Haines Native Culture Experience
Skagway, Alaska
Duration 6 1/2 hrs
- Adult from: $269.00 USD
- Child from: $229.00 USD
From | Message | Reservation # | Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Reserve your dining now | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 |
*Terms & Conditions
Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.
Duration 6 1/2 hrs
Your tour begins as you board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise to Haines down North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice-sculpted peaks as your guide helps you search for marine wildlife. Upon arrival in Haines, you’ll meet your guide and board our bus. Prior to heading up the scenic Haines byway on our 22 mile drive up the Chilkat Valley to the native village of Klukwan, we’ll explore historic Fort Seward by bus. Fort Seward is one of the first US military bases in Alaska and its picturesque parade grounds and historic buildings offer a unique insight to life in Haines during the early 1900’s.
After a 40-minute scenic drive through the Chilkat Valley and Bald Eagle Preserve, you’ll come to Klukwan, “Eternal Village” of the Chilkat people. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve hosts some of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the world.
You will gain intimate, in depth, exposure to the traditional lifestyle of the Chilkat people as their friendly and knowledgeable hosts walk you through the Traditional Knowledge Camp. This guided walk includes a visit to the traditional Adze Shed where their 37-foot dug-out “Heen Yakgaheiyagoo Yaakw” (Water Spirit Canoe) is stored and a short visit to the traditional smokehouse. Our visit to the Camp culminates in the Tlingit plank style, clan house, “Kaaya Haayi Hit,” with storytelling and interpretation of its totemic artworks. Presenters will share traditional songs and drumming that highlight their cultural heritage.
Our next stop is the, newly opened, state of the art, museum-quality center. The Heritage Center provides entrance to the Chilkat’s distinctive ethnic landscape with exhibits on their subsistence way of living, the Brown Bear Clan House, their legacy of Chilkat weaving, and more. Your native host will guide you through the educational exhibits and will share their personal experiences and insights along the way. Your visit to the Heritage Center culminates at the Whale Clan House of the Gaanaxteidi where the world-famous collection of four totems and the Rain wall screen are displayed.
Next, is a short stop at the gift shop, where you can shop for local arts and native crafts.
Before departing Klukwan for our return journey back towards Haines, we will enjoy a picnic lunch while overlooking the glacially fed waters of the Chilkat River.
Once your visit to Klukwan is wrapped up we’ll board our bus for the drive back to Haines. Upon our arrival in Haines, we will board the ferry for our return trip to Skagway.
Duration 6 hrs
This wilderness expedition to the spectacular Davidson Glacier leads you through fjords, rain forests, colorful wildflowers, and towering mountains. Your adventure begins with a 75-minute journey through North America's deepest fjord aboard a high speed 26 passenger expedition boat. Watch for whales, seals, sea lions, and cascading waterfalls along the way to a remote beach at Glacier Point, one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.
After a short, adventurous drive across the forested glacial moraines, and a quarter mile walk, the forest suddenly opens to a breathtaking view of the glacier. The crystal blue ice tumbles from the jagged peaks into a pristine lake where 12 passenger, 31-foot voyager canoes wait to take you towards the face of the glacier. Throughout your tour, expert guides share their extensive knowledge of this amazing area. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach amid fields of wild strawberries and iris tops before your return trip to Skagway.
Duration 6 1/2 hrs
A high speed catamaran to Haines, a rafting adventure in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve and a riverside picnic make this a wildlife tour of a lifetime. Your tour begins as you board a catamaran for a scenic 45 minute cruise along North America's longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice sculpted peaks, as your guide points out marine wildlife. Upon arrival in Haines, you’ll board a motorcoach for a relaxing 40 minute drive up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You’ll see historic Haines and Fort William H. Seward on this narrated drive. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley.
At the preserve, experienced guides await to begin your rafting adventure (not whitewater). You’ll float silently down the river aboard 18’ inflatable rafts — the best way to observe eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also frequent guests at the feast. After your float, you’ll enjoy a riverside picnic. Your tour concludes with a return cruise aboard the catamaran back to Skagway. You'll leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories of the day.
Duration 2 3/4 hrs
Your journey begins with an entertaining historic tour through downtown Skagway, and along nine miles of stunning coastline to our Adventure Camp in Dyea. Kick off your visit with a “Musher Talk.” In the Musher Talk, we will share fascinating information about this extreme Alaskan state sport and welcome any additional questions you may have. Of course, we make sure you have plenty of time to meet some of the actual athletes who do these amazing things, our sled dogs! Not to worry—we have litters of puppies too that are ready for cuddles and kisses. Human socialization is actually essential to their development and racing success. After that, take a chance to pan for gold in our riverside sluice! Once your guide shows you the art of gold panning, you can test your luck to see what you can find while learning about the history of the gold rush that took off from this area. Then you will have time to take a short self-guided nature hike next to a beautiful waterfall and dense Alaskan forest or browse the gift shop and relax in our saloon with a deck overlooking the picturesque stream. All of this in a spectacular Alaskan setting! This is a tour full of Alaskan adventure, history, and awe-inspiring wilderness.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a musher’s camp to learn how the dogs are trained to pull sleds through the snow.
