Shore Excursions

The Great Land - Alaska - one of the last true frontiers left on Earth where you can still completely immerse yourself in nature and untouched wilderness. Alaska: where whales, seals and otters frolic in the pristine bays, where glaciers calve and crash into the sea by day, and shimmer under the glow of the Northern Lights at night. Alaska: where you can stand on the edge of the Arctic Ocean and see grizzly bears with their cubs, moose and caribou roam, eagles soaring with countless other bird species, all thriving in their natural habitat. A region so rich in splendor and natural wonders, that anyone who is fortunate enough to visit this Alaskan wonderland is forever inspired by the experience.

Wherever in Alaska your preferred vantage point might be: sipping cappuccino from a luxurious balcony stateroom as the resplendent scenery of the Inside Moosepass Alaska Passage unfolds before you at every turn. From a sea kayak, touring the tranquil waters of Clover Pass, amongst seals and jumping salmon. In the comfort of a cozy fireside chair inside a wilderness lodge. Traveling by train to rarely-seen locations in Alaska's interior aboard the custom-designed, glass-domed railroad cars or even perched atop a glacier on a helicopter flightseeing shore excursion. Alaska offers a plethora of exciting pre-cruise, post-cruise and shore side excursions guaranteed to make an extraordinary Alaska cruise vacation even more unforgettable.

Kenai Fishing Alaska boasts more national parks and natural wonder than any other state, and is truly a land of unspoiled scenery and unheralded adventure for all who experience this unique destination. From the first native inhabitants to the Gold Rush pioneers and prospectors, each historic milepost along the way up and down and across the interior of this storied land has a story to tell. And whether you travel to Alaska as a couple, explore the Yukon with a group of friends or invite the whole family along for an Alaskan vacation, the possibilities for awe-inspiring enjoyment and a lifetime of memories are as vast and limitless as the The Great Land itself.

Please contact us to discuss the many options available for excursions in Alaska.

GLACIERS

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Alaska is the unparalleled view of one of nature's most amazing feats – the glacier. Winding down from mountains and fjords, these massive rivers of ice are often on the move, some dropping their bounty into the sea in a most spectacular fashion. The process is known as "calving," and some tidewater glaciers shed enormous chunks of ice several times an hour.

In most cases, the cascading wall of ice you see is several hundred years old. While these newly formed icebergs rapidly melt in the relatively warm water, some are large enough to support seals and other wildlife looking for a free, albeit temporary, ride.

WILDLIFE

One of the most thrilling aspects of taking an Alaskan vacation is the opportunity it presents to observe a variety of wildlife – all in their natural habitat.

GIANTS OF THE SEA

For most, the concept of Alaskan wildlife doesn't extend beyond polar bears and salmon. But those who venture north know there's nothing like the sight of a 40-ton humpback whale breaking the surface of the water for air. During the summer months, more than 2,000 humpbacks are known to feed in the waters off Alaska, offering visitors plenty of chances to enjoy the splendor of these magnificent giants of the sea.

PUTTING ON A SHOW

Killer (orca) and beluga whales are equally abundant, as are the sociable Pacific white-sided dolphins, which often entertain with their acrobatic leaps and somersaults. In Prince William Sound, seals and sea lions congregate along the shore and on chunks of glacier ice floating in the water. But the animal that seems to be enjoying itself the most is the irresistible sea otter, which often can be seen swimming on its back or hugging a friend as they frolic together in the water.

SALMON-RICH WATERS

Another active denizen of the sea is the salmon, famous for its gravity-defying leaps up waterfalls and streams in order to spawn. While this arduous trek only occurs at the end of an adult salmon's life, it never fails to coincide with feeding time for the brown bears that inhabit the Alaska coastline.

"DENALI BIG FIVE"

Grizzly and black bears can be found farther inland, in places like Denali National Park and Preserve, where a plethora of berries keeps these permanent residents well fed. In addition to bears, Denali is an ideal place to observe the wide-antlered caribou, moose, gray wolves and Dall sheep, the latter identified by its curled horns. Together, these wondrous animals constitute the "Denali Big Five," a sightseer's dream.

A BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE

Flying high above it all is the majestic bald eagle, which boasts a wingspan of up to eight feet. Some 40,000 bald eagles reside in Alaska today, with most nesting near water for easy fishing. They are one of more than 300 species of birds that can be found here, each a delight to observe and photograph.

Other signature birds include the horned and tufted puffins, which thrive on the western end of Prince William Sound and along the Kenai Peninsula; the docile kittiwake, which nest in colonies along Glacier Bay; and the red-tailed hawk, a fixture at Wrangell-St. Elias.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve defines the Alaskan Experience. Towering above it all is Mt. McKinley, the highest point in North America. At 20,320 feet, its summit beckons more than 1,000 climbers each year who brave the elements for the chance to scale its majestic face. Denali encompasses 6 million acres of forests, tundra, glaciers and mountains. Moose, caribou, sheep and bears free to roam a wide area of land untouched by man. There are ample opportunities for animal watching, whether it is a grizzly foraging for berries or a golden eagle soaring through the crisp, clean Alaskan air. Denali is one of the few places where visitors come in contact with the Alaskan tundra - a "vast, rolling, treeless plain." The tundra starts at 2,500 feet and extends up along the massive Alaska Range. Muldrow Glacier, which descends 16,000 feet from the upper slopes of Mt. McKinley, comes within one mile of the road.

