Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing from Haines

After disembarking your cruise ship in Haines, your small group will meet your expert naturalist guide for a drive to Chilkoot State Park.

This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.

In May, June, and July, the wildflowers are at their peak, and bald eagles are busy caring for their young on the nest.

Beginning in late July, the river at Chilkoot State Park fills with migrating salmon, and harbor seals follow them up into the river where they go to spawn. During this time, brown bears come down to the river's edge to feed. As the number of salmon in the river increases, the likelihood of seeing bears down along the river increases, with a good probability of bear sightings from mid-August through late September.

As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Your guide is equipped with a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, and your guide will help interpret the behavior of the various wildlife and explain how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem. The area is scenic, and pristine nature abounds, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Regardless, your guide will help identify the vegetation and flowers, discuss the area's Ice Age geology, and explain how everything fits together in the Chilkoot's rainforest ecosystem. Make sure you bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.

Please Note: Sightings of brown bears are not likely before the salmon season in August. This tour goes through prime wildlife habitat, however, wildlife sightings, including brown bear, are not guaranteed.

Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search

Chichagof Island has been named "Bear Island" by National Geographic because it has the highest concentration of bears in the world at 1-2 brown bears per square mile. This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that the large group tours simply cannot offer.

There are many exciting things to see, such as a the scenic view of a muskeg, some of the ten varieties of edible berries found on the island, viewing an old growth forest, and potential sightings of the king of the island: brown bears.

Based on current bear movements, feeding habits, and daytime temperatures, there are short stops in key locations to scope out a magnificent view of these captivating creatures, and your wildlife guide knows them all. They will also share information about the area and the Tlingit Native population.

There is also a host of other wildlife that are quite frequently spotted during excursions, including mink, marten, red squirrels, otter, beaver, ducks, sea birds, Sitka black-tail deer, and plenty of bald eagles. So be sure to bring your camera.

Please note: Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, this tour can re-position quickly, and there is a much higher chance of sightings than with the slow moving, large tour groups. Due to the remote environment, the bathroom facilities are limited and there is one restroom break provided in the middle of the tour for guests. Please take this into consideration when booking this tour.

Whale Watching, Salmon Bake and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Come face to face with a glacier, marvel at a huge humpback whale leaping out of the water(if the whales are leaping), and top this excitement off with a scrumptious meal featuring wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an alder wood fire on this Juneau excursion. You'll call this combination amazing. We call it the Best of Juneau.

Enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular ice wall of the Mendenhall Glacier and its adjacent Visitors Center in Juneau. Tour the grounds, snap photos, take in the interactive exhibits, and turn to a ranger who can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders of the Mendenhall.

From Mendenhall Glacier, you'll be transported to Auke Bay. There your captain and onboard naturalist will welcome you aboard our state of the art 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching with large windows, an outside viewing deck.

Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population, with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and your captain is well-versed in locating them. In fact, whale sightings are guaranteed! During this Juneau, Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier excursion, your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it's more likely you'll first be alerted by the collective chorus of "Oohhs!" and "Ahhhs!" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach.

Binoculars are available for your use onboard throughout the Juneau excursion. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to take a photo. Or, settle into your warm and comfortable interior to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the over-sized windows.

Following your cruise, you're off to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a beautiful setting nestled in the rainforest, you'll be welcomed by the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The sumptuous spread has something for everyone, with a variety of Alaskan entrees, sides, and blueberry cake for dessert!

After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time! The food, entertainment, activities, and ambiance make Gold Creek Salmon Bake an Alaskan experience that is much more than a meal. With frequent courtesy bus service, you can return at your leisure.

Please Note: The sequence of tour features may vary.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour in Ketchikan, Alaska

Wildlife is everywhere in Alaska! Crabs, eagles, whales, octopus, sea lions, porpoises, wolf eels, sharks and seals are all frequent visitors on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour in Ketchikan.

Come aboard the Aleutian Ballad for the adventure of a lifetime! The Aleutian Ballad was made famous in season two of Discovery Channel's award-winning TV series "Deadliest Catch." There are no rough seas here! You will set out in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage to witness first-hand the amazing way of life of commercial fishermen. Marvel at the scenic beauty that surrounds you on this Ketchikan shore excursion from the comfort of the heated and sheltered stadium-style seating lower deck or the open-air top deck.

Watch as the skilled crew haul and set long lines, barrel pots, and huge 700 pound 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 close to these unique creatures of the sea. This fascinating, 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.

Please Note: This Ketchikan excursion does NOT go out into the rough waters of the open ocean. It remains in the calm, protected waterways of the Inside Passage surrounding Ketchikan. Snacks are available for purchase on board.

Yukon Rail and Bus Adventure

Fall under "The Spell of the Yukon" with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, while following the trail of the sourdoughs between Skagway, Alaska, and Yukon Territory, Canada. Welcome to the Yukon Rail & Bus Excursion in Skagway!

Departing from Skagway, your train will make the approximate 1 hour and 45 minute climb, following the Skagway River up to the White Pass Summit. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this Scenic Railway of the World was designated as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (along with the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty). The three-foot wide narrow gauge railroad climbs almost 3,000 feet in the first 20 miles, with an average grade of 2.6%, and up to 3.9% in some locations. It also passes through two tunnels and travels over sky-high trestles and bridges. Comfortable restored and replica passenger coaches are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives. Each heated passenger coach has large viewing windows and a restroom.

After arriving at Fraser, British Columbia, you will be transferred to a comfortable tour vehicle where you will begin your amazing scenic journey on the famous Klondike Highway. During this Skagway excursion, you will make several stops at various points of interest for memorable photo opportunities. Some of these stops include the "Welcome to the Yukon" sign, Bove Island lookout, Carcross, the world's smallest desert, and Emerald Lake, the Yukon's most widely photographed lake.