• Interact with the dogs, which are superb athletes with remarkable strength and stamina.
• Pan for gold with a sluice much like the ones prospectors used during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Duration 6 1/4 hrs
Ever wanted to see a moose, up close and personal or watch a Kodiak bear play in her private pool? Join us on this one of a kind excursion, where you will have a very interactive experience at Steve Kroschel's Wildlife Refuge. The animals that live at the refuge were orphaned and given to the refuge to live out their natural life with their best friend and caregiver, Steve Kroschel. will learn the of fascinating behavior traits and the wild habitats of these animals. Join Alaska's Dr. Doolittle in engaging conversation with some of the most spectacular wild animals native to Alaska, as he truly does speak their language. All in his backyard! Your journey begins on the pier in Skagway where you will meet your guide and be escorted to the ferry for a scenic catamaran ride through the glacial carved Fjord. You'll have a good chance of spotting whales and other marine life all while taking in the astounding and picturesque snow-topped mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls. Once you arrive in Haines, you will board your bus and enjoy your narrated journey along the Haines Scenic Byway to the Kroschel Wildlife center to have the experience of a lifetime!
Duration 6 1/2 hrs
Your journey begins a short walk from the pier where you’ll board a high-speed catamaran for a 45-minute cruise along North America's longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Enjoy spectacular views and informative commentary as your guide points out marine wildlife. Watch for whales along the way, as you glide past breathtaking glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Upon arrival in Haines, enjoy a tour of the town followed by a water-safety briefing and a thorough introduction to kayaking. Once you’re outfitted in the necessary gear, we’ll put in. No previous experience is necessary and expert guides will make everyone quickly at ease in these stable kayaks. The stable and silent kayaks make excellent viewing platforms. And Chilkoot Lake - the setting for this leg of your adventure - is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, numerous bald eagles, waterfowl and one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in southeast Alaska.
In addition to the excitement of kayaking in the midst of towering mountains, hanging glaciers and spectacular scenery, you may be treated to outstanding bear viewing during the riverside drive and while paddling on the lake, as multiple spawning streams enter the lake and offer frequent bear and eagle sightings. You’ll have 1.75 hours to explore by kayak. With fresh and saltwater destinations available, the location is chosen to provide the best kayaking and wildlife-viewing conditions and many visitors to Alaska feel there's no better way to fully experience the beauty of Alaska.
A picnic-style lunch is served before you return to the fast ferry for the ride back to your ship.
Duration 6 1/2 hrs
Your excursion begins from Skagway on a 45 minute high speed catamaran ferry to small town of Haines, Alaska. Upon arriving in Haines, we'll start with a narrated driving tour through historic Fort Seward, the first military base in Alaska. Leaving town, we will journey through the amazing Chilkoot Valley. On our journey to the Chilkoot River corridor, we take in coastal views along the longest fjord in North America, we may spot seals, sea lions, porpoise and whales feeding in these rich waters. The Chilkoot River is home to some of the best bear viewing in Alaska! The river’s huge salmon runs bring good numbers of bears every year. Situated among rugged glaciated peaks, it is home to numerous brown bears, mountain goats, salmon, river otters, and innumerable bald eagles. This area is a birdwatchers paradise with abundant local and migratory birds. Powerful spotting scopes or binoculars will often allow close-range views of mountain goats grazing in high alpine meadows and nesting eagles on this tour. After capturing images and experiencing the incredible natural beauty and wildlife of the Chilkoot River corridor, we’ll enjoy a seaside picnic of wraps, chips, fruit, and cookies. Following lunch, we will head to the mouth of the Chilkat River, home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Our final stop of the tour is habitat to all five species of wild Pacific salmon, drawing all of Alaska’s predators to its shores. The four ice-capped mountain ranges that surround the Chilkat River provide an unparalleled photography opportunities. A short drive back to town brings us to the ferry for the return journey to Skagway. Do not forget your camera!
Duration 6 1/4 hrs
Get ready for a rugged Alaskan adventure! You'll start with a 75-minute scenic cruise down the Lynn Canal. Along the way keep a lookout for whales, seals, and eagles as you pass by majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls. Afterwards, you’ll land on an exclusive beach at the Glacier Point ATV camp. Your guides will show you the ins and outs of your ATVs. After everyone is buckled in, you are ready to hit the trail!
Follow your guides as they lead you through the twists, turns, bumps, and mud of the trail. Take in the beauty of the forest, beach, and towering mountains around you. Then to cap it off, the trail leads you to an overlook with a view of the mighty Davidson Glacier! Your guides will make stops along the way to tell you about the nature and history surrounding you as well as giving you the opportunity to change drivers. When you return to the ATV camp, you will have some time to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before taking the return cruise to town.
