OVERVIEW

Join seasoned Bering Sea fishermen for an extraordinary journey of discovery on the Aleutian Ballad, a storied crab boat featured on the television series “Deadliest Catch.” You will set out into the protected waters off Ketchikan and relax in the heated and sheltered outdoor amphitheater until the boat reaches prime crabbing water. In time, the crew will start hauling up crab pots and long lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life such as king crab, octopus, prawns and rock fish. The catch will then be placed into an on-deck aquarium for you to view and even touch, if you desire. The crew will also relate stories of their lives at sea and point out the indigenous marine life, which may include seals, sea otters and whales.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail the glassy calm waters of the inside passage on a real King Crab boat from the TV show “Deadliest Catch.
• Hear the real-life experiences from the seasoned fishermen as they haul crab pots and fishing lines full of marine life.
• Hands on opportunity to hold the daily catch and observe the catch in the on-deck aquarium. This is the only place in the world this excursion can be operated, don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to get the full Alaskan experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
• Be sure to bring a camera for the endless photo opportunities.

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 a 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 exploring. During stops, the guide will offer commentary about the history of Ketchikan, including the pulp mill at Ward Cove, which is longest operating such mill in Alaska. Back at the White River base camp, you can relive the experience while dining on vegan chili or a reindeer sausage.

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

Follow a guide along a winding gravel trail through the Tongass National Forest and feast on seafood at a waterfront resort afterwards. As you hike the two-mile-long Coast Guard Beach trail – which is considered challenging – the guide will point out and describe the flora and fauna that you encounter in the serene rainforest. You can expect to travel over steep rocky slopes, between outcroppings of jagged rocks and over a wooden bridge. The experience will be well worth the effort as you will be rewarded with stunning views of the beach below. You will also enjoy a waterfront view at Salmon Falls Resort, where you will dine on a three-course seafood lunch from the restaurant’s Taste of Alaska menu. Locally sourced salmon, halibut and crab cakes are typically served along with a local craft beer or wine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike a challenging but rewarding coastal trail through the Tongass National Forest.
• Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest and spectacular views the entire time.
• Learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in the rainforest and along the coast.
• Dine on a bounty of Alaskan seafood at Salmon Falls Resort following the hike.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

You’ll spend the day in a state-of-the art fishing vessel with a seasoned guide who will bring you to the fishing grounds Alaskans have been returning to generation after generation. No matter your skill level, you will fish like a local, working the sandy flats or sea floor pinnacles with your rod in hand, drifting with the current and jigging in waters as deep as 300 feet. Species availability changes throughout the season, and daily factors such as tides and wind affect your fishing opportunities. This multi-species Alaskan fishing expedition allows you to head out with the confidence that you will catch fish. Down there in the twilight of the deep, rockfish, cod, flounder, sharks, skates and mighty halibut find their way to your bait. No matter what the conditions or the catch, this trip offers the best chance of exposing you to the strange and alien species found on the Southeast Alaskan deep-sea floor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish in protected, relatively remote waters away from other anglers.
• Use the crew’s advice and fishing tips to increase your chances for landing a big fish.
• Watch for breaching whales, seals and eagles when cruising to and from the fishing grounds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing and light rain gear.
• Wear flat comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

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.

OVERVIEW

Fish the waters off Ketchikan in a state-of-the-art boat and then dine on your fresh catch, which will be cooked to perfection at Salmon Falls Resort. The boat is well-equipped to get you to the prime fishing grounds, so you will have the best chance of catching your limit. Ketchikan is renowned as the Salmon Capital of the World so you can expect to reel in some of the five types of salmon found in these waters – chum, sockeye, king, silver and pink salmon. But you may also catch halibut, Pacific cod, rockfish. It all depends on the water conditions, currents, time of year and what fish happen to be running the day of your adventure. Your catch, along with tasty side dishes that best pair with the fish, will be prepared at Timbers Restaurant within the resort.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish the nutrient-rich waters off Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World.
• Try to reel in salmon, cod, halibut, rockfish and other iconic Alaskan species.
• Dine on your fresh catch at Timbers Restaurant in the Salmon Falls Resort.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