A 1 hour 15 minute layover at Wild Adventure Yukon, offers guests a piping hot barbecue chicken meal; vegetarian meals are also offered. At this lunch facility you will also be able to enjoy free admission to the Husky Puppy Camp and the Yukon Wildlife Museum.

At the foot of Lake Bennett is Carcross, historically known as "Caribou Crossing." The Carcross Station, situated on the edge of the lake, was built in 1910 and is a designated Heritage Railway Station.

During the return to Skagway, you will be entertained by professional guides with their amusing stories of local lore and captivating tales of the Gold Rush Era. On the excursion, there will be stops along the way and opportunities for photo enthusiasts to view and capture the unparalleled beauty of cascading waterfalls, roaring rivers, majestic mountains, glaciers, historic sites and panoramic vistas.

Please Note: This tour in Skagway is also operated in reverse order with a "bus first" departure on certain days of the week.

All guests ages 16 and older are required to present an original passport when crossing the Canadian border; photocopies are not accepted. Guests should also bring any required visas or Permanent Resident Cards in addition to their passports. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 15 years old or younger may travel with an original certified birth certificate instead of a passport. Birth certificates combined with a driver’s license are not permitted for adults. Guests who are unable to present the required documentation at the time of departure will not be able to participate in the tour and will not be eligible for a refund. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. If a minor is traveling with someone other than their legal guardian, they must have a notarized letter of consent signed by all legal guardians. Any single adult traveling with a child under 18 must provide either an original death certificate for the non-accompanying parent or a certified letter from the non-accompanying parent stating that the accompanying adult has permission to take the child across the border, that the accompanying adult has authority to make all medical decisions for the child, and providing a daytime telephone number for the non-accompanying parent in case further verification is needed.

Best of Sitka

Get to know Alaska's first capitol and experience this unique city through the eyes of a local guide, there is no better way to learn about a place you have never been. Your group is purposely kept to a small number of only 10 guests, allowing for a much more intimate and one-on-one experience with your friendly, knowledgeable and professional guide.

Boldly existing between the mountains and the sea, Sitka is an island community where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives. Tlingit, Russian and American settlers have all called Sitka home. Today, cultural influences from all three groups remain. From viewing traditional dancing to hiking a totem-lined trail through the rainforest, visitors still experience the cultural richness that inspired Sitka's 19th century nickname, the "Paris of the Pacific".

Begin your tour at the Harrigan Centennial Hall. Climb aboard a comfortable, full-size passenger van and begin to make your way south on Sitka's road system. Always keep your eyes peeled as you might spot bald eagles in the tree-tops and Sitka black tail deer grazing on brush. Drive around Silver Bay, a body of water surrounded by high mountains where in the later months of the season humpback and minke whales can sometimes be seen here. With time and weather permitting, make a stop here for photos.

Near the end of the road system you will arrive at The Fortress of the Bear. This non-profit rescue facility is home to seven Alaskan bears. Get up close and personal with the four rescued beautiful Alaskan coastal brown bears and three black bears, the only black bears on Baranof Island. This education and rescue center reside on an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas in a natural habitat setting which replicates Southeast Alaska.

After spending time with the bears travel next to The Alaskan Raptor Center. This rehabilitation center for birds of prey has a state-of-the-art flight room and is home to multiple rescued eagles, owls and other birds of prey found in Southeast Alaska.

Sitka National Historical Park in on your own. This protected area of temperate rain forest stretches out to a peninsula and offers multiple, easily accessible trail loops that contour Indian River and the Eastern Channel waters. Totem poles punctuate these trails. This park is also the site of a battle between the Sheetka Kwan Kiksadi Clan and Russian American troops, during the 19th century. Choose to walk through the park or visit the amazing cultural center, which offers its own onsite interpreters, as well as exhibits and demonstrations for traditional techniques such as carving, working with fur, beading, and metal working.

A well-rounded introduction to all things Sitka awaits on this best of tour. Spend two hours being introduced to Southeast Alaska and still have time left to explore, shop and taste local cuisine on your own afterwards. Space is limited so book today as not to miss out.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Cruise aboard a large, comfortable, and stable catamaran on this 6-hour cruise exploring the world of whales, wildlife, and glaciers found in Kenai Fjords National Park. Throughout your journey, narration is provided by the experienced captain and onboard naturalists, who will point out the spectacular sights and share information on the area's ecology, history, and geology.

This American national park was established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The park covers an area of 669,984 acres on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, near the town of Seward. It may be the state's smallest, but it offers outsized opportunities to explore the rich glacial landscape. Spend time in front of an active tidewater glacier and explore the islands and coves of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

You will be provided with a delicious deli-style lunch served along with a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage on board while you cruise.

This water adventure is the best option for those traveling with same-day transportation packages to and from Anchorage. Transportation will be provided to/from the cruise port as needed.

Please Note: At the discretion of the Coast Guard, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel or re-route its cruise based on weather or other conditions.

PRE-CRUISE: For guests arriving in Seward the morning of tour departure, please check in at the Harbor 360 Hotel for the tour. If arriving in Seward by train, please have your luggage checked through to the cruise ship. A shuttle is available from the train depot to the hotel, but it is also a walkable distance (2 blocks). For those guests arriving by other methods, luggage may be stored at the hotel.

POST-CRUISE: For guests who arrive in Seward via cruise ship, a shuttle will be waiting to take you to the Harbor 360 Hotel to check in for your tour. Please catch the shuttle no later than 10:00 am. If you are taking the train out of Seward following your tour, please have your luggage checked from the cruise ship to the train depot. If you are staying overnight in Seward or departing by other methods, luggage may be stored at the hotel.