Gates of the Arctic

Deep in the heart of a great state known for remoteness and beauty there is an unblemished land epitomizing those words. North of the Arctic Circle in Brooks Range lies Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a maze of glaciated valleys and jagged peaks that nurtures a surprisingly diverse and stunning ecosystem. A popular destination is John River, which cuts through the center of the park and is ideal for a wilderness float trip. In the southwestern region, the Noatak River flows down from Mount Igikpak, which tops off at 8,510 feet and is the park's highest point. Mountain and rock climbing are popular sports, especially during June and July, when the sun never sets. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing and cross-country skiing. Alpine meadows, forested lowlands and arctic tundra vegetation support wildlife - such as caribou, moose, Dall sheep and black and grizzly bears. More than 130 species of birds are here, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

Kenai Fjords

Magnificent Kenai Fjords stirs the souls of artists inspired by locations like this. The ice-sculpted "Alaska's playground" begs to be explored. Long, intricate trails afford some of the best views, including an up-close encounter with scenic Exit Glacier, the most famous of more than 30 glaciers surrounding spectacular Harding Icefield and the crown jewel of Kenai Fjords. This unrelenting blanket of white is punctured by peaks of high, rocky mountains, which are best viewed at the crest of the steep, 4.5 mile-long Harding Icefield Trail. In addition to hiking, nearly every other outdoor activity can be found here, including kayaking, river rafting, mountain climbing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, tours by land, air and sea - even dogsledding. Glacier viewing is popular in the most impressive of the park's seven long fjords - Aialik Bay, where glaciers launch icebergs into the sea. Resurrection Bay holds the perfect opportunity to see humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, porpoises, and puffins. Blue-green Kenai River is perfect for trophy-size fishing.

Glacier Bay

Spread across an impressive 3.2 million acres in southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay National

Park and Preserve offers an inspirational glimpse of what Mother Nature does best. The head of Glacier Bay is Tarr Inlet, where scientists have found exposed rock believed to be more than 200 million years old. The Tarr Inlet is home to Grand Pacific Glacier, an active body of ice slowly making way toward Margerie Glacier, which it last touched in 1912. Johns Hopkins Inlet is home to no less than nine glaciers. Framed by rocky slopes stretching skyward more than 6,000 feet, these wondrous bodies are eclipsed only by mighty Mount Fairweather, which at more than 15,300 feet is the highest point in southeast Alaska. In northeast Glacier Bay, the snow-covered Takhinsha Mountains feed active Muir Glacier. The brilliant blue glow of a calving glacier and the thunderous roar of ice crashing into the water below are sights and sounds to remember for the rest of your life. With such diverse landscape, the park provides a variety of habitats for animals.

Wrangell-St. Elias

With its grand vistas and boundless landscapes, Wrangell-St. Elias exceeds even the most imaginative expectations for a park with the distinction of being the nation's largest. Stretching along the Canadian border in south central Alaska, this land is quilted with wandering rivers, lakes, glaciers and some of the most dramatic mountain ranges to be found in North America. Nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country are here, including the park's namesakes - Mount St. Elias and Mount Wrangell, an active volcano that last erupted in 1911. River rafting, sport fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking are some options to appeal to the adventurer. Or stroll along one of many meandering trails or tour historic Kennicott Copper Mill. See a portion of the legendary Alaskan pipeline. Two main roads provide easy access to remote points of interest. A flightseeing tour of the park provides a bird's-eye view. With more than 150 glaciers making their way down the slopes of three mountain ranges, Wrangell-St. Elias is a living, thriving national treasure.

Adak Island, Sweeper Cove

Few places in the world are as unique as Adak. This modern community in Alaska's Aleutian Islands is situated between Asia, North America and Europe. It lies on the great circle navigation routes for both marine and air transport…halfway between Seattle and Japan, 1300 miles southwest of Anchorage, 1400 miles from Magadan in Eastern Russia and close to the natural resources of the Kamchatka Peninsula and Sakhalin Island. It's unique geographic location makes Adak a supply and support center for commercial, nonprofit and government organizations developing opportunities throughout the North Pacific and the Bering Sea. The island features a 2 billion-dollar working community, with modern airport, ice-free deep-water port, major fuel storage capabilities, and 30-thousand acres of land available for lease or sale.

