EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Delve into the fascinating culture of the indigenous people of Southeast Alaska by visiting authentic totem poles in the rainforest and paddling a canoe across a gorgeous mountain lake. As you wander through Totem Bight State Historical Park, you will see colorful, hand-carved totem poles and a large clan house similar to ones built in the early 19th century. The park offers a fascinating insight into the culture of the indigenous people, as will your experience on Lake Harriet Hunt, where 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. You will have the opportunity to walk through an old-growth forest while the guide points out the most interesting flora and perhaps fauna.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the fascinating culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.
• Paddle a canoe like the ones the indigenous Tlingits and Haidas built.
• Enjoy a snack and an interpretive nature walk through an old growth forest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Follow an old logging road through the wilds of Tongass National Forest to a camp near Eureka Falls, where you can participate in all sorts of fun activities. Your group of no more than six hikers will take a scenic boat ride to Camp Coogan Bay, where you will have the option to stop at a Historic 1920’s era float house for rain gear, boots, and snacks. The woodlands adventure then begins in earnest as you will hike through dense forest, across a small stream and on to Eureka Falls and the Camp Coogan Bay Estuary. Eureka Falls is a beautiful cascade in America’s largest national forest and the Estuary offers views of eagles, wildlife, and salmon. Feel free to gather around the crackling fire at the campsite and cook hot dogs and make s’mores over the open flame. You could also pan for gold like the prospectors in the Gold Rush that began near Sitka in 1872. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer and bald eagles in the forest and for sea lions and otters while cruising.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for marine life on a scenic boat ride to and from Camp Coogan Bay.
• Hike through America’s largest national forest on an old logging road.
• Pan for gold, cook hot dogs over the campfire and admire the beauty of Eureka Falls.
• Enjoy a level of personal attention only possible in a small group of no more than six.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Take an exhilarating ride in a floatplane over the sprawling Juneau Icefield, a mass of ice the size of Rhode Island that contains dozens of glaciers. Shortly after boarding the floatplane, you will be soaring over some of Alaska’s most beautiful and majestic terrain. From your window seat, you can expect to see snow-capped peaks, roaring waterfalls and lush green rainforests on the way to the icefield. Still, the most stunning sights may be the ancient glaciers within the icefield. In all likelihood, you will fly over the azure meltwater pools of the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, advancing Taku Glacier, retreating Norris Glacier, and the East and West Twin Glaciers. Each one is spectacular in its own way, as you will discover by listening to their descriptions on a headset. This excursion also ends with a thrill, as the pilot eases the floatplane down for a smooth water landing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the massive Juneau Icefield in a floatplane.
• Enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery.
• Soar over four glaciers, each with its own characteristics.
• Watch for bears, mountain goats and moose while flying.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Ride an amphibious vehicle known as the Duck through the historical streets of Ketchikan and out into the harbor, while the guide entertains you with tales of the city’s past. Being the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan still revolves around fishing, as you will see at the city salmon ladder and spawning grounds. During the land-based half of the tour, you will see the former red-light district along Creek Street, a curious downtown tunnel and beautiful Whale Park, which is dominated by the Chief Kyan Totem Pole. The scenery will change dramatically as the Duck drives straight into the harbor and becomes a seaworthy boat. As you cruise through the Tongass Narrows, you will pass fishing boats, pleasure boats and perhaps even seaplanes. You will discover Ketchikan’s waterfront community and several canneries tucked along the forested shore. You might also catch sight of marine life and bald eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride the amphibious Duck on land and through the harbor.
• See city landmarks and learn their often-notorious history.
• Cruise past coastal canneries while looking for wildlife.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• 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.

Cruise along Ketchikan’s beautiful waterfront in a window-walled expedition boat and look for Alaska’s most iconic wildlife on the outskirts of town. Whether you settle in on the observation deck or inside the heated cabin, you will enjoy spectacular views of Ketchikan and its backdrop of mountainous rainforest. Commentary will enhance your understanding of the sights, which include the town’s oldest working salmon cannery and Whiskey Cove, an infamous cove that rumrunners used during Prohibition. You will also learn about the area’s indigenous people when cruising past the world’s largest collection of totem poles at Saxman Native Village. Wildlife is especially abundant around Nichol’s Passage, where whales, seals and porpoises are frequently spotted. The captain will maneuver the boat to ensure the best views and pause so you can clearly see an active bald eagle’s nest. Built with large sticks for stability and moss for comfort, bald eagle nests can weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a sightseeing cruise along Ketchikan’s waterfront and into the surrounding waters.
• Learn about Ketchikan’s indigenous people and the town’s history during Prohibition.
• Look for iconic marine life such as whales, seals and porpoises.
• View an active bald eagle’s nest, a massive stick structure that may weigh 1,000 pounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