The adventure begins even before you hit the trail. Your local guide will share stories of the people and history of Ketchikan on the 15-minute drive from your ship to our secluded and challenging hiking trail. Once you’ve arrived in the trailhead, your guide will lead you on a lush, 2-mile rainforest trail. As you begin your hike, listen closely as your guide gives you an overview of all the flora and fauna surrounding you. Take a deep breath and let the pure mountain air envelop you as you admire the giant cedar, hemlock and spruce trees tower overhead. Salmonberry, blueberry, and huckleberry bushes abound for a delicious understory. Make sure you keep an eye out for bears year-round as they are occasionally spotted nearby. After your hike, you can relax at Ketchikan's popular bar and indulge in a well-earned local brew, draft beer, soda or coffee. This is the perfect place to chat with locals and nature-loving travelers alike. A short van ride takes you back to your cruise ship pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a challenging yet invigorating two-mile hike through Tongass National Forest.
• Hear enlightening commentary about the indigenous wildlife and flora.
• Quench your thirst with a beer or a different cool beverage at a pub.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Go crabbing in a cove teeming with Dungeness Crab and enjoy the gorgeous scenery while cruising along the coast. You will cruise north from Salmon Falls Resort onboard the Commander, the resort’s largest and most comfortable vessel. Along the way, you will gaze out over a coastline that is largely undeveloped, densely forested and sheltered by islands in many areas. The scenery will leave a lasting memory as will crabbing in Traitors Cove. The captain will show you how to bait and drop the crab pots so that they rest on the bottom of the cove. While waiting for the crabs to take the bait – which may take an hour or so – you can drop a line and try to catch rockfish. Once you pull up the crab pots, the captain will identify the creatures inside.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise along the beautiful coastline north of Ketchikan.
• Drop crab pots in Traitors Cove, a large, sheltered waterway teeming with crabs.
• Fish from the boat while waiting for the crabs to take the bait.
• Behold the different species in the crab pots once they’re pulled up.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Look for wildlife while cruising through the sparkling waters just north of Ketchikan and experience exciting stories told by Alaskans as they share local culture, animal encounters and tall tales, all set to music with exciting sound effects. You will cruise onboard a Bentz boat designed for wildlife viewing as it features a comfortable enclosed cabin and luxury seating. The cold pristine waters are teeming with marine life, and there is no greater thrill than watching a whale breach the water’s surface while feeding. You may also spot seals and sea lions, usually along the coast. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead and perhaps swooping down to pluck an unsuspecting fish from the sea. High quality headphones will enable you to immerse yourself as you listen to tales from Alaskans reflecting on their lifestyle, describing their personal encounters with the local wildlife, and gripping adventures. Sound effects and music will make those stories come to life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean in a boat that is ideal for viewing wildlife.
• Look for whales breaching the water’s surface and seals and sea lions along the coast.
• Watch for bald eagles, which often swoop down to catch fish in their talons.
• Put on the provided headphones to hear Alaskans describe their experiences in the wild.
• Hear outrageous tales and personal stories enhanced with music and sound effects.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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 some delicious Alaskan Dogs, seasonal jams, chips, s’mores. Leave room for a dessert of s’mores around a roaring fire. 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 fire on Annette Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This eco-exploration includes a guided nature hike, 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. Stop at Tsimshian totem park, see a master carver working, check out our historic sawmill and watch our local blacksmiths at work. 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.

OVERVIEW

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a fun, action-packed show showcasing southeast Alaska’s logging heritage with world champion lumberjacks.
• Watch athletes compete in springboard chopping, buck sawing, axe throwing, log rolling, and the exciting 50-foot tree climb.

HELPFUL HINTS

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