Duration 6 1/2 hrs
Your tour begins with a short walk from the pier to board a catamaran for a scenic 45 minute cruise along North America's longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice sculpted peaks, as your guide points out marine wildlife.
Drive Razor style UTVs into the Alaskan wilderness. Scenic mountain and river views with wildlife viewing opportunities abound.
Your knowledgeable guide will meet you at the dock in Haines. A scenic 26 mile drive along the National Scenic Byway and through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve brings you to our remote staging area.
At the staging area, you’ll receive an orientation and safety briefing on our Razor style UTVs (Razor style Side-by-sides) from your guides. Guests wishing to drive must be at least 21 years old and bring a valid driver's license. There are a combination of 2-person and 4-person machines to accommodate varying group sizes and families. There are several spots along the tour where we can swap drivers to give everyone some time at the wheel. The UTVs are automatic transmission and drive similar to a car for ease of operation. These high performance UTVs are fun to drive and a great way to explore the Alaska wilderness.
Over the next 15 miles of gravel road, your guide will lead you through a series of remote areas, and we’ll explore the wilds of Alaska! As we drive along beaver ponds and mountain meadows we may spot swans, salmon, eagles, bears or moose along the way. We’ll cross over Little Salmon creek and ascend to a series of viewpoints overlooking the Klehini, Tsirku and Chilkat River Valleys.
From our high point, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch while we bask in the surrounding mountain views before you return to the fast ferry for the ride back to your ship.
Duration 6 1/4 hrs
This Jet Boat Odyssey is truly the journey full of adventure while gaining knowledge and understanding along the way.
Beginning in Skagway, you will meet your representative on the pier to start the journey. First by a Catamaran ferry, setting sail to the port of Haines while taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. The waterway that you will be on is the longest and deepest Fjord in North America, with mountains that rise straight up from the ocean, to heights of 6,000 feet.
Reaching the port of Haines, you will meet your driver, who will take you on the second leg of the journey, venturing north for your 45 minute narrated drive along the Chilkat River on the Haines Scenic Byway. You will arrive at the Jet Boat Facility, where all the amenities are available, such as modern and sparkling clean bathroom facilities. This is where your river Captains await, anxious to prepare you for the Jet Boat Odyssey, where they love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about this valley that you are going to explore. This adventure will take you into the roadless portion of the Bald Eagle Preserve, in search of wildlife in the true Alaska Wilderness. Along the river journey, keep a watchful eye for moose, bears, eagles, swans and many other species of animals that call this area of the valley, their home. After exploring the many channels of the glacial fed river, you will return to the jet boat landing where all facilities are available. Before boarding the bus for your return trip, you will receive a box lunch to enjoy along the way, retracing your steps back to Skagway, by motor coach and ferry. You will return with a new appreciation for the Alaska Wilderness and those who call it home.
Duration 4 1/4 hrs
Join this small group tour for a scenic two mile hike on the Chilkoot Trail, which winds through a lush rainforest and board a raft for a tranquil, scenic float back to historic Dyea. After a safety orientation, board a van and drive through Skagway to the backcountry deep in the heart of the Dyea Valley. You’ll travel to the historic town of Dyea to hike the first two scenic miles of the Chilkoot Trail, the centerpiece of gold rush history in Skagway.
Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals and wildflowers. Your route climbs and descends 350 feet over Saintly Hill. Along the way, your guide will share information about the natural history and Klondike folklore with you. Photo opportunities abound as you retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeders who forged this route 100 years ago.
Arrive at the banks of the Taiya River, where your 18-foot raft awaits for the scenic float back to Dyea. The forest gives way to fields of beach greens and wild iris, and the granite walls of the fjords rise steeply to the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack of homemade cookies and a hot beverage before returning by van on the 30-minute drive to Skagway. This VIP experience is designed for smaller groups and limited to 10 guests.
Duration 3 1/4 hrs
Join professional mountain guides for an exciting rock climbing and rappelling adventure on the stunning granite walls of Alaska! Your adventure begins with an interpretive drive through historic Skagway and up into the majestic White Pass Gold Route. A short hike through the temperate rainforest on an interpretive trail will bring you to the base of the spectacular rock face carved by retreating glaciers.
Here you’ll gear up with rock climbing shoes, helmet and harness and then you’re off to enjoy this incredible experience. Choose between over a dozen climbing routes, each ending in an amazing view of the Skagway River and the surrounding wilderness. You’ll also have an opportunity to try an awesome 70 foot rappel! This adventure is perfect for those looking to try rock climbing for the first time, as well as for experienced climbers. Climbing is not mandatory, you can simply enjoy the tour, a cliffside snack, breathtaking views and watch the others scale the cliffs.
*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions
NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.
Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.
Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.
Our group shore excursions are offered in English. Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). The tours offered may vary from cruise to cruise. Please see the detailed information for your shore excursion on board.