This 2-hour glacier trekking adventure, led by our knowledgeable interpretive guides, offers an amazing blend of scientific discovery, ice trekking and exploration, and stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier’s most breathtaking features. Soar over the beautiful wilderness on the outskirts of Juneau in a helicopter and land near an ancient glacier, where you can hike across its ever-changing icescape. Following a picturesque flight inland, you will enjoy an orientation briefing on how to maximize your experience. All the necessary mountaineering gear for your adventure will be provided, including an ice ax, crampons, and harness, allowing you to reach even remote areas of the glacial landscape. As you negotiate the rugged terrain and take in the extraordinary scenery, you will learn about the formation of glaciers, the rate at which they are retreating and why parts of the ice have a bluish hue.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a helicopter over the pristine wilderness that borders Juneau.
• Hike over the icy terrain of a glacier with a mountaineering expert.
• Gain a firsthand understanding of glaciers and how they creep across the landscape.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Join your captain and crew on a cruise through the waters surrounding the naturally beautiful islands around Ketchikan. Once onboard, relax inside the heated main cabin or out on the observation deck, as you prepare for your first sighting of the iconic American bald eagle Along the way, you will be treated to panoramic views of the historic lighthouse on Guard Island and the Tlingit and Haida hand-carved totem poles and clan house at Totem Bight State Park. You will also witness a diversity of ecosystems as you cruise past coastal residential areas on Revillagigedo Island and along the undeveloped shoreline of Gravina Island, much of which is blanketed by the Tongass National Forest, our world’s largest temperate rainforest. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out for not just bald eagles, but harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, and whales. While taking in the scenery, enjoy a hot chocolate, freshly brewed coffee, or soda of your choice alongside a snack sampler plate of Alaskan specialties, including a traditional alder-smoked salmon.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire Alaska’s natural beauty while cruising to and from Guard Island.
• Relax in the boat’s heated main cabin or out on the observation deck.
• See the colorful, carved Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Totem Bight State Park.
• Look for wildlife such as bald eagles, harbor seals and humpback or orca whales.

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

OVERVIEW

Take an unforgettable hike through Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, and observe the diversity of flora and fauna. You will follow the Starrigavin Trail through dense woods and muskeg, a common type of bog. In time, you will come to an estuary and creek, where the naturalist guide will explain the ecosystems, including how salmon spawn here each season. Once you reach the boardwalk, you will enjoy a different perspective of the estuary before ascending into the headlands. As the elevation rises, even slightly, you will notice a change in the vegetation. The animals that frequent these areas change accordingly, giving you a comprehensive look into the local forest life. You will also pass Mosquito Cove, an area named for the insects that swarmed here when charcoal was made during the early 19th century. Fortunately, the mosquitoes left when the industry died.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through the world’s largest temperate rainforest.
• Listen to the naturalist explain the forest ecosystems.
• Learn the history of the Tongass National Forest and how the wilderness is now protected.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Slip into the heart of Alaska’s wild beauty on an unforgettable kayaking adventure in the pristine Channel Islands State Marine Park. After a scenic cruise surrounded by snow‑capped peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges, you’ll launch a tandem kayak into rich, wildlife‑filled waters where nature takes center stage. From the quiet of your kayak, witness one of Alaska’s most awe‑inspiring sights—massive humpback whales feeding in their natural habitat. The experience is intimate, thrilling, and deeply humbling. These nutrient‑rich waters are also home to orcas, porpoises, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions, while bald eagles soar overhead and Sitka black‑tailed deer roam the shoreline. Few experiences connect you to Alaska’s wilderness as powerfully as paddling alongside its most iconic residents.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Scenic small‑boat cruise to Channel Islands State Marine Park.
• Tandem kayaking among remote, uninhabited islands.
• Exceptional opportunities to observe humpback whales and other marine wildlife.
• Spot bald eagles overhead and coastal wildlife along the shore.
• Learn about Alaska’s ecosystems, wildlife, and local history from expert guides.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather‑appropriate layers suitable for a temperate rainforest and ocean environment.
• Wear flat, comfortable shoes that can get wet.

OVERVIEW

Fish for salmon from the comfort of a 26-foot Hewescraft or a 28’ North River boat with all the bait and tackle you need for a successful outing on Sitka Sound. It won’t take long to reach these prime fishing grounds, so you can make the most of your half day on the water. To increase your chances of catching the salmon, the captain will offer valuable tips tailored to your fishing skills. Salmon are highly prized sportfish, so be prepared for a hard fight. You might reel in a coho salmon or a king salmon depending on the season, the largest and most powerful fighter in the sound. King and Coho salmon are both very tasty, so if you want your catch to be cleaned, vacuum-sealed and shipped to your home, it can be arranged.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a full day fishing for hard-fighting salmon in Sitka Sound.
• Follow the captain’s tips to ensure the best chance of catching salmon.
• Enjoy the comfort and amenities of the boat, a 26-foot Hewescraft or 28’ North River.
• Ship your catch home if you choose.
• Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and look for wildlife, which is abundant.
• Snacks, water, and soda are available on the boat.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles or rubber boots.
• A rain jacket is recommended