Alyeska

Alyeska is a gorgeous place to visit even summer time. It is nested nicely in Girdwood, between the mountains and close to Turnagain Arm. It is one of the few (only maybe) places to downhill ski and at the same time look at the sea, even maybe whales. There is so much to do in Alyeska, from golf, to mountain baking, to glacier hiking. Hike up to Alyeska Mt during summer. If desired, take a tram, but hiking is fun and the view is spectacular.

Anchorage

Located at the upper end of Cook Inlet in the Gulf of Alaska, Anchorage is Alaska's largest community. This popular tourist destination and crossroads for global air travel is only minutes away from the recreational areas bordering the Gulf of Alaska.

College Fjord

Glide into College Fjord where you will be completely surrounded by 16 ice-blue glaciers. Each was named for one of the Ivy League colleges by members of the expedition that discovered them.

Copper River

Because of its great location, vast wilderness, spectacular scenery and wildlife, many visit Copper River Valley for the adventure of a lifetime. Summer recreational activities include rafting, hiking, flightseeing and fishing. Winter activities include snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, snowboarding and the Copper Basin 300 sled dog race, a qualifying race for the Iditarod. The Copper River Valley is an ancient lake bed containing 3.5 million acres. The area's history is rich in mining and agriculture. The indigenous Ahtna people were semi-nomadic and subsisted on caribou, moose and fish.

Dawson City

Dawson City is a buzz of activity during the summer months. Tourists from all over the world make it a destination or pass through on the way over the Top of The World Highway to Alaska. The town, which was established on the banks of the Yukon River in 1897, exploded to forty thousand inhabitants the next year when news of the gold strike on Bonanza Creek reached the outside world, making it the largest city west of Winnipeg and north of Seattle. It was the capital of the Yukon Territory until 1953 and today is a national historic site. Many of the buildings have been restored to their original grandeur, and new structures are built to reflect the historical theme, adding to the charm and appeal of this community one hundred and fifty miles south of the Arctic Circle.

Frederick Sound

The deep, cold waters of Frederick Sound abound in krill, the favored food of humpback whales - and visitors are likely to see whole pods of the gentle giants, their spume visible for miles against the forested backdrop of Admiralty Island. Learn all about breaching, diving, bubble feeding and fliper-flapping, often through up-close observation.

Haines

Alaska's heritage comes alive in the handcrafted artistry of the Tlingit Indians and in the lively performances of the Chilkat Dancers, with their brightly painted tribal masks. Get a glimpse of the town’s gold-rush history in local museums. Visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve—Haines boasts the world’s largest concentration of the magnificent birds, drawn to the area by the salmon-rich waters. Take a boat trip on Lake Chilkoot or a glacier country flightseeing trip.

Hubbard Glacier

Seventy-five miles long and covering over 1,350 square miles in area, the Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is also one of the most impressive, a 300-foot wall of ice rising sheer and jagged from the ocean. You may hear the rumble and see the monumental splash as the glacier breaks off in great ice chunks, known as "calves."

Juneau

Juneau is one of America's most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. Once part of Alaska's Gold Rush, the city boasts natural and manmade attractions. Downtown is filled with many vibrant buildings, including must-see St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which houses artwork and artifacts dating back to the 18th century. From the bright mural in Marine Park to the carvings in House of Wickersham, downtown is filled with Alaska's own unique brand of culture and architecture. Often hailed as Juneau's most impressive sight, nearby Mendenhall Glacier is approximately 12 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. See the glacier on a float trip or a "flightseeing" adventure, or hike up one of its trails for a closer inspection. For a bird's-eye view, the Mt. Roberts Tramway offers a short, six-minute trek to the top of Mt. Roberts, 1800 feet above the city. If wildlife is your passion, scenic Admiralty Island has the world's highest concentration of brown bears

Mt. McKinley

Denali (Mt. McKinley) is 20,320 feet (6,194m) above sea level, is the highest point in North America, and is located between Anchorage and Fairbanks in Alaska at a latitude of 63 Degrees North. It is located within the confines of breathtaking Denali National Park and Reserve.

Skagway

This "Gateway to the Klondike" watched as fortune-seekers headed to Chilkoot and White Pass Trails during Alaska's Gold Rush. Today, feel like a prospector in Skagway, as you walk along its rustic boardwalks and frontier-style storefronts. This cozy town offers a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of most cities. With classic cars and one of the oldest narrow-gauge railroads in the world, the city retains the flavor of days gone by and remains an important link to Alaska's history. A stroll down Broadway is a must. Highlights include Arctic Brotherhood Hall. Other buildings like the Trail of '98 Museum, Corrington's Museum of Alaskan History and the Alaskan Wildlife Adventure and Museum present different facets of prospecting times. Before hitting famous Chilkoot Trail, there are other well-marked trails to try. Hiking to Lower Dewey Lake is an easy, 20-minutes, and there are more adventurous trails to remote Sturgill's Landing, Upper Dewey Lake and Devil's Punchbowl. The White Pass Scenic Railway and Eagle Preserve Wildlife Quest provide additional options.