• Learn about the animals’ habits and characteristics from the captain and naturalist guide.
• Savor a hearty meal of Alaskan dishes around a crackling bonfire on Annette Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a brief but scenic drive up the coast to Totem Bight State Historical Park, where you will become immersed in the culture of the Alaskan Natives of Southeast Alaska. Starting in the 1940s, the CCC constructed the park here in the rainforest to accurately present the customs and family life to visitors. As you wander through the park, you will see colorful, hand-carved totem poles and a large clan house similar to ones built in the early 19th century. Your guide will go into detail about the different styles of poles. After walking through the exhibit, you will depart for lake Harriet Hunt. Here, you will board a 37-foot canoe patterned after the ones that the Tlingit and Haida built. The lake provides a beautiful setting for your paddling adventure because the dense forest comes to the edge of the water. In time, you will disembark for an Alaskan-style snack. Then, you will have the opportunity to walk through an old-growth forest while your guide points out the most interesting flora and perhaps fauna. Afterwards, you will return to Ketchikan.

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.

Your adventure begins with a scenic motorcoach tour to a secluded mountain lake, where you'll board a Tlingit-style 37 foot, 20 passenger canoes which are fast, stable and easy to maneuver. Paddle under the direction of an experienced guide, scan the shore for wildlife and learn the unique natural and native history of the Ketchikan area. The lake, part of a lush rainforest, is ideal for canoeing and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States. Stop ashore for a Alaskan-style snack at a remote camp. Your knowledgeable guide will lead a short nature walk highlighting the flora and fauna of the rainforest. Paddle back to the canoe dock and reboard your motorcoach for your return to the pier.